Author: Robin.Kyd

Loving God, as we begin this new week, we seek shelter in your presence,
just as the psalmist found refuge under your wings.
You are our fortress and our God, in whom we place our complete trust.
Like Jesus in the wilderness, we face times of testing in our daily lives.
When we encounter temptations to doubt your goodness, to seek power on our own terms,
or to test your faithfulness, grant us the wisdom and strength that your Son showed.
Help us to stand firm in your Word,
knowing that you alone are our true sustenance in Jesus’ Mighty Name.
Amen

Holy and transforming God, like Moses on Sinai and Jesus on the mountain,
draw us into your radiant presence.
Though we cannot bear to look upon your full glory, let your light shine through us,
making holy what is ordinary, transforming what is earthly into divine.
Speak to us from within and open our ears to hear Jesus’ voice, our eyes to glimpse your glory.
Give us courage to follow where Christ leads, down from the mountain and into the valley of service,
not by our own power, but by your grace working within us.
Amen

Merciful Father, whose Son taught us to love our enemies
and to extend grace even to those who wrong us, plant in our hearts such boundless compassion
that we might bless those who curse us and pray for those who mistreat us;
that by your Spirit we may measure out mercy as generously as we hope to receive it,
in Jesus, Mighty Name.
Amen

God of our past, present, and future, you created each one of us in your image and likeness,
help us to recognise you in each person.
As we pray for an end to suffering caused by racism, lead us this day to walk with one another,
pray with one another and work together, so that we create a future based on justice and healing,
where all can fulfil the hope, you have for all peoples.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen

Blessings abound when you call us, Lord:
when we encounter you in expected and unexpected places,
when you speak to our need, are balm to our woes, are a guide in our confusion,
an anchor in our uncertainty, a challenge in our complacency and love beyond measure.
How can we not live in awe of all you are, have been and will be?
Amen

Faithful God, give us courage to hear hard truths and wisdom to face them.
When your word challenges us, help us not turn away in anger or pride.
Like Jeremiah, make us bold to speak truth, even when it causes discomfort.
And like Jesus in Nazareth, grant us strength when those closest to us misunderstand our calling.
Remind us that true repentance means returning to you with our whole hearts, not just empty words.
Strip away our pretences.
Plant in us the humility to recognize where we resist your transforming work in our lives.
May we be a people who welcome your prophetic voice,
even when it disrupts our comfortable assumptions.
Amen

Lord, as your Church, we gather together to worship you, in person and online.
You are the source of all being, the one who gives love and unites us, the one who gives all for our sake.
Amen