SEPTEMBER 2010 - SPIRITUALITY
Prayers for use this month... on justice, those living with debt, reconciliation, a responsive version of the Lord's Prayer for use in families, and the prayer of St Francis.
Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Grant us, Lord God, a vision of our land as your love would make it:
- a land where the weak are protected, and none go hungry or poor;
- a land where the benefits of civilised life are shared, and everyone can enjoy them;
- a land where different races and cultures live in tolerance and mutual respect;
- a land where peace is built with justice, and justice is guided by love.
And give us the inspiration and courage to build it, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
A Prayer for those living with debt
Father, we pray for the many who are trapped by growing burdens of debt,
who see no way out, and who despair for their future:
give them courage to tackle the problems they face,
clarity in taking decisions which will turn their situation around,
and faith that, as they cry to you in their trouble,
you will deliver them from their distress;
through Jesus Chrst our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer for Reconciliation
Gracious God, ruling the earth and its people not by terror but in love;
we worship you.
We confess that too often our words hurt others and our deeds are selfish;
forgive us.
In this time of uncertainty and fear, help us to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us, in the name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.
A Responsive Lord's Prayer - for use in families.
Our Father in Heaven,
Remind us constantly that you are parent to all your children,
Whoever, or wherever they are or come from.
Hallowed be your name.
Your Kingdom come,
Establishing peace and justice, hope and life for all peoples.
Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Disturb us into awareness of the needs of others.
Forgive us our sins,
Our pride and our prejudices.
As we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
Especially keep our hearts and minds open
To see the good in others.
Deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom,
Just and true,
The power,
Gentle and fair,
And the glory,
Shot through with the colours of love,
Are yours for ever and ever. Amen.
[From: From Shore to Shore A collection of liturgies, litanies and prayers from around the world. Pub. by USPG and SPCK. Used with permission.]
A Prayer of St Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is discord, vision.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
