This prayer page will hopefully be updated every 3 month by different members from Churches within the CTiE
Offers are invited to the webmaster........here
To date no prayers for June onwards have been received by the web master
To get Prayers online from another Churches web site in the CTiE group
Praying with the Internet led by Malcolm Boyd
of the Epsom Methodist Church
April to June 2010
Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6
Praise and worship
The depth and extent of your selfless love for us Lord is immeasurable. From the bottom of our hearts, Lord Jesus, we praise and worship you for your boundless saving grace towards us. We pray that all who know and love you will so worship you that your name will be honoured across the world.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord
Psalm 150: 6
Easter
At this time of the year when the culmination of your earthly ministry and your ultimate sacrifice is remembered, we pray that the true meaning of Easter becomes ever more widely known and lead to more people putting their trust in you. As we celebrate on Easter Sunday with Christians across the world we pray that your living presence will continue to guide and direct our lives so that we become continually more like you.
And when the Centurion heard his cry and saw how he died he said ‘Surely this man was the Son of God’
Mark 15:39
On the evening of that first day of the week, Jesus came and stood among the disciples and said ‘peace be with you’. After he said this he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord
John 20:19
General Election
Father God, as we approach the general election we pray that those men and women who are elected will bring a fresh sense of trust and honour to the profession. We pray particularly for those successful Christian candidates that they will be encouraged and that the will feel your support and guidance in what has become a largely secular society.
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8
Aftermath of the earthquakes
While the devastation caused by the two recent earthquakes fades from our minds, Lord Jesus we pray for the many thousands of people who have been bereaved or injured or have lost their homes and livelihood. We pray that you will surround them with your love and support and strengthen their faith even though their future is blighted. We pray also for those agencies that are doing what they can to ease the suffering.
For the poor will never cease out of the land; therefore I command you, you shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in the land.
Deuteronomy 15:11
Homeless and those who care for them
There are many unfortunate people who for whatever reason have no permanent roof over their heads. We pray Lord that you will remove any thoughts of them being outside society and encourage them to seek a purpose in life. We pray also for those many people and agencies that provide shelter and food and seek to rehabilitate and help to provide gainful employment.
But if any one has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?
1John 3:17
The Forgotten Disabled
There are many reasons why children suffer from physical or mental disabilities and grow into adulthood bearing the same serious problems. The causes of disability are legion, but are seldom the responsibility of the individual. There are ‘hot-spots’ of congenital disability such as in Faluja in Iraq. In adulthood there are often huge problems for seriously disabled people who can sometimes be the butt of cruel and unthinking ridicule. All these people need our constant prayers to remind them that God loves each and every one of us equally. Please pray also for their dedicated carers who often sacrifice their own lives. Thank God for those who are able to overcome their disability and lead a full and rewarding life.
The Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.
Isaiah 49:13
January to March 2010
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given
The celebrations are over; the giving and receiving of gifts is complete. The earthly observances of the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ are over for now, but we pray that the true meaning of Christmas will long remain in the hearts of those who love Him. We pray for those who do not believe in the coming of Christ into our world that their hearts and minds may be opened to receive Him. We pray for the many who were not able to celebrate Christmas because of illness, poverty, persecution or any other reason.
For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost.
Luke 19:10
The generosity and humility of God
We marvel at the magnificence of the love of God that he sent his son to live among us to save us from our sinful nature. We pray that we may be constantly aware of the presence of Jesus in our lives, aware of his guiding hand, aware of his ability to change our lives for the better and aware that through us he can bring his love, joy and peace to others.
How precious is thy steadfast love, O God! The children of men take refuge in the shadow of thy wings.
Psalm 36:7
The vulnerable
Just as Jesus came into the world as a vulnerable little child, we pray for the vulnerable in our society at this time. We think of the homeless, those without adequate clothing or warmth in their homes. We think of those suffering depression or stress, the unemployed and the sick. We pray that you will support them and surround them with your love. Take away feelings of despair and supplant them with feelings of hope.
You will forget your misery; you will remember it as waters that have passed away.
And your life will be brighter than the noonday; its darkness will be like the morning.
And you will have confidence, because there is hope; you will be protected and take your rest in safety.
Job 11:16-18
Peace and justice
There are many areas in the world where tensions are high often with overt conflict. We think particularly of Sierra Leone, the Middle East, Nigeria, Iran and the Congo. We pray for peace with justice throughout the world. Wherever there is conflict, there are displaced people, robbery, looting, rape and persecution. Father, we pray that you will be in all these situations. Alleviate the suffering, help and support the persecuted and bring healing to the wounded.
Then he showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. Revelation 22:1,2
A new year
We stand at the threshold of another year but we do not know what is in store. We can safely predict that there are millions whose lives will be in jeopardy because of drought, famine, flood and starvation. We pray Lord that the little we are able to give will be multiplied by you as the loaves and fishes were multiplied so that suffering may be eased and lives saved.
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
Afghanistan
Every day there are wives, husbands, children and parents mourning the loss of another soldier killed in the conflict in Afghanistan. We pray Lord that you will comfort them. Surround them with your love and support them in your embrace. Remind them above all of the bravery and self sacrifice of their loved ones
I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.
Jer 31:13
Our church in Epsom
Please pray continually for our Ministerial team, Rev David Winwood, Rev Susanna Bates, Rev Hazel Yu and also for our youth pastor Chris Wheeler so that they are strengthened in all that they do in the furtherance of the Gospel of Christ. Please pray for our Leadership Team and for our English, Chinese and Brazilian fellowships so that we may be encouraged, enriched and built up by the Holy Spirit.
As we approach the New Year, the following was the blessing we said together at the end of our last Sunday service:
We follow where the Spirit of Hope leads us. We listen as the Child of Peace cries for us. We rejoice as the Love of God embraces us.
We go with Hope, Peace and Love in our hearts,
and the blessing of the Creator, the Child and the Spirit stay forever within us.
Amen.
Pray with Pope Benedict XVI
Dear Heavenly Father
That at Christmas time the peoples of the earth may recognise
in Jesus the light of the world and open their hearts to Him.
We pray that people everywhere will grow more aware of the problem of millions of displaced persons and refugees throughout the world. Lord, help us to help them and to find concrete solutions for the often, tragic situations they find themselves in.
We pray also for all missionary work. Dear Lord, may those Christians who are discriminated against and persecuted in many countries because of your name, the name of Jesus Christ, have their human rights, equality and religious freedom recognized and upheld. May every missionary, be able to live, and profess, his or her own faith freely.
We pray for the grace to live out the Lord’s Day as You desire. May each Sunday be lived as the day on which Christians gather together to celebrate the risen Lord, truly participating in the Eucharist!
We also pray for evangelistic work everywhere. Lord, we pray for the entire people of God, to whom Jesus Christ entrusted the command to go and preach the Gospel to every person in the whole world. May each of us eagerly accept our call and responsibility as missionaries! And may we consider this call to share the Good News the highest service we can offer another human being.
Romans 1: 16 &17
For I am not ashamed at all of this Good News, it is God’s power saving those who believe, first Jews and then the Greeks. The righteousness of God makes people upright through faith for the life of faith, as Scripture says: The righteous one shall live by faith.
May every man and woman throughout the world, especially those in the field of politics and economics, and in any and all areas of expertise, never fail in their commitment to safeguard Your creation.
We pray for Your work of peace throughout the world, O Lord. We pray that all believers of different religions may bear witness to the God of peace by the testimony of their lives and their spirit of dialogue.
Praying with the Internet led by Malcolm Boyd
of the Epsom Methodist Church
October to December 2009
St Paul says in Ephesians 6:18 Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints
Seedtime and Harvest
Father God, we give you grateful thanks for the richness of the earth that supports a plentiful harvest each year. We thank you for the farmers who sow the seeds, who tend the plants and who harvest the fruits of their labour. We thank you for those who process the food and for those who sell it to us. But Lord, while we rejoice in a plentiful harvest, let us not forget those who face hunger and starvation because their harvest has failed. 0 Help us to encourage a more equable division of the earth’s resources.
While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.
Genesis 8:22
Sowing the Word
We pray for all areas throughout the world where your Word is preached. We pray that the preciousness of your message is carefully nurtured and nourished wherever it is heard, sprinkled liberally with the water of the Spirit and be securely rooted in faith so that ultimately there is a rich harvest.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Galatians 5:22
Ministers moving to new positions
At this time of the year many ministers will have moved to new pastures. We pray that you will go with them, support and encourage them in all that they do. Strengthen them in facing each new challenge. Above all Lord, prepare the hearts and minds of their new congregations to be open, receptive and supportive so that there may be a freshness, a richness and a rejoicing in worshipping the Lord.
And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
Ephesians 4:11-13
Natural disasters – The Philippines; Tonga and Samoa
Father God we are aware that there are many natural disasters through earthquake, volcanoes, hurricanes and tornados. At the present time there is much suffering in the Philippines, Tonga and Samoa due to extensive flooding, earthquake and tsunami. We pray Lord for the families of those who have lost their lives or who may be missing. We pray also for the many whose homes have been destroyed. We pray for the government and aid agencies so that help may arrive urgently and avoid further suffering and loss of life.
The Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.
Isaiah 49:13
Those in need
Please pray for those in any kind of need, whether through illness, bereavement, accident or disaster. Be close to them Lord; take them by the hand and lead them through this particular time of trial. Open the eyes and ears of your people so that they may recognise those in need and empower them to offer help to the needy.
Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his afflicted.
Isaiah 49:13
Christians undergoing persecution
There are Christians in many lands facing persecution at this time. Pray earnestly for these situations: in Eritrea some 2,000 are in jail; in Iraq six churches were bombed; in China a bookseller was jailed for printing and giving away Bibles; in Egypt Christians are facing discrimination through enforcement of Sharia law; in Pakistan Christians are facing physical abuse from Muslims; in Somalia Christians are being hunted down and murdered. Pray that in Iran the Christian church becomes stronger and better able to withstand expected increase in persecution.
Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven
Matthew 5:11, 12
Mental health problems
Many people throughout their lives suffer varying degrees of mental health problems. As a result some people become drug dependent, have suicidal thoughts or become homeless, all making the problems worse. As the colder weather approaches, we think particularly of those sleeping rough who may be in need of medical help. We pray heavenly Father that you will made your presence very real to all those who suffer in this way. Work through the agencies, the medical profession and the faith community to bring these people back to experience a good quality of life.
Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security.
Jeremiah 33:6
Praying with the Internet led by Malcolm Boyd
of the Epsom Methodist Church
July to September 2009
Police harassment
Please pray for seven senior members of the Methodist Church in Fiji who are being held for questioning concerning the forthcoming Annual Fiji Methodist Conference.
And those who know thy name put their trust in thee, for thou, O LORD, hast not forsaken those who seek thee.
Psalm 9:10
more at .....http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/stories/2009/07/23/1245bc6b25c4
The love that would not let me go
Father God, how wonderful is the love that you express for all humankind. It surpasses knowledge, it is constant, it is forgiving, and it is not partial. In the words of the hymn ‘Love is the cord that draws us home, the bond which holds our spirit fast; forbids us e’er again to roam and captivates us to the last’.
I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love – not life or death, nor angels or spirits, not the present or the future, not the powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8: 38-39
Be thankful
For all your selfless goodness to us Lord over the years we give you our humble and grateful thanks. You have brought joy into so many hearts and minds, you have comforted those in distress, you have given peace to those who are troubled and you have given direction to those seeking the way forward. Help us to share your love with those we meet and bring glory to your name.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teach and admonish one another in all
wisdom, and sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your
hearts to God.
Colossians 3:16
Careful husbandry of world resources
Lord, you have entrusted to us the careful husbandry of the worlds resources. We pray for help to move towards more sustainable sources of energy. We pray also that the richer nations will be encouraged to become more aware of their adverse contribution to climate change. Help us all to realise that collectively our actions or lack of action have good or bad consequences for the future of the world.
God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have
dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living
thing that moves upon the earth.
Genesis 1:28
The poor, the jobless, the homeless and the brokenhearted
Lord, at this difficult time of economic hardship, we pray particularly for those most seriously affected. We think of those in the poorest sections of society who find it increasingly difficult to find enough to eat. We pray for encouragement and support for those who are out of work and seeking employment that their spirits may be lifted. We pray for those broken in spirit and heart and who may be near to despair, that they may be lifted up and come to experience that peace that passes understanding.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6
The Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.
Isaiah 49:13
Those caught up in religious conflict
In many places there is tension and threat of conflict between peoples with differing
beliefs while professing allegiance to the same God. We pray fervently Lord that you
will intervene and pour your peace on the troubled waters.
That there may be no discord in the body, but that the members may have the same
care for one another.
1Corinthians 12:25
Those sold into slavery and prostitution.
Lord, we pray for those young women in Africa and certain other countries who are offered chances of a better life but find themselves destined for a life in prostitution akin to modern-day slavery.
They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption; for whatever overcomes a man, to that he is enslaved.
2Peter 2:19
The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth.
He fulfils the desire of all who fear him, he also hears their cry, and saves them.
The Lord preserves all who love him; but all the wicked he will destroy.
Psalm 18-20
Those under the yoke of tyrants
We pray O Lord at this time for the populations of Zimbabwe and Iran where authoritarian rule is leading to false imprisonment and oppression. In Zimbabwe particularly conditions are appalling and the death rate from starvation is totally unacceptable. Lord, we pray that you will move among these people and bring comfort and help to those in need.
Thus says the Lord God: Enough, O princes of Israel! Put away violence and oppression, and execute justice and righteousness; cease your evictions of my people, says the Lord God.
Ezekiel 45:9
Praying with the Internet led by Malcolm Boyd
of the Epsom Methodist Church
April to June2009
Sunday Schools
We pray for children in our Sunday Schools and Junior Churches that they may learn what it is to live a Christian life in the pattern of Jesus. Pray that they may understand that precious gift of love which comes from knowing Him and in turn may grow to love and serve Him. Pray also for new beginnings and that the seeds of faith may be nourished and nurtured by the power of the Holy Spirit so that there is a rich harvest of service in the Christian community.
I pray that Christ will make his home in your hearts through faith. I pray that you may have your roots and foundation in love, so that you, together with all God’s people you may have the power to understand how broad and long, how high and deep, is Christ’s love. Ephesians 3:17-18.
Examinations
At this time of the year children are facing exams that will determine their future. Pray that they will have clear and calm minds and that their hard work will be reflected in good results.
For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. 1Corinthians 14:33
Direction
We pray Lord that those children who have finished school and who may be looking for work may seek guidance and direction. Lord Jesus, be a guiding light to all seeking direction following school or college.
And the Lord will guide you continually. Isaiah 58:11
Protection
Father there are so many temptations facing young people as they seek to establish their own way in life. We pray that you will protect young minds from the temptations they will face and strengthen their resolution to avoid such enticements.
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1Corinthians 10:13
Poverty
Throughout the world countless children are dying in poverty from hunger and dehydration not of theirs or their parents’ fault. Lord Jesus, place in the hearts and minds of those in richer nations the responsibility and concern for the plight of the poor and needy in third world countries.
For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
And truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.' Matthew 25:42 and 44.
Abuse
Lord Jesus, too often we read of children in abusive relationships, sometimes physical, sometimes sexual. Lord we pray that you will cover all children with your protection because we know that all are precious in your sight. We pray also that the behaviour of those in responsible positions whether parents, siblings or teachers may be changed.
But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Luke 18:16
Child soldiers
In some war-torn countries children are being forced to take up arms. We pray Lord, that the innocence of children is protected and not compromised by unscrupulous war lords to achieve their own ends. Please pray that these children are protected and that their future is saved from corruption.
It would be better for him if a millstone were hung round his neck and he were cast into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. Luke 17:2
Childhood illness
We pray Lord for those children seriously ill in hospital. Surround them with your love and place your healing hand on them and bring them back quickly to full health. We pray also that you will comfort and support the parents and encourage and inspire the nursing and medical staff.
Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security. Jeremiah 33:6
Disability
For children who are disabled from birth or who suffer disabling injury as the result of accident or illness, we pray that their quality of life may improve through the dedication and care of those who provide a home and therapy for them so that they can live a fulfilled life.
And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity.
Matthew 9:35
The Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.
Isaiah 49:13
Praying with the Internet led by Malcolm Boyd
of the Epsom Methodist Church
January to March 2009
A New Beginning
Father God, as we embark on a New Year let us all look forward to a time of great blessing when your love and presence becomes ever more real to us. As we have just experienced again the revelation and the joy of the birth of Jesus Christ, help us Lord to carry that joy with us throughout the year ahead and to hope for the peace that only you can bring both to our lives and to the wider world.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13
Transforming power
How wonderful it is to hear reports of the transformation in people’s lives when they come to put their trust in the Lord. Following Christ changes people’s hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation and a real rebirth. The work of the Holy Spirit liberates and empowers to engage with the world and leads to actions helpful to others. Thank you Lord Jesus for your transforming love and your indwelling Spirit. We pray that others may come to experience your love and put their trust in you.
Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
Financial problems
At this time of deepening recession pray that God will be especially close to those who are suffering financial hardship, perhaps through loss of earnings or even a threat to their home. Pray also for the homeless, those living rough in harsh weather and all those where hunger is never far away.
For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Violent crime
Today we hear again of the alarming numbers of deaths due to the use of knives in our towns and cities. We pray for the victims of these horrific crimes and for their grieving families. Please pray for those constantly in fear of their lives through street violence. Pray also that the Lord will show the people caught up in the vicious cycle of violence that there is a better way. We pray that God will support all those who are committed to seeking an end to street violence including the police, youth workers and street pastors.
‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’ Joshua 1:9
Zimbabwe
Father God, we continually hold the people of Zimbabwe in our prayers, knowing that they are under a cruel, merciless and harsh regime where human life is apparently cheap. Violence abounds, starvation is rife and cholera is spreading. We pray Lord that you will encourage, support and stand by these oppressed people who even in their extremity are constantly praising you. Lord, be with them in their time of need and give them the assurance of your presence. Support and embolden those outside agencies who see to resolve the political situation and bring relief and rescue to the people.
Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never ending stream. Amos 5:24
Justice and peace
O God our Father, we pray particularly at this time for the renewed conflict in the Middle East. We pray that a resolution may swiftly be found that will bring an end to the bloodshed in Gaza. We pray also for all peoples throughout the world that they may live in harmony with each other and without fear of imprisonment, bloodshed or tribal retribution. We pray Lord that justice and peace may prevail and that hearts and minds will turn away from violence. May Christ be in all, above all, beneath all and in front of all to show the way forward.
Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute Psalm 82:3
You Took My Space at Church
This should wake us up.
One day, a man went to visit a church. He got there early, parked his car and got out. Another car pulled up near him. The driver got out and said, 'I always park there! You took my place
After Sunday School which is typical in the USA before the Service, the visitor went into the sanctuary for Worship and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, 'That's where I always sit! You took my place'
The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still He said nothing. Later as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood up, and his appearance began to change. Scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet.
Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, 'What happened to you?'
The visitor replied, as his hat became a crown of thorns, and a tear fell from his eye, 'I took your place.'
When you read this, say a prayer. That's all you have to do.
Author Unknown
Contemplative Prayer Group - Led by Revd. Canon Adrian Esdaile
Meeting at St Martin's Church twice a month is a Contemplative Prayer Group. The method used is that of the Fellowship of Contemplative Prayer. We meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 11 am and the 4th Thursday at 8 pm, in the Lady Chapel at the Church.
All are welcome to this ecumenical group.
September: Tuesday 14th, Thursday 23rd
October: Tuesday 12th, Thursday 28th
November: Tuesday 9th, Thursday 25th
December: probably no meetings
All are welcome for an hour of led meditation and contemplation.
Contact person: Canon Adrian Esdaile 01372 723770
