What a blessing it is
to rejoice in the Lord
to know God’s love
for us
for our families
for all humanity
praise the Lord
with thankful, grateful hearts
for this blessing is more precious
than money or property
it is the way to eternal life
and the building of God’s kingdom on earth as in heaven
let all the earth praise the Lord
with thankfulness and joy
in our thankfulness and joy
we recall those who have pointed to God
in words and actions
changing the world
their communities
our lives
through God’s power
and in the name of Jesus
Sweet, blessed Jesus
how wonderful it is to know you
and to follow your ways
to bring before you our prayers for this world
knowing you receive each one
we pray for prisoners of the justice system
that they may know your love and be set free
we pray for prisoners of arrogance
that they may become humble
we pray for prisoners of poverty
that governments may act to break these chains
we pray for prisoners of prejudice
may their attitudes be challenged,
their hearts and minds changed
we pray for prisoners of conflict
that they may find safe haven
we pray for those who imprison others
through bullying, intimidation, fear
enter their hearts, Jesus
melt their hearts
We pray all chains which bind people
may fall off
and your people, rich and poor
powerful and powerless
may know their worth
and receive the joy of knowing Christ Jesus
and the love of God he revealed
Amen