Christ Church Shamley Green Coronavirus Prayer Calendar

Monday

We pray about the current crisis:

* for our government and for all responsible for making decisions, issuing guidance and looking after our health and welfare;

* for the emergency services, police, Armed Forces, security and intelligence;

* for prison staff and inmates; 

* for financial institutions and businesses; for key-workers; for those whose livelihood is under threat;

* for our local councils and services.

Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy in this time of uncertainty and distress. Sustain and support the anxious and fearful, and lift up all who are brought low;that we may rejoice in your comfort,knowing that you walk alongside us in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Amen.

Tuesday

We pray for those who are ill:

* those with the coronavirus;

* those receiving treatment and care for other conditions;

* those with existing conditions and disabilities;

* those living in poverty, slums, refugee camps or on the streets.

Merciful God, we entrust to your tender care those who are ill or in pain,
knowing that when danger threatens your everlasting arms are there to hold them safe.
Comfort and heal them, and restore them to health and strength; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Wednesday

We pray for:

* hospital staff including administrative and ancillary staff;

* medical researchers and lab technicians;

* GP surgeries and community health workers;

* anyone caring for someone who is sick or in need of care, including carers at home, visiting people’s homes or working in residential homes and hospices.

Gracious God,
give skill, sympathy and resilience to all who are caring for the sick,
and your wisdom to those searching for cures and treatments.
Strengthen them with your Spirit,
that through their work many will be restored to health;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Thursday

We pray for:

* our families and friends;

* those living in unhappy or abusive relationships or households;

* those living alone and feeling lonely.

Faithful and loving God, bless our families and all those who share our life. Grant them your gifts of love, wisdom and faith. Pour upon them your healing and reconciling love. Protect their homes from all evil, fill them with the light of your presence and plant in them the hope of your kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord.   Amen.

Friday

We pray for our local community:

* for our neighbours, for support and friendship;

* for local businesses and for those running their own business from home;

* for our schools and child-care providers;

* for our Parish Council, Village Association and parish church.

Lord Jesus Christ,
you taught us to love our neighbour as ourselves,
and to care for those in need as if we were caring for you.
In this time of anxiety, 

give us strength for our work and service, 

hope in our trouble 

and wisdom in our decision-making.
And give us grace to comfort the fearful
and to assure the isolated of our love, and your love,
for your name’s sake.  Amen.

Saturday

We pray for ourselves, in whatever situation or mood we find ourselves today.

God, help me to trust you;
help me to know that you are with me;
help me to believe that nothing can separate me from your love

revealed in Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. 

Sunday

You are warmly invited to join in prayer with the rest of the Christ Church Shamley Green congregation at 10am each Sunday.  Sit by a window or light a candle; look at the readings for the day; think of the other members of the church family doing the same AND REMEMBER that you are not alone: we continue to be a praying, worshipping community, wherever we are.

We pray for:

* our church family, particularly those who are ill, grieving or anxious; and for our clergy Sally and Gussie, our Churchwardens, Treasurer, PCC Secretary and Pastoral Care Team;

* our Church leadership: Archbishop Justin, our bishops Andrew and Jo, our archdeacon Paul and area dean Roy; for all providing guidance, advice and resources during this crisis; and for all continuing to provide regular service and support;

* the Church around the world, particularly in places of conflict, persecution, disaster or deprivation.

We are not people of fear:
we are people of courage.
We are not people who protect our own safety:
we are people who protect our neighbours’ safety.
We are not people of greed:
we are people of generosity.
We are your people, God,
giving and loving,
wherever we are,
whatever it costs,
for as long as it takes,
wherever you call us.  Amen.