by Emily
by Maria
Father God,
Thank You for this time today, bringing us together. Thank you for the power of the Church and this strong, vibrant community. Thank You for your Presence with us today oh God, and Your deep, deep love for Your people.
Father, thank You that You are the God of righteousness, and justice. Father thank You that you are close to the down-cast, those who are exhausted, pained, silenced. You are near those suffering under the weight of oppression.
Father God, we think specifically of the family and friends around George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and countless others who have unfairly lost their lives. Father God, we lift up those suffering from systematic racism right now oh God, watching as their pain and scars from years of prejudice are re-opened, and set ablaze. Their ever-growing fear, the chains they feel unjustly due to their racial identity, the bearing of their open wounds for the world to see. Oh Lord, in the camp of the oppressed is where we find you, and we seek you there, now.
Father, you know what it is like to live silenced, suffering under the weight of a broken system. You know what it’s like to watch injustice unfold before you. You have been misunderstood, and you’ve watched those, whom you love deeply, misunderstand.
We bring to you our pain, our confusion, and God we cry for justice. When you lift Your voice God, the earth melts. God we call out to you now, we ask that You to bring justice now to these systems of inequality based on skin color. You are a God who transforms, we ask that you break the systematic oppression, that you blow open the gates of righteousness, and bring sanctification to our broken communities in our world and in our home country of Ireland.. Oh Lord, set our brothers and sisters free. Transform our governments, empower our leaders, heal our streets and land.
May Your justice reign.
Father I pray also that you to increase our love for our neighbors, oh God, and open our eyes to those who are suffering. Help us to seek out and carry the burdens of the burdened. Oh Lord, when our hearts are not large enough to understand, I pray that you enlarge our hearts. Help us hold, and keep safe, the pain of our community. Father help us engage in brotherly love with one another, with care, with advocacy, with thoughtful discourse. Give us wisdom for when to listen, and when to speak up. Father God move us into action as Your servants on earth. May Your Kingdom be here, and be here now oh Lord
Father, because Jesus, who knew no sin, took our sin, and purified us by the cross, we are able to be righteous. We fall upon You in Worship today, for your power, your realms of mercy, your never-ending justice, and your unfailing love. Be glorified today oh God.
We love You,
Amen
by Vaughan
by Tim
We pause for a moment to acknowledge that God is the God of History.
As Daniel prays:
“Then Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and said:
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
21 He changes times and seasons;
he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
22 He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
(Daniel 2:20-22)
We rejoice Father for the many blessings you have given us.
We thank you for each and every blessing.
We rejoice that you are in control even as we feel so out of control.
Father we rejoice that you “see what lies in the darkness”
We are all aware of the obvious suffering that this pandemic has brought
But so much of the suffering is hidden
We pray for those who have no home
We pray for those whose home has become a prison of fear and violence
We pray for the kids for whom school is not just a place of education but a sanctuary
We pray Father that you would open our eyes to this hidden suffering
And we your church would respond
With love compassion and care.
Amen
by Emma
Father, you are all-knowing and all-powerful. You know everything about us. You know more about us than we do about ourselves. You wove us together in our mother’s wombs. You know how many hairs we have on our heads. You know when we sit and when we get up. You know how many days we have in this life. You know our thoughts before we think them and our words before we say them. You even know our deepest, darkest secrets.
Yet, Jesus you still love us. You chose to give up everything to come down to Earth from heaven and to die a horrific death on the cross so that we may have the chance to spend eternity with you in heaven. What an undeserving love you have bestowed upon us. Holy Spirit May we continually be reminded of this great love and may it have an effect on our desires, motives, actions, thoughts and every part of our being.
Father, I thank you that you are concerned for our hearts. You do not focus on the visible, outward appearance that we are often tempted to focus on. Lord, teach us to align our hearts with yours. Help us not to focus on the outward but to always focus on you. May we be a people chasing after your heart. May we choose to seek your face always. May we hide your word in our hearts and Lord, may your words guide us always. Help us to love you with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Holy Spirit come and fill our hearts with love today. Reveal deeply to us your love.
Father, forgive us for the times that we have been more concerned with status or show than with our hearts. Lord, help us to cultivate a devotion to you. Father, may we be free of the things that consume too much of our hearts. Rather may you be the ultimate in our lives always, so that we may live a life worthy of the calling we have been given. And that we may be known as a people full of love and a people after God’s own heart.
Amen.
by Katie
Lord Jesus,
Thank you for your church. Thank you that you have called each of us out of darkness and into your glorious light. Thank you that you saved us into a community of people and bound us together by the indwelling presence of your Holy Spirit. Thank you that we are one body, and that you, Jesus, are our head. Thank you that the reason each of us belongs to this body is simply through faith in Christ Jesus alone. Thank you that although one, we have different roles to play and at the foot of the cross we are all equal and you have no favourites. Forgive us when we compete against each other, when we judge one another, when we do not love one another with the love of Christ. Father, fill us with your Holy Spirit that we might prefer one another. Might this church be a place where all are welcomed, because you have welcomed us, where all are cared for, because you care intimately for each of us, where we are encouraged to use our gifts because they are given from you. Might it be a place where we speak the truth in love to each other, and where our words are backed up by our deeds.
Father God we thank you for the leaders in our church. Thank you for this calling you have placed on each of their lives and for their obedience in following where you have led them. Thank you for their willingness to serve you by serving us, for our good. We ask that you would sustain them by growing them deeper in the grace and knowledge of you Jesus, our servant King.
Father, being a leader can, at times, be lonely. So we ask Lord that there would be good support and teamwork between our leadership and staff teams. Might they communicate well with one another. Grant them wisdom to delegate and also give them bold dreams to dream, all from your hand.
Father we ask that you would strengthen our leaders in their individual walks of faith with you. Lord, lead them not into temptation. Awaken them to any weak spots in their spiritual armour and might they run back to you again and again for further strengthening and protection. Might they seek and be willing to receive wise counsel from other christians who might pray with them, stand with them and share their burdens with them. And Father help us as a church to know how to serve our leaders well; help us to pray for them, to love them and to obey them. Father where our hearts are proud please would you humble us so that we willingly submit to their leadership and guidance, especially if our personal preferences or ideas are different to theirs. Help us to love you by submitting to them as we remember how Jesus submitted to the Father’s will though it meant death on a cross.
Father God might our leaders be so full of you, so full of your love, of your kindness and your grace that it is a joy to serve and obey them. Might they be shepherds of your flock who are only guided by you, the good shepherd. We acknowledge that they are only human and are in the process of being transformed like the rest of us. So father we ask that you would help us to be quick to forgive any wrongs, just as we ask that they might be quick to forgive our sins against them also.
Thank you for the advisory board who also support the church leaders. Please grant them insight and godly counsel, especially as together, they seek your will on decisions about future leadership structures. Open their eyes to your will for this church and help them to have teachable hearts. Might our leaders be as equally willing to take risks for you as they are ready to wait and be still before you.
Lord we thank you for enabling Maffy and Vanessa to come on as full time staff and the move towards Steve being increasingly so. Grant us generous hearts which are moved to give to you from our finances, so they might be provided for. Thank you that those who preach the Gospel among us are worthy of this provision. Help us to treasure them and to reflect that with our giving. We also pray for Ola as she recovers and looks after baby Theo- please grant them healing, recovery and rest. We also ask that you would grant Martina wisdom and that you would bless Tim as well as the new trustees, as they take on their roles.
So Lord, strengthen us your church. Might we remember your example King Jesus: that the path to greatness in the kingdom of heaven is the path of humble, sacrificial love and service. Fill each of us with your Holy Spirit; empower our leaders, whilst also raising up others for the future, so that we, the people of your inheritance, might be more and more ready for the glory that awaits us as your bride.
For the praise of your glorious name King Jesus,
Amen.
by Dustyn
This prayer stems from Matthew 6
Father, these prayers haven’t felt more necessary to pray than during these times. A prayer for us to pray together in community and realign our perspective and our hearts with yours. To centre back on Christ and who you are.
Our father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
God, we remember that you are in heaven and that your name is completely set apart and powerful and holy.
Because you are set apart and you are God, we can trust you when the world is shaken. We can run to you when we have fear, worry, or anxiety. We can know that you will never falter and that your power is total so our prayers are powerful in you.
We are also grateful that you are “Father”. Though you are enthroned in heaven, you are not far away from us, but near, close like a good father. Caring, concerned, in love with us. Thank you.
Your kingdom come
Father, we remember that your kingdom is not shaken, but it is steadfast. That, though the governments are in place for our good, (and we do pray for each one who governs, to govern well) that they are best when they reflect the values of your Kingdom. A kingdom driven from love for you the creator and a love for humanity. A kingdom with absolute power, but has no corruption. Establish your kingdom both in our hearts and in creation through us, Father.
Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
And knowing that, may we follow you fully to do your will on earth as it’s done in heaven. Obedience birthed from love to the God who loves us. The God whose ways lead to flourishing for all and real peace, real joy, and real love.
Give us this day our daily bread
Father, in this season of economic uncertainty, this pray means more. Provide. Daily let us receive both the bread that is our physical sustenance and also the bread that feeds our souls, you. You are the provider and we acknowledge that. May we be generous with surplus and meet the needs of others by your grace.
Forgive us our debts as we forgive others
Father, I ask that we may be gracious to one another and even more so during this season where we feel confined and where tempers can flare. May we reflect your infinite grace given to us through Jesus and because if that grace, may we give such grace to others. May we also remember to give ourselves the grace that you have given us and not beat ourselves up, but rest in your joy and grace, Father.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Lastly, may you please deliver us from evil. We confess Father that our hearts are inclined to broken things and to sin, but may you draw us to you, forgive us, redeem us, create repentance in us, and deliver us. Thank you, Father.
Father, we know that these prayers are for your people, but we know you’re heart is that all would know you and know your love. May you draw many to yourself in these times. May we see revival birthed out of such pain and desperation. May we see many more praying these prayers alongside us in the days and weeks to come.
For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever.
We pray these things in the name of the Father, the name of Jesus, and in the name of the Spirit. We love you, God.
Amen
by Emily
Dear Lord,
Thank you for bringing us through another week. Thank you for the sun that shone. Thank you for the new bits of creation we discovered and loved, within 2 kilometers of our homes. Thank you for the creations of your created people which taught us and entertained us this week, for books, for films, for art. Thank you for those who made them.
Thank you for the bonds of love that have been strengthened, by lots of time together, or lots of time apart. Thank you for the new things we have learned about people we have known forever, the things we have learned about ourselves. Thank you for those who hold hope for us, raise our spirits, and who care for us so well.
Thank you for the shop workers, health care workers and politicians, who are keeping us going. We pray that their rest will feel like double when they have it, and they have people who love them and listen to them, and hold them, and share their burdens and help recharge their batteries for another day.
Thank you for our homes, the ones we are in now, and the ones we would so love to be able to return to.
Lord, we pray for those whose homes now do not feel like places of safety; those whose homes hide violence. Those whose homes are too overcrowded and lack the facilities to safely cocoon; those in direct provision, for Travellers living on overcrowded halting sites, and those who have no homes at all.
We pray for wisdom and strength for those living in these situations, for those who advocate with them and on their behalf, for those in power, that nothing would block any action that might protect those who are most vulnerable – knowing that they are the most precious to you God.
We pray especially for those who work in women’s refuges, and in homeless organisations, for council workers who are working to secure safe, alternative accommodation for people. Lord help us to find our own place in redistributing hope to where it is most needed at this time
Lord we pray for those who work in nursing homes and those who live there, those who are afraid for themselves at this time, and for all who love them and cannot see them. Comfort those who have lost too many friends too soon. We mourn with all those who mourn across Ireland and across the world today. We pray for comfort for those who are grieving knowing you are close to the broken-hearted and pray for healing and protection for those who are sick, trusting that you are our healer.
We pray all this in the name of the Lord Jesus, who created us, who loves us and who sustains us, amen.
by Emma
Father,
Thank you that you are constant and unchanging, while all around us is changing and seems so unfamiliar, you are not. You are still good and you are still God. Thank you.
Thank you God that you are with us in both our victories and our sufferings. You are not a God who only associates with one or the other, but Jesus you know both.
I pray Holy Spirit that we would feel you so evidently in our lives now. That you would help us to see the Father at work in his world and that we would be thankful.
Holy Spirit draw near to those of us who are suffering right now.
God may we learn more about you and who you are through our struggles and time of suffering. May we come out of these hard times all the more in love and in awe of you and your goodness.
Thank you for who you are and all that you have done and will do for us. Father may we leave here today and may we leave this season all the more in wonder of you.
Our Saviour, our comforter and our friend.
Amen.
by Chloe
Easter Sunday Prayer
Jesus, I just thank you for what you have done for us.
I thank you for the cross. I thank you for taking our place. Thank you for taking away our sin, our shame,our brokenness and our illnesses. Thank you so much for doing what we couldn’t do. Thank you for loving us so much to do all of this. Thank you for rising again! Thank you Jesus that it is done, it is finished! That all we have to do is follow you.
I just pray today, despite this celebration of what you have done for us, that there is still so much pain and suffering around us. I pray for everyone feeling alone right now. Thank you that you are a Saviour that knows what that feels like more than any of us. I pray for those people, that you would bring hope and comfort to them.
I pray that this Easter, hearts will be turned towards you Jesus. Because you are a wonderful Saviour. You are that piece we are all searching for.
Again I just thank you for the cross, for your mercy and that you are risen and alive right now. I pray this all through your merciful name Jesus, Amen.
by Drew
Father God, though, we, your church, may be separated by quarantine on this unique Palm Sunday in the middle of a global pandemic, we unite together to remind ourselves and proclaim that there is no one like You, nor is there any God but You. You alone are the God over all the kingdoms of the earth, the King of kings, and as Creator of the universe, the whole world and all going on within it, is still in your hands. May we humbly bow before You in absolute surrender and worship, as You take the throne of our lives.
Reflecting on Who You truly are, we are in utter awe that You think about and care for each and every single one of us. How can this be?! But knowing that You love us, and in a way that is quite literally beyond our comprehension, is overwhelming to the point that words simply cannot express. A love that was once and for all demonstrated and proved by what You did at Calvary. A love that caused You our Creator to leave heaven’s splendour to take on human flesh so that You could lay down your life for us to become our Saviour! We praise and thank you for such amazing love, and pray that it would penetrate our hearts, change us and overflow to others.
Lord God, as we find ourselves thrown into what may feel like such an overwhelming storm of unprecedented uncertainty, where fears and worries of all kinds surround us in the face of so much suffering and death, let us not forget that You are the risen King who rose victoriously conquering death, You are still in control of all things and nothing takes You by surprise. You are indeed our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, our peace in this Covid -19 hurricane. We ask that it would not be fear or worry, but these truths from your Word that would become our realities, and that these realities in turn would be reflected in each of our lives as a testimony and witness to those looking on that don’t know you yet.
But oh God, we confess that perhaps many of us have been in need of a wakeup call that only a storm like this could bring. We confess the many ugly things within us and about our Christian lives that it has been exposing. Such as our belief that we were the masters of our own destiny, that we were in control. The many idols we have allowed to creep into our lives that have caused our hearts to grow cold and wonder from You. Our skewed priorities and the neglecting of our souls. Our feeble faith and misplaced trust. Our self-centredness and self-sufficiency. For social distancing ourselves from You. For these and so many more, may we genuinely repent that we may experience a greater moving and out pouring of your Holy Spirit within our lives and church in these last days.
Now that You have begun to get our attention, we pray that You would continue to strip away everything and everyone we have depended on so that we may learn to rely wholly on You. Remind us and impress on us that the Christian life is about denying self, taking up our cross and following You. Cause us to seek first your Kingdom and to centre our lives on Your Will, Your way and Your Word. Help us to understand how much we need You and to view all that is happening around us from your perspective. Change our hearts and make us more like Christ the object of our existence. Empty us of ourselves and fill us with your Holy Spirit. Wake us up from our slumber so that we may live lives in the light of eternity and the shortness of time. Help us to encourage and spur one another on to greater love and service all the more in these strange and isolating times as we see the day of our coming King approaching.
We may not know or understand all that You are doing or allowing in our world and even in our individual lives at this time, but we pray that any troubles or tribulations, pain or suffering we may experience, would make us so much more like the One who suffered immeasurably more for us… knowing that all things work together for the good of those who love You. But for all the wonderful things You are bringing about, for transformed hearts and changed lives, sinners convicted and souls saved, prayer increasing and the Gospel message spreading, for blessings big and small and so much more, we give you thanks, praise and all the glory. In the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we pray, amen.
by Tim
In this time of turmoil
Let us focus our minds on what we are certain of
God is sovereign and God is Good
In this time of cheap distraction
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus- the author and perfector of our faith
In this time of conversation
Let us control our tongue so that it brings healing
In this time of fear
Let our hearts cling onto love, a perfect love that drives out fear
In this time of reflection
May our hands create, cultivate, communicate
Bringing glory to the God whose hands laid the foundations of earth
In this time of temptation
Let us honour God with our bodies and flee from sexual immorality
In this time of darkness
May our feet bring the light of Jesus to all those we love who do not yet know him.
Amen.
by Katie
Heavenly Father,
We praise you, for you are a good God. Thank you that even though our world is dark and ever changing, you, are not- you, are the same yesterday, today and forever.
Jesus we praise you that YOU are the light of the world and the darkness has not overcome you. We praise you that you extinguished the deepest darkness by defeating death and rising victoriously to life. Thank you that you offer that same hope to us. So Father we ‘enter your gates with thanksgiving and your courts with praise’. For our hope cannot be snatched from us and your light can never be put out.
Thank you that in this time of uncertainty, you are our one assurance. Thank you Jesus that because you took our fears, sufferings and anxieties upon yourself on the cross, we can be assured of our eternal safety in you. Thank you that you are our rock and that nothing can separate us from your love, neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a]neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, And if you are for us, who can be against us?
Father we proclaim these truths, trusting that you will make them come alive to our hearts. For we confess that often, our hearts are cold. Help us to trust you. Might we be teachable and run towards, not away from you at this time.
Father you care for us as a shepherd does his flock. We will take a moment to pause and each of us bring before you one of our individuals needs at this time…
Father have mercy, provide what we need. Hear our prayers and answer them according to your unfailing love. We do pray especially for those of our church family who are in financial difficulties, stranded far apart from loved ones, are ill, or caring for sick relatives or those struggling with mental health at this time- might they in particular know your peace. Forgive us when we think only of ourselves- Lord help us to look around us at our church family and offer support and help where we can.
Father we also pray for our church leaders at this time. Thank you for all they have done to serve and encourage us over the past week, by facilitating this meeting, by listening to us, praying for us and organising and informing us. Grant them wisdom and strength as they continue to point us to Christ in this uncertain time. Might their cups be full to overflowing with your joy so that they might minister from a place of security rather than fear.
Father we also pray for our government. Thank you for the tirelessness with which they have sought to bring order and guidance to our country at this time. Father continue to bless them as they make difficult decisions about the future. Grant them supernatural insight and wisdom. Help us to love you and others by submitting to them, just as Christ submitted to death for our sakes.
Lord we bring before you every single healthcare worker on this island. Thank you for their skills and training and the way in which they are risking their own safety for the sake of others. Father, sustain them. When they are at their wits’ end, grant them supernatural strength. Protect them and their families, and Father speak into their fears. Strengthen those among them who are Christians, that they might point others to you.
Father, further abroad we think of China and are so thankful that the number of new corona virus cases seems to be halting rather than increasing. We also bring Europe before you and ask that you would reveal yourself to the many people in physical lockdown in countries such as Spain, France and Italy. Might you also comfort the many who are mourning- might they know your presence.
We thank you on this mother’s day for each of our mothers. Comfort those mothers who will spend the day on their own in self isolation who otherwise would have been with family. Might they know your love.
Father we ask that you would bring about your purposes in and through this situation. Might you work in ways far beyond anything we could ever have asked or imagined. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon this nation, upon this world, unlock the doors to people’s hearts so that many would turn to know you as their Lord and Saviour. Father where you have a role for us to play in your kingdom purposes, enable us to see that. Give us hearts of compassion and words of truth and grace. Grant us hungry hearts that desire your glory and that long to see your name high and lifted up.
We love you Lord. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen
by Kelsey Sykes
Thank you
God, we thank you for being mindful of each one of us. Thank you that you don’t leave us to sort things out on our own, but that you love us enough to tune into each thought, desire, and concern of our hearts, in every moment of the day. Thank you for being the ultimate comforter and protector. Thank you for loving us enough to come down to earth through Jesus to atone for our sins forever, and for having an unashamed willingness to call us brothers and sisters when it’s beyond what we deserve.
As we face a season of uncertainty in the midst of COVID 19, we express our awe and thanks for your sovereignty and your power – That you are the perfect administrator and oversee-er. You spoke the earth into being and are in complete control. Help us to remember that what the world is suffering now is nothing compared to the glory that you will reveal to us. Our present troubles are temporary but life with you is eternal. Fill us with the strength and peace of Christ, and a compassionate confidence to face this season.
For each other
We pray that you would use this time to draw us closer to you, and turn us towards your truth through scripture. As we hear news of the virus from a variety of sources, help us to not be distracted from your will for us, and help us to fix our minds and hearts on you. As our congregation is physically apart, lead us into a time where we actually become closer and more connected as a church, as we support, encourage and assist one another. We pray that CCC will be a reflection of your peace and servant-heartedness as we look for ways to support Dublin.
For the sick and vulnerable
We pray for the sick – Those who may have COVID 19 now, are recovering, or may be vulnerable. Bring them renewed strength physically, and bring them knowledge of your hope. Take away their fear and restlessness, and show them rest. We pray that instead of turning to worry or hopelessness, they would turn to you.
For family members of the sick/those passed
We pray for the family members of those who are sick or those who have passed. Comfort them, bring them peace, and defend them from illness or despair. Use this time to bring them closer to you and lead them into your joyful love.
For doctors and those on the frontline
God, thank you for the doctors, nurses, and medical professionals in Dublin and around the world who are working in the front lines. Protect them from illness, give them compassion, boldness, and energy to do good work for your glory. Provide them with supportive communities.
For leaders
We also pray for leaders of nations around the world who are grappling with large decisions surrounding COVID 19. Grant them your peace, and give them clarity and foresight to act out of well-being and compassion for your people.
Remembrance
Lord, we remember what you’ve told us through Isaiah:
“When the poor and needy search for water and there is none, and their tongues are parched from thirst, then I, the Lord, will answer them. I, the God of Israel, will never abandon them. I will open up rivers for them on the high plateaus. I will give them fountains of water in the valleys. I will fill the desert with pools of water.” – Isaiah 41:17-18
We thank you for your endless love. We know that the more time we spend with you, the less we’ll worry, and the more joyful we’ll be. Give us a stronger comprehension of who you are, and a stronger hunger for you. That as a church we’ll come to know you better than ever before and we won’t be shaken. Thank you for who you are. Amen.
That is beautiful! Thank you for the reminders of God’s great love for us.