Prayer of Praise    

(from Uniting in Worship red book p271, The Name: Jesus in Bruce Prewer in Australian Prayers p101) 

Almighty and ever living God, you have given your precious promises to those who you call your own.  You are the one who chose us and draws us to yourself.  You are the one who transforms us into your image.  We are humbled by your presence here among us.  We rejoice in your loving kindness and compassion.

  We praise you for the Word made flesh, through whom you redeemed us and saved us.  We praise you that we are adopted into your family, accepted and loved.

  We praise you that you are with us, ensuring that there is nothing that can separate us from your love and mercy.

  We give you praise you for your undeserved favour towards us.  We honour you in our worship today.  Amen.

Prayer of Confession   

Merciful God, who created us for life together, we confess that we have turned from your way.

We have not loved you with all of our heart, we have not love one another as you have commanded.

We are quick to claim our own rights, but careless of the rights of others.  We nurture many grudges against others.

Lord, have mercy.

We are slow to seek peace and reconciliation.  We are foolish and careless in our use of the gifts of your Creation.

Lord, have mercy.

We are indifferent to the needs of others, indifferent to those for whom you have also died.

Lord, have mercy.

We are superficial in our worship and selfish in our prayers.  We have failed to take up the cross of discipleship and to be good stewards of your Gospel.

Lord, have mercy.

We have failed to be faithful members of your Church and to be good stewards of our spiritual gifts.

Lord, have mercy.

Merciful God, we ask you to forgive our sins and to blot out our guilt.

May we know again the joy of your Spirit and the closeness of your love, through Christ Jesus our Lord.  Amen.

Assurance of Forgiveness 

(from Ephesians 2: 16) 

Paul reminds the Ephesian Church that “by his death on the cross Christ .. brought us back to God”.  Let us put our trust in this assurance that God does forgive us and that, because of His mercy and grace, there is now nothing that separates us from close fellowship with God.

Thanks be to God.

Prayers for Others

Almighty God, though we are scattered in different lands, speak different languages and live in different cultures,

may we have a loving concern for all people and for their circumstances. 

May greed, war and a lust for power be curbed. 

Give counsel to those who lead Nations, may your Word guide their words.

Give order to unruly powers and deal with injustice and oppression, so that all peoples can freely enjoy the Earth which you have made.

May we all be guided by your wisdom to bring order where there are problems, relief where there is distress, jobs and services where these do not exist.

We bring before you those whose lives and livelihoods are threatened by drought.

Please bring rains to relieve the suffering of their animals and to bring life back to their soil.  May they find compassion from those to whom they are in debt. 

We pray for those who are ill and injured, those who are hurting in mind and spirit, those who lack purpose and joy in life. 

May they find in you relief from their suffering and a reason to value the life that you gave given. 

We pray for those who care for our children and grandchildren in child-care, in schools and colleges and universities,

that our children and grandchildren may be equipped and trained for their futures.

We pray for your Church, worldwide, may it be faithful to your call for mission and service.

May there be a united effort to tell the Good News to all and not to squabble over differences of opinion or practice. 

May there be sincerity and honesty in the Church’s dealings such that the World cannot criticise and condemn its actions. 

May it seek reconciliation where there are differences and understanding where there is doubt.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done, on Earth as it is 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.