Prayers
Some petitions from which to choose for the Prayer of the Faithful
1. We pray for all church communities who are undertaking the National Church Life Survey, that the outcomes will help the Church to read the signs of the times and make wise decisions for the future. (pause) Lord, hear us.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
2. We pray for ourselves as we participate today in the National Church Life Survey. May the Holy Spirit open our minds and hearts so that our responses will help assess our Church's core qualities and guide future planning for our community. (pause) Lord, hear us.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
3. We pray that the work of the National Church Life Survey team and all involved in the project will bear much fruit through helping to build bridges between the Church and the wider community. (pause) Lord, hear us.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
4. We pray for all those in our neighbourhood who are not part of this worshipping community. May the research work and resources provided by the National Church Life Survey assist us to become a parish where all will find a warm welcome. (pause) Lord, hear us.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
5. We pray for all those who use their time and talents to help build the reign of God in our world. May God bless their efforts and bring them peace and hope. (pause) Lord, hear us.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
A prayer regarding the National Church Life Survey
Lord of the Church,
we thank you for all the ways you guide, correct and bless your Church,
and we pray that you will use the National Church Life Survey
to keep us accountable to our high calling.
We thank you for the research skills and technical expertise of NCLS staff,
and for the contributions of all the people from many churches
who have shaped this year's survey.
We pray for each congregation
which is opening itself to learning by taking part in the survey.
We pray for each worshipper
who will ponder, pray and complete a survey form.
We pray for all the clergy and lay leaders
who will provide information about their congregations.
We pray for this community [parish, congregation, school, group…],
as we complete the survey,
adding our piece to the picture of church life in Australia.
We pray for the NCLS staff
who will process, interpret and distribute the information that is collected.
Through the survey, teach us
to be honest about our own faith practices
and observant about our collective culture.
Open up for us fresh opportunities
to discuss and clarify our ministry models and leadership styles,
our mission priorities and membership changes.
Give us thankful hearts for the areas of our church life
where your grace is overflowing.
Give us courage to recognise and act on the areas of our church life
where change is needed.
Use the NCLS to equip and encourage every member of your Church
for our mission to embody and proclaim your love for the world,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
A prayer about identity
Among the thousands of names, Lord Jesus Christ, you know my name.
Out of the thousands of places, you know where I am.
Out of the thousands of congregations, and points of view and ways of doing things, Lord Jesus Christ, you know and love this congregation and these people.
Remind us that in your eyes we are not a statistic but a person and a congregation, people known and beloved.
Our names are written on your hands.
A prayer about being part of a Christian community
As we complete the National Church Life Survey, let us pray for those other congregations who also are doing this across Australia.
We pray your blessing for those who are very like us; familiar, co-workers, members of the same kind of church with shared history. Fill their lives with your grace. Stir them to deep faith turning into grace-filled action.
And we pray your blessing for those fellow-Christians who are not like us.
We pray for those who worship you in other ways, on the other side of the tracks, who speak other languages and sing other songs. Fill their lives with your grace. Stir them to deep faith turning into grace-filled action.
Remind us that we are all part of your flock, that we are all listening for your voice and that you gave your life for us all.
A prayer about the purpose of NCLS
Lord Jesus Christ, as we fill in the National Church Life Survey, painting a picture of this congregation and this community, please open our eyes to the community beyond these doors.
Open our eyes to see our local streets and the people who walk in them.
Open our eyes to our town and our city.
Open our eyes to our rural district and our region.
Help us to see the reality of these places and these people through your eyes.
Lord, please use the resources that NCLS will offer from this survey to shine a light on our part of the world. Help us to see the needs and opportunities more clearly. Show us how to use these tools as we take up our part in bringing in the reign of Christ.
A prayer about taking part in the NCLS
Gracious God,
Thank you for having mercy on us in the Lord Jesus. Thank you for displaying your justice in his cross. And thank you for demonstrating your rock-solid commitment to your promises is raising him from the dead.
We long to offer ourselves to you -- to worship you with our bodies, serving you and your people with all that you generously entrust to us.
Please teach us to consider ourselves with sober judgement.
Enable us to see ourselves clearly -- so we recognise your generous provision for us and how you are calling us to glorify you.
Stir us to respond honestly to the questions on the National Church Life Survey. Give us and those who lead us the humility we need to listen well to the results and face the reality of where our congregation currently is under you. And move us to continue trusting you, putting our hope in the Lord Jesus -- who lives and reigns with you, and who promises to be with us as we undertake the work he entrusted to us.
Amen.