Prayer of Approach
Knit us together, Lord Jesus, and draw us deeper into the Father’s love.
Open the rooms of our hearts that we may praise you, and be a people of welcome, inspiring and encouraging others to follow your way of hope and peace.
When the journey of life gets tough may we find strength for each new step and courage for each new day.
Amen.
A prayer of confession
God of hospitality and healing, forgive us when as individuals, as a church and as a partnership we have not been welcoming; when we have closed our doors to those who are different from us, those whose needs frighten us.
Give us the grace to know how to meet others in your name, and to serve others in your strength.
We pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Please read John 14:1-14
Reflection
It is often difficult to trust someone whom you don’t know very well. We are blessed not to have this problem when it comes to trusting God. Jesus reveals to us who God is. He teaches us that God is our loving Father who created us and loves us. When we trust someone, we can talk freely and rely on their advice. The same is true of God. In prayer we are brought into communion with God who helps us to understand ourselves. Praying to God helps us to have a humble and trusting heart.
A prayer of thanksgiving
We praise you, living God, for making a world big enough, and with enough room, for all creation.
Big enough for sun, moon and stars; for land, sea, mountains and moors.
Big enough for animals, birds and fish; for trees, flowers, herbs and shrubs.
Big enough for children to play. Big enough for each one of us.
Thank you, Lord, and help us to look after and to celebrate, all we see around us. Amen.
Lord Jesus, when I feel alone and the road is long – be my companion, when I feel on the outside of things and doors seem closed – grant me courage,
when I see others struggling – may I be a companion to them;
when I am tempted to keep others out – grant me your loving heart.
Make your way, my way, and enable me to bless others as you have blessed me. Amen.
A sending out prayer
May your journey home, and each journey you make this week, be blessed with a sense of God’s presence, and be an opportunity to grow in trust and hope and gentleness.
Amen.
Suggested Listening
In Christ Alone www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn9-UNer6MQ
Come, my way, my truth, my life www.youtube.com/watch?v=wm28k3C-_cI
The church’s one foundation www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKRmncbUMps
