LCiGB Prayer Calendar, November - Advent 2011
This Prayer Calendar is designed for use either in Sunday services or in private devotions at home. For congregations which do not meet every week, our suggestion is that you use one or more prayers in your regular services. Over the course of a year we will pray for each congregation of the LCiGB, for all ministers and for special needs as appropriate. Please feel free to translate these prayers into the language that you use in worship.
January 2012
Epiphany, 6 January
The glory of the LORD has risen upon us. Ever-shining Lord, as we enter the season of Epiphany we ask you to reveal yourself ever more in our prayers and contemplation, and in the sacraments, in ways that we are able to understand and bear. May we see you more clearly with eyes of faith. Amen
Lord God, as we mark today the remembrance of Jesus’ Baptism, we pray that you would keep all who are born of water and the Spirit faithful in your service. We pray especially for the Eritrean Congregation of the Lutheran Church in Great Britain, celebrating Christmas today. Pour out your Holy Spirit on their Council, on Lay Minister Aki Tesfai and Pastor in Charge Bishop Jana. Amen
Lord God, you have searched us and known us, and you call each of us by name, just as you called the boy Samuel, Philip and Nathaniel. Help us to listen when you speak to us, to hear you calling us to be disciples, and to be faithful in our service to you and our brothers and sisters in our congregations, church and community. Amen
Almighty God, through Jesus you say to us that whoever wishes to be first must become the least and the servant of all. We leave this place, knowing that your victory is won through the powerlessness of the cross. We pray that your church may be one. Teach us to accept humbly that this unity is a gift of your Spirit; Through this gift, change and transform us and make us more like your Son Jesus Christ. Amen. [from the Order of Service for an Ecumenical Act of Worship for the Week of Prayer 2012]
Lord, we hear today about the authority of your teaching and healing. We give thanks to you with our whole hearts in all our congregations for revealing the true source of authority and faith. Sustain, we pray, the Council of the Lutheran Church in Great Britain as they prepare this week for a Strategy Meeting; guide them with your authority to be true followers of Christ and faith-full leaders of this Church. Amen
February 2012
Sunday 5 February (5th Sunday after Epiphany)
Gracious Lord, you walked the roads of Galilee, preaching, healing and proclaiming the message of Good News to all. We pray today that you would send new pastors and ministers for the Lutheran Church in Great Britain to share in the proclamation of the Gospel among Lutherans, all Christians and seekers after truth. Bless all those exploring their vocations at present, and all those seeking ordination in our church. Amen
Loving Lord, you healed lepers, you turn our mourning into dancing; our response, like the leper in today’s Gospel, is to go out and proclaim freely what you have done for us in your mercy. We pray today especially for strength and compassion for all those who need healing of body and soul; for all medical staff and care workers looking after those who are ill and distressed. Amen
Almighty God, you shine forth in beauty and glory, illuminating the world with your clear, pure light. We pray today for all pastors of the Lutheran Church in Great Britain, asking you to uphold them and give them a clear vision of the light of the Gospel, especially as they support their communities in the Lenten journey. Amen