Hymn suggestions for Sunday 1 December 2024

Prayer is a cry in the dark,
a child’s longing for home,
and a hollowed soul’s seeking of fulfilment.

Prayer is a two-fingered salute
to the hopeless cynicism of endless false promises
and a bunting-waving celebration of love in action.

Prayer is a sacred space,
found in the midst of the unholiest of battlegrounds
and in the desolation of loss.

Prayer is a memory
of long lost conversations with wise elders
and an exuberance of youthful anticipation.

Prayer is a shared longing,
a whispered dream
and an open conversation.

Prayer is a revolutionary act
It is hope in despair
And a grace-filled weaving of love’s intent.

May God bless us with the desire to pray, that we might better act, for the sake of all. Amen.

Michaela Youngson, Assistant Secretary of the Conference

Holy and gracious God, by way of creation, you have brought us into being. By way of the cross, you have brought us into your kingdom. By way of the resurrection you have restored us to life.

Macrina, deaconess and teacher (c. 329-379)