Thanksgiving and intercession prayer 30 January 2022

God of all hopefulness

praise we have, and continue to offer

worship we have given, and continue to give

for in you we find our hope for today

and know we have a bright and secure future

in your glorious presence

fill us with your hope

that in these days

we may be signs of hope to your people

Sign Bearing One

signs which cheer are creeping into your world

days stretching out before us

first leaves of snowdrops inching out of barren soil

Covid cases beginning to decline

may gratitude be on our lips and in our hearts

for these, and the many, many signs the kingdom is near around us

Kingdom Building Christ

we bring before you those who long to receive your kingdom is here, on earth, as in heaven

those held captive by the cycle of poverty

Lord, in your mercy, release them

those held captive by anger

Lord, in your mercy, release them

those held captive by lack of vision

Lord, in your mercy, release them

those held captive by greed

Lord, in your mercy, release them

those held captive by holding tightly to power

Lord, in your mercy, release them

Releasing One

God, Father, Son, Spirit

set each person free of all which is a barrier to them being truly the person you made them to be

where structures in our church or society

prevent inclusion

change our perception towards your will

that it may be done here

as it is in heaven

Heavenly God

we bless and praise you that you are in control

this world

broken as it may be

is yours

and yours alone

today, we think of the situation in the Ukraine

and ask your wisdom, grace and peace may be with the leaders of our world

Lord God

we now, in a few moments of quiet, bring before you the people, places and situations which are on our minds and in our hearts today

[pause]

God of all hopefulness

praise we have, and continue to offer

worship we have given, and continue to give

for in you we find our hope for today

and know we have a bright and secure future

in your glorious presence

receive these our prayers

spoken and written on our hearts

offered with openness and trust

you receive and answer each one

in ways we can never fully understand

Amen