DAILY PRAYER

Every day we share prayers on facebook and our website.  

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We would now like to extend this to sharing your prayer requests on Fridays. 

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So if anyone would like someone or something prayed for then please let us know. 

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Please email our vicar, Rev. John McDermott, at: 

vicar@stcuthbertsonline.com

PENNY'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

May 23rd

As so many events around the world find their impact on us all today we pray for those who are deeply concerned about the rises in prices for food and heating. This will as ever impact most upon the poorest families in our country as well as those in other places round the world. We pray for all who work for the relief of want and who care for those in need. We pray for those who are active in working for a fairer world, for the relief of poverty and for just wages. Here in Amble we pray for our Food Bank, those who work in social services and agencies helping with debt relief, mental health issues and other associated issues. Jesus Christ when he was here on earth was the friend of the poor and friendless. Let us follow in his footsteps.

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lord Jesus Christ,friend of the friendless and the poor, we pray today for all those who are worried about the cost of living and their future. Give them comfort and strengthen the hands of those who work for a fairer world for all. In his name we pray. Amen.

PENNY'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

May 2nd

Today is a Bank Holiday in UK with its emphasis on “Going out”. As we go out into our gardens, the countryside and places of enjoyment, let’s remember those who can’t go out. So we think of those in hospital especially the long term patients, those in care home, prisons and those unable to leave their own homes. Let us also remember those still trapped in the steel works at Mariupol in Ukraine and pray for their release. Let’s pray for them that although they may be constrained bodily, their minds may be free to think and remember favourite places and find moments of freedom from their constraints.

Give O Lord, to those constrained by circumstances to one place, the freedom of mind to remember and enjoy experiences from the past. Give patience and understanding to those who care for them.  Give freedom to those trapped in Mariupol and other places at war. In the name of Jesus, who sets us all free. Amen.  

SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

May 3rd

John chapter 21 verses 1-19 “Feed my sheep”

We’ve had the resurrection, the upper room and Thomas doing his famous ‘doubting’ bit. The disciples are gradually understanding that Jesus is alive, but they are not sure what that means for real, everyday life. There is no more preaching and teaching, so they can’t follow Jesus and be his disciples any more, but neither are they sure they can launch out without him. The disciples are feeling a bit like spare arms – not sure what they are for and a little bit in the way.

So Peter seeks the comfort of familiar routine. “I’m going out to fish,” he says, and the rest agree. It’s easy to do, to slip back into the comfortable, the known. After all, fish need catching, don’t they?

Yes, Jesus has risen, like he said he would. That’s great. But now what? What difference does it make?

Just after our passage comes one of the sweetest events in the gospels. Peter wades ashore and finds Jesus barbecuing fish on the beach for breakfast. Jesus tends to Peter’s physical hunger, and then fills his spiritual emptiness too. “Simon son of John, do you love me? … You know that I love you … Feed my lambs … Take care of my sheep … Feed my sheep.” Fisherman turned shepherd.

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Lord Jesus,

Thank you that you see beyond the limitations of our everyday, familiar lives.
You heal us and send us out to new adventures.
Help us to say with Peter, “You know everything Lord, you know that I love you,”
and then to step out boldly where you are leading.

Amen

MARI'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

May 4th

Long journey today, setting off early!

Bread has been part of human history for centuries. It’s important in daily life and is a symbol of culture, history, hunger, wealth, war, and peace.  It is essential food; it is a staple, and it is one of the most accessible foods for all people. To live physically, we need bread, — but to live spiritually — Jesus offers himself, as the bread of life, who is always ready to welcome us.       Why did Jesus call himself the bread of life? (John chapter 6 verses 35-40) The Jews understood that God promised them manna from heaven to sustain them on their journey to the promised land. We could not live without food for very long.  Bread sustains. Here Jesus appeals to the soul for nourishment.  He meant something more than physical existence.  The life Jesus refers to is God connected, a relationship with Him of trust and love.  This is what Jesus makes possible -- a  relationship with God who created us. Are we satisfied with just physical existence or do we hunger for something deeper?  Jesus offers himself as spiritual food producing the life of God within us. 

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Lord Jesus, you are the Bread of Life, that manna which sustains in the desert of daily lives. Without you we hunger for life that will forever be found wanting. Sustain us and many others who yearn for that bread which gives us life. Amen

PETER'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

May 5th

Truth tellers

Last Tuesday was World Press Freedom Day, which gives us the opportunity to pray for those who exert influence over us in picture and word, via traditional or social media. In the 18th Century, Edmund Burke was reported to have said; ‘There are Three Estates in Parliament; but, in the Reporters’ Gallery yonder, there sits a Fourth Estate more important far than they all.’ Sadly, respect for the media has been severely shaken lately - especially when we see how the Russian official media distorts the truth about the war in Ukraine and manipulates the very heart of the Russian soul. The media in the west cannot be particularly self satisfied either.Yet, at its very best, the media continues to hold those in power to account, to call out injustice where it is seen, and unseen, and to be a voice to the voiceless. As Christians, we pray for those in the media to uncover the beauty of hope, love and renewal that blossom in the debris of conflict, greed and exploitation. We pray that everyone in the media turn their weapons of word and image into ploughshares of peace and reconciliation. We pray all for ‘Truth Tellers’ and uphold freedom of expression and information as a public good.

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Lord Jesus, Pilate once asked you, “What is truth?” Today we ask the same. Fake news? Spin? Poetic license? Or the desire to reach to the very heart of things: To inform, teach, reflect, ponder this messy business of being human. Guard, guide and protect our journalists. Make them harbingers of truth. And for those who know you as their Lord, heralds of the Gospel of truth.May your Kingdom come. Amen.

FRIDAY'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

May 6th

Up and down these islands there were elections yesterday. Here in Amble we were not asked to vote but it is a suitable reminder to pray for those in public office. All people have a responsibility for community life but those who put themselves forward for office need our prayers as they make decisions which touch the lives of others.

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Almighty god, King of Kings and lord of Lords, we thank you for those who serve their communities in local government. We pray especially for those newly elected that they may remain true to their promises.  May all communities look out for the common good and especially for those who are most vulnerable.  In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. 

JOHN'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

May 7th

Prayer for the Spirit of Peace

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We have been praying for the safety and well-being of the people of Ukraine since the invasion began. We will continue to pray for them, for all those whose lives are in danger, for hope in dark times, and for a peace that will end division and violence.

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God of Mercy,
We pray for Ukraine.
For all of humanity distorted by war.
For all the lives lost, homes seized and peace broken.
May the Spirit of comfort and compassion envelop all who dwell in fear.
May the Spirit of wisdom and humility enliven our global leaders.
May we affirm the dignity and rights of all.
May we seek peace.

Amen.

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Picture “Innocent Goodbye” Oil on canvas by Anna Steinhouse-Kandelaki. Thank you Anna.

JOHN'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

May 8th

4th Sunday of Easter

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We pray that we may hear to the Master’s voice and listen to his words.

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Risen Christ,

faithful shepherd of your Father’s sheep:

teach us to hear your voice

and to follow your command,

that all your people may be gathered into one flock,

to the glory of God the Father.

Amen.

PENNY'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

May 9th

Sleep.

The healing power of a good night’s sleep is in no doubt but for many people sleep at night seems to be elusive. Today we pray for those who find sleep eludes and suffer with health problems as a result. Let us pray that those who worry may find others to share their problems, those who are in pain may find release and those who need help to sleep well, may find it.  God has provided sleep as a way to reset us for a new day, may this gift of sleep be given to all.

Lord of day and night, we pray for those who find sleep difficult. Give them the help they need and rest for both body and spirit. In the name of Jesus.  Amen. 

SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

May 10th

John Chapter 10 Verse 22-30  “My sheep hear my voice and I know them”

There is a story about the detective Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Mr. Watson. Watson is highly intelligent, but he always misses the obvious.

So Holmes and Watson are on a camping trip. In the middle of the night Holmes wakes up and gives Dr. Watson a nudge. “Watson” he says, “look up in the sky and tell me what you see.”

“I see millions of stars, Holmes,” says Watson.
“And what do you conclude from that, Watson?”

Watson thinks for a moment. “Well,” he says, “astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo. Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. Theologically, I see that God is all-powerful, and we are small and insignificant. Uh, what does it tell you, Holmes?

“Watson, you idiot! Someone has stolen our tent!”

Sometimes we miss the obvious! 

Loving Shepherd,   You lead and guide,

You walk alongside,   You prepare, you feed, you call,

O Loving Shepherd,   We have all we need,

as we live in You.   Amen.

MARI'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

May 11th

Born in Newcastle we remember today Mary Astell (1666-1731), who was a devout Anglican, who observed all the vigils, fasts, and feasts of the established church. She argued for a woman’s right to an independent intellectual life. Her advocacy of equal educational opportunities for women has earned her the title "the first English feminist."

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It was not her womanhood that many admired: it’s her sheer intellect and her ability to debate freely with men and women–she was a brilliant philosopher.  She recognised that when a woman married she put “herself entirely into her husband's power, and if the matrimonial yoke be grievous, neither law nor custom affords her that redress which a man obtains”. She promoted the idea that women as well as men had the ability to reason, and subsequently they should not be treated so poorly.

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The Christian concept of God played a crucial role in Astell’s to bring women to the knowledge of the true source of their happiness. “We can be assured”, she says, “that God always does what is best and most becoming of his infinite perfection; and enables women to live lives in accordance with the law of God and reason—this is the surest route to their happiness”.  

Lord, let us give thanks for Mary Astell who challenged the role of women in faith and with courage.  We give thanks for all women who dare to step forward and lead, who challenge the stereotypes of society and risk standing alone, giving thanks for the opportunities where women and girls can gain to fulfil their true potential. 

PETER'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

May 12th

Have they arrived yet?

Maybe I haven’t been observant enough but I haven’t yet seen a swallow, or house martin or swift in the skies above Amble. So I hope you have. Hopefully by the time this is published I will have had that pleasure. These wonderful acrobatic avian harbingers of summer are struggling to find enough to eat. These birds generally feed on flying insects, which have declined by a massive 60 percent in the last 20 years. This doesn’t just affect the birds though. Plants need insects for pollination, and they are essential for the natural recycling of waste and dead matter. The major causes of these declines are believed to be related to agriculture. The use of pesticides and fertilizers is killing insects, and the conversion of meadows, woodland and hedgerows into pasture and field and housing estate is also having a damaging effect.  This is just one example of how we collectively have not been good stewards of our planet. For this we apologise to the Creator and seek to do what we can, to keep ourselves educated, and make informed choices, for example about how we use the space in our gardens, what food we buy.

Prayer

Over the past century, we have noticed the diminution of the living diversity of creation and of the health of the ecosystems that support it; Help us Lord, to do our part to stop further decline in the health of our planet by the way we live our lives. May we tread more lightly upon this earth. Amen

ELIZABETH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

May 13th

Sacred Space

Where is your sacred space?  It could be your local church, or your favourite place to walk and think,  or the company of friends and family round the kitchen table.

We usually think of sacred or holy as being separate from the ordinary like the Holy of Holies behind the Temple curtain,  which we are told was rent in pieces when Jesus was crucified.

*Stephen Wright describes another perspective on holiness or the sacred.  This relates to who we are, our actions; it is inside us as well as in special places or even everywhere.  It can refer to the way we live in a sacred way, the way we work and the way we understand.  Jesus called it the Kingdom of God  “There it is; because the Kingdom of God is within you”  Luke chapter 17 verse 21

Open our eyes Lord

we want to see Jesus

to reach out and touch him

and say that we love him

Open our ears Lord

and help us to listen

open our eyes Lord

we want to see Jesus.   (Robert Cull) 

*Stephen Wright   Sacred Space Foundation Cumbria 

JOHN'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

May 14th

Continuing to Pray for Ukraine

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We have been praying for the safety and well-being of the people of Ukraine since the invasion began.

We will continue to pray for them, for all those whose lives are in danger, for hope in dark times, and for a peace that will end division and violence.

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Almighty God, seated above all the affairs of humankind

and sovereign over nations and leaders,

hear our prayer for Ukraine at this time of war;

that lives may be spared,

that national boundaries be respected

and that forces of aggression be restrained.

Grant, Lord God, peace in your world in our time.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

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Photograph P. Horseman.

JOHN'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

May 15th

5th Sunday of Easter

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We pray that we may be strengthened by the love of the Lord.

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Risen Christ,

your wounds declare your love for the world

and the wonder of your risen life:

give us compassion and courage

to risk ourselves for those we serve,

to the glory of God the Father.

Amen.

PENNY'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

May 16th

Today, as the situation in Ukraine continues, we pray for all those who find themselves refugees fleeing from their own homes and looking for a place to rest. We also pray for all who are without a home worldwide, for some who have been in refugee camps for the whole of their lives and others who have no permanent home. Some families from Ukraine are settling locally and we pray that they will find a warm welcome. We pray for those who are working to raise funds, provide what is needed and for the schools as they receive children who do not have English as a first language. May our communities be places of welcome to all.

Picture River Coquet. P. Horseman

Lord Jesus Christ who as a young child had to flee home and country to find a safe place to stay, we pray today for all those displaced from their homes. May they find love and welcome and a place to rest. We pray especially for children, unsettled so early in their lives, that these scars on their childhood may be healed. In your name we pray. Amen. 

SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

May 17th

John Chapter 14 verse 23-29 “Peace I give to you.”

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The peace the world offers isn’t really any peace at all. At best, it’s a bandage we put over the wounds of our fear and frustration. It won’t last. It is only a temporary fix. “Stop being afraid. Let your hearts be free from worry,” Jesus says. “I give you my peace. And it is nothing at all like the world’s peace. You don’t have to earn it or build it or create it out of your own meagre resources. I give it to you. Just receive it.”

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This is the peace that Jesus offers. It has nothing to do with earthly armistice agreements or treaty negotiations or conflict resolution protocols. Christ’s peace is both an inner peace we know in our hearts, and an outer peace we experience when we love one another. But more than that, it is the peace Christ gives us when we believe in Him and we receive life in His Name.

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Loving Lord Father,
may we know the true peace of living in your family

Blessed Brother Jesus,
may we share the power of your resurrection

Faithful Friend Spirit,
may we walk in your presence

Day by day by day

Amen

MARI'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

May 18th

Staying connected… As we emerge in a post pandemic which is already being shaped by conflict in Ukraine you may wonder whether it has all brought in its wake thoughts about what really matters in life.  Covid and war have helped to bring people together whereas previously because of circumstances they may have driven them apart. In John Chapter 15 verse 1-8 Jesus tells us that the very core of our existence is to be connected with him. He invites us to ‘abide’, to rest, to stay, to remain in him, so that his divine life flows in and through us.  It is a relationship of being in union even as the branch is united to the vine. Our life here on earth is like those branches on the vine, staying connected. This is not just about relationship with Jesus; it affects and is the basis for our relationships with one another and in our communities. We soon discover being connected to Jesus we are living a fuller life and the fruit of that life and love is abundant, overflowing, abiding in God as Father.

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Jesus you invite us to ‘abide’, to rest, to stay, to remain. Perhaps it is a challenge as we would like to be active and doing. Let us take time to realise how it is that we need to be connected with the very life of Jesus, to receive life from him just as a great branch from the vine. Amen

PETER'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

May 19th

Rogation

At this time of year the church celebrates Rogationtide. This was traditionally when the village parson would ‘beat the bounds’ around the parish and prayers would be offered for the crops and cattle. The word comes from ‘Rogare’ which is Latin for ‘ask’. We join with this tradition and offer our prayers today for successful harvests - mindful as we are of the the man-made effects of climate change and war in Ukraine. And mindful too of our need for God with whom we must work in wise partnership. We remember that we are created for such partnership. 

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A church prayer for rogation

Almighty God, Lord of heaven and earth: We humbly pray that your gracious providence may give and preserve to our use the harvests of the land and of the seas, and may prosper all who care for the land and labor to produce and gather them, that we, who are constantly receiving good things from your hand, may always give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen 

HUGH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

May 20th

Volunteering is good for you! It is good for your health and wellbeing and if you are a retired person it could help you to live longer. Psychologists are agreed on this and many volunteers  would confirm these ideas. Volunteering  often generates personal satisfaction and in shared activities there is the social benefit which comes with simple companionship. Individuals  and communities also benefit from the efforts of those who deliver such services, entertainment or training. However I suspect that it is becoming harder for people to become volunteers. I am aware that many people are now unable to make even the basic commitments that volunteering requires. Many have unpredictable hours of work and income, an increasing number of families are struggling to achieve and maintain a stable existence. Those on benefits are penalised if they are not always “available for work or finding work”, even though they would benefit from the “work” experience and companionship that so many of them need. For those recruiting volunteers there are the bureaucratic and financial realities of Health & Safety, Training, Safeguarding and Insurances.

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Lord, we pray for those who unselfishly give their time and energy to good works  which contribute to the wellbeing, growth or comfort of other people. May they be resilient in the face of challenges or workload. Father, bless them for their generosity of spirit and grant them the energy to persevere. We also pray for those who feel unable to volunteer, may their circumstances soon improve. We pray this in Christ’s name. Amen

JOHN'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

May 21st

Continuing to Pray for Ukraine

We have been praying for the safety and well-being of the people of Ukraine since the invasion began. We also pray for the people of Russia; that both nations may know peace.

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God of all peoples and nations, who created all things alive and breathing, united and whole, show us the way of peace that is your overwhelming presence.

We hold before you the peoples of Ukraine and Russia, every child and every adult.

We long for the time when weapons of war are beaten into ploughshares when nations no longer lift up sword against nation. we cry out to you for peace; protect those who only desire and deserve to live in security and safety, comfort those who fear for their lives and the lives of their loved ones, be with those who are bereaved.

Change the hearts of those set on violence and aggression and fill leaders with the wisdom that leads to peace.

Amen.

JOHN'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

May 22nd

6th Sunday of Easter

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We pray that we may hear the call of the Lord.

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Risen Christ,

by the lakeside you renewed your call to your disciples:

help your Church to obey your command

and draw the nations to the fire of your love,

to the glory of God the Father.

Amen.