Prayer for the Day
A prayer that we may give welcome to others
Dear Lord, we come to you in prayer, seeking your guidance to help us to continue to make our churches places of welcome and acceptance.
We know so many people of all ages are lonely and long to belong.
We want to build church families of all ages, who worship together with joy.
We need always to put prayer at the heart of all our planning and action.
Help us to sing a new song that tells of your love, by always listening and learning to become receptive to new ideas that translate into loving action in our neighbourhoods. Amen.
Alternative Prayer for the Day
A prayer that God's grace may work through us
Be the beginning, O God, of all our good, the wellspring of all our love and the source of all our freedom. Let your grace work in us, your will be done through us and your protection be over us. Amen.
Prayer for Haiti
God of all creation,
you call us to be one body, united in love and justice.
As we gather in prayer, we remember the suffering of your people across the world – in places torn by war, poverty and injustice.
We hear their cries and bring before you the many places and situations that are on our hearts and minds today.
God, our strength and hope,
hear our prayer.
God of compassion and justice,
we lift before you the people of Haiti,
enduring violence, displacement and despair.
Strengthen those who teach, heal and minister in the midst of the chaos.
Protect children, women, families and communities forced to flee their homes.
May your peace reign where fear now dwells.
God, our strength and hope,
hear our prayer.
Faithful God,
we pray for the Haiti District,
for its leaders, ministers and members.
In the face of insecurity and hardship, grant courage, wisdom and your sustaining grace.
May your Spirit guide them in every decision and action.
We thank you for the ways in which they are your hands and feet in the communities that they serve.
May they continue to be beacons of your light, love and peace.
God, our strength and hope,
hear our prayer.
God of all nations,
awaken our hearts to the cries of those in need.
May we not turn away,
but respond with generosity, advocacy and prayer.
Unite us in your mission of healing and justice.
God, our strength and hope,
hear our prayer.
The Global Relationships Team
Sunday 10 January 2021
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. (v. 4)
Mark 1: 4-11