A light and a lamp - Psalm 119:105-112 - #YearoftheBible1

Our loving heavenly Father
You have promised to keep us safe and to light our way in a world of dangers
You have promised to give us direction so that our lives might not be wasted
But we are deeply afflicted
The wicked have laid snares for us
And often we feel like we are lost.
We seek your word to us
We seek the safety of your rules
We seek to stay within your precepts
We seek the joy of your testimonies
And we incline our hearts to perform your statues forever
Amen

When Justice seems very far away - John 2:12-25 (& Malachi 3:1-5)

Our Father, you have sent your messenger
And the Lord whom we seek has come to his temple;
But who can endure the day of his coming,
For he is like a refiner's fire.
He has promised to draw near for judgement.
Forgive us that we have consulted sorcerers,
We are guilty of adultery,
We have sworn falsely,
We have oppressed those who have laboured for us,
We have not cared for the widow, the orphan and the refugee,
But worst of all we have not feared your name.
Forgive us and restore us.
Thank you that your Messiah comes not just in judgement
But also to bring blessing and salvation.
We trust him
And we seek his mercy this year.
Amen

Christmas 2 Collect - reworked in modern English

Almighty God, 
You have wonderfully created humans in your own image, 
And even more wonderfully you have restored us. 

Grant, we pray, that as your Son our Lord Jesus Christ
took on our humanity, 
So too we may increasingly take on the divine nature; 

ever growing like you in holiness,
Through your Son, 
Who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, 

One God, for all eternity. 
Amen.

John 2:1-11 - When you need Blessing

Our loving heavenly Father
You have raised up the house that has fallen
So that we may possess the eternal land as you have promised.
We long for the day when the mountains will drip sweet wine,
and the hills shall flow with it.
When you restore the fortunes of Israel
When the ruined cities are rebuilt and inhabited
When abundance flows
And when we are finally planted in the land
As you have promised.
Thank you that your Messiah king shows us that this day is sure
We trust him and long for the fulfilment of your promises
Amen
 

 

Separated No More - Exodus 25-40

Our Father,
You are holy but we are wicked.
Our wickedness separates us from you.
Yet you remain committed and resolute to be reconciled with us.
You have sent your Son as our mediator
That your holiness might again be ours.
And that you might take up residence in us and with us again
Thank you for Jesus,
In whose name we pray.
Amen

 

Leading for Significance - 2 Corinthians 10:1-18

 

Our Father in heaven
You have led us in meekness, gentleness and humility.
You have acted with mercy, grace and forgiveness when Christ came.  
Though the gospel seems weak, it is your power to destroy strongholds, bringing all under the Lordship of Christ.
Take this gospel to every tribe and nation.
Give us the desire to long for your commendation and approval.
As we seek gentleness, meekness and humility.
Amen

 

Given, Giving, Getting - 2 Corinthians 9:1-15

Our loving heavenly Father
You have given us - the inexpressible gift
Too large to ever understand
Too awesome to ever grow tired of
You have sowed bountifully into us
May we sow generously and give cheerfully
Knowing that we are enriched in every way
And that you will multiply the harvest of righteousness in us
So that thanksgiving may overflow to you
As people glorify your name
Amen