A prayer for sufferers in Church on Sundays

By Catherine Straker, 29 Sep 2023

Father God

Thank you for gathering us together this morning so we can be  encouraged by each other and by your Word. Thank you that no matter how we are feeling this does not change the reality of the truth of your Bible. Thank you that we can meet together to hear your word and worship you through faith, love and obedience and share the covenant meal together. It is such a relief, Lord that we can be here and give you thanks no matter the week we’ve had or the things we’ve done or said or thought.

Thank you for your grace-filled gospel that reminds us you are our loving Heavenly Father and long for us to gather with your people. We pray especially for those for whom just getting here has been huge – the physically weak, the overwhelmed, those with young children and those who are struggling with the daily hardships of life. What a privilege Father to see each of us here this morning and we ask that our time together might be one of refreshment, encouragement and thankfulness. Let us walk in your light, be taught your ways, walk in your paths and keep hearing your word so we learn to obey you and not go our own way.

And Father, as we remember the agonies of the cross and the great cost it was for the Lord Jesus to die in our place, may this spur us on to live costly lives for each other. Guide us with your wisdom in what that looks for each of us. Help us to look to you daily for the grace and strength to do this as we love and care for one another on a Sunday and in the week.  And for those of us for whom this is hard because of health and personal circumstances may we be thankful for the love and care of others you have given us and pray for the work being done. Might we all be encouraged anew this morning to persevere in our serving and know that the love we show one another tells the world we love you.

Amen