Praise the One
Who needs no praise
for even if people stopped worshipping the Lord
the stars and moon
the skies and heavens
proclaim God’s glory
and offer praises to God
wordlessly
to the One who is the bridegroom
encompassing the whole earth in love
the warmth of love
we know
in the sun on our faces
in phone calls from friends
in chats at the doorstep
praise God that we may know God’s love
thanks be to God for that love revealed
made flesh and bones
in Jesus
our Lord
our saviour
our King
Who is the true temple
the true place of our worship and thanksgiving
who intercedes on our behalf
for our redemption
and the redemption of the world
Glory and praise and honour be Christ’s now and always
Redeeming Christ
as you overturned the tables
overturn our ways which do not honour you
the ways of our society
where wealth increases for some
while others are left destitute
where aid budgets are cut
yet our country profits from war and conflict
overturn our ways which do not honour you
where maintaining church buildings is prioritised over sharing the good news of the kingdom
in action, word and deed
overturn our ways which do not honour you
may the zeal of the Lord consume us
like a purging fire, driving our all the dross
refining us, driving out impurities
in our lives, in the church, in our society
that, more precious than any gold
we may follow the paths of righteousness
for your honour and glory
in praise and thanksgiving
to the one who as given all for us
Christ Jesus
in whom we pray and, in a few moments of quiet bring the people, places and situations which are on our hearts and in our thoughts today
[pause]
May these, our prayers, be as sweet smelling incense, wafting across the altar of grace
offered in faith and humility
in trust and love
through the precious name of Jesus
Amen