Sunday 10 September 2023
Together We Pray
23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Exod: 12:1-14; Rom 13:8-14; Matt 18:15-20
Let us pray for the church and for the world, giving thanks for God’s goodness.
God of earth and sea and sky
You are with us through life’s storms and in the glistening light
You are the light, Jesus Christ; you pierce our doubts and set sinners, free
So we may see the world, as God sees, unbound by hate or carelessness a sacrament and sign of God’s love. Lord, help us live by Love.
God of all gentleness, hear our prayer.
On a night tinged with grief and the shock of the cross, you appeared.
And your friends, astonished, suddenly saw and felt the warm breath of God … no longer shuttered in darkness or afraid, they were touched by Love itself.
God of second chances, you came for Thomas, and he believed
Be with us, and anyone in need of a second chance – in life or work or love
Remind us as we hope and seek to leave room for mystery
For life with you is a conversation, and the Spirit answers in its own time
God of all gentleness, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who grieve the passing of a beloved soul, and for parents as they embrace new life
We pray for all the ways we become family to one another, by blood or faith or chance
God of wisdom, we pray for Bishop Justin, and all who lead the diocese of Wellington
For those who live and work in its cities, farms and towns, and under starry skies
We pray for Aotearoa and all nations; may wars cease as we bend toward justice in the world
God of all gentleness, hear our prayer.
God our Father, you have always been with us:
The ‘clear stream of generosity from which we drank’ was You *;
Those arms encircling us were your arms, outstretched in love
We thank you for faithful people walking beside us sharing their joy.
As we meet on life’s ordinary roads may we find a common thread --
Heavenly Father, we are yours.
‘May all troubles be calmed by your peace, all evil redeemed by your love
All pain transformed in your suffering, and all dying glorified in your risen life’. Amen.
Sources: NRSV Bible, NZ Prayer Book, Iona prayers, *David Whyte, Samuel Wells; NEB Starr.
