Diocesan News04 Sep 15

Bishop Miller and Bishop McAreavey join in prayer for political leaders and community (NI)

Mindful of the challenges facing our devolved government, Bishop John McAreavey (Catholic Bishop of Dromore) and Bishop Harold Miller (Church of Ireland Bishop of Down & Dromore) have sent two prayers of intercession (below) to the parishes in their dioceses to be used in services of worship this weekend.

Bishop McAreavey will join Bishop Miller this evening at the final night of the Down and Dromore Bible Week in Shankill Church, Lurgan, when they will jointly lead the congregation in these prayers.

For political leaders at this time

Grant, O heavenly Father, to our elected representatives and political leaders the guidance of your Holy Spirit.

In the current challenges faced by this society, help them to act in the best interests of all.

Give them wisdom and courage in facing the demands of justice and truth, so that stability and reconciliation would be furthered among us and your kingdom be served in all things.

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

Concluding prayer for our whole community

Lead us, Lord, in the ways of peace–making;
Unite us, Lord, in reconciled relationships;
Bless us, Lord, with integrity in government;
Guide us, Lord, through our present concerns;
Form in us, Lord, the mind of Christ;
Protect us, Lord, from all that would destroy us;
We ask this to the glory and praise of your name and for the good of this land, through Christ our Lord. Amen.