Prayer for the Day
A Prayer for an end to violence
Creator God, in Jesus you embrace all of our human condition. In him, you weep with us, lament with us and strive with us for a world of righteousness and justice. We grieve with communities, families and individuals in the beautiful city of London who are afflicted by violence, who mourn for those lost to its effects, and who yearn and cry out for a better future. Send your Holy Spirit afresh upon us we pray – make us channels of peace; renew in us Christ’s work of reconciliation; give us the wisdom to know what makes for healing, and to give our lives for it in his name. Inspire us to plant and to nurture your seeds of hope, that your grace might flow in abundance and all your children know the freedom which is your promise and your gift in Christ. Amen.
Alternative Prayer for the Day
Prayer of thanks for God's gifts
Blessed be God, for the glory of a grace never ending, for the gift of a love never changing, for the depth of a peace never failing.
A prayer for closeness with God
Loving God, help me feel connected to you so that you may use me where you have placed me. Help me draw close enough that I may see with your eyes, hear with your ears and think with your mind, because you are a just God and justice is a part of loving. Let me support victims who aren’t recognised and people excluded from the accepted circle. Enable me to help people who are suffering because others seek to increase their wealth. Empower me to advocate for children who cannot fulfil their potential or for those whose voices aren’t heard. Bring me out from my comfort zone. Stop me just acting in my own interests. Let me do right! Amen.
Margaret Lee, steward, Borders Mission Circuit