Prayer for the Day
A prayer that we may care for others
Holy One – far beyond our imaginings,
yet coming to meet us through Jesus – in the joy and messiness,
the hopefulness and the hardships of our lives.
May our places of worship be safe and authentic spaces
for sharing who we are and how we are
as we journey alongside one another and with you.
May we listen attentively and compassionately,
as we seek one another’s well-being and flourishing,
knowing that all are cherished by you. Amen.
Alternative Prayer for the Day
A prayer that God discipline our energies
Discipline our energies, O God, to your purposes; school our tongues to your praise and soften our hearts to your wisdom. Amen.
A prayer that we might reflect God's love
All loving and all-embracing God, our hearts overflow with gratitude when we think and feel your love, manifested in Jesus Christ and poured into our hearts by your Holy Spirit. Let our response be spontaneous praise, praying fervently, reading your words passionately and welcoming the strangers genuinely. Give us charismatic smiles, courteous words and sacrificial hearts when we approach others with your love. Help us to overcome the temptation of being engaged in pious acts to win your favour and instead teach us to live in solidarity with you and with the needy and suffering. Let us and our churches reflect your love in a love-hungry world, now and always. Amen.
Israel Selvanayagam, supernumerary presbyter, Birmingham