bidding prayers 2014
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In the name of Christ and his Church I bid you welcome to The Mariners’ Club tonight.
We have come together as the family of God in our Father's presence to celebrate the festival of Christmas. In this service we hear and receive the good news of the birth of Christ, and we offer to God our thanksgiving in the joyful singing of carols.
But first we pray:
For all Christian people, that by this festival they may be renewed to fulfil Christ's work in this world; and especially for our friends and family not with us today and for all seafarers who will spend the time of Christmas away from their loved ones.
For the world, which is already Christ's, that those who bear responsibility for its future, in politics, in industry, in commerce, and in education and communication, may be inspired by the message of Christmas to work together for the establishment of justice, freedom and peace everywhere;
For all in special need, the sick, the anxious, the lonely, the fearful, and the bereaved.
We commend all whom we love, or who have asked for our prayers, to the unfailing mercy of our heavenly Father, and say together, as Christ himself taught us,