Father God, as we continue our Lenten journey we come to you knowing that we are still preparing for the glorious message of Easter. 
Help us as we offer our prayers of intercession and thanksgiving to really understand the amazing gift of Easter.
Today on this Mothering Sunday we give thanks for our Church and  families and pray for the churches where we first learnt about you and our saviour Jesus Christ. 

Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.

Creator God, we thank you for our beautiful world and we pray that you help us to care for it; to value all the glorious nature we see around us in all its variety.  We pray for places that are damaged by war, pollution and climate change, that there will be cleansing and healing of the land.  In a moment of silence please pray for any situation God has placed on your heart.

Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.

Almighty God, we pray that you will bless and guide all in authority.  We bring before you the leaders of our world and ask that they are working for peace and justice for their people with honesty and transparency.  We pray that they will have compassion on their people and seek peaceful resolutions to their desires for power.  We pray for the people who feel they have no hope; we pray that they may see the peace of God and be renewed by the power of your Holy Spirit.  In a moment of silence please pray for any place or situation on your heart this morning. 

Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.

Loving God, as your chosen people, holy and dearly loved, we pray that you will help us to bear with one another, be compassionate, gentle and forgiving.  We thank you for our families, friends and church family members, help us to let the peace of Christ rule in all our hearts today and always.

Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.

Merciful God, we pray for those who are in need of your love and healing today; for women who long to be mothers, for children who are hungry, for families threatened by war, for refugees and the persecuted, for those who are sick or in pain, and for the depressed or frightened.  In a moment of silence please pray for a person on your heart this morning. 

Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.

Everlasting God, we remember those who brought us into this world, raised and cherished us and helped us to be what we are today, especially those who we love but see no longer and we ask that you be close to all those who are mourning the loss of a loved one. 

Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.

Faithful God, this week, may we reflect your love in the way we live our lives, so that the world can see that we are followers of Christ, and that by our words and actions we may draw others into your loving care.

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen