spirituality

Prayer for Lent

Generous God of mercy
In this season of penitence
We ask for forgiveness for our country’s espousal
Of a hostile environment to refugees and asylum seekers

We also ask forgiveness for our commitment to the arms trade
With all the devastation that causes
Not least in causing more refugees
Trying to escape from brutal and unnecessary wars

May our churches be communities
That treat people with equality and dignity
Caring for all and showing love in action

May our vision be renewed this Lent
To see the great hope of the wounded God
Who walks beside us
And encourages us to become communities
That are wholistic and just
And become strong witnesses in our communities
That make a difference

Prayer – Community of Love… in difficult times

Generous God
We thank you for the model of
the community of love which you showed us
We thank you for the witness of churches in San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Of Pequeno Nazareno working with street children in Fortaleza Brazil
We thank you for the artists and broadcasters that reflect the truth in difficult times
We thank you for all those who make visible
the loving spirit of your gospel.
We pray that we will find that strength,
that we will link arms together,
to be a community of hope
These are hard times, even puzzling times,
so we need to be reminded day by day
to make a difference –
to reject the ways of violence
We thank you for those who have been examples to us
We thank you for those who picked up the torch and led the way
May we do the same
And may our churches bring hope that resonates for all,
May they be courageous, prophetic, loving and just.