Christian prayer thread for winter

[Madhairday]

Hello all! I just posted a long post on the old thread and realised it's full up, so just going to copy this here to sunshine - will try and do a roundup of other prayers too later. Everyone welcome here!

Just want to reiterate what Oma and Cocoa have said so well, sunshine. It's no wonder church feels like a hostile place and you freeze up. I feel so sad for you that that man did this to you. But Christ isn't the church , the church is supposed to be his body, reaching out hands of love and help and compassion, and sometimes they mess that up. Hugely. Sometimes evil crawls in. But that doesn't mean God's abandoned you. I love that Oma referred to the prodigal son, I was looking at Rembrandt's study of that parable the other day and so struck afresh by the father's absolute joy in his son being home, his grace in embracing him whatever he'd done. Sadly you've had a poor excuse for a father so it must be so difficult to frame God in the language of father for you but God is the father who loves you beyond your imaginings, who reaches out arms of compassion and forgiveness, who gathers you in and just loves you. Loves you so much, so, so much, without end. You can never do anything that will make God abandon you. Jesus said that he is with us always, even to the end of the age.

I know church is threatening, lovely, but there are a lot of people who would love to help, here on the internet and in real life. It's just a case of reaching out, but I know that must seem impossible right now. I've learned that God is a God of restoration, a God who longs to mend the broken places and devastations in people's lives. I've seen people set free from so much and believe with everything I am that God longs to set you free, too.

I'd love you to find some medical support. I'm so sorry your GP is so rubbish. More and more the case, sadly. I pray you can get in to see someone. Would you also consider some counselling? Like cocoa says, that doesn't mean they would take your DC away, just that they would want to support and help you. you sound a lovely mum and have done so well to get to this point. I'm glad you are reaching out here. Please take care and know God's love pouring over you by the Holy Spirit.

First step taken. Appointment on Monday.

Well done. Hope it is not too painful over the weekend.

Thank you, Oma. I feel a tiny bit relieved for having taken a step towards getting it sorted out.

Today has been a bit of an up-and-down day, so I thought this might be appropriate.

Day 25: A prayer of thanks for joy in unexpected places

Heavenly Father, help us to remember to stop and feel thankful for the little things that give us joy: the touch of a hand, a child's hug, a few minutes' peace and quiet, tasty food, a nice cup of coffee, someone thanking us for something we've done, a text from a friend, a good book, and all the myriad things that come and go in our daily lives, but without which our lives would be diminished. Grant us moments of laughter to distract us and lighten our mood. Grant us images of beauty - in nature, in the people we interact with, or just in images on our TVs, computers or in our books - to remind us how wonderful is your world. We thank you for art, music, and poetry, for good friends, reliable colleagues, loving family members, and even for our loyal pets. Help us never to be too busy, too overwhelmed with cares, or too self-centred to notice and be grateful for all these things, and inspire us to share the joy that we find in unexpected places with those around us, especially with those known to us who may be struggling at this time. In the knowledge that you are with us in all the details of our lives, we thank you. Amen.

teeth prayers ahoy.

Thank you BES. How are you doing this week?

I was thinking about my parents today and thought today's prayer might be...

Day 26: A prayer for the older people in our lives

Heavenly Father, we ask you to bless the older people in our lives: our parents, grandparents, relatives, neighbours, and friends. We thank you for the care that they show us, for their wisdom, and for the stories they can tell us. We ask your blessings on those whose old age is marred by ill-health, mobility problems, or dementia, and on those who care for them. We thank you for good neighbours - for those people who look in on our older relatives and friends when we may not be able to do so - and ask for the generosity to be good neighbours to others. We pray for any older people who may be lonely, and especially for those who have been widowed. We pray, especially, for the Oma of this thread, our very special DutchOma, for all that she brings here by way of her prayers, her thoughtfulness, her wisdom, and her humour. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen

dd has been on another trip to A and E check no fracture.

She is responding badly to pain. It is hard to work out what is going on for her. I suspect sensory processing disorder.

Oh TUO, thank you.

Your poor dd BES, I hope she feels more comfortable over the weekend and that she is reassured there is no fracture and it will get better with time.

Oh, your poor DD, BES. Really hoping she feels better soon.

Very late here. Took DD2 and some friends to a gig about 50 miles away for her birthday treat. Hideous journeys both ways with fog, high winds, rain and snow... And I don't like driving in the dark! All of which has inspired tonight's prayer. Forgive the brevity, but I'm writing on phone and really need to sleep.

Day 27: A prayer for travellers

Lord, bless all who are travelling this weekend. Be with those who have to go out despite terrible weather, and keep them safe. Watch over those who drive gritting lorries, snow ploughs, and emergency vehicles and those responsible for the smooth running of our public transport systems. Hold in the warmth of your embrace walkers and cyclists on these cold wet days. And walk alongside all of us as we journey through our lives, both with you and to you. Amen

Inspired by a verse from one of tomorrow's readings.

Day 28: A prayer inspired by Jeremiah 31.33

"I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."

Lord, we are your people: teach us to follow you, that we may grow closer and closer to you with each day that passes.

Lord, you are our God: we thank you for all your blessings on us, the world, and all the things and people in it that we love and that bring us happiness.

Lord, we are your people: help us to worship you with joy and to share our love for you with those around us.

Lord, you are our God: we thank you for sending your Son to live among us, to share our frailties, and to die to set us free.

Lord, we are your people: give us wisdom to understand how we might best serve you, according to our own gifts and abilities, openness to listen to your voice, and humility to accept our limits and to work within them.

Lord, you are our God: write your words on our hearts that, wearing them with pride, we may become bearers of your light and bringers of your life in the world.

Amen

how did the dentist go

Thanks for all the lovely prayers.

Hope dentist went well Tuo

Thank you for asking about the dentist. I have an abcess, and am now on antibiotics, which I hope will clear it up. Prayer for today, partially inspired by my teeth!

How is your DD, BES?

Day 29: A prayer of thanks for healthcare professionals

Lord, we thank you for all those who dedicate their lives to helping those in need: for doctors and nurses in hospitals, especially those struggling to keep up with the needs of their patients at this busy time; for GPs and all who work in our local surgeries; for dentists, hygienists, dental nurses, with special thanks for those who take the time to reassure nervous patients; for midwives and obstetricians and all who look after new mums and their babies; for physiotherapists and those who work in occupational health; for psychiatrists and counsellors and those who care for our mental wellbeing; for paramedics; for pharmacists; and for research scientists working on cures for diseases. We pray too for the often unseen people who support the work of those named above: porters, cleaners, receptionists, volunteers, and carers. We thank you for our health, and we ask your blessings on those who do not enjoy good health at present, thinking especially of BES's DD and of MHD. Work through us all, Lord, to bring comfort and support to those who are unwell, in mind, body or spirit, that, in serving them, we might also serve you. Amen.

poorly Tuo.

Oh no, BES. You poor things (both you and her). Thinking of you.

Day 30: A prayer for peaceful rest

Lord, as we prepare for bed, be with us and grant us the peace of mind and bodily rest that will ensure a good night's sleep. Bless, in particular, any whose minds are racing with the day's worries and who are finding it hard to switch off, any who are prevented from sleeping by pain, and any who are being kept awake by small children or others for whom they are carers. Comfort those for whom the night is a lonely time, and especially any who are far from their homes or loved-ones or who have been bereaved. When the night feels too short and our rest insufficient, grant us energy; and when the night feels too dark, help us to remember that morning will surely come and bring its light. Refresh us, calm us, comfort us, and watch over us as we sleep, that we may wake in the knowledge of your loving presence. Amen.

please pray for ds who was distressed about school last night.

and for the return of a PE kit as dd has lost £50+kit, and is very distressed.

both have made serious statement s of their emotioal distress.

Lovely prayers Tuo Esp the Jeremiah one. I'm nicking that. ;)

Prayers bes

Thank you, Edd. Prayers for your DD and DS (and for you), BES. Nearly the end of term... Hang on in there.

I've just been to a talk at DD2's school about GCSEs, hence...

Day 31: A prayer about exams

Lord, we are approaching the time when so many young people are facing exams. Be with them - and especially with our own children and those known and dear to us - as they face this hurdle. Bless them with clarity of thought, concentration, and inspiration before and during the exams, and peace of mind afterwards. Help them to embrace the future that lies before them with hope and with excitement, and to be brave and creative enough to treat setbacks along the way as opportunities to learn, to develop, and to change in positive ways. Bless them with strong friendships and with opportunities for fun, amidst all the hard work. Be with teachers and those who have to mark exam papers, and with parents and carers, and all who support our young people at these stressful times. Grant patience to those who face a long wait for results. Above all, Lord, we ask you to guide our children and young people on their individual paths, praying that, whatever they achieve and whatever they do next, their paths may bring them joy. Amen.

Amen.

How is dd2 holding up, Tuo? We were there this time last year. It's a stressful time for them. Prayers for her - and for you.

Prayers for you and the DC, BES. Did you find the PE kit? Prayers for emotional stability and peace.

Sorry for being quiet - life has rushed on this month with finishing the book. Deadline next week, then we're off on holiday and I'm so ready for a rest, as is dh who has been run off his feet. Exhausted doesn't cover it.

God bless all of you.

Lovely to see you MHD. DD2 is OK - she is working hard and seems a lot more positive, after a couple of difficult years. But it's Stress City round here as DD1 is also doing A-levels, so ... well, I'll be glad when June is over. Praying for you - particularly for the book deadline. Huge congratulations on getting it (nearly) done!

Today's prayer is an adaptation of one of the psalms from this evening's service of Evening Prayer.

Day 32: A prayer based on Psalm 43

Lord, when we feel threatened and under attack from forces beyond our control - from illness, stress, work, the unreasonable demands of others, or events in the wider world - be the one to whom we can turn for support and for guidance. Help us to know the certainty of your reassuring presence, even when we doubt you, and find it hard to believe that you are with us. Be a safe place in which we can rest and be restored when we feel abandoned or alone. Guide our ways and draw us back to you like a beacon shining in the darkness; and teach us to keep our eyes on you so that we never lose sight of our goal and our reward. Overcome our sadness and our worries, and fill us with a hope that can never fail us, and accept our wholehearted thanksgiving for all that you have done for us.

For all of these things, we thank and praise you, Lord. Amen.

Day 33: A prayer for peace

As we hear news of a terrorist attack in France, tensions with Russia, continued unrest in the Middle East, and more, let us pray for peace.

Lord Jesus, who said 'peace I leave with you; my peace I give you', inspire us all to work for peace in the world.

Bless with wisdom, our governments and those who lead them, that they might use their power wisely and sensitively, for the good of all. Grant them tact and diplomatic skills and the will always to look for solutions to problems, rather than allowing these to escalate. Guide also those organisations which seek to bring nations together to look beyond their differences.

Bless, too, those who work for peace in smaller ways: for the work of Acas in seeking resolutions to industrial disputes; for those who help ex-offenders to be reintegrated into society; those who act as mediators or counsellors in difficult interpersonal or workplace situations; those who work with or for charities that seek to make our world a better place; and members of the emergency services, who may be first on the scene when something happens, praying especially tonight for gendarme Arnaud Beltrame who knowingly put himself in danger to save others.

And bless us all, that we may be agents and channels of your peace. May we seek always to act fairly, speak gently, think kindly, and give generously; and may our actions always be guided by the example of your life and death. And, having sought to sow peace in the world, grant us also peace of mind, even in the face of the difficulties, small or large, that we may face day to day.

We ask all this in your name. Amen.

Amen Tuo.

I am on strike at the moment. (Although I voted to go back)

Sounds like we may be in the same line of business, Lisette. I haven't been on strike, but it has been a really hard time for everyone.

Day 34: A prayer for Palm Sunday

Lord, as we remember your entry into Jerusalem in lowly triumph, greeted by an ecstatic welcome and by fearful opposition, both trusted and betrayed, help us to follow your example of obedience and humility and to have the courage to welcome you in our hearts unreservedly and without fear. May we lay our service before you like palm branches, and may we raise our voices in confident hosannas so that others too may hear our praise and worship and be inspired to turn to you themselves. Walk with us through this Holy Week as we remember your Passion and Crucifixion, and grant that we may never lose hope in the Resurrection that is to come. Amen.

Thanks Tuo. I'm very part-time so it hasn't affected me much. I've had to keep things going as I'm the only person in my section.

Couldn't get to church due to a bus strike. Was really looking forward to the service too. It's beginning to feel like the 70s 😀

Amen, Tuo. That's beautiful.