Poverty and the Poor

Father may we be a people whose hearts value release.

May we abolish debts,

May we not

shut our hands

close our ears

blind our eyes

shut our hearts

To the cries of the poor.

Keep us from unworthy thoughts and from ignoring their cries.

May we remember that we were poor but that you have made us rich;

And may we rejoice at other’s wealth gained at our expense.

The God of my Heart

Father

We long to hear the word of commendation that you have for the widow,

But our hearts are like the rich young man we love our wealth.

Our eyes see into eternity only dimly.

But we are enthralled by the lure of this world.

Forgive us.

And change us.

Without your Spirit doing a sovereign work in our hearts we are doomed.

Grow in us a heart of grace, turned outwards, loving you more than loving our comforts;

And seeing others as people made in your image.

Human Sexuality

Father in a world charged by sexual confusion and the trauma that this leaves behind;

Clarify our thinking.

Purify our motives.

Control our lusts.

Remind us of our freedoms.

Give us the joy of lasting permanent relationships 

That reflect your glory and your commitment to us.

Seeing vs Sight: John 9:1-41

Father, your Son is the light of the world

Shine your light into the darkest recesses of our hearts that we may see the Son,

That we may believe in the Son of Man.

Make us who are blind to our blindness, see

Even as you make those who appear to see, blind.

Which rules must I keep?

Leviticus 19:19-37; Romans 7:1-6

Father your Son died to the law and in his death we have died too.

We no longer belong to sin.

Now we belong to you so that we might bear fruit for you.

Thank you that we are released from the bondage of law.

To serve in the new way of the Spirit.

Oh make us fruitful!!

Light in a Dark Place - John 8:12

Father

Thank you that Jesus is the light in a world of night.

Though we walk in the darkness of death

You offer us the light of life.

May we flee to the light.

  Seek the light

  Love the light

  Live by the light

And let light shine from us

Amen

O God, I want light. My life is darkness.

Forgive me for living a life as if you are not there

Forgive my rebellion and wickedness

Give me light.

Give me life.

Give me Jesus.

Give me your Holy Spirit.

Give me eternity with you.

Amen

Day by day God is working his plan - Genesis 24

Father as we see your hand at work moving history towards your purposes.

We confess that

we are working for our own glory

we seek our own desires

we want our own way;

Little realising that the joy we seek is not found there.

As you show us your hand at work

Give us confidence in your plan

Help us to trust your love towards us

May we align our lives in accordance with truth

And in so doing experience your joy and peace.

May our strivings cease, and our confidence and trust in you grow ever stronger.

May our agendas pale and wane as we are increasingly give ourselves to your kingdom and your glory.

We pray for Jesus sake

Amen