For all those who have pointed to Jesus
we offer our thanks
parents, who took us to church
those whose actions and lives were so filled with God’s grace, we couldn’t help but see they were pointing to Jesus
military chaplains who go where their service personnel go
aid agencies such as Christian Aid and Tearfund, who bring care, compassion, practical assistance to those in desperate need, no matter their faith
and all those, in a long line of saints, who by their lives, words and actions
pointed those who have gone before us in faith
to the Lamb of God
we thank you for John, in preparing the Way
and pointing away from himself to Jesus
assist us to do likewise
we thank you for the 2 disciples who were first to follow Jesus
we thank you for Andrew, who lead Simon to Jesus
we thank you for all those who lead others to Jesus
assist us to do likewise
alongside our thanks, for all God has done
we bring our prayer for others and the world
for workers to receive fair pay
for researchers who advance human knowledge
for the lonely and isolated
for the wealthy
for the poor
for the ill and the dying
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer
We pray for the church
in this place, as change and insecurity are all around
in our neighbouring parishes, who face these challenges too
in other denominations across the land
and the growing church across the globe
may the spirit descend on all who would follow Christ
to point towards him
the Lamb of God
Oh, Lamb of God
take away the sin of the world
we pray
and hear our prayers, which we continue in a few moments of silence, to bring before you
people, places and situations which are in our hearts and on our minds today
[pause]
Lord God
we offer these prayers, spoken and written on our hearts
to the one who we trust and know
answers them all
Amen