Prayer Page

Prayer Group
If you would like to be part of the group, please let Hazel Jordan have your email address to add to the group. When a prayer request comes in, it will be forwarded to the group for a prayer response.

Prayer Resources
You may like to use the the following resources for prayer

Provided by the Methodist Church,
Prayer of the Day , pray for others on our Prayer Wall or Post your own intercessory prayer.

There are daily and weekly prayers
Pray our daily prayer from the Methodist Prayer Handbook
Join in online with the daily Morning Prayer from Wesley's Chapel 10:00 am - 10:15 am
Join the President and Vice-President live on Facebook for their weekly chat and prayers,
every Monday at 12:45 pm.
Take part in the 15 minute Year of Prayer service every Tuesday at 12:45 pm.
Register to join on Zoom here or watch live on our Facebook page.

The Methodist Church has also published a page dedicated to signpost you to resources to help nourish your spiritual life during lockdown - Spiritual Sustenance When In Isolation

Dial-a-Prayer: Free telephone lines where you can listen to prayer or Methodist News. These are updated weekly. Please share these numbers with those who are not online.

The Methodist Prayer Handbook is published each year at the beginning of September, and provides a selection of prayers for each day of the month. In addition there is a section listing the lectionary readings for the year and a suggested structure for daily prayer. It is available from Methodist Publishing.

Share a time of solidarity with others in the church as we pray The Lord’s Prayer each Sunday at 10.20am.

PRAYING TOGTHER:
Our General Church Meeting highlighted two 'stations' for us to focus on this year for our church's mission planning:

The first was the 'Flourish' station, and a small team, headed up by Jennie Sleep, is beginning to do some work around Temple becoming an Eco-Church.

The second focus was linked to us becoming more confident in sharing about our faith. To underpin the daily work and mission of the church, the stewards and I have agreed that we shall enable a regular Praying Together time in the Prayer Chapel:
The 1st Wednesday of the month at 9.30am, and the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm, which may take the form of Compline. These times will be open to anyone, and will initially be led by Deborah - (in time, those who come may like to lead).

The time will be about 45-60 minutes, but you are free to come for as long or short a time as you are able, and if you come once, you will not be expected to come every time. During the time together we shall reflect on a portion or verse of scripture, then spend some time in prayer, silent or spoken.

This will begin on Wednesday 6th March, 9.30am, and then Wednesday 20th March, 7.30pm, and thereafter on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month.

A PRAYER FOR MOTHERING SUNDAY

This prayer for Mothering Sunday is shared by Jude Levermore, Head of Mission.

Lord we give you thanks for the art of mothering, for that much denigrated hard work of nurturing, caring, teaching and cleaning up after another human being.
We give you thanks for all who have created space and brought about growth in us whoever they may be; mothers, fathers, teachers, carers or friends.
We rejoice and give thanks for people who have picked up after us and allowed us to start again.
We ask that you would help us to rededicate ourselves to the task of generously mothering others and our world.
Help us to model ourselves on you, the divine creator and sustainer who longs to love us, nurture us, teach us, and model us into better versions of ourselves.  

Amen

PRAYER FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2024

Revd Fran Rhys is a presbyter in the Beverley area of Bridge Circuit in the Yorkshire North and East District. She is a member of the Methodist Solidarity Circle for Women. She shares this prayer for International Women’s Day 2024, 8 March, on the theme ‘Inspire Inclusion’

O Jesus Christ!
Martha and Mary
both had their strengths.
You loved and wanted the best
for them both.
As women, and in community with men
who are willing,
help us to foster
Kingdom of God inclusion.
That, whatever our unique mix of
ethnicity, age, ability, faith, body image, or identity,
we may welcome and
listen to one another’s background and experience.
May we breathe in your Holy Spirit’s help
as we seek to actively empower one another
for the common good.

Amen.

SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF RUSSIA'S INVASION OF UKRAINE
This Saturday, 24 February, is the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
To mark this, the below prayer has been written by a Ukrainian family who are being hosted by the Black Country Methodist Circuit.

Lord God of power,
You alone work miracles, so be kind to all and hear us.
Help us God, our Saviour, and deliver the people of Ukraine from persecution.
Come to our aid and destroy the intentions and unrighteous boldness of those who go to war against our people.
Calm those who oppose your commandments.
Grant us all peace, salvation and joy in our hearts.
For you are protection and salvation for those who trust in you.
We give you glory, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever.
Amen

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY, 18th - 25th January 2024:
Our 3 partnership (with Taunton URC and St John's) churches have agreed to join for 2 events in recognition of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
On Thursday 18th January, at 11am, Rev Tobie Osmond will lead a short service in the Minster to commence the Week. This year's service was prepared by an ecumenical team from Burkino Faso, on the theme 'Go and do likewise' - these will be the resources used throughout the Week of Prayer.

On Wednesday 24th January at 12.15pm, Rev Deborah Kirk will lead the closing service for the WPCU, and lunch will be served after the service. All are welcome.

PRAYER FOR INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN:
This Sunday is International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The Vice-President, Deacon Kerry Scarlett, has written this prayer to mark the day.

Loving God
In Jesus, we see you recognise and affirm the value and dignity of women and girls
Challenging those who sought to diminish or harm our flourishing
We pray for women and girls who have experienced gender-based violence.
We give thanks for those in government, in our communities, in our own churches, who challenge the cultures and systems through which misogyny and violence thrive.
We ask forgiveness for the times when we have not listened, have not learned, have not stood in solidarity with women experiencing violence and discrimination.
Give us the courage and strength to listen, to learn,
So that all may flourish, knowing we are precious in your sight

Amen.

REMEMBRANCE

The Revd David Barrett, Deputy Chaplain General for the British Army, shares this prayer for Remembrance.

God of all, whose commitment to the world knows no end, in this season of remembrance we turn to you our refuge and hope. We acknowledge that you are the source of all justice and peace.

Graciously draw near to us at this time to stir our thinking, deepen our reflections and shape our living.

We remember before you all who have given their lives in the service of others in war. In gratitude we honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. May their example of self-giving love be an inspiration to us all.

We hold in your presence those who continue to suffer because of war. Comfort and sustain all who bear the scars and tears of conflict. May we find the wisdom and grace to support one another in times of need.

We commend to your care His Majesty’s Armed Forces. Uphold and guide the men and women of the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force as they strive to be a force for good in our world. May they be professional and effective in carrying out the tasks required of them.

We seek your peace for all people. Bless and strengthen those from every area of society who are endeavouring to bring an end to injustice, hostilities and conflict. In our peace-making, together may we find courage, resilience and hope.

These prayers are offered in the Name of Jesus Christ

Amen.

There are videos and resources produced by the Methodist Armed Forces chaplains to help mark Remembrance. Find the resources here

PRAY FOR ISRAEL AND PALESTINE: As the violence in Israel and Palestine continues, we may feel helpless in the face of such death and suffering. The Methodist Church has published resources, prayers, background information and reflections to help us pray for all those affected and for peace in the region. Find the resources here.

A PRAYER FROM THE PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT OF CONFERENCE

God of peace and compassion,
We pray for all impacted by the escalation in conflict in Israel-Palestine
For all who are mourning
For all who are fearful, today, and for what may lie ahead
For all traumatised and re-traumatised by what they have experienced.
Enable us to stand in solidarity with people of peace
May your Spirit bring peace and healing to your troubled world

Amen

PRAYER FOR WORLD TRAFFICKING DAY: All around the world, victims of human trafficking are still going unnoticed. The Vice-President of the Methodist Conference, Deacon Kerry Scarlett, has written this prayer for the victims.

Loving God,
who created each of us in your image,
we pray for all who are trafficked and enslaved,
treated as commodities to be exploited,
denied opportunity for freedom and flourishing.
We pray for victims and survivors,
for all who offer them care and support,
and for those who seek to challenge the systems,
structures and circumstances which
perpetuate these horrific crimes.
Bring your justice, your healing and your flourishing.
Amen.

A prayer by Revd Arlington Trotman, Methodist Supernumerary Minister, on the 75th anniversary of the Windrush crossing from the Caribbean:

God, Father of all: We thank you for Christ Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
You have sustained us with abiding grace, that as peoples of the Caribbean, we are enabled to mark the 75th Anniversary of an historic journey to the United Kingdom, on the HMT Empire Windrush in 1948, pioneers of a new age.
Your grace has enabled the People of Windrush and their descendants, to accept the Government’s call to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure following War.
We praise you, that Your assurance of peace helped us in this task, and confronting rejection and oppression, we worked and worshipped, reflecting your justice and love.
Bless our celebrations reflections and future! Grant that we heed your wisdom in life worship and word, that the People of Windrush and British society generally would reciprocate your love in all we are and do.
Amen.

Collect for Refugee Week:

Migrant God, free from borders, your presence spans all creation.
You take sanctuary in us, in you is our eternal sanctuary.
We behold you in community with those uprooted from their homes by war, poverty, persecution and extreme weather, especially those who make their way to these shores on small boats.
Be the shelter of their lives.
Bless their courage and resilience in seeking freedom and sanctuary.
Bring us to build cultures of welcome, hospitality and sanctuary for all;
Community where there is conflict;
Compassion where there is cruelty;
Humanity where there is hatred;
Hospitality where there is hostility;
And so, to practice and proclaim hope.
In the Name of Christ.   Amen

A PRAYER FOR THE CORONATION OF KING CHARLES III
from Reverend Michael D Parker - Chaplain General

Loving God,

Come with your grace and heavenly aid to fill the heart of your servant, King Charles. Anoint him with your spirit and lead him into all truth. Grant him wisdom to fulfil his calling and promote freedom of conscience, generosity of spirit and care for others. Give him strength for all the future holds, that in his thoughts, words and actions he may seek your honour and glory.

Bless Camilla the Queen and all the Royal Family that, enriched by your presence, they may serve with faithfulness and in peace.

We ask this in the name of him who is Lord of Lords and King of Kings, Jesus Christ, our Saviour.

Amen.

A PRAYER FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY by the Revd Dr Barbara Glasson

We do not ask for strength, we have strength we pray for resolve to use our strength for good
We do not ask for courage, we have courage we pray for resilience to rise above defeats
We do not ask for acceptance, we are acceptable we pray for persistence to demand equality for all
We do not ask for a voice, we have voices we pray for determination to speak love's truth to power
As Susannah Wesley used her insight, learning and strength to educate her children equally we pray that we, the Methodist people, will continually use our wisdom, courage and diversity to turn the tables on injustice and embrace equity for all. 

TURKEY & SYRIA EARTHQUAKE - A Prayer from Graham Thompson, President of the Methodist Conference

God of time and space, we cry to you for your children - our neighbours - in southern Turkey and northern Syria, following the earthquake that has devastated hundreds of lives. Only they and you know what it is like to experience such trauma in the middle of the night.
We give thanks for the aid that is already being given and for the promises of help that have been made by many nations.
Comfort, we pray,
those who are trapped in collapsed buildings;
those who have lost loved ones;
those who wait for news and those digging through rubble to save others.
Grant the gift of hope so that those caught between life and death know that you are with them and that others are ready to support them as they seek a future that overshadows the experiences of today.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, who endured so much for love of them.
Amen.

A PRAYER FOR COP27:
Creator of all,
you call us to partner with you in the care of creation.
We pray for the leaders of the nations, meeting for COP27.
Help them to see the inter-connectedness of the world and to take seriously our responsibility for each other.
Help them to hear the voices of the vulnerable and those most affected by climate change.
Teach us how to be responsible stewards of all that you have given us, that all may share its bounty.
Amen.

Revd Jonathan Pye, Chair of the Bristol District.
Bristol is the first District to receive a bronze Eco District award from Arocha’s Eco Church awards scheme.

A PRAYER ON THE TRAGIC NEWS FROM SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA:
Caring and loving God,
As we have heard of the dreadful tragedy in Seoul, we ask you to wrap your caring arms around everyone impacted.
Please wrap yours arms around those whom have lost their lives, the friends and families of victims, everyone in Seoul who have likely not heard of this sad news yet, and the places of worship who are preparing to support everyone; including our global partners in the Korean Methodist Church.
We ask all this of you, knowing you will know what to do.
Amen.

A PRAYER FOR THE NEW PRIME MINISTER - by Graham Thompson, President of the Methodist Conference

Ever present God, we thank you for journeying with us over recent days; you are our strength and stay.

We pray for our new Prime Minister and for those who are called on to create a Government. May all who exercise authority and influence in our nations give particular attention to the needs of those who are suffering the most, that all might flourish. And, may we all serve our neighbours in ways that reflect the unconditional, self-sacrificial love of Christ; in whose Name we pray. Amen

A PRAYER FOR UNCERTAIN TIMES - by Graham Thompson, President of the Methodist Conference

Eternal God, we pray for those who make vital decisions on behalf of our nations at this time of challenge and uncertainty. We ask that love of neighbour be the guiding principle of those who seek positions of authority. May a desire to seek the welfare of all be central to the ambitions of those who will determine what governance and leadership look like in the days to come.

We also pray for those who are suffering because of the current uncertainty. Grant solace to the powerless and hope to the fearful. We ask this in the Name of the One who commands us to love one another as we love ourselves.

Amen

A PRAYER FOR NIGERIA: 

Loving God, we pray for the people of Nigeria whose lives have been devastated by the overwhelming floods.
We ask that you comfort the bereaved and walk beside the displaced.
Grant renewing strength and hope so that your children are able to rebuild their lives, homes and futures.
We also pray for the Christians of Nigeria as they play their part in reaching out to those who most need to know the love and presence of our sustaining God.
We pray in the Name of Christ our Saviour.

Amen.

A PRAYER FOR PRISON'S WEEK - by Deacon Sue Culver, Methodist Prison Chaplain

God of the prisoner and the free
We offer to you all that we are all that we have been to you.
Whether we are within the physical bars of the criminal justice system,
Or the metaphorical bars that keep us captive in other ways.
We remember the words of the Psalmist who asks, ‘from where is to come our help’
And realise, all along, you sit alongside us, waiting to set us truly free.
On this we depend and are truly thankful.

Amen.

A PRAYER ON THE DEATH OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN

Creator God,
We give thanks for the life of Her Most Gracious Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
We honour her life of service built on a firm foundation of faith and an exemplary commitment to duty.
Comfort those who mourn and bring peace to those in distress.
We offer our prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Amen

PRAYER FOR UKRAINE

A prayer for Ukraine in the week of the anniversary of its independence and six months since the invasion.

 Colossians 3 15 ‘And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.’

Oh Great God, you call us to Peace. As we mark six months of war in Ukraine, call us back to be peacemakers. Strengthen all those working in the region for justice and for peace.

We cry to you to restore the people of Ukraine to a life of freedom and wholeness. And we thank you for the resilience of our Ukrainian sisters and brothers, for all who have opened their homes and churches, and most of all for your deep love and grace in which we trust even in the midst of earthly conflict. Amen.

ALL WE CAN - PRAYER FOR PEACE

Prince of peace,
Lord of light,
God of grace,
As we hear of war and invasion,
We pray to you for peace.
In a world of conflict and violence,
We pray for all who live in fear,
Especially today the people of Ukraine.
We lament with you,
And pray for peace.
Prince of peace,
Lord of Light,
God of grace,
Show me how to pray for peace today.

Amen

PRAYER FOR PEACE IN UKRAINE

Holy and Gracious God

We pray for the people of Ukraine and the people of Russia; for their countries and their leaders.

We pray for all those who are afraid; that your everlasting arms hold them in this time of great fear.

We pray for all those who have the power over life and death; that they will choose for all people life, and life in all its fullness.

We pray for those who choose war; that they will remember that you direct your people to turn our swords into ploughshares and seek for peace.

We pray for leaders on the world stage; that they are inspired by the wisdom and courage of Christ.

Above all, Lord, today we pray for peace for Ukraine.

And we ask this in the name of your blessed Son.

Lord have mercy.

Amen

Regional Day of Prayer

President elect and Chair of the Plymouth and Exeter District, Revd Graham Thompson, has called for a day of prayer on 6th January 2022;

Please will you join us in setting aside some time, alone or with others, to pray for all those

• bereaved by Coronavirus
• suffering lasting effects of 'long Covid'
• working in health and other services
• who have lost their jobs or businesses
• anxious about the future
• elected to serve in this and other nations
• working to find treatments for Covid19
• without access to vaccines (remembering particularly partners in India)
• leading our churches to plan mission
• whose faith is challenged

and so much more! A booklet of prayers written especially for this day can be found here.

A prayer for Afghanistan

The Prophet says, You know the plans I have for you, says the Lord; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to offer you hope and a future. Gracious and holy God, We come to you with the situation in Afghanistan heavy on our hearts. It is a situation so complicated, and so fast moving, that it is difficult for us to know what to say or how to think. We hold before you the people of the country, those who stay and those who flee; those living with terror and afraid for the future; those who, because of this latest turn of events, will never be able to live the fullness of life that is your purpose. We hold all this before you. We hold open to you the future: the world leaders with a role in shaping what happens next; the many who are becoming refugees and the people who will be called upon to offer them safety and a future; the impact of these local events on our world story. We hold all this open to you. We hold in your love all those known to us whose lives have been bound up in the recent story of Afghanistan. We think of all those who have served there in our Armed Forces, those who were injured and those who did not return. We hold in our hearts all those for whom this is a time of special grieving and confusion, and those who minister to them. We hold all these in your love. Rock of ages, at this difficult time we lean into your timelessness. Turn us, and all people, to your good purposes for your world. Grant courage and wisdom, hope and a future. Amen.

Barbara Easton, Vice-President of the Methodist Conference

A prayer for the people of India during the COVID pandemic

God of grace and love, we turn to you at this time of need.
We pray for the people of India as they face the challenge and uncertainty
of these days each of them fully known and deeply loved by you.

We remember our partners in the Diocese of Cuttack, Bishop Nanda,
the diocesan leaders, and the many pastors and evangelists.
We pray for strength and courage for them as they support the churches and communities;
give them the assurance of your presence as they share your gospel of hope.

We pray for the directors and staff of city hospitals and remote village clinics as they respond,
all with limited resources,
to the needs of the desperate,
the sick and the suffering.

We pray for those who work with the very poorest of the poor in overcrowded slums,
doing their best to provide education and feeding programmes for the children,
and care for the elderly and vulnerable.

We pray that compassion will not be a casualty of these difficult times,
and that the strong will support the weak.

And throughout these days and always, would you help us all to remember
that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus.

God of all mercy, hear our prayer, Amen.

A knotty prayer

Dear Lord, Please untie the knots that are in my mind, my heart, and my life.
Remove the have nots, the can-nots and the do nots that I have in my mind.
Erase the will nots, may nots, might nots that may find a home in my heart.
Release me from the could nots, would nots and should nots that obstruct my life.
And most of all, I pledge that I remove from my mind, my heart and my life all the 'am nots' that I have allowed to hold me back, especially the thought that I am not good enough.

Amen.

Deborah

Reflection written by Pope Francis:

Tonight before falling asleep
think about when we will return to the street.
When we hug again,
when all the shopping together will seem like a party.
Let's think about when the coffees will return, the small talk, the photos close to each other.
We think about when it will be all a memory but
normalcy will seem an unexpected and beautiful gift.
We will love everything that has so far seemed futile to us.
Every second will be precious.
Swims in the sea, the sun until late, sunset, toasts, laughter.
We will go back to laughing together.
Strength and courage.

A Prayer for the Diocese of Cuttack in India 

A Prayer for India that has been prepared for us by Deborah Kirk.  

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
2 Timothy 1:7.

God of all hope we call on you today.
We pray for those who are living in fear:
Fear of illness, fear for loved ones, fear of other’s reactions to them.
May your Spirit give us a sense of calmness and peace.
We pray for your church in this time of uncertainty.
For those people who are worried about attending worship.
For those needing to make decisions in order to care for other
For those who will feel more isolated by not being able to attend.
Grant us your wisdom.
Holy God, we remember that you have promised that
Nothing will separate us from your love – demonstrated to us in Jesus Christ.
Help us turn our eyes, hearts and minds to you.

Amen