God of Jonah
Now, that’s not a phrase we use often
but you are God of Jonah as much as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
for by your mighty hand, you saved the people of Nineveh
using Jonah
in his weakness and fear
to show your power and mercy
God of Jonah
we praise you for Jonah
and thank you for his example
teach us, by your grace and mercy
to not run from your call
but to go forward, in faith
to the people, places and situation which we struggle with
those whose opinions are so different from ours, we struggle to find common ground
those who long for church to be separate from politics
those who spend money on things we don’t approve of
those we judge for their outer appearance
those who, realistically, we try to avoid at all costs,
just as Jonah tried to avoid taking your Word to Nineveh
we thank you for reminding us all people are yours
all made in your love
all reflecting your divine image into the world
help us to set aside our prejudices
listen to your voice
and serve wherever and whomever you ask us to
All Encompassing One
bless the unloved
may we offer embrace
bless the scared
may we offer courage
bless the sceptics
may we offer belief
bless those who long for power
may we offer service
Servant King
we bless and praise you for your way of service
grant to all who lead, servant hearts
this week, we especially recall before you the President and Vice President of the USA
bless their work
grant them courage to follow a path according to your will
and keep them safe in your love and care
Caring Christ
may your care and compassion be shown throughout the world
by us, your people, your body
united as one, siblings together across the world
World embracing One
we thank you, all is in your hands
through the power and love
you have, revealed through Jonah, all the prophets, Christ Jesus and all who have come to know your salvation
As we know your salvation
may the world know it too
Amen