Prayer of Praise  

(©2005 Nathan Nettleton LaughingBird.net) 

We give you all thanks and praise, Almighty God, for you have always shown us what is good and what you require of us.

You laid the foundations of the Earth, and the mountains and the seas witness to  your power and authority.

You redeemed your people from slavery to sin, and call us to remember your saving acts,

that we might know your ways and live our lives in justice, kindness and humility.

When people’s own wisdom and discernment failed to bring them near to you, you chose what was foolish, weak and despised in the eyes of Humanity to break the grip of human wisdom and strength: Christ Jesus our Lord, who the World crucified.

But, raised to new life, he has made known to us what the wise never guessed, that you honour not what the World seeks, but those who walk with you the way of the cross.

Almighty God, we offer you thanks and praise at all times,

that through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever, we are reconciled to you and experience your love and care.  To your glory we pray, Amen.

Prayer of Confession 

(from Prayers for the Seasons of God’s People Year A p36 to p48; Invocations & Benedictions p16) 

Merciful God, we come before you contrite and repentant.  We confess that we do not learn to act without pride, we do not learn to act with self-control.  We forget the example of Jesus, who taught without arrogance and who acted without domineering.

Forgive us for our undue regard for Human standards and qualifications.  Forgive us for our proud boasts of our own accomplishments, that discounts what we owe to you or to others, and that disregards the gap between our finiteness and your infinity.

Merciful God, we confess that we stress our differences of opinions and beliefs with others, we emphasise our quarrels and dissensions.  We take pride in our own ‘wisdom’ and ‘knowledge’.  We fail to patiently listen to what others have to say in order to understand their thoughts and attitudes. 

Forgive us for our failure to recognise that we are all equal before you, and that we are all valuable in your eyes.

Merciful God, we confess that we prefer to be served rather than to serve, we prefer to live in comfort and ease rather than to get on our hands and knees as servants. 

Forgive us for our willingness to turn our backs on the uncared for, and to shirk our responsibility towards those who are hurting.

Merciful God, we confess that our own lives are too dear to us.  We do not want for others what we want for ourselves. 

Forgive us for our narrowness of vision and our lack of commitment to give of what you have given to us so as to improve the lives of those in need.

Gracious God, Creator of life, Light of the World, Spirit of justice and right, forgive our foolish and selfish ways,

Open our hearts and our minds and show us the way to walk in humble fellowship with you and with others, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, amen.

Assurance of Forgiveness 

(from Hebrews 2: 17) 

The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews states that Jesus, as our faithful and merciful High Priest, in the service of God, (died) so that (all) people’s sins may be forgiven.  Having confessed our sins before God, let us hold on to this promise that he has died for the sins we have confessed, and have the assurance, that having confessed our sins, they have been forgiven and remembered no more, and that our lives have been cleansed in the sight of God.

Thanks be to God.

Prayers for Others

Loving God, knowing your love for all of Humanity, especially your compassion for the needy, we come to you with our cares and our concerns.

We bring to you our prayers for the World around us and for people individually.

We pray for all who live in darkness:

that the Light of the Gospel may open new insights for them and show them the path to life that Christ offers.

 We pray for the Light of Justice, especially in countries like Ukraine

that the burden and pain of those who suffer unjustly may be lifted and that your saving mercy may free them to live life fully.

We pray for Light for all World leaders:

that you will help them all to see the value and dignity of human life and to work tirelessly for peace and reconciliation.

We pray for parents of young children, especially those starting school:

that you will guide them in caring for and nurturing their children so that each child may grow to their fullest potential and be a blessing for the Human family.

We pray for Chappy Kylie as she serves the children at the Bald Hills school and their parents

that you will continue to provide her with the resources and the wisdom to deal with the issues and needs that arise.

We pray for all who are ill:

that your healing love will restore them, and that you will give strength and inspiration to all who are working to combat the new viruses that are impacting the human family.

We pray for the infirm:

that you will give them health and strength so that they have renewed vigour for the future and a willingness to face each new day.

Loving God, we bring these prayers to you, trusting in your compassion and care.  To your glory we pray.

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.