Together We Pray

SUNDAY 4 February 2024, 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings: Isa 40:21-31; 1 Cor 9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39

Let us pray for the church and the world, giving thanks for God’s goodness.
Jesus Christ, we hear the stories in Mark, and seek you in our need --
at the hillside where you broke bread and the homes of friends.
Sometimes we fail to see you in the faces of others:
the gardener, the homeless man and his dog.
Help us to recognise your voice, your knowing glance  
here in front of us, ‘til we no longer cling to our familiar grief
but turn to face you, trusting in a sacrament of healing

God in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O God, you made the world in its beauty and its sorrows
You will not cast us off, even if we desert you
Hear our prayers for peace, for strength, for sheltering wings    
Grant hope to our whanau, to the human family, and children yet to be born 

God in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the safety of travelers, and for work that sustains
for people immobilised by uncertainty or self-doubt
for the young with fragile dreams unfolding
May we recognise your gentle voice, inspiring movement and change 

God in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Jesus our friend, ‘You are the house in whom we live,
The house in which we share the cup of peace,
the house of your body that was broken on the cross,
the house you have built for us beyond the stars’            JK Baxter nzpb
We are your dwelling place, so let us sing of your love  

God in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our bishop, +Justin, and for the laity, musicians, and clergy
For all who call Wellington their spiritual home -- and all who seek a home
We pray for people of faith and Christians everywhere –  that we may be friends.
Let us embody the far-flung grace of Christ and his saving love.  

God in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.

Sources: NRSV Bible, NZPB, J Morley, S Wells, J Pritchard, JK Baxter, NEB Starr