Prayer for Bristol Road

Loving Father

In our prayers this evening we offer you the work of your Church.

We recognise the difficulties that your people face in seeking to move forward in your holy Will.

We consider the ways you have brought us to this point : the rich diversity of ministries that we are blessed with as a congregation and in those who have so faithfully ministered to us over many years.

Loving Lord – if we have in any way tried to take the reigns into our own hands, or seen your work from our own point of view only we ask your forgiveness.

If we have mishandled each other in the process of stumbling towards the light of what is your plan for your people, we ask you to restore us – firstly to yourself, and then to one another.

Where we are disappointed or even feel a sense of betrayal, help us to lift our eyes to the Lord Jesus who understands our weakness – but longs that we will go His way.  Help us to examine OURSELVES – to recognise those gifts which you have given us for the whole body of the church, and to recognise that ALL your people have a part in the work of your Church here.

We ask you O God to restrain the forces of Satan – who is never so happy as when he sees the fellowship of believers strained and spoiled.   May your Holy Spirit work in us to defeat him and to make us to grow – individually and together.

We pray especially for those who carry a particular burden of leadership at this time that they may be upheld by your grace and moved forward by your enabling Spirit.

Bless David and Hazel as they return from holiday.  Strengthen them in yourself and give them and your people a clear vision of You and what You want for them.

Help your people to come together at such a time as this – to be able to find a new direction and a new vision that will embolden them to step forward and not become entrenched in the past – however much they have known you at work in it.

In these rather difficult days make your face to shine upon us.  Be gracious to us. Brings us together to your feet that we may share your vision for this place that seeks to witness to you and to reach those outside who are truly in the dark.

Lord Jesus draw you people to you – and give us the strength to follow Your way and your way only – that You may be glorified, and You alone.