Monday, August 3, 2015

Praying for the churches of Southern Virginia

As part of our liturgy at Annual Council 2015, each delegation wrote a prayer for their parish. We are sharing these prayers each week in the eNews so that we all can support one another in the upcoming year.

St. John's, Portsmouth
God our Father, you see the children of our world growing up in an unsteady and confusing age: Bless our parish efforts to "move into the neighborhood" as we intentionally advertise the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atria to our local community and financially and prayerfully support the development of the "Who are you, Jesus?" app for young, English-speaking children throughout the world. Through your grace, may our efforts draw a new generation to hear and follow the Good Shepherd who calls us each by name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Trinity, South Hill
Most heavenly Father, the giver of life we come to you asking you for guidance and direction. We ask you for a life pleasing in your sight that we may live a life worthy of your calling bearing fruits and growing in knowledge and wisdom. Father, we ask you for the coming year to show us the fruits of the spirits, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We pray that our vestry show these fruits and that they handle business in these godly manners while handling the affairs of the church. We pray that the outreach committee bridge the gap in our community that enables us all to come together as children of God. Lord, we ask that the advisor of the youth group, instill godly leadership values in our young boys and girls that they may be able to give back as adults. We pray for their safety and that they make good and wise decisions. Father, touch our hospitality committee that they may serve with unconditional love and support for church organizations. Father help us in our stewardship to be responsible, godly people and good steward of what we have been entrusted to do. We pray that you open up our understanding and increase our wisdom. We pray that the altar guild committee train our acolytes in serving with all the fruits of the spirit that they will be seen in them at all times. We pray that they understand the important of the service they are providing for our church family. Father we ask, that home comers will return to their roots in person, in finance and in love. For those who have moved away that, we pray they will feel the love of returning home. We pray for those who have sinned, be restored that they return and be welcomed just like the prodigal son returned home. We pray for our Trinity Church Sunday is a spiritual success. Trinity church began when three churches combined: St. John, St. Matthew and St. Mary, meaning three in one. We pray that we continue to remember our foundation and the faith on which we stand. We pray that our building and grounds and cemetery committees keep our property beautified and in good working condition. Lord we ask that our Christian education meets the needs of the parishioners and guide us into all truths that we may live by your word. We pray that we grow in unity, love and our membership increase. Father we thank you. Through Jesus Christ our lord, who lives and reign with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and for ever. Amen.