Prayer of approach
Almighty God, we come before you in gratitude for all that you have done for us; we thank you for your many blessings.
We do not pray as if we were magicians, seeking a mysterious power; for we know you, God, through your Son.
In him we raise to you all our concerns and know that you will deal with them. Amen.
A prayer of confession
Lord, forgive us for being selfish in prayer;
· for thinking only of our own concerns;
· for failing to thank you before we ask for more;
· for asking the wrong things, in the wrong way, so many times.
We confess our unworthiness to receive any answer and yet we know that you will hear us. Amen.
Prayer of thanksgiving
Thank you, Lord, for giving us the gift of prayer.
Thank you for the comfort and joy it brings for the loneliness it fights and for the courage and determination it gives us.
Thank you, Lord, for answered prayer.
Thank you for the times we have been granted our heart’s desire, and for the times we have not, when we have had to learn that our ways are not yours.
Thank you, Lord, for giving us the gift of prayer.
Amen.
Please read James 5.13-20
Reflection
Healing happens in many ways and forms. Who has not experienced the inner healing that comes from acknowledging weakness and restoring a broken relationship? Who has not lifted up in prayer a friend or loved one in need of physical, emotional, or spiritual healing? The Letter of James reminds us of the power of fervent prayer. It’s a power that can heal both the one who is afflicted and the one who intercedes.
Prayer of petition for prayer
Ever-present God, we live in a world which makes us anxious please help us to respond in prayer.
Often, we try to suppress our fears: we live in a world that makes us angry; help us to release our wrath in prayer.
We are choked when we try to speak of it: give us the words to pray.
We live in a world which tempts us to do wrong: help us to bring our desires to you, in prayer.
We try to justify doing what we want: lead us to pray to you first.
Our minds move in bitter circles:
Our world denies the power of prayer: let our prayers test it, and see.
Our world denies your power, Lord: we offer you our trust.
Amen.
Suggested Listening
A brighter dawn is breaking www.youtube.com/watch?v=97rR9VOW45Y
I waited patiently for God www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxlmQ799lZI
O Lord, hear my prayer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BWKmahZgLM
