Blessed be the name of the Lord
whom heaven and earth has made
who knows us through and through
and loves us still
greatly to the praised and thanked is the Lord our God for all God does for us and the world
in bringing forth golden grain on the land, to feed us, the animals of the farms and the birds of the air
in sending rain to make the land lush, the grass grow
in giving us people who care for us, family, friends, neighbours, care staff, doctors, hairdressers, podiatrists, the list could go on and on
we are so blessed by God’s generous provision and we thank you God with every fibre of our beings
Holy One
we bless you that as we have come together in your name
we can come as we are,
without carrying anything on our hands
without needing to meet in a spectacular building
without bringing offerings before your throne
grant us hearts which live for you
and show your love, justice, mercy and righteousness in all we do
for we know there are many who long to know your care, Holy one
those facing the affects of flooding in their homes and land
those without a roof above their heads
those struggling with isolation
those facing the world without the person the hold most dear in it
those burdened by debt
those hampered by society’s structures
those waiting to hear from the doctor or hospital
those holding the hands of those who are in pain
[pause]
Loving, eternal God
into your hands we place all these people and situations, with confident and faithful hearts, knowing you hear each prayer, know each situations and long all your people to know your embrace
this is our prayer, offered in and through Christ Jesus
Amen