Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord,

Hear us Lord as we pray this day for your world in its suffering and struggle. We pray for all those who are working as fast as possible to respond with new policies and new strategies to keep people safe and to sustain livelihoods and economies, and for those involved in research into faster and more effective tests, vaccines and medicines.  Be with those in government, local authorities, health professionals as they manage this challenging situation, and police and military personnel as they turn their skills to provide care and support.  We pray for leaders who continue to work even when ill themselves.

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits and in his word I hope. Hear us as we pray for those who wait and look for hope as they stay at home, come to terms with social isolation, and work to shield and protect the most vulnerable.  May those who are particularly struggling with loneliness, anxiety and family stress find new seeds of hope in their unfamiliar circumstances. In this period of lockdown may we wait on you and hear your voice speaking words of hope even in the turmoil of our thoughts and emotions.

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord,

My soul waits for the Lord, more than those who watch for morning. Hear us Lord as we pray for those who are looking for light in the darkness, for those who are sick, on the edge of life or anxious for loved ones they cannot be near. Hear us as we pray for those who grieve in isolation, unable to mourn or commemorate their loved ones as they would wish. Sustain them with your loving grace and help them to trust that light will dawn in their darkness and morning will follow night.

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord

Hope in the Lord, for with the Lord there is steadfast love.  Hear us as we pray for those who have shown their love and dedication through unstinting and sacrificial service and care, through volunteering, through labouring to keep supplies reaching those who need them, and for all who are demonstrating huge community spirit.    Hear us as we pray for those who are adapting their businesses and skills in innovative ways to provide support to health workers and communities and for supermarkets as they develop their businesses to respond to new realities. Hear us as we pray for churches, clergy and congregations, as they find new ways to witness to your love, share in worship and serve your people and communities. We pray for Canon Sophie as she begins her ministry in the diocese and all others affected by delays in ordination and commissioning that they may be patient at this time and know your creative love.

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord

Hope in the Lord for with him is great power to redeem.  Show us the redeeming and transforming power of your Spirit especially as we begin this holy season of Passiontide in unfamiliar circumstances. May we look forward with renewed and real expectation to the new life of Easter as we live through this time of suffering and pain. Reveal to us the reality of your promises of everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord

Hear us as we remember those who have died and especially those who have died separated from family and friends. Support those who mourn and those who minister to the grieving. May Jesus' words of hope that those who believe will see the glory of God strengthen hearts and guide our faith always.

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord

Almighty God, by your Holy Spirit you have made us one

with your saints in heaven and on earth;

grant that in our earthly pilgrimage

we may ever be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer,

and know ourselves surrounded by their witness to your power and mercy;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.