Faith & Worship

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy that was set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
(Hebrews 12:1-3)

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For those who have gone before us,
Seeds planted in your rich pasture
With the hope of life eternal,
May their enduring spirit live on,
Enriching and empowering our lives,
Their love linger,
Their presence be near,
Until we meet once more.

 

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Lord of the lonely,
Abandoned,
Rejected
And alone,
Enfold them in your love.

Lord of the fearful,
Bring release,
Reassurance
And your peace,
Enfold them in your love.

Lord of the hurting,
In their distress,
Bring healing
And wholeness,
Enfold them in your love.

Lord of this world,
And the next,
Gather us all
Into your arms,
Enfold us in your love.

 

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It's all in the touch,
the touch of love,
the touch of healing,
the touch of compassion,
the touch of reassurance,
the touch that says
'You are special, wanted,
held in high regard'.
It's all in that touch,
that very special touch,
the touch you give through us
who reach out to those in need,
to those who need to know.
Help us to be channels of your touch
in this dark world,
to bring your love,
healing,
compassion
and reassurance,
to a world that knows
none of these.

 

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By your Word were all things created,
By your Word were all things given,
That all might live in your garden,
Eat the fruit of the land,
Drink your living water,
Grow in strength and wisdom,
Husband and wife,
Brother and sister,
Mother and child.

 

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For all whose image of your creation
is marred by pain and suffering.
Your kingdom come
ALL: Your will be done

For those who wake each morning
to shellfire and destruction.
Your kingdom come
ALL: Your will be done

For children dispossessed of childhood
and transformed into soldiers.
Your kingdom come
ALL: Your will be done

For orphans wandering lonely roads
to uncertain futures.
Your kingdom come
ALL: Your will be done

For each persecuted family
carrying your Cross.
Your kingdom come
ALL: Your will be done

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Lord, bless the noisy people,
The rowdy people,
Intimidating people,
The drunk
And scantily clad people,
Making their way home this evening.
Bless the burglar,
The loan shark,
Prostitute and drug dealer,
Low life,
And dangerous people
Hiding in the shadows this evening,
Inhabit their spaces,
Enlighten their darkness,
These prodigals of yours.

 

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If we had a fraction of the faith in you that you have in us
Then this world would be transformed, Lord.

If we showed a fraction of the love that you show to us
Then this world would be transformed, Lord

If we possessed a fraction of the patience that you display with us
Then this world would be transformed, Lord.

If we shared just a portion of the blessings that we have received from you
Then this world would be transformed, Lord.

If we showed as much trust in others as you have shown in us
Then this world would be transformed, Lord.

If we claimed just a fraction of the power you promised to your Church
Then this world would be transformed, Lord.

Transform us first, Lord, that we might transform this world
Through your love and your power.

 

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When I talk of neighbour
I mean the family next door,
whom I might or might not get on with.
When you talk of neighbour
you extend our neighbourhood
to the whole world,
to all kinds of people ,
the old, the young,
the good and the bad,
those from different social
or ethnic groups.
I see them on my TV screen and just know
that I could not get on with them
if they happened to move in next door.
But then, that is your challenge to us, isn't it?
To do as you did.
To extend the hand of love,
Unconditionally,
No strings or prejudice attached.
I can't do that Lord,
it is not in my nature.
But I am convinced
that you can do it through me.

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In this your beautiful
but fragile world,
bless those
who dedicate their lives
to its care,
who within their hearts
have a passion
to protect its oceans,
forests, plants
and creatures,
who are stewards
of this world
that is our home;
this world,
created by your hand,
given life by your breath,
- a precious place.
This, your gift to us;
its waters refreshing,
its soil providing,
its air sustaining.
In this your beautiful
bless those
who dedicate their lives
to its care.