God of Justice
we praise you for guiding us to do what is right, not only for ourselves, but for those around us, for the whole life of the world
May we see your challenge to us through the eyes of those who do not know justice
that we may do what is right, in your eyes, that justice may flow through this land
God of freedom
before we knew you, we were yours
you gathered us to yourself
blessed us, set us free from exile to be your people
we thank you for gathering us in
that we may come to your holy place with our offerings praise
we pray you may use us
to gather others to you
that they may know the freedom you give
freedom which richly blesses
Blessing Christ
there are times when the things you say and do confuse us
you admonish the Pharisees for excluding others, yet you ignored someone who needed your help
but, as she persisted, her deepest desire was granted and she knew the blessings of the Son of David
May we be ever thankful for your blessings, granted when we persist
As those on the margins cry out to you, Lord
may we hear their plea and not turn them away
may we give much more than crumbs from the table, but a place of honour there
Table setting King
at your table
all your people may gather
gather to live in unity
we thank you we are united to you, in the Holy Spirit, and to our brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the world
may unity be our aim, may unity be our purpose
Guide us to gather in those who have been pushed away, because they are outspoken
or they do not fit with our ideas of who can be part of your people, due to terrible crimes they have committed
because they have drug or alcohol problems
because they are gay or transgender
Son of David, have mercy on us when we push others away
grant to us the courage to listen to those who cry out to you
that through your blessing poured out richly on our heads,
all the people may find blessing, healing, wholeness, salvation
Amen