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.
