Gracious God
Father and Mother of us all
we thank you for art and science
for theatre and music
for leisure and family
for opportunities to serve and to be served
for families and friends
for those who you call us to seek, and draw alongside
for Jesus and the path of righteousness he calls us on
for the Spirit, bringing comfort and challenge, as we pursue your kingdom
and your will on earth as in heaven
Heavenly One
King above all earthly realms
assist us to follow the Way of our true King, turning from the patterns of the world which do not bring about love
as you challenge and support in this endeavour
we bring before our prayers of concern for others and the world
for those yet to be vaccinated, especially those working in public facing roles
protect them from harm, we pray
for struggling businesses, concerned for the future
for those still on furlough, wondering if they will ever go back to work
for GP surgeries, stretched to the limit
for the anxious and depressed
surround them with your love, we pray
for government ministers and their advisors
for public servants
for policy makers and policy implementers
we pray your guidance upon them
for those who long for a return to normal
for those who worried what that might mean
for those who feel abandoned and forgotten
we pray for patience and understanding
for those in countries where access to vaccines are only for the very wealthy
we pray our government may be generous, looking beyond our borders to tackle this global pandemic
for those who long to know Jesus
but to its shame, the attitude of those within the church puts them off
we pray they will keep seeking your love and care
for those people, places and situations which are on our mind, and in our heart, this day
we pray
and offer them to you in the quiet of this place
[pause]
accept all these prayers, offered with humble hearts,
through Christ Jesus
Amen