Good evening, everyone.
I hope you have had a fruitful day and can find some blessings
which you can reflect on as we prepare for the night ahead.

This evening, I have chosen to read a very familiar psalm, Psalm 23.
At a time when many people are suffering with illness and others with lack of contact,
it can sometimes by hard to see the positives in this situation.
As we read the psalm,
let us reflect on those things which are mentioned
which we would like to thank God for this evening.

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

¹ The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
²     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Psalm 23, NIV®

Let us pray:

Living Christ,
You are present with us in all times, sharing the brightness of our joy
and walking with us through times of darkness.
When we feel lost and confused, help us to hear your wise voice guiding our way.
When we are fearful. Help us to hear words of reassurance.
Seek out all who are lost and looking for the way.
In these times of confusion, uncertainty and fearfulness,
we need your wisdom, your reassurance and your compassion.

We bring to you the life of our nation
and long for your gentle rule to be established among us.
Speak to all of us now: leaders, citizens, fearful residents,
those with a voice and those whose voices seem never to be heard.
As people feel fearful of what the future holds,
help us to look to you for strength and guidance.

We pray for all who feel lonely – bring them the comfort of your presence.
We pray for all who are anxious – grant them your peace.
We pray for all who are sick – lay your healing hand on them.
We pray for all who mourn – comfort them, and bring peace to their hearts.
We pray for all who are burdened by guilt –
help them to reach out for your forgiveness.

We ask this in Jesus’ name.

Amen

So we conclude our time together by saying the Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father in heaven
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours
now and for ever.

Amen

I wish you all a pleasant evening and a restful night.

Rosemary Kearsey