Merciful Father
We thank you for the promises you have made to us
both as a community of faith and as individuals
promises that you are our God and we are your people
promises to prosper us and not to harm us
promises of life in all it fullness
promises of forgiveness of sin
We bless and praise you for these and all the ways you bless our lives
in the work of caring professionals
in the love of family and friends
in the abundance we know in our lives
Remind us not only to thank you for these blessings, but also the people we receive them from
that they may know our appreciation of all they do for and in our lives
We pray for those who feel no one cares for them.
Those struggling with loneliness and isolation, going days on end seeing and hearing from no one
those suffering from depression, where it can be so hard to cope with facing the world
those being cared for in hospitals, in care homes, in their own homes
bless them all with your healing touch, Lord God
and guide the work of those who help to elevate pain and suffering, in body, mind and soul
Justice Giving God
we thank you for the ways justice is administered in our land
through the police service, law courts, judges, procurator fiscals
Guide their work, their decisions, their conduct, that justice is upheld with integrity, honesty and compassion
We recall before you, Lord God, places and situations where justice is a distant dream
were corruption is rife,
and the mechanism of upholding justice is loaded in favour of the influential
Soften the hearts of those unjust administrators of justice, that they will have compassion on those who plead day after day to them.
And be with those who seek justice, grant them courage to never give up
for you know their seeking, their pleading and you will ensure justice will prevail throughout your world
Christ our King
receive these prayers, made in faith and trust you hear each one and are present in each situation.
Amen