Prayers for Patronal Festival at St Mary's

The following prayers were written for the Patronal Festival at St Mary the Virgin, Lapworth celebrated on 5th September 2010. (Birthday of Blessed Virgin Mary, transferred from 8th September.) The prayers were used at an 11am "Family Eucharist" service, and were read by teenagers.



Heavenly Father,
We thank you for this church of St Mary’s.
We thank you for Mary our Patron.
We pray for the grace to live like Mary;
always trusting in the word of God
and living our lives according to the word of God.
Lord in your mercy
here our prayer.


Heavenly Father,
We pray for the world that you created.
We thank you for the beauty of nature
and for all the joys of life.
We pray for people who suffer at this time.
We remember especially people affected by floods in Pakistan.
May they be saved from their problems
and know your love and care.
Lord in your mercy
here our prayer.


Heavenly Father,
We pray for this parish of Lapworth.
We thank you for its beauty, prosperity and its peace.
We pray for those in particular need of our prayers,
especially….
May they trust always in your love,
and my they know your wholeness and healing.
Lord in your mercy
hear our prayer


Heavenly Father,
We pray for those who have gone before us
on the pathway to heaven.
We pray for....
who have died recently.
We pray for all who mourn their loss on earth.
We thank you for the fellowship we share with the church in heaven
with Mary and all the angels and saints.
May death be for us all a gateway to this most blessed life.
Merciful Father
Accept these prayers…