20 Oct 24 | A Prayer from Wayne and Bronwyn Tucker

Each Sunday, a member of our congregation shares a prayer with us before the sermon, focused around what's happening in the world, our country and our community. We include them here for you to revisit and reflect on the words that they shared.

Creator of all, you have promised to hear when we pray in the name of Jesus. Therefore in confidence and trust we pray for the Church:

We pray that division in your church will be healed so that the community can see your love in action.

We also pray for those who are serving you away from their home-country. May they know your presence and your guidance as they allow you to work through them.

God, enliven the Church for its mission that we may be salt of the earth and light to the world.

Breathe fresh life into your people. Give us power to reveal Jesus in word and action.

We pray for the world:

We pause to lift to you the people of Israel and Palestine, and those in other countries caught up in the conflict in the Middle East. Grant wisdom to leaders. Give them hearts of flesh that they may have compassion on their enemies.

We continue to remember the war in Ukraine. May your Holy Spirit be at work in that conflict to bring lasting peace.

God, lead us and every people into ways of justice and peace. That we may respect one another in freedom and truth.

Awaken in us a sense of wonder for the earth and all that is in it. Teach us to care creatively for its resources.

We pray for the community:

Thank you, Lord, for the community this Parish is part of. Wherever we choose to be active, we ask that your Holy Spirit work in and through us to bring light to those around us.

God of truth, inspire with your wisdom those whose decisions affect the lives of others that all may act with integrity and courage.

Give grace to all whose lives are linked with ours. May we serve Christ in one another, and love as he loves us.

We pray for those in need:

We lift to you those known to us who are in need of your healing.

God of hope, comfort and restore all who suffer in body, mind or spirit. May they know the power of your healing love.

Make us willing agents of your compassion. Strengthen us as we share in making people whole.

We pray for ourselves and our ministries:

He rama tāu kupu ki ōku wae. I ngā wā o te pōuri, o te mārama, o te raru, o te hari, āwhinatia mai mātou, e te Matua i te rangi, kia manako ki tōu aroha, kia mahi i āu mahi, kia whakapai i tōu ingoa, i roto i a Īhu Karaiti, te Ariki. Āmine.

Your word is a lamp for our feet. In darkness and in light, in trouble and in joy, help us, heavenly Father, to trust your love, to serve your purpose, and to praise your name,

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.