Weekly prayers | St Mark's Anglican C

Monthly Prayers

September 2023

26th September

Small Groups

Lord we pray for our small groups- The McManus’ on Monday night, the Lytton’s on Tuesday night, Beejai and Sarah’s group on Thursday, Pam’s Thursday afternoon group, Marysia’s on Friday morning, Gina’s group on Saturday, and Dave and Kendall’s group on Sunday.

Thank you for providing groups where members of St Mark’s can gather under your word. Please grow the people in these groups in godliness- bring them closer to you, deepen their faith, and lead them to apply what they’ve learnt in the Bible to their lives.

Help these groups to love and serve one another with Christ-like humility. As Jesus taught us, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” May they be an encouragement to each other as they spur each other on towards love and good deeds, and together run the race before them.

We also thank you Lord for the leaders you have appointed over our groups. Please Grant them wisdom, as they study and prepare to lead the studies. Grow them in the understanding of your Word and fill them with your Holy Spirit, that they may impart the truth of the Bible with clarity and accuracy. Grant them hearts of compassion and patience as they interact with the members of their groups. Please also grow them in godliness, that they may be living examples of your love, grace, and humility.

We pray this through Jesus our Lord, Amen.

27th September

Frank Siage, studying at Bunda Bible College

- Thanks to God that Frank is able to study at Bunda Bible College, and that God would continue to bless him as he trains for gospel ministry
- Thanks for Bunda Bible College as it's equipping pastors and lay leaders for gospel ministry and community leadership
- For the students- Many of them are already leaders and evangelists in their home churches
- That God would continue to bless Bunda Bible College- that they'd continue to train students in gospel ministry well, become financially stable in the long term, and complete building projects.

- For the College to have its own website and reliable internet.

- That God would continue to enable Anglican Aid to provide student scholarships.

28th September

For Christians Everywhere

Lord God, we give thanks that you are always attentive to the prayers of your people. We pray for your people throughout the world, and for those here in Sydney. Strengthen us for our witness and work in the world. Assist your people to boldly confess our trust in Jesus, and speak of your grace and glory to those who don't yet know you and need your salvation. Please continue to grow and sustain your Church, as we await the glorious day when Jesus will return, and every knee shall bow to him.

In Jesus name, Amen.

29th September

Anglicare

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Anglicare and the love they show to others. Bless everyone in Anglicare, from the workers to the volunteers, as they help those in need.

Lord Jesus, please guide Anglicare in their mission. Help them give shelter to the homeless, comfort to the lonely, and support to those who are struggling. Give them wisdom to understand people's needs and care for them in body, mind, and spirit.

Holy Spirit, inspire Anglicare to share Your healing love. Help them bring hope and good news of salvation to those who are hurting. Strengthen them to fight for fairness and equality, standing up for the marginalized.

Loving God, bless Anglicare with what they need to continue their important work. May their kindness touch more lives and serve the growth of Your Kingdom.

We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

30th September

Leaders of the world

Heavenly Father, We pray for the peoples of the world; their leaders; Charles our King; Anthony Albanese our Prime Minister, Chris Minns our Premier, Ned Manoun our Mayor, and those who make and administer our laws; all who have responsibility; all men and women in their daily work. Give wisdom to those in authority in every land, and guide all peoples in the way of righteousness and peace, so that they may share with justice the resources of the earth, work together in trust, and seek the common good. Father, hear our prayer, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

31st September

A prayer as we await future glory

Heavenly Father,

We know our present sufferings cannot be compared to the glorious future You have prepared for us. Help us to embrace this truth and hold unwavering faith, knowing that You are working all things together for our good according to Your purpose.

Amidst our weaknesses and doubts, we find comfort in the assurance that Your Spirit intercedes for us with perfect understanding. We thank You for the depth of Your love and the adoption You have bestowed upon us, enabling us to call You "Abba, Father."

In the midst of a groaning creation, we fix our eyes on the hope of redemption. Grant us the sight to see beyond our present circumstances and trust in Your sovereign plan. Help us to give our worries and fears to you, knowing that nothing can separate us from Your love. As we walk this journey, may Your Spirit lead us in hope, joy, and peace, transforming us to be like Your Son, Jesus Christ.

In His name we pray, Amen.

October 2023

1st October

A prayer of praise based on Psalm 33

O Lord, we bless your holy name.

For you have forgiven our iniquity

Healed our sickness, redeemed us from the pit,

And crowned us with love and mercy.

You work your righteousness and justice for the oppressed

You have made known your ways to your people

You are slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love

You do not deal with us according to our sins

But as a Father is compassionate to his children,

So you show compassion to those who fear you.

Lord, what is man? He is like a flower of the field- one day it is there and then it is gone.

But your love, O Lord, is upon those who fear you, from everlasting to everlasting.

Your throne is established in the heavens, your Kingdom rules over all.

O Lord Almighty, we bless your holy name.

Amen

2nd October

The congregation at St Mark's, from Phillippians 1:27-30

Dear Lord,

We pray for your people in the church at St Mark’s. Thank you that have granted them belief in the Lord Jesus. We pray that whatever they do, they will conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Help them to stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel, without being frightened in any way by those who oppose them. Fill them with the knowledge of your salvation.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

3rd October

Former staff- The Smiths in Grenfell

That they would have boldness for the gospel in their community
For the new playgroup the church will be starting in October- Trinity Playgroup
For the holiday club running in week 2 of the holidays in partnership with the Presbyterian/Uniting church
For God’s continued financial provision, and that the church members would be able to switch to online giving

4th October

SRE in Harrington St and Busby

Thank you for the opportunity we have to teach SRE in schools. We ask that you would use this ministry for your glory- that through it people would hear about Jesus and be saved. We ask that the students would be receptive to the gospel, and that our teachers would have good relationships with the staff. We thank you for the gospel opportunities that have been coming from these ministries and continue to ask for your blessings. Please sustain our teachers when there are tough days, and give them encouragements that help them to persevere.

We pray especially for Busby and Harrington Street schools:

For the children at both schools- that they would know you as their Lord and Saviour
For Priya, that you would sustain and encourage her as she teaches her 3-6 class at Busby
We give thanks for Kendall and Pam, and the time they were able to spend with their classes, and ask that their ministry to those children would produce a crop
We ask for new teachers to take over those classes- the K-2 class at Busby and the K-2 class at Harrington St

5th October

Our BCA partners- The Klouths

Pray that our church continues to grow in their knowledge and love of God, and that our lay leaders will lead faithfully while we take time off and adjust to becoming a family of four.

Give thanks for the safe delivery of Rachel Joy Klouth, born on 24/9/2023

6th October

For the ill, mentally ill, and those who mourn

God of grace, power, and mercy;

Look with compassion on your servants who are ill and mentally ill. Give them courage and complete confidence in your protection, and keep them in peace.

Lord of compassion, your hand is always stretched out in blessing and healing of the sick; we pray for those who are ill and mentally ill, that they may be set free from the sickness which afflicts them and be healed by your power.

Father of all mercies and giver of all comfort; deal graciously, we pray, with those who mourn, that, casting all their care on you, they may know the consolation of your love.

O God, maker and redeemer of all mankind, we pray for the coming of your kingdom, that in the last day, when you bring together all things in Christ, we with all who have died in him may enjoy the fulfilment of your promises; for the honour and glory of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

7th October

Umthombo Wempilo

Praise God for the first women’s fellowship event that was held in March. Thirty-eight women attended and heard the parable of the lost son from Luke 15. They were challenged to re-connect their lives back to the Lord.
Praise God for the women who are going to Umthombo Wempilo Bible study groups.
Give thanks for the women who have given birth safely after coming to Umthombo Wempilo for help. Pray for comfort and healing for one of the women whose baby died recently, soon after birth.
Pray that the women who are leaving sex work will find safer, positive employment.

8th October

Collect for the 18th Ordinary Sunday

Sentence

Jesus says: I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not

hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst. John 6.35

Father of everlasting goodness,

our creator and guide,

be close to us

and hear the prayers of all who praise you.

Forgive our sins and restore us to life.

Keep us safe in your love.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

9th October

Playtime families, from Isaiah 55

Dear Lord,

You say to us that the word that goes out from your mouth does not return to you empty, but it accomplishes what you desire, and achieves the purpose for which you sent it. We ask that as your Word goes out to the parents and children at Playtime, that they would listen to you, and eat what is good, give ear and come to you, that they may live.

In our Lord Jesus’ name, Amen.

10th October

A prayer for the upcoming Voice to Parliament referendum

(With thanks to murraycampbell.net)

Abba Father,

Our nation’s past is complex, Lord, and so are our hearts. We pray for all the debate happening around the referendum about the Aboriginal Voice to Parliament at the moment.

You are a God of justice, and we pray that the outcome would be a just one. You are a God of mercy, and we pray that the outcome would be a merciful one.

You are a God who cares for the widows and orphans, the weakest among us, and we pray that the outcome and the way the debate is conducted would honour the weak and helpless.

We pray for our own hearts, that your Holy Spirit would convict us of our own sinful attitudes, wherever they may lie.

We pray for our Aboriginal brothers and sisters in Christ. We thank you for the deep godliness and sanctification of many aboriginal Christians who are living for the Lord, often in tough circumstances. We pray you would keep them faithful to your word, and fill them with your Spirit boldly to declare the praises of him who called them out of darkness into his marvelous light. We pray that you would open a door for their ministry, so that more and more aboriginal men and women can find freedom, fulfilment and life in Christ.

With issues like the Voice likely to cause divisions among Christians, we pray the words that Jesus himself prayed in John 17:

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen

11th October

The staff team- from 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Dear Lord,

We pray for our staff- Dave, Beejai and Erin, that you would make them worthy of your calling, that through your power you would bring to fruition their every desire for goodness, and their every deed prompted by faith. We ask this, so that the name of our Lord Jesus would be glorified through them, and they in him, through your grace.

In his name we pray, Amen

12th October

Our state member for Liverpool, Charishma Kaliyanda

- that in light of significant challenges in cost of living, there would be clear guidance on how best to advocate for the community.

-People come to her office in significant hardship, and she is a new member, with a new team most of whom are quite young facing confronting issues. She wants prayer to keep remembering that sometimes she and her team meet people on their worst day, she also doesn't want to over promise and create unrealistic hopes.

-She is thankful for a team of locals, she wants them to maintain their compassion and enthusiasm without experiencing secondary trauma from some of the tragic stories they hear.

-She would love prayer for increasing diversity and collaboration in the local community.

13th October

The Persecuted Church

Gracious Heavenly Father, we lift up our brothers and sisters who face persecution for their faith. In their suffering, we pray that the light of the Gospel would shine brightly, reaching the darkest corners and transforming hearts with the message of salvation.

Lord, grant boldness and clarity to these faithful Christians as they share their unwavering faith in the midst of persecution. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit, that their words may be empowered by Your truth and love. Strengthen them to stand firm in their convictions, undeterred by opposition, and unafraid to proclaim Your name. Grant them the courage to endure, knowing that their ultimate reward awaits them in Your eternal Kingdom.

Lord, we pray for a powerful work of Your Spirit in the hearts of those who persecute Your people. Soften their hearts, open their eyes to the truth, and bring about transformation and salvation even amidst hostility. May the testimonies and unwavering faith of these persecuted Christians serve as a witness that leads many to find salvation in Jesus Christ.

In the name of Jesus, our Saviour and Redeemer, we lift up this prayer. Amen.

14th October

The persecuted Church- Church community in Sri Lanka

Situation:

A Pentecostal church in Sri Lanka has faced attacks and opposition from Buddhist monks and villagers for two consecutive Sundays. The services were interrupted, and the church gate was damaged.

Pastor Wasantha, lead pastor of this Pentecostal church in the central province of Sri Lanka, was falsely accused of encouraging others to tell Buddhist villagers to be baptised in return for goods and supplies.

A young believer attempted to record the situation, but his phone was snatched from his hands, and the recordings were deleted by the mob, leaving the pastor with no proof of the attack and interruption.

Authorities refused to act against the mob, citing a lack of evidence. The officers also accused the pastor and his family, asking him to stop conducting church services in the area.

Open doors local partners went to visit Pastor Wasantha and his wife, to offer spiritual, emotional, and practical support. They installed cameras in the church to help pastor to record any interruption. This will help the church get legal support if the mob decides to harass the church and the pastor again.

Pray for protection for Pastor Wasantha and his family.
Pray that legal action is taken and justice is served when the pastor reports cases to the police officers.
Pray that the believers will not be dismayed, and that they will stand firm in the Lord through all the problems.

15th October

Collect for the 19th Ordinary Sunday

Sentence

Praise the Lord, his people; he fills you with the finest of the

wheat. see Psalm 148.12,14

Lord God, you know that we cannot put our trust in anything that

we do: help us to have faith in you alone, and mercifully defend

us by your power against all adversity; through Jesus Christ our

Lord. Amen.

16th October

St Mark’s Youth

Loving God,

We lift up our church youth group and its leaders. Thank you for the gift of these teenagers and the opportunity to guide them in their faith.

Lord, we pray for their spiritual growth. Ignite within them a passion for you and a hunger for your Word, that they would grow to become more like our Lord Jesus. Strengthen their friendships, that they may encourage and support each other as they navigate the challenges of life. And Lord please protect them from worldly temptations and negative influences. Shield them from harm and guide them on the path of righteousness. May they be a shining light, living out their faith boldly and fearlessly in their schools, neighbourhoods, and beyond.

Bless our youth group leaders, Dave, Briony, Doohan, and Yvette. Pour out your wisdom upon them as they teach and mentor the youth.

In all things, may your name be glorified, and your Kingdom be advanced through our youth group and its leaders.

In Jesus name, Amen.

17th October

A prayer for Christ to gather his sheep

Dear Father,

We thank you for your Son the Lord Jesus, who in obedience to you laid down his life by dying on the cross, then took it back up again in his resurrection from the dead.

We praise you that he is the Good Shepherd who laid his life down for his sheep, we praise you for his love, generosity and courage. We also praise you for his concern to gather his sheep, not only the obvious ones, but surprising ones too, like Zacchaeus the tax collector, the Samaritan woman at the well, Cornelius the Centurion and even Saul, a killer of Christians.

May Christ continue to gather his sheep throughout the world, that there may be one flock and one shepherd. We pray especially for his gathering of his sheep in our local area. May he gather those who are already his, but away from the flock. May he gather those who are not yet his sheep, but will be in your good timing. May they listen to his voice, love him and join all your sheep in following their Good Shepherd. In the Good Shepherd’s name, we pray. Amen.

18th October

For Beejai as community Chaplain

- For God's providence as he studies with The Well, and balances work, study and family at the same time

- That God would continue to provide financially for Beejai and his family

- For his chaplaincy in the community- Thanks be to God for the partnerships he's already made with DCJ, Department of Housing etc. Pray that he'd continue to have wisdom in maintaining these relationships

- For contacts he meets, that God would give him wisdom and discernment as he helps people in difficult situations, and that the Holy Spirit would give him the right words to speak and would soften the hearts of those listening, that they might accept the message of the gospel and be saved.

19th October

Our Christian leaders

Dear father,

We pray for our Christian leaders- For our Archbishop Kanishka Raffel, Bishop Peter Lin, and our Pastor Dave Morgan. We thank you for their salvation, and thank you for appointing them as leaders in your Church. We ask that your Holy Spirit would help them to grow in their love and trust in you, and please give them wisdom and guidance as they lead your people.

We pray for their families- please give our leaders godly priorities as they balance their time between work and home. Please help them and their families to grow in love and unity as they serve Jesus together. Help them to not grow weary of doing good. Please give them refreshment and sustenance through hard things and encouragement as they persevere in your ministry.

Finally, we ask that you would help Kanishka, Peter and Dave to grow in humility, give them boldness in the gospel, keep them healthy, pure, and sincere, and bless them abundantly in all they do.

For your glory Lord, Amen

20th October

For Su Lucre in Chaplaincy at Ashcroft Public School

- Thank God for the opportunities Su is having at Ashcroft
- Pray for ongoing fruitfulness in her work and amongst families
- For God's work in the lives of parents, teachers and children at the school
- For God's sustenance of the Lucre family

21st October

Small Groups

We pray this through Jesus our Lord, Amen.

22nd October

Collect for the 20th Ordinary Sunday

Sentence

O Lord God of hosts, hear our prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob.

For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.

Psalm 84.8,10

God our Father, you have prepared for those who love you such

good things as pass man’s understanding: pour into our hearts such

love towards you, that we, loving you above all things, may obtain

your promises which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus

Christ our Lord. Amen

23rd October

For Christians Everywhere

In Jesus name, Amen.

24th October

AnglicanAid

Dear God,

Thankyou for the opportunity that AnglicanAid has to focus on overseas development and ministry work. We pray that you would bless their vision, to see your grace overflowing to a world in need. Please enable AnglicanAid to keep doing these good works through the generosity of your people.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

25th October

Frank Siage, studying at Bunda Bible College

- For the College to have its own website and reliable internet.

- That God would continue to enable Anglican Aid to provide student scholarships.

26th October

Leaders of the world

27th October

A prayer for when we suffer

Lord,

We thank you that you have told us to come to you for rest- that your yoke is easy and your burden is light. Help us to learn from you- you are humble and gentle in heart. Give us rest when our souls are weary, dear Lord.

And please Give us joy as we remember your unchanging nature, and the salvation that has already been won for us. Help us to persevere through our suffering Lord, so that we would become mature in our faith, and receive the crown of life that you have promised us.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

28th October

For our wardens and Parish Council

Dear Lord,

We thankyou for our wardens and Parish council, who serve us by bearing responsibilities and caring for us as a church family.

May you continue to give them godly wisdom as together they make decisions, and guide them to seek first Your glory. Please guard them from any sin or temptation, and may their lives be a great example of the love we have in Jesus Christ. In His name we pray, amen.

29th October

Collect for the 21st Ordinary Sunday

Sentence

Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer us. Save your servants who

trust in you. Be gracious to us, O Lord, for to you do we cry all

the day long. Psalm 86.1-3

Lord God, you know us to be set in the midst of so many great

dangers that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always

stand upright: grant us such strength and protection as may support

us in all dangers and carry us through all temptations;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

30th October

The lost people in our area

Merciful God, you have made all men and hate nothing that you have made, nor do you desire the death of a sinner but rather that he should be converted and live: have mercy on the people in our area, and all who do not know you, or who deny the faith of Christ crucified. Take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of your word; and bring them home to your fold, blessed Lord, so that they may become one flock under one shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

31st October

A prayer as we await future glory

Heavenly Father,

In His name we pray, Amen.