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.

The focus of this week is wellbeing, recognising the importance of self-care, loving and caring for ourselves the way God cares for us.

Give thanks to God for those things you do in your life that are about “being” – the things you do simply and importantly because they are fun and do you good. Reflect on the family and friends who you share that sense of joy and fun with.
Take time this week to stop and just be: read, write, draw, walk, drink coffee, watch a favourite tv programme or play a game.
Think about a friend who you haven’t seen in a while and contact them, or, if you prefer, find a place where you can spend time by yourself with no feelings of guilt.
Give thanks to God for giving you life and for his desire that you live it to the full. Rediscover what it means to be … spend time with your heavenly father. Take him for a walk, a paddle or a 99 ice cream.

Evening Prayer

Breathing out Praying Blessing

Think about the places where you go for rest: pray blessing on those businesses and organisations, on the people who work or volunteer there. Take time to bless them when you are there next: think of something you could say or do that will be a blessing and will express your appreciation for them.
Think of someone you know who is going through a difficult time and life seems anything but fun to them. Ask God to bless them. Thinking about them now, what one thing would bring joy and a smile to their face? It may not change everything that is going on for them but it maybe just that one thing that breaks the heaviness or gloom they are living in. Be prepared to be the answer to your own prayer.

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.