Faith & Worship

"But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory." (Hebrews 3:6 )

 " Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead," (1 Peter 1:3)

" I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people." (Ephesians 1:18)

"  But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet." (1 Thess 5:8)

 "But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love." (Psalm 33:18  )

 

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For hope that lies beyond
this present darkness, glimpsed within the love
and care shared daily
in local neighbourhoods,
reaching out to those
who would otherwise
know loneliness, despair.
A love that transcends
past boundaries and looks
toward a better tomorrow.
For hope that lies beyond
this present darkness,
we thank you, gracious God.

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We believe, Lord,
that you live in us
and we live in you,
through the Spirit
and by your grace.
And knowing this
deep in our souls
gives us comfort,
joy and strength
for the day ahead.

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Loving God, in you I find
the strength to persevere
when daily life’s a struggle.
In you I find the wisdom
I require when engaged
in difficult conversations.
In you I find the peace to calm my soul
when life in general is so busy.
In you, and you alone
I find the source of life
love and hope, and offer
in return my life, my all.

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May a song of joy
be in our hearts,
even if the sky
is dark, and life
is hard, and hope
thin on the ground.
And in that song,
that sacrifice,
may hearts be warmed,
eyes lifted high
and faith restored
in One who knows,
and cares, and loves
enough to die
and rise again for us.

 

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May we never forget
from where we have come,
the distance travelled
and the love that guided us
to where we are today.
Gracious and patient God,
there with us always,
encouraging, supporting,
our hope and our peace,
accept our grateful praise.

 

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At the beginning of this day
bring your light and hope
into our hearts and souls,
that we may go out with joy
into a world that needs to see
your love shine through the dark,
and know there is much more
to life than they ever seen before.

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In a world of fake news,
lies and half-truths,
may this be known,
your word is true
and everlasting,
Your word is love
and brings healing,
your word is joy
to those searching,
your word is hope
to those struggling,
your word unites
rather than dividing.
In this fragile world
in which we live,
Lord God, may it be
your word that we trust.

 

 

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These lives of ours,
small as they are
in this, your world,
we live by the Spirit,
in whose strength
we step out each day,
by whose wisdom
decisions we make,
in whose power
we pray for the sick,
in whose name
our needs are met;
that our small lives
might, joined as one,
bring glory to you
and hope, love, peace
and joy to this world.

 

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Speak Lord, into the heart
of government, and those
whose decisions today will
affect the lives of millions.
May their incentive be
not pleasing the powerful,
the political influencers,
loudest voices and donors,
but rather to do your will;
seek justice, help the poor,
work for the common good
of all people, not just a few.
It’s a difficult ask, we know,
but in you, Lord, is our hope.

 

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May this be a day of hope,
of expectation,
and relishing each moment
as a gift from you.
May this be a day of joy,
of breaking free
and loosening the shackles
that are binding us.
May this be a day of peace,
and healing,
knowing our lives are
always in your hand.
May this be a day of love
and blessing,
living as children
of a living God.