Reading: Matthew 6 verses 25-33
Hymn:
He's got the whole world in his hand
Prayers:
On this Fathers' Day we say thank you to our fathers, and also give thanks that we can pray to God as our Father:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come;
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
We remember with thanks the life of Jo Cox, and pray that her work for a fairer, kinder, more tolerant world may continue.
We pray for those recently elected to Parliament, that decisions may be made that allow all people to flourish.
We pray for communities, giving thanks for the success of this weekend's Get-Togethers; and for the generous response of communities to recent tragedies.
We pray for greater understanding, so that divisions may be overcome. We remember all who feel ignored, and for all who feel hated.
We give thanks for our own community; may we continue to value one another, and be alert to each other's needs.
We pray for civilians suffering as a result of conflict, especially in Syria and Iraq. We pray for all who, like Jo Cox, do humanitarian work.
We pray for those who feel isolated, and ask that the work of the Commission on Loneliness may find ways to help them.
Lord of love,
Hear our prayer.
We pray for those beginning new phases in their lives: for those recently married, especially Elizabeth
and Thomas, and Thomas and Catherine, and for those awaiting a birth.
We pray for those now taking exams – especially in this heat.
We pray for those on holiday, that they may find refreshment.
We thank you for summer, and warmth, and relaxation.
Lord of love,
Hear our prayer.
We pray for those now facing adversity:
for all affected by the tower block fire
for those facing bereavement
for people coping with ill-health, especially those who were hoping to be here today
for all now facing difficult challenges in their lives, especially those known to us.
Lord of love,
Hear our prayer.
Finally we pray for ourselves:
Lord, you create us through your power
and redeem us through your love;
guide and strengthen us through your Spirit,
that we may serve you in one another,
Loving Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Let us in silence remember the things we are sorry for:
those things we should not have done, or said, or thought;
and the things we should have done.
Silence is kept
May God forgive us, Christ renew us, and the Spirit enable us to grow in love. Amen.
Hymn: Be still, for the presence of the Lord
We say together
Goodness is stronger than evil;
Love is stronger than hate;
Light is stronger than darkness;
Life is stronger than death;
Victory is ours through Him who loves us.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Reading:
Adlestrop
by Edward Thomas As from the beginning, God makes the world:
Makes it and mothers it, shapes it and fathers it;
Fills it with seeds and signs of fertility,
Fills it with life and songs and variety. All that is green, deep, blue, and growing,
God's is the hand creating you.
All that is tender, firm, fragrant, curious,
God's is the hand creating you.
All that crawls, flies, swims, walks, or is motionless,
God's is the hand creating you.
All that speaks, sings, cries, laughs, or keeps silence,
God's is the hand creating you.
All that suffers, lacks, limps, and longs for an end,
God's is the hand creating you.
The world belongs to God,
The earth and all its people.from The Iona Abbey Worship Book
Almighty God,
you have created the heavens and the earth
and made us in your own image:
teach us to discern your hand in all your works
and your likeness in all your children;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen. Hymn:
And did those feet in ancient times
We offer each other a Celtic Blessing
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rain fall soft upon your fields,
May the road rise up to meet you,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
