Morning Prayers Saturday, 2 May 2020
A reading from Paul’s letter to the Romans:
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practise hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
[…]
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12: 9–14 & 21
Loving Lord, we thank you for bringing us safely to the beginning of this new day. We thank you that we are beginning to see signs that the current crisis may be beginning to improve. We pray that you will give us patience, as well as hope, that we may recognise that we must continue to take care of ourselves and of all our community. You ask that we remain devoted to one another and honour one another. Grant us the humility that is required. Let us recognise and give thanks for all those who work so hard to keep us all safe and secure.
Let us share what we have and whatever we are able to do, with all those around us, and with all our community, near and far. We pray for your blessing, care and protection for all the vulnerable, lonely and frightened people, who are suffering even more as a result of this crisis. Especially we ask for your care and protection for all those BAME people in the health service and care sector who, in spite of the risks to their own health, continue to carry out their duties in hospitals and care homes.
Help us to recognise our blessings, and to rejoice in all the gifts that you have given us. May we also do all we can to comfort those who mourn, and make sure they know that they are remembered in our prayers.
We pray that we are not overwhelmed by the enormity of the current crisis, but seek to find and recognise all the good things that are a consequence of the situation: an increasing awareness of the importance of community strength, the recognition that what affects us affects others all around the world, that are shared humanity is far, far more important than differences of culture, creed or social standing; a fuller appreciation of the simpler pleasures; time to reflect and re-evaluate our lives and what really matters.
We summarise all our prayers by saying together the words that Jesus taught us:
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.
Amen
