Challenging God
whenever you’re people think they have worked out your ways, your plans, your actions
we are reminded they are broader, deeper, higher than our limited imaginations can comprehend
for we are those who
we no people
and you made us your people
through your love revealed in the coming of the Son to us
in Jesus
praise and thanksgiving we give
for our knowing you in Christ
and for the challenge your inclusive love
is for us
assist us to include those we exclude
through mistrust
through oversight
through malice, deliberate or by neglect
show us the path you call us on
to truly be people of the light
in the darkest of places
and fulfil the Christmas promise
in this dark and cold world
there are many in need of your light and warmth
nurses and other health professionals caring in difficult circumstances
teenagers who are bullied for being different
homeless people who long for a home of their own
refugees fleeing war, terror, abuse, for a land of safety and security
families torn apart by bureaucracy at borders
the newly widowed coming to terms with an empty house
the couple hearing the devastating news their baby won’t make it
the civil servant trying to do the right thing
Christians in places where they must gather and worship in secret
organisations such as Mikey’s line and Samaritans who offer a listening ear to anyone who needs it
and many, many more situations, organisations and people, which we bring before you, Lord God in a few moments of quiet
[pause]
God
Father, Son, Spirit
accept all these prayers we offer in faith and trust
that you hear and respond to each one
and help us to hear, when you call us to be the ones who respond
in your name
Amen