Morning Prayer Friday, 29 October 2021
We begin our prayers today with a reading from St Paul’s letter to the Christians in Thessalonica.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. 4 Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.
5 All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.
…
11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. 12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians: 1: 3–5 & 11–12
It seems to me that, in this passage, St Paul is supporting the Christians in Thessalonica in their attempt to keep the faith, despite adverse circumstances. We too, often need encouragement to live by what we believe, rather than taking the easy option. So, today, let us ask for God’s spirit to move us to see the world through God’s eyes, helping us to make it a better place for everyone.
Let us pray:
God be in my head and in my understanding.
God be in my eyes and in my looking.
God be in my mouth and in my speaking.
God be in my heart and in my thinking.
God be in my end and at my departing.
We come to you, loving God, just as we are.
Thank you for accepting each of us.
We are not content to be as we are,
so we pray that you will help us to become the people you would want us to be.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
We bring our church family here to you, loving God.
Thank you for accepting us, just as we are.
We are not content to be as we are,
so we pray that you will help us to become the church you would want us to be.
Thank you for the challenges and tasks you bring to us in this changing city and congregation.
We pray that we may be open and accepting to all who come through our doors, both on Sundays and during the week.
Thank you for those who are the face of Christ the Cornerstone in Milton Keynes:
our volunteers, clergy and lay staff who work in this building.
Guide them, strengthen them.
We pray that others may be called to share their tasks
and that we may all use our imagination and creativity
to explore new ways of being your church and sharing your love in Milton Keynes.
We pray for members of our congregations who are sick, anxious, lonely or bereaved;
those who still have to self-isolate.
May they know the comfort of your presence and be aware of our support for them.
We pray for people who visit this building seeking practical or spiritual help.
May we continue to support them in whatever way we can.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
We bring our country to you, loving God.
Thank you for accepting us, just as we are
We are not content with everything in our country,
so we pray that you will show us how we can act to make a difference.
We pray for those who hold positions of authority, responsibility and power.
May they act with integrity and impartiality, showing insight into the needs of the whole community.
We pray for all who are lonely or isolated, bereaved or in pain, anxious or afraid.
We pray for all who live in stressful situations: those who are unemployed or whose jobs are insecure;
those whose relationships are breaking down or who suffer abuse or domestic violence.
When we see people in need, whatever their difficulties,
we ask you to help us to recognise if there are ways in which we may bring comfort or support.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
We bring the wider world to you, loving God.
Thank you for accepting us, just as we are.
We are not content that our world is as it is,
so we pray that you will show us what we can do to help things to change.
We pray for all those in our world who suffer from injustice:
for those who suffer from discrimination;
for those who are wrongfully imprisoned;
for those suffering from hunger and famine;
for those too weak to help themselves.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
We ask all our prayers in the name of Jesus.
Amen
Rosemary Kearsey
