Opening prayer 9 April 2017

Almighty King,

Everlasting Saviour,

Gracious Prince of Peace

These are the names we honour

these are the names we praise

for you are our God

and we are your people

your love endures forever and ever

In you, we have our salvation

In you, the whole earth shouts with joy

Blessed be the one who comes in the name of the Lord

Blessed be the one who comes in the name of the Lord

In reverence we add our voices to that proclamation

Blessed be the one who comes in the name of the Lord

Blessed be the one who comes in the name of the Lord

As we come into your Holy Presence, Lord God

bless our worship, this hour, we pray

that it will be acceptable in your sight, our King

may our words and thoughts be shaped and guided by your Holy Spirit

that together we may be your chosen people

a light for the world to see

illuminated by Christ, the one whom we praise

the one whom we are invited to follow

with every fibre of our beings

but we realise there are times when we do not live as those who belong to Christ

we are sometimes in the crowds who condemn, rather than praise

afraid to speak out, against opinions and actions which marginalise others, which lead to separation and division

rather than understanding and inclusion

we are sometimes wrapped up in self-interest, we fail to compromise or sacrifice for the benefit of your world

Yet, as we look to your cross, we recall all we have done wrong, in word, thought or deed, in the past, present and future have been forgiven

and we are released from our guilt and pain to truly, fully be Christians, disciples and followers of Christ Jesus

Amen