Prayer
A Prayer for the New Year
Dear Father, Lord of all time,
Here we are! Another New Year! So many mixed emotions for different people, for different reasons. For some, the reluctance to leave a year which brought joy and happiness; for some the relief of leaving behind a difficult year; for some, sadness at moving into a year where a loved one has never been; for some, apprehension and insecurity about what might lie ahead in this world of polarisation, conflict and confusion about what is true.
Lord, help us to take time at the start of 2026 to refocus our hearts, minds and spirits – to tune into you, our un-changing God.
Help us to be calmed and encouraged by the promise of Jesus that he is the Way, the Truth and the Life. The safe Way. The ultimate Truth. The Life, your gift, to be with you for all eternity.
You promised never to leave us or forsake us. When we put our trust in you, through what Jesus did on the cross, we are secure, we are accompanied, no matter what the New Year brings.
We can go forward, safely. Thank you, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer is at the heart of our Christian lives.
Anyone can pray, at any time and in any place. God is always alongside us and ready to listen.
St Mary’s Church is open every day for people to go in and pray, sit quietly orlook around. The prayer corner at the front of the church has some prayer leaflets which you can use or take away with you. There is also a board where you can post prayer requests: our prayer team will pray these prayers weekly.
Ifyou’d like to pray with someone, we will always be happy to do this. Members ofthe prayer team are available at the front of church after the Sunday morningservice. Alternatively, you can email prayers@luddendenchurch.org.uk andsomeone will contact you.
“…I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heavenand on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he maystrengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so thatChrist may dwell in your hearts through faith.” (Ephesians 3: 14-17)
The Lord's Prayer:
One day Jesus' disciples said to him, 'Lord teach us to pray.' Jesus' response was simple - he gave them some words to use, which we know as the Lord's Prayer.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name, your kingdom come,
your will be done on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours
now and forever. Amen.
