Morning Prayer

Breathing in Gratitude and Thanksgiving

We start with a declaration of our dependence on God’s presence personally and as a community.

Exodus 33: 15-16
‘Moses said, “If your presence doesn’t take the lead here, call this trip off right now. How else will it be known that you’re with me in this, with me and your people? Are you traveling with us or not? How else will we know that we’re special, I and your people, among all other people on this planet Earth?”’ (MSG)

‘Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth.”’ (NKJV)

You might want to try and reword these verses into a prayer that expresses your own dependence on God’s presence and leading in your life, or you could just pray through them as they are. Take time each day to notice which particular word impacts you the most and then hold that word consciously throughout the day.

Give thanks to God for one or two specific people in your life who have helped to shape the person you are, they maybe educators or mentors, but give thanks for the way they have helped to shape and guide your life.

Give thanks for teachers you know and the work they do, they maybe friends or members of communities you are part of, or teach your children or grandchildren.

Create some creative prayers by finding something that speaks to you about what life is like for you at this present time – it maybe something in your home, something you wear or carry with you, or you might need to go out intentionally and find it. Reflect on this object; listen to what God is saying to you through it; and again give thanks for his faithfulness and guidance.

Give thanks for creation and creativity. Take some time to Stop, Look and Listen at the world around you, the noises, colours, smells and textures. Rejoice in the beauty of the creator and his creation.

And if you feel inspired, paint, write, record a sound or take a photo – something that declares the signs of our Creator God – and post it in the Facebook group.

Evening Prayer

Breathing out Praying Blessing

Speak a blessing over one of the schools, colleges or universities that you have a connection with, one which you or a member of your family attended, or one where you regularly see students passing by. Reflect on what that institution might need at this time. Speak a blessing into areas where you know there are difficulties or tensions.

Pray a blessing on those starting at new schools, colleges or university, that they will find friends and a sense of belonging. Pray blessing on those students arriving in Canterbury to start living new lives away from family and friends, particularly for those travelling from other nations, that they will be welcomed and received well.

Think about how you could bless someone that you know who is starting a new learning experience, or even bless a random stranger with a demonstration of kindness: buy their coffee if they are queuing behind you or smile and ask how they are doing. Be creative in your blessings

Closing Prayer:

Almighty God our Father, we come in humility to meet you in your majesty.
In Jesus, we stand confident in our heavenly status as members of your family,
By your Holy Spirit, teach us how to stand in the gap for this region:
May our communities be places where people always feel at home;
May our streets be blessed with the peace that surpasses understanding;
May the warmth of your love reach those who feel they are on the fringes of society.
Transform our city – touch her cold stones with your breath and bring her heart to life again,
Show us how to help her step out from behind her ‘tough girl’ exterior and truly be herself.
And as we too set our hearts to become the people you made us to be,
May your light glow within us and your glory radiate from us
In Jesus name, amen.