Opening prayer 9 July 2017

Almighty God

Everlasting King

To you be all glory, honour and praise

For you alone are worthy of our devotion

you alone are worthy of our praise

you alone are worthy of our love

There is none like you

in all the universe

for it was and through your Word

time and space and matter were created

for it was through your utterance

the mountains and valleys were established

for it was through your pronouncement

the waters sprung forth, bringing refreshment to all of life

We are honoured we can know your Word this day, Lord God

The Word of scripture

The Word of the breath of life within each one of us

The Word incarnate, Jesus Christ our Lord

We bow, in reverence and awe

at your throne, Almighty King

aware we are in the presence of the one who is our all in all

our very reason for existing

Who are we you would favour us, Almighty God?
Who are we you would bless us, Heavenly Father

Who are we you would treat us with distinction, Everlasting King?

For we can be foolish people, focusing on our own selfish desires, rather than your will in the world

for we can be foolish, thinking we can bargain with you for help, for favour, for love

Forgive us, Lord, when we do these foolish things

Forgive us, Lord, when we do the things we know we shouldn’t

Forgive us, Lord, when we forget we do not need to bargain for your help, your favour, your love

for it is with us, always, through your Holy Spirit with us

Comforting us, encouraging us, sustaining us

in the love your revealed through Christ our Lord

Amen