Living, loving God …
Heavenly Father, we are not simply individuals, we are part of this world; and this world is part of us. We need friendship, we need family, we need community. We need helping hands and shoulders to cry on, we need compassion, unity; togetherness. We acknowledge and thank you for the privilege we have in living in a peaceful country, with enough – and more – for our needs, but as we see the needs of others portrayed graphically on our screens there are times when it seems that darkness, fear and pain has the upper hand and we struggle to understand how all the world’s pain and heartbreak are somehow in your hands – but we trust that your spirit searches restlessly for those in despair and pain, those who have lost dignity, freedom and hope.
Living, loving God …
Help us to trust your mercy and compassion for those in Ukraine, as they live with their broken dreams and fragile hope for war to end. For their children who are traumatised, the families torn apart, for the loss of so many lives. We remember those who have been forced to fight in a war they didn’t chose.
We plead for your mercy to the people of Gaza, living among the rubble of their homes, and the threat of their very land being taken from them. We thank you for the dedication and bravery of the medical teams who have treated the wounded in impossible and dangerous conditions. We pray for the safe return of all hostages and healing to their trauma.
Living, loving God …
We pray for a peaceful solution to the escalation of violence, killing and displacement in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Give wisdom in the talks between the leaders in East Africa that they would understand the desperate need for peace in that country.
For all countries suffering the pain and despair of war which we ourselves are helpless and powerless to end, we put our trust in what we read in Revelation:
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. God will be with his people, he will wipe every tear from their eyes and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying – all those things gone for ever. Revelation 21 vv 3, 4
Living, loving God …
We pray for America struggling to cope with the decisions and demands made by President Trump, affecting not only America but threatening the economies of many other countries throughout the world. Give him restraint and wisdom we pray. We pray for the reinstatement of the USAID staff that they can continue the vital, life-saving work of providing aid to those in desperate need.
Living, loving God …
We pray for our young people, so full of plans, optimism, and excitement about their future. We ask especially that you would protect them from harmful social media sites that coerce them into damaging and disastrous behaviour.
Father God, we trust you for the future of The Hub‘s ministry and outreach into our community as Peter and Vicki prepare to leave us. Help us to work together as we wait for you to show us the future, acknowledging that we all have your call on us to share with others the love that you have lavished on us. We ask your blessing on Peter and Vicki, thanking them for their faithful service and the way that they have challenged and cared for us in their time here and we trust you to prepare them for what you are calling them to in Crawley.
Living, loving God…
We ask not necessarily to understand the way things are, but to trust your mercy and love as we seek to serve you and continue in your love.
Amen