Thanksgiving and intercession prayer 17 January 2021

Loving One

We thank you

from the bottom of our hearts for all you have given us

friends and families who are for and nurture us

good neighbours, which money cannot buy

those who work hard to support our community

the wonder and beauty of creation

Generous God

we thank you

from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you

we thank you that no matter where we are, from the heights of ecstasy to the depths of despair

you are with us

and know us completely

we thank you

that we are fearfully and wonderfully made

for we are made in your image

as are all people, the whole of humanity

help us to see in others a facet of who you are, God

As we look and think of all those who bare your image, Lord God

we bring before you our prayers for them, and for the world

we think of posties and delivery drivers, bringing so many things we need and want to our doors

bless their work, and keep them safe

we think of NHS staff, stretched to the limit this winter

bless their work, and keep them safe

we think of gritter crews, trying to keep our roads and pavements ice-free

bless their work, and keep them safe

we think of medical researchers, finding new cures and treatments

bless their work, and keep them safe

we think of parents with their children studying at home

bless their homes, and keep them safe

we think of families who have spent a year apart

bless them, and keep them safe

we think of fishermen, struggling to get their produce to market

bless them, and keep them safe

we think of civil servants, working hard behind the scenes

bless their work, and keep them safe

we think of government ministers, looking after the nation’s interests

bless their work, and keep them safe

we think of leaders, locally, nationally and internationally

bless them, and keep them safe

and we think of the people, the places and situations which are in our thoughts and on our hearts today

bless them all, we pray

through the precious name of Jesus Christ

Amen