As the Poppy Remembrance Display at the Kirk comes to a close, we pause this Saturday morning and take the time with God in prayer, in silence.
We wait and listen.
We allow His Holy Spirit to speak and prompt and guide.
We set ourselves to seek His Kingdom first and foremost
in our lives
in our Church
in our community
in our city
in our land
in our world.
Today, as the Church of Scotland calls us to a national day of prayer, we pause and pray this evening for the world and the world-wide Church. We use a prayer that was used by those who gathered at this week’s Gathering for Prayer in the Kirk.
Prayer for the World and the World-Wide Church
Dear God
We pray for our Church:
many parts yet one body
under the authority of Jesus Christ.
From north to south, east to west,
help us build your Kingdom,
to see lives transformed.
We ask that in your power
we would be mobilised
as your body
to continue your work.
Of healing
compassion
of showing practical care and love
and of building your kingdom here on earth.
Grant wisdom and love to Church leaders,
so that the way churches interact
would reflect the love of brothers and sisters
and would reflect your love for us.
We Pray for our brothers and sisters
that face persecution for their faith.
That have to meet in secret,
and suffer fear and brutality.
Strengthen them in their time of trial,
Comfort them in their time of sorrow,
Deliver them from evil, we ask.
We pray for our world,
So much suffering and indifference,
Yet so much good and happiness as well.
We pray for your presence
to be in our rejoicing
and in our distress.
In famine,
in drought,
in war,
in poverty,
in political turmoil,
in response to terrorism,
in tribal conflict,
to refugee’s,
Bring your peace and healing
your compassion and provision
reconciliation and aid.
AMEN
The Church at Canning Garden Methodist in Malaysia, our twinned church family.
Today, as the Church of Scotland calls us to a national day of prayer, we pause and pray at midday for our community in Liberton and SE Edinburgh. We use a prayer that was used by those who gathered at this week’s Gathering for Prayer in the Kirk.
Prayer for our Community
Dear God
We pray for our communities:
the people we are called to love,
the people amongst whom we work;
us, together, within our communities;
every one known to you and
loved by you.
Grant us discernment
that we might know how to serve
in practical and spiritual ways,
that we might more fully understand
the lives of others,
that we might embody the love of God
in everything we do
as part of these communities.
Grant us courage
to stand with those on the margins,
to challenge inequalities,
to fight injustice
and to be a light in the darkness.
Grant us humility,
to recognise the poverty of
our understanding
and the depth of your wisdom,
to acknowledge the riches of your grace
and your endless desire to renew,
as today, your presence renews our lives.
May our community be a place
where the gifts of many are united
in common purpose,
where all are allowed to flourish
and be valued,
where together
we are built into a dwelling place
for the Holy Spirit,
as together we grow in love.
AMEN
Today, as the Church of Scotland calls us to a national day of prayer, we pause and pray this morning for our church at Liberton Kirk and the national Church of and in Scotland. There will also be prayers posted at midday and 7pm this evening for our community and our world.
We use a prayer that was used by those who gathered at this week’s Gathering for Prayer in the Kirk.
Prayer for our Local and National Church
Dear God
We pray for our congregation.
May worship be truthful, passionate
and honouring to you.
Whether in ancient hymns or new songs,
may we unite in praise
and offer our whole lives
as worship to you.
In our life together may we encourage
where there is struggle,
celebrate where there is joy,
grow together in our understanding of
the Good News,
be unafraid to challenge,
honest enough to confess our mistakes
and may we remain hopeful
as we dream dreams.
In our mission
make us bold and adventurous.
In our weakness
may we know your strength.
May we have the great joy
of seeing others come to faith in you.
May we be resilient
in our pursuit of justice
and have the humility to share
in the work with others.
May our congregation be a place
where the gifts of many are united
in common purpose,
where all are allowed to flourish
and be valued,
where together
we are built into a dwelling place
for the Holy Spirit,
as together we grow in love.
May our Presbyteries be places of
inspiration, support and encouragement.
Give to them a vision
for what church could be.
Help them to see the possibilities and
to have the courage to reach out in faith.
When faced with difficult decisions
grant them wisdom and grace.
May our councils and committees
seek to support congregations and
presbyteries. With dedicated staff and
enthusiastic volunteers may they be a
force for good throughout our land.
May the Church of Scotland be a place
where the gifts of many are united
in common purpose,
where all are allowed to flourish
and be valued,
where together
we are built into a dwelling place
for the Holy Spirit,
as together we grow in love.
AMEN
