DNA Networks Prayer for November
Bible Reading
Luke 6:20-31 (Good News Translation)
Jesus looked at his disciples and said,
“Happy are you poor;
the Kingdom of God is yours!
“Happy are you who are hungry now;
you will be filled!
“Happy are you who weep now;
you will laugh!
“Happy are you when people hate you, reject you, insult you, and say that you are evil, all because of the Son of Man! Be glad when that happens and dance for joy, because a great reward is kept for you in heaven. For their ancestors did the very same things to the prophets.
“But how terrible for you who are rich now;
you have had your easy life!
“How terrible for you who are full now;
you will go hungry!
“How terrible for you who laugh now;
you will mourn and weep!
“How terrible when all people speak well of you; their ancestors said the very same things about the false prophets.
“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. If anyone hits you on one cheek, let him hit the other one too; if someone takes your coat, let him have your shirt as well. Give to everyone who asks you for something, and when someone takes what is yours, do not ask for it back. Do for others just what you want them to do for you.
Prayers of intercession
God has raised Jesus Christ to sit at his right hand. Let us therefore pray to our Father in heaven through his Son for all the world and all the saints.
O God, our Heavenly Father, we thank you today for calling us your saints. In spite of our unholy lives you look at us and see Jesus’ perfect life and death covering ours. Thank you for this grace, the grace given to us through Christ Jesus.
Lord in your mercy hear our prayer
We thank you for all who have helped us on our journey and encouraged us to keep believing when we felt like giving up. Thank you for our teachers in faith; and for those who made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives to ensure others could hear of your love for all your people.
Lord in your mercy hear our prayer
We pray for your Church on earth, that it may remain faithful to the apostles' teaching and that it will strive for unity. We pray for all the faithful, especially those under persecution, that they may imitate the martyrs in bold witness to the good news of your mercy and love.
Lord in your mercy hear our prayer
We pray for those who are not turned to you and for those who have turned away from you, asking your Holy Spirit to convince them of your love for them in Jesus. And we pray for the enemies of the faithful, and those who curse your saints.
Lord in your mercy hear our prayer
Blessed are the peacemakers. We pray for peace between nations in conflict and wherever there is political instability. Blessed are the poor. We pray for all who live in poverty and hunger; and give thanks for those who labour on their behalf. May your love for them, shown through the love of their fellow human beings, give them hope. Move those with plenty to share with those who have little. Help all people to love their neighbour as themselves.
Lord in your mercy hear our prayer
Lord Jesus, in your life on earth you worked always for others. We give thanks for all the saints at DNA. This month we pray especially for the online volunteers: Refugee Support Braintree District, Maldon Refugee group, Francis, Juile, Henry, David, Diane, Gill, Charlotte, Shiela, Rana, Anna, Antoinette, David and Paul. We ask you to bless them in their work, in their homes, in their families and friends. As they stretch out their hands to help some of ‘the least in the world’ may they know that they are serving those who are first in your kingdom. May they rejoice and be glad, knowing that great will be their reward in heaven.
Lord in your mercy hear our prayer
God of life, we give thanks for the love you have shown to the world through all your saints, and we celebrate our communion with them whenever and wherever we worship. As we continue our earthly pilgrimage, keep us looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of our faith. Help us to keep giving a clear witness to him by our way of life, made holy by the power of your Spirit.
© Jan L. Richardson