Lord God
the situation around us is getting more and more confused
we can play sports, but not visit friends or family in Glasgow and many surrounding areas
we want to make plans, but they are so easily shattered
we’re more unsure of what the future holds than we can ever remember
so we’re not really sure what to pray
we want to thank you for all the gifts we have this day
food
water
shelter
good drying days
the colours of autumn coming through
friends and family
the clothes on our backs
the cherished memories of loved ones no longer with us
for Christ Jesus who loves us enough to ask us to be his disciples
for the Holy Spirit who stirs us to action,
comforts our pain,
speaks to us through others
[pause]
Lord God
though the situation around us will never be straightforward
assist us seek your kingdom
and to live as though it is present here on earth
present in the cries of mothers longing to take their child’s pain away
present in those who quietly, often without anyone else noticing, make the communities in which they live better
present in the care of a neighbour
present in the laugh of a child
present in the smile of a stranger
present where people are valued by who they are
present where justice prevails
for the presence of your kingdom we give you thanks
and we offer before you in the stillness of this moment
the people, places and situation which are on our hearts today
[pause]
Lord God
accept all these prayers,
offered in joy, or pain
in words, and wordlessly
through Christ Jesus
we pray
And we also pray your church be a place were the kingdom of heaven is present today
and tomorrow
here, and everywhere she is through the people who are Christians across the world
Amen