Yours,

Be still

March Prayer Diary

For those who can make it, Morning Prayer takes place throughout the week

at various times (see weekly newsletter) and on a Saturday morning at

9.00am. For those who cannot make Morning Prayer, be encouraged to

pray using this Morning Prayer outline on your own, remembering that

sometime between 7.00am-9.30am you will not be praying alone but at the

same time as other people at St Martin’s. Therefore, in this way as a

Church, we will be praying together. However, this Morning Prayer outline

is only a guide, remember:

Pray as you can — not as you can’t

Outline for Daily Prayer

A MOMENT’S QUIET Remember, God is our Father, Jesus is Lord. The Holy Spirit is with us.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING Give thanks to God for Jesus and for those things we can so easily take for granted.

CONFESSION Say sorry to God for those things that you’ve thought, said and done which are wrong.

BIBLE READING Read the Bible slowly and prayerfully.

QUIET REFLECTION Silence

PERSONAL PRAYER Including the Prayer for today in the St Martin’s Prayer Diary.

CLOSING PRAYER Be present in all we do today, in each breath that we take, each word that we speak, each hour that we work, each hour that we rest. Lord be in all. In our dreams, hopes, successes, our disappointments, failures and fears be Lord of all. Amen.

God of Mission Who alone brings growth to your Church,

Send your Holy Spirit to give Vision to our planning, Wisdom to our actions,

And power to our witness. Help our church to grow in numbers,

In spiritual commitment to you, And in service to our local community, Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thursday 1st

March Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the

strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:25-26.

Today, from our church family, we pray for Pauline Bolus.

Today is St. David’s Day: “Almighty God, who called your servant David to be a faithful and wise steward of your mysteries for the people of Wales: in your mercy, grant that, following his purity of life and zeal for the Gospel of Christ, we may with him receive the crown of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.” (Revd. Dr. Steve Griffiths.)

The Standing Committee is meeting together today. Loving Father, we want to pray for each member of the Committee and to give thanks for their service and the part they play in the life of St. Martin’s. We continue to pray for the Lent Course taking place this evening where we are exploring “The Mystery of Everything”. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Friday 2

nd March

But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.

My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to

his way without turning aside. Job 23:10-11.

Today, from our church family, we pray for Sheila Box.

Today there will be a service at St. Paul’s to celebrate Women’s World Day of Prayer. This year the focus is on the women of Suriname and they have prepared the worship material celebrating the creative power of God. The same order of service is used in every country so that for twenty four hours the same prayers are being shared around the world. Thank you, Lord, for all that will be celebrated today at St. Paul’s, here in Walsall and by Christian people all around the globe. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Saturday 3rd

March “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.

“As the heavens are higher than the

earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9.

Today, from our church family, we pray for Clare Box.

Tonight ‘Boldz Brass’ make a return visit to St. Martin’s to hold a concert to raise funds for West Mercia Scouts Medjam Jamboree. Robert Davidson, from our St. Martin’s family, is a member of this group and hoping to attend the Jamboree. We pray for the success of this concert and that sufficient funds are raised to enable the West Mercia Scouts to attend the Jamboree. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Sunday 4

th March

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9.

Today, from our church family, we pray for Julie Bradshaw.

Collect for the Third Sunday of Lent Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

As it is the first Sunday of the month, we shall gather to worship this morning with the inviting smell of toast and coffee to welcome everyone. Thank you, Lord, for those who prepare this lovely welcome each month. We pray for all that will take place in our worship this morning with its focus on the work of ‘Caring Hands’. We also pray for the children’s groups which meet this morning. May everything we do, say, sing and pray be worthy of you, Precious Lord. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Monday 5th

March These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:6-7.

Today, from our church family, we pray for Barbara Brearley.

This is the first week since the beginning of December when there will be no Night Shelter in Walsall. Compassionate Father, we pray for all the homeless and rough sleepers in Walsall who will be affected by this decision. The Night Shelter proved to be a haven of comfort and support to so many during the dark and bitterly cold winter months. Some users have been rehoused but too many are still without a place to call their own. We thank you, Father, for the commitment and generosity of Walsall Council and Black Country YMCA for funding the Shelter for three months. Thank you for the huge kindness of so many individuals, here at St. Martin’s and in other churches in the area, who donated money, food, clothes, towels, toiletries etc. which provided comfort and dignity to the service users. We pray for the future, Lord, that something permanent may develop out of this initiative. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Tuesday 6

th March

LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1.

Today, from our church family, we pray for Jackie Brown.

Dearest Lord, we are in the middle of Fairtrade Fortnight when companies, shops and individuals have tried to high light the importance of paying producers and workers in the third world a fair price for their products. Lord, help us always to choose to pay people properly and fairly for the food they produce and the labour they provide. Everything we have comes from You, Dear Father, help us to value it properly. “Loving God, come on in God of justice and peace - As plants are watered and weeds are dug; As crops are picked and boxes are packed -

Come on in, loving God! Come to our hearts and our world As the boardroom meets and traders haggle; As ships are loaded and bills are paid - Come on in, loving God! Come to our hearts and our world As parliament sits and laws are made; As rules are set our voices are raised – Come on in, loving God! Come to our hearts and our world As shelves are stacked and packets are bought; As meals are munched and tums are filled - Come on in, loving God! Come to our hearts and our world Across thousands of miles, through business and trade, we are joined to each other; may we be neighbours to all - Come on in, loving God! Come to our hearts and our world.” (Church Resources for Fairtrade Fortnight)

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Wednesday 7

th March

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24.

Today, from our church family, we pray for Keith Brown.

Heavenly Father, we want to thank you for the appointment of Martin King as our Church Administrator. Thank you for all Martin has done so far and for the many things he will achieve in the future. This appointment provides much needed support for Jenny, our Vicar, and for the effective running of the church office. We ask for a special blessing for Martin and his family as he works to fulfil your vision for your church, here at St. Martin’s. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Thursday 8

th March

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.

Today, from our church family, we pray for Sylvie Brown.

Restorative and Compassionate God, we want to praise you today for all the initiatives which have grown out of the community café. Most recently Margaret Carter and her supporters have developed a dementia support group which take place on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at café. They organise creative, stimulating and interesting material suitable for those living with dementia. This is proving to be a hugely comforting and supportive resource for sufferers and their families. The bereavement group, which meet on the first and third Thursday of the month, have provided and continue to provide enormous support to those newly bereaved and many who have been bereaved for some time. Thank you, Father, for such caring, compassionate and devoted volunteers who have done so much to comfort and support others. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Friday 9

th March

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. 2 Timothy 1:9.

Today, from our church family, we pray for Margaret Budding.

We pray for the Street Ministry Team who will be on duty tonight and the Street Pastors who will be in Walsall town centre tomorrow night. We pray for all the people that they meet and help. It is going to be more difficult than usual this evening as it has been two weeks since the closure of the Night Shelter which means that many people are without shelter once again. We pray for all those who have no place to call home, no place of safety and security. May they find some comfort with the Street Ministry Team who will listen to their problems and provide some respite from the bleakness of the night. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Saturday 10

th March

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15.

Today, from our church family, we pray for Les Budding.

In our Saturday prayers for Walsall, we focus today on all the churches in our cluster and deanery. Loving Father, we want to thank you for all the work the churches do to support the poor, homeless and most vulnerable in our town. We pray for our clergy and their families: we pray for Jenny here at St. Martin’s, for Jim, Jake and Pastor Fiaz at St. Matthew’s, for Bonnie and Karen at St. John’s and for Mark and Chris at St. Paul’s. Please bless and protect them as they serve their congregations and the people of Walsall. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Sunday 11

th March

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. Deuteronomy 7:9

Today, from our church family, we pray for Lynsey Gibson

Collect for Mothering Sunday God of compassion, whose Son Jesus Christ, the child of Mary, shared the life of a home in Nazareth, and on the cross drew the whole human family to himself: strengthen us in our daily living that in joy and in sorrow we may know the power of your presence to bind together and to heal; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

As we spend time, effort and money celebrating our mothers today, we remember those families and communities where mothers are not able to provide the protection, nourishment or opportunities which they would like for their children. We ask for your guidance and support for mothers who struggle to care for their own needs, and find themselves without the stability, love and security needed as they become a parent and work to mother their child. We think also of women who struggle to have children, and ask for your patience and healing to be part of their situation. We also remember children who have not been blessed by consistent loving support from a mother figure, and ask that this need by filled by alternative safe loving environments. We thank you for the God-created

structure of the family, and ask for your support for those who do not benefit from such a loving micro-community. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Monday 12

th March

Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 2 Peter 1:4

Today, from our church family, we pray for Tia Bryon

Today we pray for the work of the charity Open Doors, which is supported by the prayer and charitable giving of the community at St Martin’s. We thank you for the vision of this charity, supporting the lives and faith of persecuted Christian, asking that the leaders of the organisation be supported and protected by the prayers of their surrounding worldwide community. We particularly pray for the work being undertaken to restore living conditions across the Nineveh Planes of Iraq, supporting the community in the void left after the retreating control of Isis. We thank you for the witness of identifying and serving physical and spiritual need. We pray that each individual and every family living in the security of the seven hundred restored homes, feel welcomed and strengthened by the work of Open Doors and their partner organisations. We ask for continued blessings on the work of Christ and the movement of the Holy Spirit. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Tuesday 13

th March

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Today, from our church family, we pray for Chanel Bryon

Living in the knowledge of the continued loving presence of our God, we ask that you walk with us in the UK as negotiations and preparations for Brexit progress. As the EU Withdrawal Bill emerged from the House of Lords and sits in the Committee Stage until Easter, we ask that these discussions be informed by honest reflection and wisdom. We also ask for your loving hand over the impact of these meetings and developments in local communities. In the multicultural West Midlands, we pray for understanding and sensitivity as

communities live alongside each other; looking for opportunities to genuinely live and work together, united against those who seek opportunities for division and civil unrest. We pray for peace and stability in our community. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Wednesday 14

th March

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control perseverance; and to perseverance godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8

Today, from our church family, we pray for Porsche Bryon

We pray for the needs of our community. We thank you for the all of the celebrations taking place today, this week and this month. Help us to take the time and share our celebrations of key events and success stories with those around us. We thank you and praise you for these opportunities for joy. We ask for your presence to be in all of the struggles, disappointments and loss which will be suffered today, this week and this month. We pray for those who struggle with relationships, finances and in making decisions about their future. We ask for your strength, and a response from us as a Christian fellowship, for all those who struggle into these unknowns. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Thursday 15

th March

Then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. Acts 4:10 & 12

Today, from our church family, we pray for Katie Bryon

Today we pray for the leadership of Christian community, and in support of the vocation of the laity who can work within it. In particular we ask for your guidance for St Martin’s PCC who meet this evening. Whilst prayerfully recognising the necessary discussions of

finances, children’s’ work, safeguarding and pastoral outreach which will take place, we pray in preparation for the Annual Church Meeting next month. We ask that this meeting will be an affirming time of fellowship and that the necessary roles will be filled within the church community and PCC to facilitate a Church ministry overflowing with the gifts of the spirit. We ask that this month members of our fellowship be moved to explore roles, building their confidence in their ability to serve God in this way. In particular we pray over the role of Church Wardens and Deputy Wardens, the fabric committee and the management of hall lettings. May individuals be moved to share their time and skills with their Christian fellowship; to unite our gifts to build the Kingdom. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Friday 16

th March

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

Today, from our church family, we pray for Harley Bryon

“Merciful Father, we cry to you from the depths of our concern for those wrongly imprisoned or held captive: for those trying to secure their release, that the ways of peace and diplomacy may prevail over acts of violence and aggression, that their captors may know a change of heart; through him who was sent to proclaim liberty for captives and to set free those who are oppressed, your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.” Amen. (Church of England prayer for all held in captivity) Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Saturday 17

th March

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters; he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Psalm 23

Today, from our church family, we pray for Margaret Carter

God of knowledge and power, we ask that you watch over all in our community who work to form and maintain our law and order. We ask that you watch over all police and law enforcement officers and

the work in which they engage. Shield them from harm in the performance of their duty to stop crime violence; to restore relationships across the community. Grant them strength and guide their efforts to keep the streets and homes safe, day and night. We ask that you grant them strength and bless them in their daily duties, because their work is dangerous and yet crucial to our lives and livelihoods. Hold them close to your love and gracious protection. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Sunday 18

th March

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Today, from our church family, we pray for John Chambers

Collect for 5th Sunday of Lent Most merciful God, who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ delivered and saved the world: grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross we may triumph in the power of his victory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Monday 19

th March

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,

gentleness, and self-control. Against such

things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Today, from our church family we pray for Fred Cole

With the end of the winter season and the closure of the Walsall Night Shelter, we thank you for the community of churches and council members who have worked to protect the homeless through the coldest time of the year. We thank you for the relationships which have been built between those in need and those who have volunteered their time throughout the season. Moving into spring, we pray that the homeless and hungry are not forgotten by the relatively wealthy in finances, time and relationships. May the contacts and positive attitudes which have been enjoyed through the preparation and provision of the shelter be extended into future support projects.

At this time we remember the work of Street Pastors and Street Minsters who work weekly with those in need in the community. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Tuesday 20

th March

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

now that you have tasted that the

Lord is good. 1 Peter 2:2-3

Today, from our church family, we pray for Jackie Coles

We pray for the protection of our children and young people. With an educational system which, despite strategic national and local interventions, still provides a more aspirational and successful experience for the wealthier we ask for opportunities to support the families of the most vulnerable members of our community. With an increased use of food banks we pray for the nourishment of the families in our community. We ask that we may support this prayer with the giving of food and time to actively support those in need in our community. With an increase in mental health difficulties amongst young people in the UK, may we remain vigilant to need and patient in our response to unexpected behaviours and need. May we as a fellowship seek to meet the community surrounding our church, to be understanding enough to identify needs and humble enough to offer support to those who could be helped. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Wednesday 21

st March

But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They shall be like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes, its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8

Today, from our church family, we pray for Iris Collins

“Gracious and generous God, you became poor so that we might be enriched by your love, and you gave the world’s wealth and resources as a common inheritance of all human beings. We pray you would strengthen your Church to be a beacon of hospitality for the poor. We pray that, seeing the light of Christ’s love, the nations and peoples of the world may fight not to kill, but to outdo one

another in care for the poor, and in actions of gracious generosity. Through Him who for our sakes did not grasp the wealth of heaven, but instead gave all to live for us as a slave, and die for us in pain, Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.” (Tearfund prayer from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby) Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Thursday 22

nd March

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11

Today, from our church family, we pray for Pamela Cooke

We are holding a Super Soup Lunch after Coffee Bar today to raise funds for Christian Aid. We give thanks for Carol Smith and her helpers for organising this and pray that it will be well supported. Today is also World Water Day, a day to raise awareness and inspire action to tackle water and sanitation issues. Its theme this year is “Nature for Water”, looking at how environmental damage, together with climate change, is driving the water-related crises we see around the world and whether using solutions we already find in nature will help reduce these problems. Lord, inspire us to give generously to help the millions around the world who still lack access to safe, clean water and adequate sanitation. We pray for Water Aid who are working to provide water for health and hygiene for some of the world’s poorest people and for Tear Fund, Christian Aid and other agencies who support them. May we appreciate the luxury of our water supply and use it sensibly. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Friday 23rd

March

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

Today, from our church family, we pray for Sue Cooper

Yesterday was the first anniversary of the licensing of our Vicar Jenny at St Martin’s by Michael, Bishop of Lichfield. Lord, as we pray for her and her family, we give thanks that you have called Jenny to

minister to us and for the help and support she has already given us and look forward to our time ahead with her and the further development in the life of our church. “God of Mission, who alone brings growth to your Church, send your Holy Spirit to give vision to our planning, wisdom to our actions, and power to our witness. Help our church to grow in numbers, in spiritual commitment to you, and in service to our local community, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (Prayer for the growth of our church at St Martins) Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Saturday 24

th March

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Today, from our church family, we pray for Doreen Crowder

Tonight at 8.30 pm is Earth Hour’s 48th Anniversary when the World

Wildlife Fund hope a billion people worldwide will turn off their lights for one hour to show that they care about the implications of climate change, including the nearly 1 in 6 species which are at risk of extinction. Last year 9 million people in the UK took part and Buckingham Palace as well as other national and European landmarks turned their floodlights off. Heavenly Father, who made this wonderful world for us and sent your Son to live among us and be our Saviour, help and guide us to use its resources in ways that will prevent irreparable harm to its climate, wildlife and resources. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Sunday 25

th March

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Today, from our church family, we pray for Pauline Cuffe

Collect for Palm Sunday Almighty and everlasting God, who in your tender love towards the human race sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ to take upon him our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross: grant that we may follow the example of his patience and humility, and also be made partakers of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our

Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Lord, as we remember how your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, was welcomed as a king by those who soon shouted for him to be crucified, help us to accept him as king of our lives and to remain true and steadfast to him forever. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Monday 26

th March

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, Philippians 1:29

Today, from our church family, we pray for Neville Cuffe

Yesterday we came to church an hour earlier as British Summer Time began. We praise you Father God, as we see signs of the end of the winter and look forward to the spring, to sunshine and the new growth of leaves and flowers. We know we are fortunate that our temperate climate gives us adequate rainfall as well as sunshine to enable our crops to grow. May we, as caretakers of your world, never take it for granted and work to preserve it for future generations. Loving Lord, we pray for those in countries beset by drought or floods, who starve if crops fail. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Tuesday 27

th March

My salvation and my honour depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Psalm 62:7

Today, from our church family, we pray for Valerie Daniel

Our prayer for our town focuses today on the homeless and the Glebe Centre. We pray for the work of those based at the Glebe centre working to help and support the homeless and those struggling with alcohol and drug abuse. Compassionate Lord, we pray for all those using these services and the paid employees and volunteers running them and give thanks for the provision of warm meals and showers. We pray that those using the services provided by centre will be able to move forward with their lives towards a better future. We also pray that people will continue giving clothing, food and financial donations to support any ongoing

work. Now that the provision of a winter shelter for the homeless has ended, we pray for further support for those, who face sleeping outside again. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Wednesday 28

th March

For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 1 Timothy 2:5-6

Today, from our church family, we pray for Chris Davidson

In this week leading to Easter we pray “Loving Father, your Son called us to become like little children. Help us in this day to hear those words afresh and to allow them to shape our lives. Grant us a spirit of true humility that enables us to approach you with empty hands. Forgive us that our hands so often become filled with possessions, roles and selfish expectations. Grant us a spirit of openness to new ideas. Forgive us that our thoughts are so easily cluttered by our knowledge and experience of life that we are unable to hear anything that is new. Grant us a spirit of simple trust. Forgive us that we find it so easy to complicate life, and to look with cynicism at others. Grant us a spirit of adventure that is ready to travel with you to new places where you will be able to use us to extend your child-like kingdom of love and peace. We pray this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen” (The Children’s Society) Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Thursday 29

th March

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

Today, from our church family, we pray for Sue Davidson

Collect for Maundy Thursday

God our Father, you have invited us to share in the supper which your Son gave to his Church to proclaim his death until he comes:

may he nourish us by his presence, and unite us in his love; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Lord, as we come to the Communion services at 9.30 am and the 7.30 pm “Love Feast” with foot washing, may we feel closer to the events of the Last Supper, which we commemorate today, and may receiving your sacrament strengthen our faith and our fellowship. As we prepare to receive communion and worship together today may we “Come to your table Lord, not because we must, but because we may, not because we are strong, but because we are weak; Come, not because any goodness of our own gives us the right to come, but because we need mercy and help; Come because we love the Lord a little, and would like to love him more; come because he loves us, and gave himself for us. Come to meet the incarnate, risen Christ, for we are his body.” (adapted) Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Friday 30

th March

He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. Isaiah 53:3-4

Today, from our church family, we pray for Robert Davidson

Collect for Good Friday Almighty Father, look with mercy on this your family for which our Lord Jesus Christ was content to be betrayed and given up into the hands of sinners and to suffer death upon the cross; who is alive and glorified with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

As we worship at the 10am All Age Service or pray and reflect at the 2pm Hour at the Cross, we remember Loving Jesus your suffering and death on the cross for us. Thank you for this sacrifice. We pray that we

can be worthy of your love for us. We pray for the courageous Christians in many parts of the world who face violence and persecution and especially we pray for the safety of those who have converted from other faiths. Loving Lord, amidst the fear of cruelty, pain and injustice may they will feel upheld by your presence and comfort. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Saturday 31st March But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:5-6

Today, from our church family, we pray for Rosie Davidson

Collect for Easter Eve Grant, Lord, that we who are baptized into the death of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ may continually put to death our evil desires and be buried with him; and that through the grave and gate of death we may pass to our joyful resurrection; through his merits, who died and was buried and rose again for us, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

On this Holy Saturday our prayer for our town of Walsall is for all its Christian churches and their congregations and also for those of other faiths and none. Lord, you made this diverse world, and while we hope for all to come to you in faith, we pray for those who have different religious beliefs, for tolerance, dialogue and understanding with one another and for groups to work together for the good of the people in our town. We pray that we will all be united against the extremism of intolerance and hate. We bring before you Lord, all those who have no faith, who mistrust religion for a variety of reasons but who may wonder about the emptiness in their lives. We pray that you will guide us to reach out when appropriate as individuals and as a church to support those who wish to explore Christianity further. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thursday 1st March

9.30am Holy Communion Chris Rowe

Sunday 4th March Lent 3

10.00am Holy Communion Jenny Mayo-Lythall

6.30pm Prayer and Praise Penny Wheble

Thursday 8th March

9.30am Holy Communion Jenny Mayo-Lythall

Sunday 11th March Mother’s Day

10.00am All age service

3.30pm BCP Holy Communion Jenny Mayo-Lythall

Thursday 15th March

9.30am Holy Communion Penny Wheble

Sunday 18th March Lent 5

10.00am Holy Communion Jenny Mayo-Lythall

4:00pm Messy Church

Thursday 22nd March Jenny Mayo-Lythall

9.30am Holy Communion

Sunday 25th March Palm Sunday

10:00am Holy Communion Liz Askey

Thursday 29th March Maundy Thursday

9:30am Holy Communion Jenny Mayo-Lythall

7:30pm Love feast with foot washing.

Friday 30th March Good Friday

10:00am All age Hot Cross bun service

2.00pm Hour at the Cross

Sunday 1st April Easter Sunday

6:00am Sunrise Service Jenny Mayo-Lythall

8:00am Holy Communion Penny Wheble

10.00am Holy Communion Jenny Mayo-Lythall

www.stmartinswalsall.co.uk

March Services