Prayer for ourselves and others

The prophet Jeremiah called out: Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed?

There can be times that seem like that to us when we consider situations in

Our world

Our community

Our church

Our families

Our selves

Timothy Rees wrote a hymn that talks of God enfolding all the world in one embrace, and goes on to say that when human hearts are breaking under sorrow’s iron rod, then they find that selfsame aching deep within the heart of God.

Maybe that embrace is like a parent dancing with her child, full of joy and care and compassion.

Tonight I invite you to bring situations on your heart to God, - write down if you wish – as we listen and watch a representation of that love of Godde using images – many from this land – and words from the Welsh revival of 1904 (Here is love, vast as the ocean ...)

As we pray there is a bowl in front of our burning candles. You may want to place your prayer there, and take with you a candle as a reminder of God’s love toward us.

Praise, confession and assurance of grace

Creating life-giving Godde

We catch a glimpse of you

in the gradual warming of the day

Enticing creatures out of hibernation

to live and move in the freedom of the garden

Abundant-life-giving Godde-with-us

You accept and hold nothing against us

We feel the touch of your hand

reaching out with an invitation

to bask in the light of your love

Challenging life-giving Spirit

You warm us gently

Bringing us out

from cold or dark or lonely places

We are in awe

of your goodness and love toward us

You know these steps

can be the slowest and the most difficult we ever take

as we fear what your light may show

We know we need to loosen our grip

on all that distorts our relationships

and degrades our planet

We know the need to replace hurtful or careless words

with words that promote peace and understanding

between people and between nations

We seek your grace loving Godde

that your words may be a joy to us

and delight our hearts

We seek your mercy loving saviour

that we may be authentic followers of your way

facing up to the reality of pain and injustice

We seek your strength Holy Spirit

that we may turn away from what is evil

and hold fast to what is good

Amen

Brothers and sisters

We are called by God’s name

We enter the community of faith

through water and the Spirit

Let us open our ears to hear

Christ’s words of grace

in the depths of our being

“You are forgiven”

Thanks be to God

Call to worship

Pr 17. Moses and God and the burning bush

Within our everyday routines
the word of Godde comes
Challenging engaging enticing
Never forcing a response
Love waits

In the routine of this day
we come to this place
Intrigued questioning open to wonder
Making our response
We are here