We stand against hunger
Against injustice
And we hope for a better world
Where everyone is housed
And fed
A world of abundance
Bless us in that journey
Song “Psalm 23”
You entrusted the earth to us
And we have destroyed it
The forests are burning
Animals are dying
Our world is sick
Forgive us
Restore our vision and help us to act bravely to save this precious world
We say the Lord’s Prayer in our own language
Reading Romans 12
6 God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, then prophesy whenever you can—as often as your faith is strong enough to receive a message from God. 7 If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. 8 If you are a preacher, see to it that your sermons are strong and helpful. If God has given you money, be generous in helping others with it. If God has given you administrative ability and put you in charge of the work of others, take the responsibility seriously. Those who offer comfort to the sorrowing should do so with Christian cheer.
Our prayers
We pray tonight for those in lockdown, for children and teaching staff, for doctors and health workers, for people who are isolated and exhausted, for wise decisions by government, for the people of Belarus, Syria, Yemen and Hong Kong, for the unrest in the US and the chaos in the UK and all those we know who need our help and prayers who we carry in our hearts tonight.
Spirit of the Living God present with us now heal our bodies, minds and spirits and help us to turn away from that which harms us. Let your angels be beside us at this time and protect us. In Jesus Name we pray.
Closing Responses
In the depth of silence
No words are needed
We are just called to listen
To the movement of the Spirit
And in the midst of confusion
To hear your voice.
Amen.
©Iona Community and Janet Morley adapted