As a community for faith, we are called to pray for our neighbours and neighbourhood. We are called to pray for Garforth; all who live here, work here or visit the town. This booklet has been prepared to help us to do that together, so that we can cover our local community in prayer.

We have divided Garforth into 26 geographical areas. You can choose an area from the maps below.  We suggest that you pray for an area each week, although you do not necessarily need to do them in order, or even start at week one. If you are able, you could walk the streets of each area whilst you are praying; we think that it would take 15-30 minutes to cover the streets in each area.

However, you can just as easily pray from home, or spend some time in St Mary’s, when it is open for individual prayer.

Prayers

Father God, I pray for the streets in this area. You know the concerns of the people who live and work here, and I pray that your blessing will be upon them as they go about their daily lives. Amen

God Almighty, I ask for healthy, thriving relationships between neighbours. I pray different cultures will be able to understand and care for one another in this neighbourhood. I pray that the diversity of your people will be celebrated by all neighbours, just as you affirm and love each one of us. Amen

When praying for the streets, you can bring to mind, as appropriate:

• Those who live there – for their home life, their health and well-being.
• Those who work there – for job security, fulfilment in their working life and financial provision.
• Those who own or run businesses there.
• Any who may be particularly vulnerable or in need.

There are some suggested prayers, at the end of the booklet, or you may want to use a familiar piece of scripture or your own words. Sometimes, it is simply enough to reflect on the names of the streets you are praying for in silence, with the intention of bringing your unsaid words to a God who knows your concerns and needs.

God, our Prince of Peace, I ask for your presence in the streets and homes of this area. I pray for safety and wisdom and compassion in all circumstances. I pray your comfort for those who have experienced violence, and we ask your protection for all our neighbours.

Amen

Father God, I pray for a flourishing community, where neighbours learn to love each other and come to know Jesus. I pray that we can be good stewards of your love to each one of our neighbours. I ask that you help us to learn from our community, and that it may be a place where all are welcomed. Amen