Daily Prayers Friday, 28 January 2022

We begin today with some verses from Psalm 71 which feel particularly appropriate for me at this time, and I hope they do for you too.

Psalm 71:1-6
71:1 In you, O LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame.

71:2 In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me.

71:3 Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.

71:4 Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel.

71:5 For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth.

71:6 Upon you I have leaned from my birth; it was you who took me from my mother’s womb. My praise is continually of you.

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.
You speak words of wisdom into our folly,
You speak words of reassurance into our fear,
You seek out those who are lost and looking for the way.

In times of confusion, uncertainty and fearfulness, we need your wisdom, your reassurance and your compassion.  When things are going well for us, we do not want to forget you, or forget that others may be struggling.

Speak to all of us now – those with a voice and those whose voices seem never to be heard. We lay before you the life of our nation and long for your gentle rule to be established amongst us.

Teach us to look to you for strength and guidance.

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 pray for all who feel lonely – bring them the comfort of your presence.

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 forever.
Amen.

Rosemary Kearsey