DAILY PRAYER
WELCOME TO OUR
DAILY PRAYERS
Prayer is something anyone can do. You don’t have to use complicated words or special phrases. You just pray what is in your heart.
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We hope you find our prayers helpful.
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YOUR PRAYER REQUESTS
FOR FRIDAY
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: vicar@stcuthbertsonline.com
CAROLLYN'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
April 20th
Easter Day
We are using John’s Gospel reading this year; chapter 20: where a particular aspect of Christ’s resurrection is written. Here is the race between John and Simon Peter. One arrived at the tomb first, the second went in first, and they saw and believed. Mary met two angels, and then Jesus himself, recognising him by his voice.
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Jesus Christ, risen and alive in heaven, may we recognise your voice in our lives, through Scripture, through dreams and visions by the Holy Spirit, through wisdom and guidance shared. Amen
SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
April 19th
We pray for God’s justice in the world; only with God’s justice can there be God’s peace, the peace that passes understanding.
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Oh Lord, our refuge and strength,
particularly in times of trouble
rekindle our hope amidst all the hatred, violence, death and destruction.
The night is dark and heavy,
but you are our light amidst our hopelessness and misery.
Help us to offer this light to others,
to dissipate this increasing darkness.
Hold us in your hands, Lord; have mercy on us and grant us peace.
Amen.x
MARGARET'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
April 18th
A lovely time of the year when our gardens begin to show growth after the dormant spell of winter.
God of all life, help us to nurture our faith like patient gardeners- to plant hopes in the soil of your word, to water them with our prayers, and to grow them in the sunlight of your love. And help us to encourage others to join in the gardening. Amen
SHEILA'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
April 17th
Today we remember the Last Supper when Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples and told them to do this in his memory and told them to love one another other as he loved them.
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​Holy God, source of all love, on this night of his betrayal, Jesus gave his disciples, a new commandment: to love one another, as he had loved them. We pray you, by your Holy Spirit to write this commandment in our hearts. Help us serve, as Jesus served, to be unafraid to offer ourselves for the sake of others.
Amen.
MARI'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
April 16th
This is Wednesday in holy week, often referred to as Spy Wednesday when Judas was thinking about betraying Jesus. We might find ourselves pulled in many directions like Judas. Are we partly wishing to care and be generous or sometimes wanting to be selfish and have it our own way? Holy Week draws us to Jesus way in the world and those who practice that generosity, forgiveness and hospitality. For some, like Judas, there is also an alternative perhaps more selfish reality. God intends to draw us to a new way of life. Jesus will be driving out those things that would try to destroy God’s rule.
Draw us, Lord, toward your way of self giving love. Draw us away from all that is not love. On this Lenten journey may we come to find the new life that is the true meaning of Easter.
PENNY'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
April 14th
We believe in a creator God who, making us in his image, makes us in to creatives too. In so many ways we can be creative. At “Creating Soul Space” at St Cuthbert’s we don’t aim to create great art works but to enjoy the creative process in our own ways with paint, joined with meditation. Do come and join us this Wednesday in the Church Choir Vestry at 10.30 am and on every first and third Wednesday.
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Give us O Lord the eyes to see the wonders of small things around us.
Thank you Lord for the creativity of those who see with new eyes and bring your wonders to us.
Amen.
CAROLLYN'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
April 13th
Palm Sunday
This is the Sunday we remember Jesus coming into Jerusalem, and the population thought he was going to be a warrior, get rid of the Roman occupiers, so they celebrated, waving palms and throwing them on the road like a carpet. Most of the congregation will take a palm cross home from church, and display it every day. I used to slot mine into a mirror or picture frame.
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Suffering Christ, we pray you would help us to remember every day what you did for us. Let our palm crosses, Bibles and books of prayer, our social media and YouTube music be signs of your strength and blessing.
SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
April 12th
Broken hearted God,
Your ways are ways of gentleness and all your paths are peace.
Speak to the hearts of those intent on hatred and extermination.
Open the borders, that aid may reach the most desperate.
Visit the hungry, thirsty, injured and terrified with the transforming grace of your Holy Spirit.
Uphold all who experience horror and fear worse to come.
Empower the International Community, that it may bring reason and understanding to all amid grief and loss.
Make of these crises a moment of truth, that in devastation, people may resolve on a different path, and in despair people may find a new hope.
Amen.
HUGH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
April 11th
Next week the Christian Church throughout the world will celebrate Holy Week when we remember Christ's death on the cross for our redemption and his rising again to grant us the hope of eternal life. The example of a merciful and generous God. The week starts with Palm Sunday and our church is already decorated with palm leaves for our Sunday morning service. All are welcome to join us at 9.30.
Heavenly Father may we feel your ever loving presence in our devotions at this season of Easter. In Christ's name, Amen.
SHEILA'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
April 10th
My favourite couple of verses in the Bible are from Matthew’s gospel, chapter 7, verses 7 & 8
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
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Thank you God that you are always waiting for me and that you answer as soon as I call.
SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
April 8 th
The reading on Sunday was John Chapter 12 verses 1-8. Mary of Bethany, in a display of profound devotion, anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, an act that Judas criticizes as wasteful, while Jesus defends her, recognizing it as an act of preparation for his burial.
We give you our thanks
for the physical gifts that sustain us
and for the added blessings which make life more joyful and full.
We rejoice that you freely pour out the perfume of your love,
even though we are not worthy to receive it.
We are thankful for those who have been bountiful towards us,
giving of their time, their skills and their love.
As a token of our gladness, may we also bless others,
being generous with all that you have given us. Amen
PENNY'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
April 7th
At our regular monthly Cafe Church in the Coquet Tea Rooms we listened to this hymn reminding us of following where God leads us.
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Father, hear the prayer we offer:
not for ease that prayer shall be,
but for strength that we may ever
live our lives courageously.
Not for ever by still waters
would we idly rest and stay;
but would smite the living fountains
from the rocks along our way.
Be our strength in hours of weakness,
in our wanderings be our guide;
through endeavour, failure, danger,
Father, be thou at our side.
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Photograph " Held in Tension" by Penny Horseman.
CAROLLYN'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
April 6th
Do you like to go round to friend’s homes to eat? Jesus had some close friends in the little town of Bethany. In his last days on earth before his crucifixion, he called in there for supper. Jesus was under huge pressure; he knew what was going to happen, and it would have been overwhelming for anyone else, but even for Jesus it was a tense time. Being with good friends helped him, and you can read in John’s Gospel chapter 12 about his friend Mary’s great generosity, and foresight.
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Jesus, thank you for our friends who support us in difficult times. Help us to be there for others, friends or strangers, especially when they are going through hard times. Amen
SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
April 5th
We note with grave concern the tension in the relationship between the various partner nations with respect to the ongoing support of Ukraine and Gaza. We lament the continuing loss of life and call for a just and enduring end to the conflicts. We pray for the end of war and the flourishing of peace amongst all nations and peoples.
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Almighty God,
Your Son came to be the Saviour of the world
And the Prince of peace.
Give us grace to follow in his ways
And to fulfil our calling as peacemakers in his name.
May his Holy Spirit
So move in the hearts of all people
And among the nations of the world,
That the barriers of fear, suspicion and hatred
Which separate us may crumble and fall,
And the peoples of the world
Be united in justice and peace;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
ROBERT'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
April 4th
A modern hymn from Martin E Leckebusch is a reminder that the Christian message can be challenging and uncomfortable. Published in 1999 in the Complete Anglican Hymns Old & New it seems very relevant today. It talks of twisted values and lost truths, discrimination and the impact on families and communities. "We have built discrimination on our prejudice and fear; hatred swiftly turns to cruelty if we hold resentments dear..."
Lord, we need your truth to light our way. Give us the courage to challenge bigotry, to heal and not exploit divisions, to speak out for the vulnerable, giving a voice to the voiceless. Amen.
SHEILA'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
April 3rd
On this day in 1973 the world’s first mobile phone call was made; our phones now allow us to do more than talk to each other: we can talk, text, do our shopping, take photographs and share our thoughts on social media.
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Lord God thank you for the wonders of technology which allow us to communicate with other people. May we always use this to spread kindness and never hurt.
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Photograph 'On my phone'. Penny Horseman. Amen.
MARI'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
April 2nd
On Mothering Sunday, we celebrated the love of all those who nurture us. We treasure the joy they bring and acknowledge this sometimes may have held a touch of sadness. It’s not easy and, some situations faced everyday are incredibly difficult. I recall seeing the young mum with her toddler who had undergone cancer treatment, the grandfather in the clinic calming his tearful granddaughter Let’s remember stories of bravery, resilience and kindness of those who have overcome the odds to have better lives for their loved ones and themselves.
We give thanks for the care of those protecting and supporting others in difficult circumstances, for those unable to be with their children, and for mothers-to-be as they welcome new and precious lives into the world.
SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
April 1st
Jesus told his disciples that if they wanted to follow him, they needed to deny themselves, and take up their crosses. God calls us into that same movement of dying to sin and rising again with Christ
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God of our journeys and false starts and new beginnings, you walk with us all of our days, and nothing in life or death or all creation can separate us from your love in Jesus Christ. Thank you that you forgive us our faults and mistakes, share with us in our worries and struggles, and lead us onwards into fullness of life. We offer these prayers in the name of Jesus. Amen
PENNY'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 31st
Today we start two weeks of visits by local schools to our Experience Easter where our storytellers will be working with classes of children. Please pray for us and for many others churches who will be telling the Easter story to children and young people in the next few weeks. This is our 11th year of this project and it is one of the delights of our ministry year. Picture shows one of our 6 individual areas for story telling.
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Bless O Lord, all those sharing the Easter story with children in churches and in schools in the coming days. May they experience God’s Love in Jesus. Amen.
CAROLLYN'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 30th
Mothering Sunday
Mothers have a wider role than carrying and birthing babies into the world. That means that women and men who have not birthed babies are also able to give mothering care, attention and guidance to children and adults throughout their lives.
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​Thank you, God, for families. For ancestors and future generations of blood descendance and also of gathered people who share values and care for communities and the folk who live with us. Thank you for the worldwide family in the church that gives mothering care. Inspire us, we pray, with the best and protect us from the worst.
SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 29th
A prayer for Peace.
Lord, provide us with the insight to see through all our enemy's strategies and the wisdom to manage these challenges with strength from the Holy Spirit.
May all those who endure war feel Your presence enveloping them,
Your love bringing them peace, and Your words guiding their way.
In the powerful name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
LINDA'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 28th
A fortnight ago I joined the mass exodus from Northumberland to London to watch Newcastle United play in the final of the Carabao Cup. I spent the whole weekend saying how lucky I felt. Lucky to have a ticket for the game, lucky to be spending valuable time with our son and daughter-in-law whom we don't see very often as they live so far away, lucky to have a very understanding husband who supports my love of football although he doesn't come to any games himself, lucky to bump into the friends who sit near me at games and spend time with them. I felt lucky to be part of such a wonderful occasion, lucky to be able to afford the trip.
On my return home I attended our Creating Soul Space session on Wednesday morning in church. We were creating bubble shapes which were to represent bubbles of blessings. It was then that I realised that I had been using the wrong word. I wasn't lucky I was blessed. How easy it had been to overlook God's presence in my life.
Loving heavenly father help us to recognise your constant presence in our lives and the many blessings you bestow upon us. Amen
CYNTHIA'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 27th
Adapted from a prayer by Dick Williams
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As the days lengthen and the earth spends longer in the light of day, grant that I may spend longer in the light of your presence O Lord. May the seeds of your word start to grow and turn into love for you and those around me. Grant Father, that this Lent may be a springtime for my life in Christ and a blooming of service towards others who need help in any way. Amen
MARI'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 26th
Everyday we follow rules, regulations given to us by authority. Jesus challenged the laws by pointing to a higher level. It’s like upgrading a computer by improving its operating system. It is still the same computer doing the same things, only better.
The Gospel today (Matthew Chapter 5 verses 17-19) tells us that Jesus does not intend to destroy the Laws of Moses, but to show in practice the love of God. How might we really live according to the law of Christ?
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Lord, as we need laws to keep our world somewhat in order; remind us that love gives life meaning. Jesus teaches this by word and action, and His example is our guide and our encouragement. May we ask God's help in those areas where our example and inspiration might be better.
SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 25th
God's Patience and Judgment:
A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’
‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’ Luke Chapter 13 verses 7-9
God is patient and offers opportunities for repentance, but there is a limit to His patience, as seen in the fig tree parable where the owner decides to cut it down if it doesn't bear fruit.
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Father God, I know that now you want me to be fruitful and that you want me to live for you today and every day.
Help me overcome my prevarication.
Bless me as I seek to lay aside my fears and inhibitions about following you.
Empower me to live with holiness, urgency, and a sense of joyous expectation. In Jesus' name. Amen.
PENNY'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 24th
Five years, on remembrance of the start of lockdown due to the Covid 19 pandemic is still in the minds of many. Our prayer today is for all who have unhappy memories or permanent changes to their lives as result of Covid.
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​Loving God, you hold all our times in your hands: our past, our present, our future. Be close to us now as we remember the Covid pandemic. May your arms of love surround those who lost loved ones or were left with long term effects from illness. Amen.
CAROLLYN'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 23rd
Third Sunday of Lent
There’s a parable about a fig tree that Luke writes in his thirteenth chapter. In it Jesus gives the wisdom of a gardener who wants to fertilize the fig tree to give it a chance to fruit before giving up on it and cutting it down.
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Jesus, we all need encouragement, feeding and care so we can reach our full potential. Thank you for the people you have around each of us who wants the best for us, and for your teaching and example we read in the Gospels. Amen
SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 22nd
We pray for God’s justice in the world; only with God’s justice can there be God’s peace, the peace that passes understanding.
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Oh Lord, our refuge and strength,
particularly in times of trouble
rekindle our hope amidst all the hatred, violence, death and destruction.
The night is dark and heavy,
but you are our light amidst our hopelessness and misery.
Help us to offer this light to others,
to dissipate this increasing darkness.
Hold us in your hands, Lord; have mercy on us and grant us peace.
Amen.
FRIDAY'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 21st
Father, thank you, that you still hear the cries of the suffering and the oppressed. I picture of the tears now of one child waking up, hungry and scared today in Ukraine, Sudan, or Yemen, Gaza, or Ethiopia, Myanmar, Venezuela. Father of the fatherless hear their cry. Amen.
CYNTHIA'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 20th
Prayer of St Cuthbert on St Cuthbert’s Day
Father help me to live this day to the full, being true to you in every way.
Jesus help me to give myself away to others, being kind to everyone I meet.
Holy Spirit help me to love the lost, proclaiming Christ in all I do and say. Amen.
MARI'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 19th
There is an inclination to always want to make efficient use of our time and our attitudes towards this. Can we call into question our use of that time? There is the challenge of simply discovering that our worth is determined less by what we accomplish than who we are. In the practice of sitting in silence we might discover giving ourselves over to a purposeless enjoyment of time and rest; our hearts open in gratitude to the love and understanding Jesus offers us.
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Heavenly Father remind us…“A sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; for those who enter God’s rest also cease from their labours as God did from his. Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall through such disobedience as theirs. (Hebrews Chapter 4 verses 9-11)
SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 18th
Luke Chapter 13 verses 31-35
At that very hour some Pharisees came, and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” Luke 13 31
This gospel for the second Sunday in Lent is all about Jesus’ courage and faith. Jesus is true to His words and promises. Nothing should stop us from doing what’s best and right.
Lord, grant us your strength for a life full of meaning
Fill us with your grace so that we will live the values of the gospel
Our inner life will grow.
And that we will be credible witnesses
In the midst of our world to your truth and love.
PENNY'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 17th
So many people around us and even we ourselves may well be anxious as we look around and listen to the news today and through out this week. So much is happening in the world. Today our prayer is for all who are anxious for whatever reason.
Photograph by Peter Burnham of Amble Photographic Group.
CAROLLYN'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 16th
Second Sunday of Lent
The Christian year moves inexorably onwards as we follow Jesus to Jerusalem, and all the suffering he faces there. Now we know this is but a stage in a wonderful story of resurrection and freedom. To gain a full insight into the end we willingly spend time focusing on this difficult and challenging telling.
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​Thank you God that when we deny ourselves, and take up further study of the Bible, we can more fully experience the joys of Easter, and the fulness of life Jesus won for us.
SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 15th
O God, we pray for countries experiencing the turmoil of conflict
and political instability. We ask for peace to be restored.
Please grant wisdom and integrity to world leaders
so that they will work for the good of the people they govern and serve.
We pray that citizens everywhere would have their rights preserved,
so they can live peacefully, free from fear. Amen.
HUGH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 14th
For nearly 18 months we have been without a Parish Priest. In spite of this our communion services have continued almost uninterrupted due to the willingness of the retired and non-stipendiary priests who are regular members of our congregation to lead our worship. We have also been supported by our Area Dean and Archdeacon. We have been very fortunate indeed in this and we have also benefitted from the variety of style and experience associated with their ministry. Next week Bishop Mark and our Churchwardens will interview candidates with the potential to be our next Parish Priest serving Amble and Chevington.
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​Lord, we thank you for the vibrant ministry existing in our congregation and pray that our next spiritual leader is among the candidates who are interviewed next week. In Christ's name, Amen.
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Image from our West Window.
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CYNTHIA'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 13th
Holy Spirit of God, enable us to respond to temptation with the strength of your Word within us, so that we may hold firm to our calling and follow your way in faithfulness. Amen.
MARI'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 12th
Jesus … was led by the Spirit in the wilderness ...’ (Luke verse 4 chapter 1) Faith does not avoid difficult places, and Lent is a reminder that it is often in the challenging times we rediscover the God’s Spirit working. The desert offers a vastness beyond ourselves. It’s a reminder to attend honestly and deeply to that which we find ourselves moving, allowing ourselves to be shaped by it. Jesus was opening up but refusing to be other than what God had planned for him. Sometimes when we respond there is something in us that shrinks our perception, that insists on reducing the world to something knowable, something we can control and manipulate. These desert places are those where we are invited to fall silent and open ourselves again to mystery. Can we accept and even embrace the mystery, unknowability of the world in which we live and move?
Lord, lead us into the desert where, like you, we might reach the beyond ourselves. May this yielding of our hearts open us up to mystery and the immensity of your love.
SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 11th
At the start of Lent we think of Jesus wrestling with temptation in the wilderness. Our own wilderness experience may likewise be one of temptation, or it may be more a general time of challenge and testing.
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We pray for those experiencing a period of testing in their lives –
problems they fear they cannot cope with,
challenges they feel unable to rise to,
questions they would rather not face.
In the wilderness of life today
be present, O Lord.
PENNY'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 10th
Yesterday was a day of reflection to mark 5 years since the start of the Covid 19 pandemic. None of us was untouched by this but our prayer today is for those who suffer lasting pain as a result of the virus. So let’s pray for those who lost loved ones and were not able to mark their passing in the way they would have wanted. Let’s pray for NHS staff and all they went through during the worst times. Let’s pray for the children whose schooling was so disrupted. I am sure you know personally those who you would want to pray for today. We began to post these prayers on March 25th 2020 so have been bringing them to you for nearly five years now. Please continue to pray with us, to share them with others and remember the love of our heavenly Father, Jesus our Lord and pray with the Holy Spirit.
CAROLLYN'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 9th
First Sunday of Lent
Luke tells about the time of Jesus’ temptation in the desert in chapter 4 of his Gospel. Many of the temptations we face in our life are represented here, seeking power, self-centred prayer, and testing God with our own wishes. Jesus used Scripture to answer.
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Jesus, thank you that in your life on earth you have taught us how to live lives that follow you, in a right relationship to God. Thank you for the Bible that gives us answers and guidance every day of our lives. Amen
SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 8th
We pray for the innocent victims of violence and war.
Lead us and all peoples of the world
from death to life, from falsehood to truth.
Lead us from despair to hope, from fear to trust.
Lead us from hate to love, from war to peace.
Let peace with justice fill our hearts,
our world,
our universe.
AMEN
ROBERT'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 7th
Recent events have been described as 'a vortex of chaos.' The set readings for Friday include Isaiah Chapter 58: verses 1 - 9a. My thoughts are based on that reading.
Lord, help us to loose the chains of injustice, set the oppressed free, share our food with the hungry and provide the poor wanderer with shelter.
May light rise in the darkness.
Amen.
CYNTHIA'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 6th
As we start our Lenten Journey:
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​Lord God almighty, grant your people grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil, and with pure hearts and minds to follow you, the only God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
MARI'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 5th
Mari's prayer for Wednesday March 5th. Ash Wednesday.
This poem for today by Malcolm Guite offers a reflection for the beginning of Lent.
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Receive this cross of ash upon your brow,
Brought from the burning of Palm Sunday’s cross.
The forests of the world are burning now
And you make late repentance for the loss.
But all the trees of God would clap their hands
The very stones themselves would shout and sing
If you could covenant to love these lands
And recognise in Christ their Lord and king.
He sees the slow destruction of those trees,
He weeps to see the ancient places burn,
And still you make what purchases you please,
And still to dust and ashes you return.
But Hope could rise from ashes even now
Beginning with this sign upon your brow.
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​Lord, give us the strength and courage to look deep within ourselves to see the areas that need repairing. Please make us more like You, and guide us..
SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
March 4th
Be still...
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Life whirls along, more to do, to be, to go.
Lost touch with silence, simple and inward.
What effort is needed to simply be still?
Somewhere is balance.
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Let us pray
Be still, and know that He is God.
Please calm me, and quiet my soul in Your arms
PENNY'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
February 17th
What makes for happiness? Often it is not the things that society tells us will makes us happy. Sarah used this powerful prayer in her sermon on Sunday. We often, and rightly pray for those who are poor but here is a prayer for those who on the surface look to be happy and successful, but are they really?
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For the rich in bondage to their assets, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
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For all who are full and successful but have no satisfaction or meaning, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
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For all who laugh to hide or avoid the pain of their life, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
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For all who seek or find their identity and value in being spoken well of by others, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy. -
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Thanks to Sarah for this from her sermon.
CAROLLYN'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
February 16th
It’s a well loved and familiar passage today – The Beatitudes, from Luke’s Gospel chapter 6 verses 20 to 26. Well known, but often when read slowly and carefully, reveals new aspects of Jesus’ teaching. Are you able to find a Bible and read these ‘upside-down’ writings?
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Thank you Jesus that you taught an alternative way to live, protected from the pressures of the commercialised, financial success driven world. Heal us by your power we pray. Amen
SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
February 15th
We need to continue to pray in hope and belief that there can be a world without war, without violence without suffering.
May we put our trust in the power of good to overcome evil and the power of love to overcome hatred.
We pray for the vision to see and the faith to believe
in a world emancipated from violence, a new world where fear shall no longer lead men or women to commit injustice, nor selfishness make them bring suffering to others. Amen
HUGH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
February 14th
Today we celebrate the feast of St Valentine, the patron Saint of lovers, beekeepers and epilepsy sufferers. Fortunately we are free to enjoy romance, or the fond memory, irrespective of the state of the world. Bees are so vital to food production and a key reason why our countryside is so colourful. Treatments for epilepsy are steadily improving but sufferers still deserve our consideration and prayers. So behind the commercial ballyhoo there are important things to be grateful for and you don't need to indulge in overpriced tokens to enjoy or value them.
Lord we thank you for the seemingly small things which can have such big beneficial effects. In Christ's name Amen.
SHEILA'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
February 13th
This week is ‘random acts of kindness’ week….
Dear Lord, thank you for your never-ending kindness towards me. I pray that I would follow your example of showing kindness to the people I come in contact with each day. Help me to be kind towards others, whether they deserve it or not, because you were kind to me when I didn’t deserve it. Amen.
MARI'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
February 12th
Today people seem to want to be surrounded by those who think and act just like them. This can undermine diversity and getting to know our neighbour. When there are challenges these can be faced through trusting relationships, the kindness of strangers and the goodness of people with whom we come into contact. We know there are people choosing to live alone. Ways of forming relationships seem to have been damaged by ‘progress’. Isolation and loneliness can be acute among old and young people alike. How can we recover that basic sense of connection to each other? ‘Who is my neighbour?’ Jesus was asked.
Lord, give us the ability to live in harmony with one another, and to be sympathetic, loving, compassionate in all relationships.
SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
February 11th
Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.” Luke Chapter 5 Verse 11
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You call us,
Wanderer of seashores and sidewalks,
inviting us to sail out of our smug harbours.
we give you thanks that you are a calling God,
who calls always to dangerous new places.
We pray enough of your grace and mercy among us
that we may be among those who believe your promises
enough to respond to your call. Amen
PENNY'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
February 10th
People often comment that they either get depressed by what they experience from the media of the news or they say they don’t watch or read it as it is so depressing. Today’s prayer is adapted from the prayer of Rabbi Irwin Keller which was shared by St Mark’s Amble today, may help us all.
My God, the soul you have placed in me is vulnerable. I am afraid that looking at today’s news will be painful.
Encircle me in a robe of light so that I can witness the wounds of the world without being wounded myself. Let me learn what I need to know in order to be the greatest use with out being over whelmed by despair.
I feel your protective light now as I open myself to the world's suffering and the world’s joys. Amen.
CAROLLYN'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
February 9th
Today we can read about how Christ’s disciples transitioned from full time secular jobs to the role of apostles in training. This was an apprenticeship, watching and listening to Jesus and asking lots of questions! Luke writes in chapter 5 about them becoming ‘fishers of men’. They never forget those fishing skills, team work, patience and dedication, and their growing reliance on the strength of our Lord.
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Lord of the hosts and heaven, guard us from all that harms or hurts and raise us when we fall.
SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
February 8th
From ravaged lands, destroyed by war, Your peoples lift their hands to you.
We pray for stillness, for justice, and for peace to come and to last.
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O God, our maker, God of Abraham and Sarah, from which three great religions stemmed. We pray for peace.
We pray for peaceful existence between Israelis and Palestinians, Sunnis and Shiites, Muslims, Jews and Christians.
We pray negotiations which can reach the roots of historical conflicts.
We pray for a commitment to human rights by all sides and the protection of all lives.
We pray for effective international intervention to ensure justice for all sides.
We pray for humanitarian aid and rebuilding where destruction has occurred.
We pray for peace and for justice in our homes and on our city streets Amen
SHEILA'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
February 6th
Today is Optimist Day - are you a glass half full person or sometimes glass half empty? As Christians we know that God is always on our side and so we can strive to be optimists looking always to the positive side of things.
Thank you, God, that you are on our side so even when things seem tough we can be glass half full people knowing you are with us. Amen
MARI'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
February 5th
The writer François Mauriac remarked of the life of Jesus: “It is baffling to record that, for a period of thirty years, the Son of Man did not appear to be anything other than a man. Those who lived with him thought they knew him. He fixed their tables and chairs. They ate and drank with his extended family. When he stepped outside the role they had fixed for him, they put him down as just a workman”. Jesus realised that He simply was too familiar to them. They only saw in Him what they wanted to see. I wonder what can we say about Jesus?
There are depths in each of us, Lord, even those we think we know well, that only you can glimpse. A put-down tells more about the speaker than about the victim. Free us from skepticism as we seek to know and see you as you truly are.
PENNY'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
February 3rd
I often meet people who struggle with calling God " Our Father" because of past experiences with a parent who was less than loving towards them. This prayer is for those people. ( From Lectio 365, an online daily prayer app)
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Loving God, where earthly parents have let people down, bring healing and freedom. Show those who have been hurt that you are trustworthy and fill them with the hope that comes from knowing they are perfectly loved by their Heavenly Father.
CAROLLYN'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
February 2nd
In this reading from Luke, chapter 2, we meet two older people in the Temple, who are faithful, worshipping and serving in their old age. Anna, and Simeon. Simeon speaks powerful words that are used at many funerals, referring to the peace a faithful person has at the hour of their death. It’s good to hear about older frailer people, as the disciples were all young men, and the followers, were active.
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Thank you God for this glimpse of how faithful older people may live. Give us, we pray, patience, peace and purpose in our elder years, so we may encourage others and continue to serve in your Kingdom. Amen
SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
February 1st
Today as we watch the return of hostages in Gaza and witness the work of medical relief agencies throughout the world we pray for all those who try to relieve the ravages of war.
"Heavenly Father, as war ravages across the land, we lift up the dedicated workers of relief agencies, those who bravely venture into danger to bring comfort and aid to the suffering.
Guide their hands and hearts, grant them strength and wisdom to navigate the complexities of conflict, and ensure their safety as they deliver food, medicine, and shelter to those in desperate need.
May their compassion be a beacon of hope amidst the darkness, and may their efforts contribute to a future of peace. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.".
MARGARET'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
January 31st
The start of a new year may bring us a mixture of hope and apprehension, but the psalms highlight one way to build our faith for the future; by looking back and remembering how God has helped us in the past.
Let’s do the same at the start of this year that we may approach the future with thankfulness and faith.
Loving Lord, our faith is in you.
We place our future in your hands as we follow where you lead.
Inspire us with your vision and empower us with your Spirit, that we may walk forward together, knowing you are our guide and companion. Amen
ANTHONY'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
January 30th
Matthew Chapter 26: verse 40.
He (Jesus) came back to the disciples and found them asleep.
“So,” he said to Peter, “couldn’t you keep watch with me for a single hour?
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Thank You, Lord. I know that I can face the future, for You are with me to uphold me with Your righteous right hand. Give me Your strength I pray, to faithfully keep watch with my Lord Jesus in His continuous ministry. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
MARI'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
January 29th
Holocaust victims are remembered each January 27th, this year marked 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Less well known are Gypsies and Roma who lost their lives; and other minority groups. Crimes against humanity require fear of people who are identified as different, belief that such people threaten. God does not want us to act from fear. 2 Timothy Chapter 1: Verse 7 says ‘God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self- discipline’. Can we take this year’s theme “For a better future” and believe it might be different for many who face prejudice?
Forgive us when space gives way to fear, negativity, and hatred of others, because they are different. Help us to stand with those who suffer, so that light may banish all darkness, Bless those working with marginalised groups and grant us generosity in supporting them.
SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
January 28th
At times in a world that feels so distanced from God’s love it is hard to bring His joy to those whom we meet.
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In a cynical and despairing world, O God,
In a violent and angry world, O God,
In a dismissive and disinterested world, O God,
In a lonely and inhospitable world, O God,
In a grieving and weeping world, O God,
give us a quietly prophetic voice
to proclaim your joy.
And may our quietly prophetic lives,
be channels of your restoring grace
wherever we may go.
Amen.
PENNY'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
January 27th
'Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.' James Chapter 3 speaks about the harm that can be done by the tongue. And we know now that writing with hate can do just as much damage. Let’s pray today for all those who have been attacked, abused , harmed , led astray or damaged by words written on the internet. Let us pray for the American Bishop Mariann who bravely spoke out to preach about the subjects of Unity and Mercy in Washington last week and for all who are reviled for speaking the truth.
Surround Lord, with your love and care, all who feel unsafe because of what they read on the internet. May your arms of love be with them and your peace
surround them. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
CAROLLYN'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
January 26th
The church calls this season after Christmas Epiphany. It means a kind of revelation about Jesus – what kind of human he is – unique - human and divine. All these seasonal readings have elements that point to the divinity of Jesus; the arrival of three astronomers who seek a new king, the recognition of the Christ by Anna and Simeon in the Temple, the dove (the Holy Spirit) descending at Jesus’ Baptism, and today, Jesus telling the congregation that he is the fulfilment of Scripture (Luke chapter 4)
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Lord God, help us we pray to have a deep personal epiphany and recognition of how much you love us, that your Son Jesus came to earth to show us the way of life. Amen
SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
January 25th
“May your kingdom come.”
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God of peace, may your kingdom come.
May fear strike no longer,
let pain fade away,
may earthly power be challenged,
God of peace, may your kingdom come.
Help us put away the weapons of war,
help us destroy the tools of destruction,
let earthly power be challenged,
when it plunders the poor,
and tramples on hope. Amen
HUGH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
January 24th
How often do people say that we never know what is around the corner and suggest, ' that such ignorance can be a blessing'. Though often we can see what is going to happen eg general weather forecasts are now reliable and we prepare suitable clothing to meet the challenge. Similarly we get ready for good things that are coming. When there are challenges ahead we often try and bury our head in the sand in the hope that we can avoid the problem. We forget that from past experience most problems are never turn out as badly as we fear. So we go through periods of unnecessary anxiety.
Lord, help us to find the courage to face the challenges we face and with wise preparation minimise their impact on our lives. In Christ's name, Amen.
ANTHONY'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
January 23rd
Matthew Chapter 25: Verse 23
Heavenly Father, thank You for the Word, teach me all that I should learn, and enable me to live my life according to Your perfect plans and purposes during this New Year. This I ask in Jesus' name, Amen.
MARI'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
January 22nd
Jesus is being watched to see what he might do, it didn’t stop him doing good even on the Sabbath.(Mark chapter 3 verses 1-6) We may well ask what is truly withered here? Is it the man with his twisted hand, or the Pharisees with their twisted hearts? Mark wants us to ask – who is in need of healing, the man or the Pharisees? The Gospel is very relatable as it wants us to understand that doing good and showing compassion is much needed in the world today; demonstrating that we can make society better through acts of kindness. It's so easy to judge like the Pharisees. How can love and compassion be measured in society today?
We ask God for the courage to do the right thing for others. As we look at ourselves – is some part of our self withered to the extent that it needs to be loosened again? Lord, though your Holy Spirit bring renewed life to us and fully use us to follow your example.
SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
January 21st
We think today of all those who have been called to lead the free world and think about the weight of their responsibilities.
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Loving Lord, we bring before You the many leaders of the world, and those in high positions. We pray for those leaders around the world, who are seeking to abide by Your guidance. May they be tools, used by You, to maintain justice and righteousness in their respective positions and nations.
We particularly lift up those men and women whom You have called into national leadership positions and pray that they will give You first place in their lives. May they seek You diligently in prayer when they are called upon to make difficult decisions that affect the lives of so many people. Amen
PENNY'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
January 20th
In this Christian Unity week we give thanks for the churches in Amble , for the Coquet Churches Together (CCT) group who work so harmoniously on the events we share in the town. St Cuthbert’s is one of a number of Churches in the area and today we ask that you pray for the suitable selection of a new clergy person to work with us and our sister Church at Chevington in the future.
CAROLLYN'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
January 19th
It’s a miracle! Very near the beginning of John’s Gospel, in chapter 2, the first miracle recorded is the wedding at Cana; Jesus turns water into wine. The best wine, and gallons of it! Such a demonstration of the life God wants for all people – abundant and of the best quality.
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We pray that by a new miracle the whole world could have abundant life, of the highest quality. Show us our part in that, Jesus, through generosity, through the ending of greed, through our prayers for others. Amen
SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
January 18th
As Christians, we know that God listens to our prayers for the world. Our hearts and minds can feel overwhelmed by the immense challenges affecting people, all around the world as well as our loved ones. Prayer helps us to focus on what we can do.
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Lord, we pray for world peace in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
We pray for countries to find diplomatic solutions
that will bring harmony between nations. We pray for wars to end.
We give thanks for your promise that one day there will be no more death
or mourning or crying or pain. Until that day, we pray for your continued grace
and goodness to overflow in this world so that humans can live
alongside one another respectfully, allowing for mutual flourishing. Amen.
ROBERT'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT
January 17th
On January 17th, the church remembers St Antony the Great who was a leader of the early church who died in AD 356. His saying love drives out fear is based on 1John 4: 18. In times of change and turbulence fear can be exploited to foster division and discord. Love is stronger than hate. May we have the grace to know that and to show it in our lives.
I no longer fear God, but love Him, for love casts out fear.
St Antony of Egypt.
