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.
Reflect upon the journey your life has taken, and the knowledge that God has walked every step with you, on the mountains and in the valleys, give thanks for his faithfulness

Our focus this week is healthcare, social services and compassion. Give thanks to God for one or two specific people you know who work in this area, often with immense time pressures, responsibilities and limited resources. Thank God for their willingness and ability to show love and compassion to those who society often ignores or judges unworthy.
Think about taking a moment to express to those you have prayed for your appreciation of the work they do that often goes unnoticed. Your words of appreciation could make the difference in a demanding day or week where they feel unappreciated.

Reflect and give thanks to God, the source of all compassion and mercy, who so often picks us up when we are down, and who sees the unseen. The things we do never go unnoticed with him.

Reflect on a situation in your life where someone showed you compassion and kindness at a time when you really needed to feel it. Give thanks to God for that person and for their actions.

During this week, reflect on the nature of Gratitude, and look to express gratitude each day to God and others around you. Take time to notice.

Evening Prayer

Breathing out Praying Blessing

Speak a blessing over our Health care and social services, that as a society we would value those who are often the most vulnerable, and that the finances and resources needed to provide care and support would be made available.

Pray blessing on those who work in these areas, that they would feel encouraged, supported and valued.

Pray blessing on cityspace as we continue to look to open a door to those who are searching for a home and belonging. Think of one specific area of need and speak a blessing into that area. It may be a specific resource, or something you would like to see happen in the building that isn’t happening at present. Visualise what it would look like and pray for it.

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.