Prayer

The underlined words are hyperlinks - if you press Ctrl + click on them it takes you to a relevant website to further inform your prayers. 

JULY PRAYER PAGE   “Forgive us our sins”

Our focus on the Lord’s Prayer this month brings us to our knees as we acknowledge not only our own sins but the sins of the world. May we give thanks to God for his saving grace in Jesus Christ – may he be at work in all the people and situations we pray for below.

We give thanks and praise to God that Caroline Poultney has been accepted for training for ordination. May he bless her every step of the way.

Mark’s Sabbatical – Please continue to hold Mark and his family in prayer throughout his well–earned break from parish life. Ask God to refresh and renew him in body, mind and spirit. Pray too for Carys as she leads our worship and provides pastoral support in his absence.

We pray for the process of appointing a new Mission Community Rector following last month’s announcement that Lydia will be leaving us in August – may God bless her as she prepares for her new parish.

Heavenly Father, we pray your blessing on Madison after her baptism here last month, and ask that she might always know your love for her.

We pray for the family and friends of John Sargent following his funeral at Tipton Church last month.

O Lord our Creator and Father of all, we pray for those who are unwell at this time, in body, mind or spirit. Bless them, and those who serve their needs, that they may put their whole trust in you. Where it is your will bring healing, and where it is not grant the grace to endure in faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Father God, we pray for everyone taking a holiday in our area at this time that they may find wonder and joy in the places they visit and safety in travel. Grant stamina to those busy working in the tourist industry – may they always provide a warm and friendly welcome.

We pray for our government at this time of uncertainty following the Prime Minister’s announcement that he will soon step down.

We remember before God the people of Venezuela following the recent devastating earthquakes there.

We pray for those at danger due to the heat affecting mainland Europe and the UK – the very young and the very old, those with health conditions impaired by the high temperatures, those unable to sleep and those tempted into risky behaviour in an attempt to cool down. As we struggle to cope we pray that it might not be too late to halt the impacts of climate change that are feeding this extreme weather.

This month’s specific prompts for prayer are:

Until 19th July FIFA World Cup 2026 – God of the nations, who has always called his people to be a blessing for the world, bless all who take part in the World Cup and all who go to spectate. Bless the nations of Canada, Mexico and USA in their hosting – may this event encourage greater openness and co-operation between nations, promoting peace and harmony. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

1st July – Lord God Almighty, we give thanks for our new monthly service of Morning Prayer in Venn Ottery Church on the first Wednesday of every month, starting today. May all who come find your peace and feel your love.

1st July – We pray for all attending the first Deanery Synod meeting of the new triennium at Whimple this evening as they hear more about Bishop Mike’s Five Missional Priorities for the Diocese.

4th & 11th July Pray God’s blessing on our village’s Family Fun Day and the Otter Rail and River Run, giving thanks for the many folk who give their time to organise community events such as these.

5th July – God of healing and compassion, we thank you for the establish-ment of the National Health Service, 78 years ago today, and for the dedication of all who work in it: give skill, sympathy and resilience to all who care for the sick, and your wisdom to those engaged in medical research. Strengthen all in their vocation through your Spirit, that through their work many will be restored to health and strength; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

10th–14th July – Almighty God, we pray for our General Synod as it meets in York. Be present in every one of the diverse discussions, which include topics such as: protecting nature, progress on Net Zero, digital communications and same-sex relationships. May your blessing be upon all who attend that the decisions taken may encourage the spread of your gospel throughout our land.

11th July On this World Population Day we pray that today’s young people may be able to build the families they want as they grow up in a world containing 8 billion people. May each one of them know that in God’s eyes they are unique.

12th July – On this day of our Stewardship Service we give thanks for everyone who so generously donates towards the mission and ministry of our parish.

12th July – On this Sea Sunday we honour the courageous men and women who keep our world moving and ask God to protect them and their loved ones awaiting their safe return. We pray for the work of the Mission to Seafarers as it brings Christ’s love to all working at sea.

13th July – On this Disability Awareness Day pray that all churches might reach out to disabled members of their community, helping them to become fully involved in the life and work of the Body of Christ.

24th July – As our school holds its End of Year Service we pray for the children, especially those leaving Tipton to go on to secondary school. Pray too for fun and safety over the summer holiday that they, and the staff, may enjoy rest and refreshment of body, mind and spirit. We also continue to pray for the ongoing process to identify a new school site.

30th July – On this World Day against Trafficking in Persons the focus is on those who are trapped by scams run by organised crime groups. We pray for victims around the world that they would get the help and protection they need to escape to safety, and that those responsible will be brought to justice.

This month please pray for the residents of Venn Ottery Road, Venn Ottery and Southerton.