Prayers of Praise and Confession, Thanks and Intercession

Advent iv. The Annunciation.

Mary said, "My soul tells out the greatness of the lord, my spirit has Rejoiced in God my Saviour".

Let us approach God's throne of grace in prayer, let us pray.

Lord God Almighty, king of glory and love eternal, you are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honour and power, because you created all things. But especially at this time we praise you for sending your Son, and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Our hearts wait for him, and he is worthy, the lamb that was slain, to receive power and wealth, wisdom and might, honour and Glory and praise.

Loving God in the face of your love and holiness and purity, we are faced with our own lives, laden with sin, against you, our families and friends and our selves. Teach us Lord God by your Spirit to see ourselves as others see us, and in the light of your goodness, enable us to confess and repent of our sin, because our consciences accuse us and we try to suppress it. Loving God we thank you that you have promised to forgive us if we bring our faults and failing before you.

So hear us we do so, in a moment of silent prayer.

Loving God help us to make a new start, through Jesus Christ our Lord, so that as we welcome this Christmas and face a new year, help us to move forward positively with you on our side.

Loving God we have so much to give thanks for, our homes and jobs, health and faculties, skills and talents, family and friends, food, heat and light and comfort. For all the wonders of life, we praise you, the almighty creator God, who loves us in spite of what we are and do.

So hear us as we pray united as a fellowship in our prayers of intercession for others.

Loving God we give thanks for your people through out the world that constitute your church and we pray for your church that it may handle the message well that you have given it to tell out to the world, your world. Lord we pray for your church, that it may be strong and faithful and out going, bringing the good news to all. We remember our own church, in Scotland and locally and we ask for your blessing on the ministers, elders and members and all who serve within the church, grant that your word may go out in power and accomplish great things and extend your kingdom, releasing captives and bringing peace to many souls, that your spirit will be upon all in the community of those privileged to serve in Christ's name.

We pray for our country and all who serve the interests of the nation, for our Queen, her family and government. We ask that they may be given wisdom and understanding and compassion, for the needs of their people.

Loving God in the midst of the fun, frenzy, and excess of Christmas, may our thoughts be turned to all who have little or nothing of this worlds essentials, never mind the enjoyment of luxury that we have, loving Father there are so many starving, so many dying of disease that could be

prevented, so many with no where to lay their heads, or shelter, and we are reminded of your own words and situation.

Loving God we feel so impotent at times at how little we can do, but let us not stop doing what we can, in Christ's name, for he told us that even a cup of water given in his name is worth doing. Lord you know everything and we do not even begin to understand, and so we turn to you as our God asking that your perfect will and purposes be achieved in every situation.

And now we commend our families and our extended church family to you. Loving God be near all who are lonely today, be near all who are in hospital, For all who are fearful, give to them peace. For all struggling to come to terms with bereavement, give to them assurance of your love and care for

them. For those facing surgery, for all unable to get about as they used to, for all who depend on others whether family or friends or social services, we pray for them and all who care for them, that they may draw strength from your love.

Loving God we think of the world situation, for the countries where there are wars, and in the middle east where there are rumours and threats of war, loving god bring about peace talks, that bloodshed may be avoided and innocent people may be spared the ordeal of war. Hear our sincere prayers too for all who are still held hostage, we remember them and their families at this time, loving Christ come to them and give them your peace in adversity.

Father we give thanks for all who served in the past and are in glory with you, give us encouragement to face the future based on their faith and example so that one day we too may be with you. So we present these our prayers and petitions in Jesus name. Amen.