Lord God
we praise and thank you for all which surrounds us
the mountains and moors
the lochs and sea
the fields and the forests
the bounty of your wondrous creation surrounds us and we are so blessed to witness its grandeur
Bless all who rely on this landscape for their livelihoods
artists who try to capture the majesty of the scenery
hoteliers and B and B owners who provide places of rest and relaxation for those who visit this land
farmers and foresters who tend the countryside into the pattern we see around them.
May all their work be satisfying, to them and to you, Lord God
and may their labour be valued financially so they may provide for their futures and that of their families
Christ, the image of God with us
in you all power and authority lies
we praise you for our elected officials in councils, the Scottish Parliament and at Westminster
This week, we especially recall before you Teresa May, our new Prime Minister.
Guide her decisions
Grant her good judgement and wisdom
that she may lead this country into a future where the least and vulnerable in our society are shown the compassion, love and honour you would wish them to receive
Christ our Lord
we thank you that in these times of uncertainty, you are in ultimately in charge
even though we do wonder what is going on in your world
Hundreds are killed as civil war once more grips South Sudan
Failed crops have lead to starving millions in central Africa
floods threaten people’s ways of life in Bagladesh
and terror is ever present in much of the middle east
we cry out to you, Lord of the world
why, why, why?
Why allow this suffering, why allow humans to chose their own destiny, why not step in and stop this madness?
Our hearts ache, our minds are confused, but we know you hear our prayers and call us to act justly, with love and compassion in all we say and do
and we thank you that, in all these situations, you are in the midst, loving your people to wholeness
Amen