St Mary's

Prayers

4th October 2026 by Paula

Intercession Prayers: 4.10.26  Harvest Service -Paula 

Heavenly Father, we come before you today thankful that you provide for us and that you do not let us go hungry, either physically or spiritually, when we put our trust in you. Teach us, as Jesus taught his disciples, to recognise that true greatness is found not in status but in humble service. 

Lord, we thank you for this harvest time. We thank you and ask for your blessing over our farmers, factory workers, delivery drivers, shop workers and everyone who brings food to our tables. As Paul reminds us, you are the one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food. Help us to sow generously, to share gladly, and to welcome those who need support, just as Jesus welcomed the child among his disciples. We thank you for this reminder that where there is abundance, we can share it with people and organisations who support those in greater need, and we thank you humbly for giving us this opportunity to share your gifts in our local community. 

Father, we pray for our church leaders here at St Mary’s, across the wider Team Ministry, and for all who are called to minister. Bless their work and protect them as they step out in faith to serve you every day.  We thank you for the many people in our church who quietly serve, following Jesus’ call to be “servant of all.”  

We thank you for the Harvest Make and Take yesterday, for all who helped with crafts, reception, refreshments, setting up and clearing down.  Thank you for all the children and families who came and for the fun they had, the crafts they made and the friendships they shared.  Bless each family with your love and peace this week.  Help the children to grow in joy, kindness and confidence, knowing that Jesus welcomes them just as he welcomed the child in today’s reading.  May every family who visited feel at home here at St Mary’s, and may we continue to serve them with the gentle, humble love that Jesus taught his disciples.  

Father, we pray again for situations in the world that are so challenging and dangerous. We ask for your protection over all who are suffering or who are going hungry. Bring lasting peace where there is pain and conflict. Strengthen agencies and organisations who intervene and support those in need. May the food and medicine they carry reach the most vulnerable - the very ones Jesus teaches us to welcome in his name. 

Father God, we pray for our own country and for our leaders. Grant them wisdom and discernment to make decisions that benefit the whole nation, especially those who struggle or feel overlooked. 

Lord, we pray for our own community. Make us more aware of situations where we can help and give us courage to step out in your precious name, serving others with the humility Jesus showed when he placed a child at the centre of his teaching. 

Father God, we pray for those who are sick or waiting on test results or treatment. Comfort them, give them peace, and in Jesus’s most precious name we ask for healing. We pray for their families who support them, and for doctors, nurses and carers who look after them. 

We pray for those who have recently lost a loved one, or whose anniversary is approaching. May your Spirit bring them comfort and peace at this sad time. 

Merciful Father,  

Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.