‘Seeing as God sees’ – 22nd March 2020 – 4th Sunday of Lent – Mothering Sunday

As of Sunday 22 March 2020, we aim to publish the readings, sermons and prayers of intercession on this website in advance of the normal service times. While we cannot meet in person, this allows us to join together in prayer, wherever we are. Audio recordings of the sermons and intercessions will normally be available from 9am on the relevant Sunday.

This week we celebrate Mothering Sunday.
Our Sunday morning preacher is Kath.
Our intercessions are provided by Catherine.
The readings are from 1 Samuel 16 and the Gospel of John.

1 Samuel 16. 1 – 13

John 9. 1 – end

Sermon by Kath, Lay Reader

Prayers of Intercession

Let us pray…

We pray for the whole world
united in facing the same adversity
A danger none of us can see.

We pray for governments and leaders
For scientists researching treatments and vaccines
for healthcare services and workers
that they might have the insight to see clearly
readily share what is already known
and together determine the best possible courses of action
to enable the welfare of all.

We pray for those areas of the world already struggling
Places devastated by flood, fire or war
Refugee camps
Places of poverty and only basic healthcare.

Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer

 

We pray for the worldwide people of God
Unexpectedly and suddenly challenged to be Lights of Christ
in new and creative ways.
We give thanks for the technology which allow us
to stay connected
to support one another
to reach out to the wider community.
We pray for broadcasters on television, radio and online
as they seek to offer virtual opportunities
for prayer and worship together.
We pray for all who work in IT
who help to make this possible.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

 

We pray for our community in Walkley
and for our city of Sheffield.
On this Mothering Sunday we remember all who care for children,
for parents suddenly asked to be home educators
in addition to their day jobs,
for those caring for the children of the carers.
We pray for our local businesses,
especially any who are now finding it difficult or impossible to trade.
We give thanks for local initiatives seeking to support
those self-isolating or generally isolated.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

 

We pray for all who are ill,
for those suffering from Covid-19,
for those worried about catching the virus
for those whose treatment for pre-existing illness is now being delayed.
We pray for all who are feeling lonely or anxious.
We pray for all who work in the health service, and for their families.

In quiet, we bring to mind anyone known to us
who is in particular need today….

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

 

We pray for those who have died
and those who mourn.
We think of those unable to hold or attend the funeral of a loved one.
In quiet, we remember anyone known to us who has died or in mourning...

Lord Jesus
who gave sight to the man born blind
enabling him to see you clearly
and to share this insight with others,
be with us in the coming weeks
help us too
to see and to shine your light
so that all might see
your kingdom here on earth.

Merciful Father
accept these prayers,
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour, Jesus Christ,
Amen.[1]

[1]Final words © The Archbishops’ Council 2000