
Prayer focus for the weeks beginning 22nd & 29th December 2024:
Before you pray, give thanks that ‘You, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer. (Ps.86 V.5)
22nd December
• Tetbury Praying the Town: Longtree Close
• The Parish of Shipton Moyne
• Remember in prayer and give thanks for those who organise the Crib service – may it be a meaningful occasion for all who attend
• The Departed and those who mourn their loss, including Christopher Painter. We give thanks for their lives and pray for God’s comfort for their family and friends.
• Year’s Mind – Grace Vater (25/12) – “Year’s Mind” is to mark the first anniversary of a death –often a difficult time for family and friends
• Praying for St Mary’s School: Year 3 Beech Class with Mr Bartrop and Mrs Amor
• Local issues: pray for all the special Christmas services, that they may be full of joy and gladness as we celebrate God’s perfect purposes in sending his son, Jesus, to share our lives and bring light to the darkness of the world.
• National issues: Remember in pray all those who have lost loved ones in the past year, and for whom Christmas will be a time of sadness and possible loneliness. May Christ’s love surround them.
• World issues: As we celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace, our Lord Jesus Christ, may God hasten to fulfil the words of the angels, ‘On earth peace among men with whom he is pleased.’
29th December
• Tetbury Praying the Town: Magdalen Road
• The Parish of St Marys’
• Remember in prayer and give thanks for those who open and close the church so faithfully, in all weather.
• The Departed and those who mourn their loss including Christopher Painter. We give thanks for their lives and pray for God’s comfort for their family and friends.
• Year’s Mind – Jean Peasley (2/1) – “Year’s Mind” is to mark the first anniversary of a death –often a difficult time for family and friends
• Praying for St Mary’s School: Year 3 Willow Class with Mr Brown and Mrs Begum
• Local issues: Pray for the planning application to develop the Greyhound public house site into three private dwellings. May the right decisions be made.
• National issues: Pray for our nation as we enter a new year, that there will be peace, compassion and hope for the future.
• World issues: As Donald Trump takes up his office as President of the USA, may he be a force for good in world affairs, and be led by wise counsellors.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Are you, or someone you know, in need of prayer? You are welcome to hang your prayer request on the prayer tree in the prayer corner at the front of St Marys’ church