From lofty mountain grandeur
we can see for miles on a clear day
but when the cloud descends
we lose our bearings
become disorientated
become fearful
lift the cloud, Lord God
where our way to the valley is unclear
lift the cloud, Lord God
that we may better visualise your world
as it should and could be, rather than as it is
that we may set aside our own needs, our own desires, where they are not aligned with yours
praise and thanksgiving we bring
that we can experience you, God
wherever we are
assist us to not overlook the simplicity of the everyday
and to not cling too much to creating shelters for you in hard to reach places
we are grateful for mountain rescue teams, who assist in all weathers, those who’ve become unwell and disorientated
may they be blessed in their work
we are grateful for those who have born witness to the power and coming of the Lord Jesus
from generation to generation, leading others to Christ
Christ Jesus
looking at the world from loft mountain grandeur
the flaws can be harder to see
help us to be grateful for the positives we have
children being able to go freely to school
buildings which are safe
clean water and beaches
access to health care
the ability to express our opinions without fear of imprisonment or worse
help us to remember how fortunate we are, for in the midst of change and uncertainty, it can be easy to focus on the negatives
God of justice and compassion
may the world know your way, your path, your love
we think of the girls and women in Afghanistan and Iran, their lives more and more controlled and restricted
of protesters in Myanmar, standing against the ruling military leaders, despite the cost
those who are lonely, isolated, feeling unloved and unwanted
God of power and change
thank you, once again, for revealing yourself to us, and the world in Jesus
help us, with our siblings in Christ across the world, to be a light shining in the darkest of places
a light which is the light of Christ
illuminated through the power of the spirit in each one of us
Amen