Having shared God’s peace, let us turn our hearts to prayer

 

O God of Grace and Glory, Spinner of Galaxies, Mover of Hearts:  our racing minds quiet now to your presence in our Hearts.  We need your help. 

 

Lord Jesus Christ, we believe ourselves to be called into the world, as Christians, just like the 70.  Guide us ever, that we may lead by example, not by admonishment; that we may be bringers of peace, not violence nor discord.  May we grow in Compassion, not condescension.  May we be builders, not despoilers; healers, not hurtful.

 

Lord we are willing!  Break open our willingness from its prison of fear and pride.  May we let your Spirit inform every facet of all our relationships.  Thank you and may we grow.

 

O watchful and caring God, we hold out to you our pain - the pain of Shona Moore and her family over the death of her mother 9 days ago; the fear and pain of Mary Jamison over her son, Ross’ heart attack, fall and coma, and terribly uncertain medical status.  We also hold out to you the pain of those stricken with seemingly overwhelming fear; of those of us who struggle with addictions and consequent shame and isolation, with depression and often mental and spiritual afflictions, with deep life change, with loss, with illness, with poverty.

 

Dear God we hold out to you those for whom we now pray……………….

         May we be instruments of healing.

 

Lord God, may we never tire of praying for peace.  Help us with our discouragement.  Iraq, Africa, Afghanistan; Kashmir, Israel and Palestine: Nation hating Nation.  We are often overwhelmed.   Instead, may your Spirit carry Peace to us, and through us, into all creation.

 

Lord, Jesus Christ, for the times when we, too, can see, however fleetingly, Satan Fall Like Lightning, we shout with gratitude.  For those times when Spirit works through us, to heal - heart to heart - we have dropped to our knees in gratitude.

O God, your Grace in our Lives….

 

So too God we are so richly blessed in this city - white sail boats on cobalt and gold water; smell of salt; shadow on mountain, light through leaves, the glory of all those flowers.  As you have shared with us, all this and more, may we share with all around us.

 

And, so as we set forth on the week ahead, not knowing whether we will shake dust off our feet, or be welcomed into peace, we do know that we will have with us the prayer our Saviour taught us.  Will you join me now in that prayer………Our loving God, ...