We humbly thank you for this day
Help us not to waste it
But offer our praise to you
Open our hearts and minds
And give us your presence
To transform our lives and those around us today
Song “Shout to the Lord”
Prayer for Gods help
Forgive us
We often choose the wrong way
And we are confused, angry and sad
Restore us
Help us to have compassion for ourselves and others
To create a world that is good and just
And to carry your dream within us
The Lord’s Prayer in our own language
Reading 1 Corinthians 5
9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10 not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world.11 But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister[ but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.
12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13 God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.”
Our Prayers
We pray for people and situations that are on our hearts today including the aftermath of the election in the US, the new vaccine for Covid, ongoing lockdown, those in schools and hospitals, Greece, Turkey, Belarus, Hong Kong, Syria, Nigeria and Yemen, Armenia and Azerbaijan, the rise of fascism across our world, our governments, the Rohinga Muslims, Muslims being persecuted in China, protection for key workers, protection for Black and Asian people, for people on low or no incomes, for those with underlying health conditions and those over 60, care for those who are alone and those suffering with depression, protection for asylum seekers and refugees and ensuring that food is reaching the vulnerable…and global warming.
May we not fail you though we face great dangers Give us your peace, your wisdom and your strength. Amen
Closing Responses
This is the day that God has made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
I will not offer to God
Offerings that cost me nothing
I will go in Peace
To love and serve my God
And make a difference
Amen
With thanks to © Iona Community adapted
