We come before you today, Lord, seeking your guidance and strength to live in a way that brings glory to your name. We lift our prayers to you in the sure knowledge that you hear us and respond.
We pray for Pope Francis and we give thanks for his wisdom and compassion. We echo his prayer for peace in the Middle East, praying for the release of the remaining hostages and for humanitarian aid to reach those affected by the outbreak of polio in Gaza.
As the 2024 Paralympic Games draw to a close, we give thanks for all those who have taken part. We pray that they will continue to find fulfilment through their sporting careers, and that their example will inspire and motivate others.
On Education Day in England and Wales, we remember all pupils and students embarking on our continuing their learning journey. May they grow in knowledge, wisdom and capability, to find their own place and make a meaningful contribution to society.
With the Grenfell Inquiry in the news during the past week, we pray for those who lost loved ones in this terrible tragedy, and for the local community. We ask God to comfort them in their grief. We pray for policymakers and for those implementing the Inquiry’s findings. May they be guided to act in honesty and integrity.
We pray for anyone we know who is suffering – whether through poor mental health, bodily illness, poverty, or in any way. We ask God to be with them and pray for understanding and guidance as to how we can be of service.
We take a moment for our own prayers…
Thank you, Lord for your infinite grace and mercy. We place our prayers, hopes, fears and dreams in your loving hands, and we long for the coming of your kingdom. Amen.