A prayer calling on the Holy Spirit
Come, Holy Spirit, inspiration of prophets and strength of apostles. Come, Holy Spirit, power of the Father and wisdom of the Son. Come, Holy Spirit, source of all joy and rest of the weary. Come, treasure of Majesty and mercy of the Most High. Come, Holy Spirit, come. Amen.
A prayer that we might discover the riches of God’s grace
When darkness fills our horizons, help us to remember what Jesus taught about the hidden treasures of God’s love – how a traveller to Jericho, left beaten unconscious by the roadside, was unexpectedly rescued by a marginalised stranger; how a son who had ruined his life was welcomed home through a parent’s unconditional love; and how a sheep, lost on a lonely hillside, was brought to safety by the faithful care of the shepherd. So may we, whatever our needs, find help and support – sometimes where we least expect – and when human resources fail, discover the riches of God’s grace and the depth of his love, holding us safe forever. Amen.
A prayer in time of need
Holy Spirit of God,
You promise to come to us in our need.
When we have been hurt and feel low,
when people take advantage of us for their own ends
it’s hard to know that you are there.
We don’t always know how to pray to you.
Help us to discover your presence in the pain and confusion.
Give us the hope that comes from realising that you know and understand us,
and that the deepest longings of our hearts
are an unspoken prayer that we might be renewed by your love,
and transformed by your grace.
Amen.
John Hellyer, superintendent, Gloucestershire Circuit
Wednesday
“We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God’s word, which is also at work in you believers.” (v. 13)
1 Thessalonians 2:9-13