Reading this week's prayers is Sophie Stokes. "I am Sophie and I am blessed to be the youth pastor for St Francis and Hope Church in Salisbury. Youth ministry is so important because we give space for young people to come and explore their faith outside of their family at a time when they are seeking independence and understanding for themselves. We put a lot of emphasis on supporting and empowering young people to develop in their natural giftings, so we have young people who welcome, serve tea and coffee, play in the worship band, help in kids and youth groups, lead services, preach, lead bible studies, help us with media as well as being representatives for our mission partners, serving the community and being a part of the committees and leadership groups within the Church. I have also had the privilege of being the co-host of a Youth Alpha series in Salisbury where we have seen 100 young people sign up with 80 regular attendees.
When I am not at work I spend time with my lovely family, take walks in the woods, bake, paint, read and spend time in my garden. My favourite bible verse is Hebrews 13:6 “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid”."
Monday 17 November: Kinson, Poole Deanery
Lord God,
We pray today for those living in the communities of Kinson, raising to you particularly the ministry of the Revd Dan Washbrook, his family and those who work with and support his ministry.
We pray for your blessing on all those who worship and live in the community of Kinson.
Amen
Tuesday 18 November: West Howe, Poole Deanery
Loving Lord,
We ask today for your blessing on the community of West Howe. We pray for the Revd Christine Brooks and all who minister there, that you may guide them as they seek to reach out to share God’s love.
Amen
Wednesday 19 November: Longfleet, Poole Deanery
Lord God,
We pray for your blessing on the benefice of Longfleet and all who lead and worship in this place. We pray for the worship leaders, school leaders, churchwardens, treasurers and PCC members, including the clergy, Andy Perry and Jordan Betts.
We pray for the pupils, families and staff of Poole Longfleet Primary School, and in our prayers for our link diocese, we thank you for the ministry of the Rt Revd Matthew Mading Malok Madul, Bishop of Akot in South Sudan.
Amen
Thursday 20 November: Parkstone St Luke, Poole Deanery
Our Father,
We raise to you the benefice of Parkstone St Luke, praying for all who work, play and worship there. We pray for the ministry and leadership of the Revd Stuart Cocksedge and all who strive to support and serve their neighbour in this community.
Amen
Friday 21 November: Parkstone St Peter and St Osmund with Branksea St Mary, Poole Deanery
Eternal God,
Thank you for the communities of Parkstone St Peter and St Osmund with Branksea St Mary. We pray for your guidance on all those who lead and worship there, including the clergy, Mike Trotman and Elaine Passey.
We pray for the pupils, families and staff of Poole Baden Powell and St Peter's Junior School.
Amen
Saturday 22 November: Poole St James with St Paul, Poole Deanery
Everlasting Lord,
We raise to you the communities of Poole St James with St Paul, asking for your blessing upon the lives of all who live there, and on the ministry of the clergy, Lucy Holt, Anthony Oehring, Jeff Adams and Sally Taylor.
Amen
Sunday 23 November: Christ the King
Talbot Village, Poole Deanery
Creator God,
We pray for the benefice of Talbot Village, that all those living there may be blessed by your presence and your peace. We pray for your blessing on the Revd Nick Wells.
We raise to you the children, staff and families of Talbot Village St Mark's Primary School.
In our prayers for the wider Anglican Communion, we pray for the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia.
Amen