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for our Parish and all its people, that through our public worship we may be awakened
to the wonder of God's love for us.
Pray that more and more of our people may see the necessity of weekly worship
in church with their Christian brothers and sisters.
Pray that our worship may constantly undergo renewal, and that it may never become
mere ceremonial observance.
Pray for the Rector, who has the cure of souls in the parish, and who requires
your prayers in order to adequately perform his role.
Pray for all those who lead the worship that through their own preparation for
the task, and in the way in which they perform it, they may encourage all our
people to worship in spirit and in truth.
Pray for all our lay people who read God's word in public, that those who hear
may be taught by the Holy Spirit.
Pray for those who ignore our Lord's command to partake of the Sacrament of Holy
Communion, and ask that ways may be found to show the importance of participation
in this respect.
Pray for our Organist Jim Drennan and the Choir, that they may always be aware
of their high calling, and give of their very best at all times.
Pray that we may be a truly friendly and welcoming parish family, and that no
visitor or stranger in church may ever feel alienated or ignored.
Thank God for the spiritual growth and the renewed vision which has come about
in these past few years through "Forward in Faith."
Pray for continued spiritual renewal in the life of our parish and all its people.
Pray for a willingness to change according to the promptings of the Holy Spirit,
in whatever department of parish life that change is required.
Pray for all those who have the care of our young people, especially parents,
godparents and guardians. Pray that they may be given strength and motivation
to keep the promises made at the baptism of their children, to bring them up in
the Christian faith by their "Prayers, teaching and example."
Pray for the Parish Sunday School, the Superintendent Heather, the teachers, and
all the pupils. Pray that the children may be eager to learn and the teachers
eager to teach the things of God.
Pray for God's guidance as to how he wants our parish Youth Work policy to develop.
Pray that those whom God is calling to work with the young may be open to the
promptings of the Holy Spirit and offer their services in love and sacrifice.
Pray for Tullycarnet Primary School, the staff and children, that the wonderful
family atmosphere at the school may continue, and that teacher-pupil relationships
may flourish.
Pray for the members of the Select Vestry, elected and appointed to look after
the fabric, furnishings and finance of the parish, that they may use the gifts
of God to carry out their work to his glory and to the benefit of all the people.
Pray for the Pastoral Ministry in the Parish, the clergy and the lay people who
visit, that they may be sensitive to the needs of the people, and that they may
show patience, kindness, gentleness, and the love of Christ with those to whom
they minister.
Pray for each and every home in our parish, that they may be images of God's kingdom.
Ask God's blessing on families - on every man, woman and child, and pray for the
maintenance of family life.
Pray for all those struggling with an ever-widening range of family problems,
that they may have strength and guidance to overcome them.
Ask God's special blessing on those families which are broken and divided, and
pray that their members may still be united in the family of our parish.
Remember those who live alone, both senior citizens and younger people, that they
too may feel part of the Family of God in the Parish of Stormont, and share the
love of a family.
Pray for our Sexton in his special responsibilities of looking after the things
of God.
Ask God's continued blessings on the development of the Ministry of Healing within
our parish family, that more may realise the important role they can play by praying
for those who are ill, especially together in church on Thursday evenings.
Pray for the sick and suffering; those who are anxious or depressed; the housebound;
the lonely; those who mourn the loss of loved ones , and all in special need of
God's healing blessings. Pray that they may be granted healing of body, mind and
spirit, and the awareness of God's comforting presence at all times.
Pray for all parish volunteer workers, in whatever capacity, that they may perform
their functions with enthusiasm and cheerfulness, and that we may never take their
work for granted.
Thank God for all the faithful souls who have lived, worked and died in our parish
and who have worshipped him in our parish church. Thank him for the founders of
our parish, and those whose faith allowed our beautiful church to be built.
Thank God for allowing us the privilege of worshipping him and witnessing for
him in our parish, and thank him for our fellow parishioners, and for the sense
of fellowship which exists among us.
Thank God for all in Holy Orders who have served our parish in times past, and
especially the first Incumbent, Canon Edgar Hamilton and his wife, and ask God's
blessing on the ministry of those still active, and those retired.
Pray for Harold our Bishop in his great responsibility as Chief Shepherd of the
Diocese.
Pray for peace in our land and for an end to hatred and sectarianism.
Ask God how we, as individuals and as a parish, can best make our contribution
towards peace, and a greater understanding of our beliefs and cultures.
Ask forgiveness for our part in the bitterness of our society, and pray for the
visible unity of the whole Christian Church, which we know to be our Lord's will.
Pray for the Government, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and all in
the Northern Ireland Assembly and local government, that they may be guided by
the Holy Spirit in all their decisions.
Pray for local councillors, other local leaders, and all who have a voice in the
community, that words may never be spoken hastily or without thought.
Pray for members of the Security Forces, Magistrates, and all connected with Law
and Order.
Pray for the true love and peace of Christ in the hearts and minds of all.
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