Morning Prayer Friday, 24 September 2021

by Robin.Kyd · 24 September 2021

Good morning, everyone. Welcome to our Friday prayers.

I have been fortunate enough to be able to return to taking part in worship in our beautiful building for the last few Sundays,
but I am acutely aware that this is not possible for everyone – and we do miss you.
I have been interested to see how, stepping back into a familiar place after a long break has made me notice things I had begun to take for granted.

I have always been struck by the beauty and simplicity of the cross,
and remember how difficult I found it a few years ago when one half of the glass shattered
and we had to wait for the artist to produce a new version.

It is true that we can worship God wherever we may be,
but to my mind there is no doubt that some spaces,
be they in nature, amongst people or in special buildings,
open our eyes and other senses to appreciate more of who God is and more of God’s gifts to us.

Wherever you may be now, I hope that it is a place where you are able to feel God’s presence with you,
as we spend some time together in prayer. Let’s begin by listening to a short song, to help us focus on God.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyDr9-Mpc_s

Loving God, thank you that you are always with us, wherever we go, whatever we do.
Thank you that your care and guidance is available whenever we turn to you.
Keep us mindful of this and prompt us to look to you even when we feel confident to go off on our own,
for we know that may be when we need you to guide us or hold us back.
May we learn to trust you, to depend on you and to share your love with others.

As we turn our thoughts to others, we remember those whose pain and suffering tarnish their vision of your world.
Gracious God, touch their lives so that they may feel the warmth of your presence with them.

We remember those who are trapped in places of war and live daily in fear of their lives and that of their families.
Gracious God, touch their lives so that they may feel the warmth of your presence with them.

We remember children who have no real childhood as we know it, because they live in poverty or fear.
Gracious God, touch their lives so that they may feel the warmth of your presence with them.

We remember all who have been bereaved, especially those for whom even sunny days are bleak and empty
because the whole of their world has been turned upside down by the loss they have suffered.
Gracious God, touch their lives so that they may feel the warmth of your presence with them.

Remembering that you, our God, are the Father of us all – whoever we are and wherever we may be,
let us say The Lord’s Prayer together:

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.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.