Suggestions for the mens' prayer group for Wednesday 10:2:2021

Although 8am Communion has a limited attendance, I'm often aware that there are so many other people across the country with whom I am sharing all the elements of the service: the worship: the penitence: the forgiveness: the bread and wine - physical symbols of Christ's body, broken then renewed. This is our family - our brothers and sisters. Today's 'service' element draws from our Book of Common Prayer's communion service. Have your own prayer book handy if you wish to say in full those sections I have abreviated.

The collect before Communion

Almighty God, unto whom all hearts be open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughtrs of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen

The Ten Commandments

Lord, have mercy on us and incline our hearts to keep these laws... Thou shalt have none other gods but me. Thou shalt not bow down to any graven image or earthly likeness. Thou shalt not take the Name of thy God in vain. Remember to keep holy the Sabbath-day. Honour thy father and thy mother. Thou shalt do no murder. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Thou shalt not covet. Lord, have mercy upon us and write all these thy laws in our hearts we beseech thee.

A collect for Queen and Country

Lord, we thank you for the fine example and diligence of Elizabeth, our Queen, and ask that she may continue to seek your honour and glory; and that we (considering whose authority she has) may continue to faithfully serve in our society. Amen

Collect of the week

Almighty God, you have created the heavens and the earth and made us in your own image: teach us to discern your hand in all your works and your likeness in all your children; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns supreme over all things, now and for ever. Amen

The creed

I believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And of all things visible and invisible: And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, Begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of very God, Begotten, not made,, Being of one substance with with the Father, by whom all things were made: Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man, And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried, And the third day he rose again according to the scriptures, And ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of the Father. And he shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Ghost, The Lord and giver of life, Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke by the Prophets. And I believe one Catholick and Apostolick Church. I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, And I look for the Resurrection of the dead, And the life of the world to come. Amen

Confession

Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, maker of all things, judge of all men: we acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, which we, from time to time, most grievously have committed, by thought, word and deed, against thy divine majesty, provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous unto us; the burden of them is intolerable. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; for thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, forgive us all that is past; and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please thee in newness of life, to the honour and glory of thy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

If we confess our sins He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1 vs 9

Our example in prayer

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

Praise

Heavenly Father you are everything to us: You hear our prayers: You comfort us when things are not going well: You grant us Your grace to keep our eyes open to the life You would have us live: You forgive us: You love us with a love deeper than we can understand: You are always faithfull and will never let us go.

Let's count our many blessings and be thankful for them all

Worldwide Issues...

Let's pray for all the peoples of the world as we are affected by Covid-19. Pray for all involved in caring for those infected that they may have wisdom and stamina, for those infected that they may recover quickly and fully. Pray for all countries affected by new and more virulent strains. Pray that vaccine distribution may be organised well worldwide. Let's pray for the speedy resolution of the situation in Myanmar where the military coup is obviously and rightly unpopular. Let's pray that the restrictions on internet use will soon be lifted in particular so that those christians in Myanmar who use St John's livestream services may continue to take part. Let's pray for India; for the families of those bereaved and those still working to find survivors of the flooding caused by the collapse of a glacier; and for the resolution of the government's dispute with farmers over new legislation which would deprive farmers of much needed income. Let's continue to pray for China and in particular the treatment of minorities. There is some evidence that China's treatment of Uighurs could be considered to be genocide.

Closer to home

Let's pray for the way the Covid-19 crisis is being handled here in the UK; being thankful that the vaccine roll-out is going so well and that it may continue and have a significant effect on the incidence of infection; for nursing homes still affected by infection; for the success of the application of new legislation to limit the import of new variants by better border control and quarantine measures. Let's pray for all those who have lost family, friends and loved-ones; for those still battling the disease and for those struggling with the tiredness that remains after the infection has passed. Let's pray for all affected by delayed treatment for other conditions.

Let's be thankful for all who work in the NHS, particularly those on the 'front line' who are often dealing with much higher work loads and stress levels witnessing death much more often than normal. Let's be thankful for and continue to pray for all those who undertake difficult jobs in the service of others.

Let's continue to pray for the people of Woking borough and in particular St John's; that the recent spike in Covid infections will subside and that all will remember and follow the precautions needed at the moment. Let's continue to pray for Woking Hospice and all local charities affected by reduced income as a result of the pandemic.

Let's pray for those known to us who are unwell or struggling in any way; Sune, Bob, Paul and Marie; Audrey and David, Paul and Mavis, Carol and Hein; and any others known to you.

Let's be very thankful for Glyn and Peter and pray for them and their familise and for the strength and stamina to cope with the current situation. Let's pray for the Christianity Explored course that is underway. Let's be thankful for Christine and all the work she has done for us and let's pray for a successful appointment of a new Parish Manager.

Let's be thankful and pray for the safety of all who continue to provide the live stream from musicians and singers to all whose technical input make it possible.

Let's continue to refer to the prayer diary for February and continue to uphold each other and all on the Menbership list.

The grace...

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.