PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE January 3, 2021 In the prayers of the people today we remember the gifts brought by the Wise Men and the gifts that we so often take for granted, given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ. As we pray, Lord grant us peace.
Long long ago wise men came by the brightness of a guiding star to offer gifts to the holy child born in a manger. They travelled far bringing gifts as a sign of peace and they left in faith and in awe to take the wondrous message back to all parts of the world. We pray today for our Bishop, Sandra, for retired Archbishops Ron and Arthur, and Retired Bishop Sue. Lord let us pray that though so many years have passed we may all still be guided by the brightness of the star at your birth to hear that message of peace and hope as we pray. Lord grant us peace. A gift was given of gold,, most precious and unchanging. May we find gifts of gold in our hearts, those most wondrous things that do not change, the love of our family and our friends, the beauty of God’s creation, the sweetness and power of music and the gentleness of a kind world. As we pray, Lord grant us peace.
A gift was given of frankincense, most mystic and holy. May we see the holy things in our lives and recognize them for what they are. In the bustle of the world around us let us take time to slow down, to feel your presence and to know your peace. Let us remember all those who have touched our lives and whose spirits live on in our memories. Let us remember the special times in our lives, wishing birthday greetings to Wendy Rickards, Olivia Milligan, Elsa Hafting and Norma Grant as we pray, Lord grant us peace.
A gift was given of myrrh, of solemnity and awe, speaking of the mystery of eternity, full of compassion and grace. May we know true humility in the face of things that we cannot control and faith that all may be according to the will of God. May we recognize when others need our help and be willing to do what we can. Let us remember those around us who are sick especially Axl, Cecile, Marcel, Winnie, Marilyn, David and any others know to you that they may be restored to health again as we pray, Lord grant us peace.
At this very special time of Epiphany Christ was shown to the world as the Messiah, the Saviour of all. As did Mary may we keep all these things in our hearts. Whatever the years may bring, may we look for your presence among us. In faith and in love and in great joy may we worship you and lay before you our gifts as did the wise man who came so long ago to the stable in Bethlehem. We ask these thing in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayers of the People December 27, 2020 - 1st Sunday after Christmas On this first Sunday after Christmas, we pray saying: Lord in your Mercy, hear our Prayers
Christmas day has passed, the wrapping paper thrown out, the gifts tidied away - all except the one gift that truly matters - the gift of a baby laying in a manger. That gift we hold in our hearts throughout the year. Lord in your Mercy, hear our Prayers
Each week we pray for Christians in different parts of the world; war torn places, places facing famine, drought, places where to be a Christian is dangerous, and today we not only pray for them, but we pray for the work of the ecumenical movement, and for all Christians and their Leaders, whatever their denomination. We pray for retired clergy and widows, for Father Donald and Reverend Nita and all the work that she does to make sure that those who cannot attend church have access to our Sunday service, either through technology or through the mail outs. Lord in your Mercy, hear our Prayers
We send good wishes and congratulations to all those who have special events in their lives, especially Wendy Rickards who will celebrate her birthday on New Year’s Day. Lord in your Mercy, hear our Prayers
We pray for the sick, both at home and in hospital or hospice and for those awaiting consultations and undergoing treatments, especially: Axl, Marcel, Cecile, Winnie, Peter Sleight, Susan Block, Marilyn and David. We think of the elderly, the housebound and those in care homes, and we pray for all those who minister to their needs, both from within the family and from the professional and voluntary services. Comfort and sustain those who are in need of your grace at this time and as we share a moment of silence together, we bring before you those known only to ourselves as we name them in our hearts. Lord in your Mercy, hear our Prayers
We pray for those who face the pain of grief and the difficult period of searching and emptiness that often follows the loss of a loved one, especially during this festive season. Help us to support all those who mourn, both in our prayers, and practical help, now and in the months to come. Lord in your Mercy, hear our Prayers
Everlasting God, we thank you for this coming New Year, for the potential it holds. Move us every morning throughout 2021 to look forward to the future with hope and to give you thanks for the wonders of your creation and the wonderful gifts that you have given us - especially the gift of a baby laying in a manger. That gift we hold in our hearts throughout the year. AMEN
Prayers of the People December 20, 2020 - Advent 4 PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE, Dec 20th
The prayers of the people for the last Sunday of Advent. May we hold firm in our faith through the coming year as we pray, Lord Jesus come soon. In our cycle of prayer we pray for the clergy and people of St. Andrew’s, Wallace, All Souls, Oxford, Holy Trinity, Denmark, St. John the Baptist, River John and for St. John’s, Truro. We also pray for mission agencies and their ministry throughout the Anglican Communion, including the Mothers’ Union around the world. We pray, Lord Jesus come soon.
Advent is a time for reflection. This year we have time to reflect. We have come to realize that we are united in very many ways with all members of the human race. It has been humbling that we can to overcome by such a small things as a virus and that all our knowledge and experience only goes so far. On the other hand we can be proud that men and women throughout the world have worked together to help each other in so many ways. We thank them that a vaccine has been developed and we thank God that we can see a light at the end of a dark tunnel, as we pray, Lord Jesus come soon.
Advent is a time for looking forward. We need to look out of our windows and see the snow as beautiful and not a burden. We need to listen to the news and rejoice in the good things we hear rather than dwell on what is foolish and unkind. We need to face each day with hope and anticipation, for each day is special unto itself and will never come again. We pray, Lord Jesus come soon.
Advent is a time for happiness, As our houses become decorated, as the lights shine in our streets, as the presents pile under the tree and children run and laugh and shriek with excitement, let us find time too to laugh, to listen to the familiar carols, to read the Christmas story and to come together as a congregation to worship and to love. We wish happy birthday to Ben Barteaux, Elsie Hepburn, Genie Bogart Betty Milbury as we pray,
Advent is a time that is holy. Help us to find peace and quiet in our lives. Let us think on those things that are wondrous and strange and beyond our understanding. The beauty of nature and the wonder of our own minds that we can think beyond our every day lives and ponder the mystery of eternity. From the smallest single cell to the immensity of the universe with all its countless stars and so many things that we have not yet discovered. Like the gifts under the tree we can open our hearts to the glory of the gift of creation as we pray, Lord Jesus come soon.
Advent is a time for families. Let us hold close to our families this season even if they are at a distance. If we are lucky enough to have them with us let us enjoy every moment together. Time is precious and our families are precious. We pray especially for those who are sick or troubled and we pray that God will restore them to health again. Today we pray for Axl, Marcel, Cecile, Winnie, Peter Sleight, Susan Block and Marilyn. As we pray, Lord Jesus come soon.
We pray for those who have died especially the captain and crew of The Captain William Saulis. Rest eternal grant unto them and may light perpetual shine upon them.
As we worship the Lord at Advent and through the year to come may our hearts hold fast to the love of Jesus Christ that can conquer all evil and bring us together in peace, faith and joy through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen
Prayers of the People December 13th, 2020 Advent 3 (In joyful expectation let us pray to our Saviour and Redeemer, saying, “Lord Jesus, come soon!”) O Wisdom, from the mouth of the Most High, you reign over all things to the ends of the earth: come and teach us how to live. Lord Jesus, come soon! O Lord, and head of the house of Israel, you appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush and you gave the law on Sinai: come with outstretched arm and ransom us. Lord Jesus, come soon! O Branch of Jesse, standing as a sign among the nations, all kings will keep silence before you and all peoples will summon you to their aid: come, set us free and delay no more. Lord Jesus, come soon! Litanies 119 O Key of David and sceptre of the house of Israel, you open and none can shut; you shut and none can open: come and free the captives from prison. Lord Jesus, come soon!
Prayers of the people - Advent 2, December 6th, 2020 The readings today remind us to speak up and to proclaim the message of God. Isaiah says there is a ‘voice crying out’, where God urges us to ‘Speak tenderly’ and ‘Comfort my people.’ Dear friends in Christ, as the voice of God calls out across the ages we pray saying together: God, prepare us. We pray for The Reformed Episcopal Church of Spain (Extra-Provincial to the Archbishop of Canterbury) The Rt. Revd. Carlos López-Lozano - Bishop of Spanish Reformed Episcopal Church; for the clergy and people of the Parishes of Springhill and Lantz; and for our new Bishop Sandra. In our parish we pray for Rev. Nita and Rev Canon Donald. We pray for all those who teach and preach, those who minister to congregations to bring your Gospel truth to life in human hearts saying: God, prepare us.
Where there are people who are unemployed, abused, poorly educated, lonely or sick, especially Axl, Marcel, Cecile, Winnie, Peter Sleight, Susan Block, and Wayne Melanson, we pray that you would help us discern how best to love and care for them as we say: God, prepare us.
We pray for the communities in which we live, work and worship. We remember and give thanks for those celebrating birthdays, especially Elizabeth Rhymer, and any others marking special events in their lives. We give thanks for the many blessings we enjoy. We pray that with God’s help we will live at peace with all people saying: God, prepare us.
Where there seems to be no way to end the conflict and violence in our time, we pray that you would teach us how to prepare the way; Where we can see no way to provide for the needs of all people, we pray that you would show us how to prepare the way; Where can find no way to work together for justice, we pray that you would change us, so that we prepare the way; Where we are unable to believe in a way to live simply, responsibly and mindfully, we pray that you would inspire us to faith and action that prepares the way; In a world where we are tempted to see so many of our challenges as dead-ends, we pray for a new vision, a new heart and a new commitment to prepare the way for your kingdom, and for the liberation, justice and peace that you bring, as we come in answer to your call saying: God, prepare us. God of the universe, as we look forward to celebrating once again the birth of Jesus, and we go forth, an expectant people, inform and inspire us to bring about your kingdom on earth in our time, welcoming Your new order and justice. Amen.
Prayers of the People - Nov. 29, 2020 - Advent 1 As we gather our hearts in prayer I invite you to sit, stand or kneel as is your preference. On this first Sunday of Advent let us join our hopes with those around us, saying God of Hope, Hear our prayer. Let us pray for the church. Merciful Lord, we pray for all who call themselves Christians, that we may become a royal priesthood, a holy nation, to the praise of Christ Jesus our Savior, as we say God of Hope, Hear our prayer. In our diocese we pray for the parish of Amherst, Nova Scotia, The Reverend William Ferrey and Allie, and The Reverend Charlotte Ross, Associate Parish Priest serving Christ Church, Amherst and Church of the Good Shepherd, Tignish; and the parish of Parrsboro Shore, the Rev. Dr. Brian Spence, serving the churches of St. George’s, Parrsboro, St. Mark’s - Moose River; Christ Church - Parrsboro Road, and Holy Trinity - Fox River. In our parish we pray for Rev. Nita and especially for Father Donald, celebrating tomorrow the anniversary of his ordination . Today let us pray especially for our bishop-elect Sandra Fyfe to be consecrated and installed tomorrow evening. Our imagination staggers at the prospect of what she faces as she assumes her new duties in the midst of our current world-wide pandemic, but we know of her faith, trust and willingness to be what you want her to be and when. We pray for Sandra, to be consecrated tomorrow, and for all bishops and other ministers; that they may remain faithful to their calling, and rightly proclaim the word of truth, saying God of Hope, Hear our prayer. As we watch, listen, or read the news, we often find it hard not to be overwhelmed by the impact of the Covid pandemic around the world. We pray for the leaders of all nations, and all in authority; our prime minister, Justin, our premier, Stephan, and all medical personnel leading the stand against the rising spread of the virus, that your people may return to quiet and peaceful lives saying God of Hope, Hear our prayer. We pray for this community of Annapolis Royal and surrounding villages, and those who live here; the poor and the rich, the elderly and the young, men and women; and especially our counselors, and our new mayor, that you will show your goodwill to all , saying God of Hope, Hear our prayer. We pray for the victims of our society and those who minister to them; that you will be their help and defense. We give thanks for those in our parish forming the welcome table and their work with the food bank. saying God of Hope, Hear our prayer. We pray for all who are are ill, those waiting for postponed surgeries and procedures, and those confined in care where visitors are not allowed. We give thanks for all who serve as designated supporters - driving, waiting, and always there when needed. We ask your special care for those for whom our prayers are asked: Axl, Marcel, Cecile, Winnie, Peter Sleight, Susan Block, and Wayne Melanson As we say,God of Hope, Hear our prayer. We celebrate this week with those having birthdays, anniversaries and other special events; Ella Denton, Larry and Glenda Fairn, Sue Hawkins and Melissa Davenport. May their special days be filled with joy and love and we pray God of Hope, Hear our prayer. We give thanks for all the saints who have found favor in your sight from earliest times; prophets, apostles, martyrs, and those whose names are known to you alone; and we pray that we, too, may be counted among your faithful witnesses. saying God of Hope, Hear our prayer. AMEN
