Author: Robin.Kyd

God of surprises, you go on ahead to prepare a place for us.
We hope and believe that it will be a place where: barriers are broken to reflect your justice.
A place where life is lived to reflect your righteousness.
A place where wholeness and well-being reflect your peace.
A place of quiet gentleness to reflect your compassion.
A place of warm-hearted tenderness to reflect your love.
A place of graceful selflessness to reflect your humility.
But we live in the here and now, and as we wait with anticipation and hope,
we build your kingdom right here and right now.
Amen

Loving God, we are gathered here safely in the presence of a true shepherd,
secure in the knowledge that you love us and you will never abandon us to the wolves of this world.
You would rather give up your life to protect us.
But quite often, Lord, we get lost in the alluring pastures of this world
and you abandon everything to search and bring us back to the fold.
Thank you that we have safety and security of your abundant forgiveness
and provision in your Kingdom.
Amen

Living God; as we travel the journey of life,
sometimes we are sad and discouraged, and don’t recognise your presence.
Forgive us and help us.
As we travel through new experiences, sometimes we are confused and afraid,
and forget to look for you among the unfamiliar.
Forgive us and help us.
As we meet new people, some who have different ideas and views from our own,
some who challenge and make us feel uncomfortable, we fail to see you at work in them.
Forgive us and help us.
As we listen to old familiar Bible stories,
sometimes we neglect to look for new opportunities among the well-known words.
Forgive us and help us.
Amen

Father God, you are always there for us, whether we feel it or not.
Lord Jesus, you come to us today, and say: ‘Peace be with you’
we open our hearts and receive your perfect peace into our imperfect doubting lives.
Holy Spirit, you lead us to the fullness of joy; we can’t wait to experience you more.
Come, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen

Heavenly Father, help us to recognise Jesus as the one who comes in your name,
as the one who blesses and saves us.
As we explore your Word this morning,
may we offer true praise and adoration in our worship,
may we be open to learn more about your ways,
and may we resolve to walk the road with Jesus every day.
Amen

God of Easter and great sacrifices, we worship you today,
and welcome you into the streets of our hearts as King of kings.
Your love does not fade; its strength endures, stretching out across history, beyond time and space.
Such love we cannot fathom; we can only marvel at a love so big.
We thank you for your great love and sacrifice for us
Amen

Loving and Living God, as we enter the season of your passion,
we pray that you will liberate us from all that binds and traps us.
Give us the courage to unbind ourselves from our resentments and fears
and to walk free in the knowledge that you love us just as we are.
For loving the world so much that you came to live on earth, thank you Lord.
We thank you, Lord Jesus.
For loving people so much that you wept when your dear friend died, thank you Lord.
We thank you, Lord Jesus.
For loving me so much that you hold me in your hand and call me by name, thank you Lord.
We thank you, Lord Jesus.
Guide us on to love you, your world, each other and to love ourselves, to your glory, and praise.
Amen

Lord Jesus, thank you for everyone who looks after children,
especially Mums on this special Mothering Sunday.
Thank you,
for our families – for dads and brothers and sisters,
for grandmas and granddads and uncles and aunties,
for foster carers and step parents.
Thank you
for special friends and neighbours, childminders, nursery workers and
school staff who all share in caring for children.
Thank you
that you love and care for us even before we are born and that we can discover your love through the people around us.
Amen