Evening Prayer Thursday, 8 October 2020
A reading from Peter’s First Letter
1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility towards one another, because,
‘God opposes the proud
but shows favour to the humble.’
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen
1 Peter 5: 1–7, 10–11
Dear God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, this evening we pray for all the leaders of your Church,
here at the Church of Christ the Cornerstone, and for church leaders throughout the world.
We thank you for our ministers and pastors, leading us in your path of love and service to others.
As we prepare for the Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday,
may we wisely elect our new officers and trustees.
Grant them the wisdom and judgment to lead and direct your people
in the church’s mission of service to the community that we serve.
May their example of eager service be an inspiration to all your people.
We pray that we, your people, will seek a path of humble service to you,
serving you in whatever ways we can, no matter how menial they may be.
Curb our pride, we pray, and help us to put the needs of others ahead of our own selfish wishes.
In this time of heightened anxieties, we cast all our cares on you,
asking you to give us the strength and forbearance to face whatever lies ahead,
and the faith in your ever-present love for us and all your people.
Help us to recognise the needs of those around us: our neighbours near and far.
May we reach out to the vulnerable, the anxious, the lonely, and all those who are suffering;
let us show them, through our actions, how your love and care is there for everyone.
You have called us to follow you; grant that through us many more will come to know your love.
We close our prayers this evening by saying the Grace together:
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
be with us all, evermore.
Amen
