Evening Prayer Friday, 12 March 2021

Thank you, God,
for the wonder of your creation;
for taking such care of us.
Help us to remember:

• each of us matters to you;
• you hurt when we hurt;
• you rejoice when we feel happy and fulfilled;
• you are saddened when we neglect you and neglect others.

As we approach Mothering Sunday this weekend, we pause to consider the impact our parents,
especially our mothers, have made on our lives.
We bring to you all that we feel when we remember them, be it joy, sorrow, guilt, or gratitude.

We think of all who experience the joy, pain and anxiety of motherhood:
those who find the experience fulfilling; those who are anxious for their children;
those who see their children suffer and those whose children have died.
We pray for those who wish or once wished to be parents, but remain childless,
and for those who have chosen not to have children.
Mothering Sunday can be a difficult time for them.
Whatever our experience of parenthood or experience of childhood,
we thank you for the consistent, unconditional love which you offer to us all.

So, in response to your love, O God,
May we show your love in our lives.

We look to you for companionship when we feel cut off and lonely.
We remember all who are separated from those they love.
We thank you that those who live in care homes can now receive visits.
But we know there will be many people who cannot travel to visit family and friends
because of the coronavirus restrictions.

Help us to use the restrictions of the lockdown
to try to understand the experience of people who are cut off for long periods,
perhaps not even knowing if things will ever change –
asylum seekers, refugees and those in prison.

So, in response to your love, O God,
May we show your love in our lives.

We look to you for comfort and understanding when we feel sad, lonely or afraid.
Draw near to all those who suffer in body, mind or soul.
We remember especially members of our Congregation who are ill
or unable to care for themselves, praying especially for Eric, Joan and Joy.
We thank you for the example of their faith and the courage and patience which they show.
We pray for their families, that they too may feel supported at this anxious and challenging time.
We pray for all who are bereaved, both those who have lost loved ones recently
and those who may still miss them after many years.
May they feel close to you in their time of sorrow,

So, in response to your love, O God,
May we show your love in our lives.

We look to you for guidance when we feel lost and insecure.
We pray for all those who hold positions of responsibility,
who have far-reaching decisions to make which affect the lives of others.
We pray too for those in power throughout the world.
Give them insight and integrity and a concern for the people they govern and represent,
not just a thirst for power and influence.
We pray for our government as they juggle the competing priorities
of what is best for people’s physical health, their mental health,
for people’s livelihoods and the economy.
May they consider with compassion the needs of all.

We pray for the ministers and leaders of our church.
As the time for the Annual Congregational Meeting approaches,
help us to participate fully in the election of new members of the Ecumenical Council.
May we be willing to support others who take on tasks
which we do not feel equipped to do ourselves.
May we listen for your voice and listen to one another in a spirit of love.
Keep our hearts fixed on the example you gave of leadership through love.

So, in response to your love, O God,
May we show your love in our lives.

Give us open eyes which see those who hurt in your world.
Give us open ears to hear those who cry.
Give us hearts which can stay alongside their pain.
Give us the words to say, to share your love.
Show us how to bring joy, love, peace and hope into your suffering world.

We ask all these prayers in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.

Amen

And now, to finish our evening prayers,
I’d like us to listen to a hymn which I heard earlier this week and would like to share with you.
Please click on the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqpdZq6TAfo

For everyone born, a place at the table,
for everyone born, clean water and bread,
a shelter, a space, a safe place for growing,
for everyone born, a star overhead.

And God will delight when we are creators
of justice and joy, compassion and peace;
yes, God will delight when we are creators
of justice, justice, and joy.

For young and for old, a place at the table,
a voice to be heard, a part in the song,
the hands of a child in hands that are wrinkled,
for young and for old, the right to belong.

And God will delight when we are creators
of justice and joy, compassion and peace;
yes, God will delight when we are creators
of justice, justice, and joy.

For everyone born, a place at the table,
to live without fear, and simply to be,
to work, to speak out, to witness and worship,
for everyone born, the right to be free.

And God will delight when we are creators
of justice and joy, compassion and peace;
yes, God will delight when we are creators
of justice, justice, and joy.

Rosemary Kearsey