Prayer of Approach: –

Living God,
who walked among us,
who moved into our neighbourhood,
we come to find our place in the bigger picture of your world,
to find our story in your story.

May our lives entwine together,
as we draw closer to you.
We have heard your story, read your story, felt your story.

As we gather in worship, may we know deep within us that your story lives on and that your story involves us, and is woven through the history of time with us as a part of it.
Amen

Prayer of Confession

We continue in prayer.

Forgive us, creator God, if our story is not as you want it to be –if it is marred or dishonest, if it is littered with mistakes, if it gives the wrong impression of who you are.

Forgive us if our story does not really reveal the love, care and compassion you have for all people.

Forgive us if our story stops people coming to know you, or to find in you redemption, forgiveness and new life.

Forgive us if our story doesn’t express how much your story matters to us.

As long as we live, may our stories be a vehicle for your never-ending love.

Amen.

Declaration Of Forgiveness

If we confess our sins,

God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins.

And cleanse us from all unrighteousness

Hear then Christ’s word of grace to us

“Your sins are forgiven.”

Response and Assurance

Your love, O God, has forgiven, redeemed and cleansed us.
Your Word has spoken, your fire has cleansed, burning the dross, making us pure.
We are yours, we have felt your power; assure us now that we are forgiven and that we are part of your ongoing story.

Jesus knows us.          

Jesus loves us.

Jesus forgives us.       

Jesus restores us.

Hallelujah!

Thanks be to God

Prayers for Others

Loving Lord, you call and equip us to serve you. Watch over those who risk their own safety by caring for oppressed believers. Strengthen and protect all those who are persecuted for sharing their faith in places where living out their Christian faith in peace is not allowed.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.

Loving Lord, you empower us to live out our discipleship. Give wisdom, imagination and the strength to persevere to those who face apathy as they seek to live out their discipleship.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.

Loving Lord, you understand what it means to suffer for what is right. Give comfort and courage to those who are unjustly imprisoned, intimidated and tortured because of their faith.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.

Loving Lord, you taught us to pray for those who abuse and hurt us. We pray for people who persecute those who hold different beliefs from their own; may they be touched by faith and their hearts be opened to love, that the world may be united in your love.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

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