Author: Robin.Kyd

Christ our redeemer, you came, so that we might know we are yours by choice;
loved, embraced, saved and welcomed to your family and precious in your sight.
In this Advent, draw us together in unity that our praise and worship
might echo in these walls and also through our lives.
You came, so that we might be made complete, draw us together in mission,
that the hope within might be the song we sing, and the melody of our lives.
Amen

Christ the King of our hearts, our scripture stories tell us, you are a shepherd to the lost and the least.
Teach us to see your face among the poor; feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty,
welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, and visiting those who are sick or in prison –
so that we may share in your eternal realm prepared from the foundation of the world;
and wait with eager expectation for your second coming to reign with justice, compassion, and love.
Amen

[Minister] God of all nations; we pray for those who have been injured or disabled through war;
[Men] for those who have lost homes and security through conflict;
for those who have lost loved relatives in wars;
for those who face danger and take risks for peace.
[Women] We pray for all those, especially children, caught up in current conflicts;
for refugees and all those in need of aid and other help.
[Minister] God of encouragement and Saviour of the despairing,
[All] Comfort those who remember past sacrifices
and guide us in building a just and peaceful community for all.
Amen

Living God, you created us as a people
and claimed us for your own by the precious blood of your Son and our Lord.
As we come before you this day to acknowledge your Sovereignty and grace,
and to renew our covenant with you and our brothers and sisters,
we pray that you will reveal any reluctance or falsehood within us.
Let your Spirit impress the truth of your desire for us to be one with each other
as you are One with Christ.
Amen

God, our parent, teacher, mentor and guide,
may we come to you with enquiring hearts, eager to learn,
confident that you will never reject our smallest question,
and willing to walk with you in faith when no answers can be given.
Amen

Creator God, you crown the year with your goodness
and you give us the fruits of the earth in their season:
grant that we may use them to your glory and for the relief of those in need and for our own wellbeing;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord who showed compassion on those who were hungry.
Amen