Previous Reflections

Gracious God, we come before you on V.E.Day. We may not be able to physically hold hands, but we pray that we will be united in Your Spirit. We pray for unity across the world as we continue to journey together. So too we pray for peace for all nations. The charity Christian Aid, whose work we will celebrate this Sunday,  tells us that Love never fails, Love unites us all, so God of love,  we pray for an outpouring of Your love in our world today. Amen.

Gracious God, we bring before You this morning all those who care for others, remember especially those caring for their loved ones at home, and who have lost their network of support during this health crisis. God of love, in their isolation, give them strength and assurance. And so too we pray for those being cared for who may be feeling anxious and confused with the change to their daily routine. Gracious God, we pray for Your presence in all our homes today. May we all find comfort and assurance in knowing that in You we find our strength.

You are Emmanuel, God With Us.

Amen

Gracious God, we realise that these are unprecedented times for the leaders of nations and those who seek to advise them. As our Government begin to consider the next steps forward to be taken, we pray for a discerning guidance and wisdom so that the decisions made will best support the complexity of this situation, which effects people in so many different ways. So too, we pray for all leaders across the world and a sense of unity and support across all nations. Gracious God, our lives have changed and the road ahead feels uncertain,  but you remain steadfast and sure and so we continue to put our trust in your great power and love. You are our Creator and we are your children. Be with us this day Lord, we pray, Amen.

Gracious God, we lift before you this morning, all those affected by the sad events unfolding in our care homes. We pray for families grieving the loss of loved ones. We pray especially for all staff committed to caring for others in such difficult circumstances and we give thanks for their compassion and selfless giving. We pray too for all those lovingly caring for others in their homes, be they family members or professional carers. We pray for an outpouring of Your love wherever people reside,  a  love that brings strength and courage and assurance to those who need it most this day. And so too Lord, we ask that you will  be with each and everyone of us throughout this day, and may we too feel the peace of your presence in our hearts, Amen.

God of Grace, we will keep silence this morning,  for all those Key Workers who have died on the front line, saving others. We are thankful for their skill and selfless giving, may they rest in the peace of your eternal presence.  But so too,  we acknowledge the sorrow  and the grief of their loved ones.  And so this morning, we ask you to comfort and heal our nation Lord, may your presence be felt and give courage, hope and strength in the days ahead. Amen.

John 12:10 says  “Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.”

Gracious God, we lift before you this morning, all those involved in charitable giving; Those who couldn’t run the London Marathon yesterday but ran round their homes, all the Scouts who could not march on St George’s Day, but are walking  a mile to create a united walk to the moon. Lord God, we know that many people rely on the work of charitable organisations, who at the moment are struggling to raise funds because of the lockdown. We thank you for those who continue to find creative ways of tackling this problem, for those who continue to donate and for all the charitable organisations who continue to strive to find a way forward. Please bless the witness of all those people who give so that others might live  knowing they are loved, valued and cared for.  Amen.

God of healing, may your presence be felt by those suffering, in any way,  from mental health issues at this time.  We pray for a sense of peace and calm for all those in need. We pray for conversation for those in need of reassurance. So too, we pray for all those agencies and charities seeking to offer support in difficult circumstances. You are our God. May we live in the power of Your strength today. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, you taught us to love our neighbour, and to care for those in need as if we were caring for you.

Merciful God, we entrust to your tender care those who are ill or in pain, knowing that whenever danger threatens,  your everlasting arms are there to hold them safe. Comfort and strengthen them and may they feel the assurance of your presence with them.

Gracious God, give skill, sympathy and resilience to all who are caring for the sick, and your wisdom to those searching for a cure. Strengthen them with your Spirit, that through their work many will be restored to health.

Creator God, help us to trust you, help us to know that you are with us, and help us to believe that nothing can separate us from your love revealed in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lord of Love, it is good to come to You and remember that we do not face anything in our strength alone, but with You walking alongside us. Through the Power of Your Holy Spirit, you give us the courage and the strength to face the challenges set before us. You give us the courage to continue to serve you and others. So teach us to let go of any fears and doubts and to place our trust in You, throughout this day and always, Amen.

In John 20:22 we read ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’.

Gracious God, thank you for sending the power of your Holy Spirit into our lives to inspire and challenge and equip us to live our lives in glory to you. Help us to see your power in action as we witness great acts of love and self-giving across our nation and our world. At the start of a new week of lockdown, we ask that you give courage and strength to all those who will once more step onto the front line, in order that others may stay safe. May they feel the Power of the Cross. Bless us today Lord, and those we love. In the name of Jesus, Amen.