(C) Revd John D Searle 2010

Bidding: The Lord hears our prayer.

Response: Thanks be to God.

Let us pray for the whole Church of God and especially for the churches of our neighbourhood.  We give thanks for our common faith and heritage and ask that we may draw yet closer in worship, mission and service.

Bidding: The Lord hears our prayer.

Response: Thanks be to God.

Lord, you call us to be 'fellow-workers for the kingdom of God', and some particularly to the ministry of preaching.  We are awed and humbled by such a commission.  We confess our words are such poor vehicles for the good news of your love, and yet we are encouraged by the knowledge that you call us whatever our age, education, or experience of life.

Bidding: The Lord hears our prayer.

Response: Thanks be to God.

We are grateful for the knowledge that your Spirit will give us the words to speak, but sometimes it is hard to separate your message from our own thoughts and inclinations.  Help all your preachers to be conscientious in preparation, never leaving it to the last minute, yet always open to your Spirit's prompting.

Bidding: The Lord hears our prayer.

Response: Thanks be to God.

May all your people be diligent in study of the Scriptures, remembering that you have given us minds as well as hearts.  Help us to be disciplined in prayer, reading and learning so that each may be 'a worker who has no need ot be ashamed, tightly explaining the word of truth.'

Bidding: The Lord hears our prayer.

Response: Thanks be to God.

May all of us be sensitive to your people's needs, aware of those who come to rejoice and those who come to mourn; those who are full of joyful assurance and those who are deeply distressed; those who are looking forward to the week ahead and those who feel they cannot face it.

Bidding: The Lord hears our prayer.

Response: Thanks be to God.

Guide us by your Spirit to know your will.  Give us courage to proclaim it and practise it.

Bidding: The Lord hears our prayer.

Response: Thanks be to God.

In a time of silence,we pray for ..... (e.g. names of preachers and leaders of worship)

Bidding: The Lord hears our prayer.

Response: Thanks be to God.

May all who preach and lead know that you only call us to do that for which your grace is sufficient.  May all your people be aware that we are partners in the gospel, and that we can all make our contribution, especially by prayer and encouragement.

We ask these prayers in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen

Revd J D Searle, 46 South Drive, Felpham, Bognor Regis, PO22 7PZ