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Prayers for others

Prayers by Charlie Barker, and Lord's Prayer (see below) read by Ian Faulkner.

Lord’s Prayer [A Central American Paraphrase]:

Our God, who is in us here on earth,
holy is your name in the hungry who share their bread and their song.
Your kingdom come, which is generous land that flows with milk and honey.
Let us do your will, standing up when all are sitting down,
and raising our voices when all are silent.

You are giving us daily bread in the song of the bird and miracle of the corn.
Forgive us for keeping silent in the face of injustice,
and for burying our dreams, for not sharing bread and wine,
love and the land among us now.
Don’t let us fall into the temptation of shutting the door through fear;
of resigning ourselves to hunger and injustice;
of taking up the same arms as the enemy.
But deliver us from evil which disunites us.

Give us the perseverance and the solidarity to look for love,
even if the path has not yet been trodden - even if we fall;
so shall we have known your reign which is being built for ever and ever.
Amen

Hymn - Called as partners

Called as partners in Christ’s service,
called to ministries of grace,
we respond with deep commitment
fresh new lines of faith to trace.
May we learn the art of sharing,
side by side and friend with friend,
equal partners in our caring
to fulfill God’s chosen end.

Christ’s example, Christ’s inspiring,
Christ’s clear call to work and worth,
let us follow, never faltering,
reconciling folk on earth.
Men and women, richer, poorer,
all God’s people, young and old,
blending human skills together
gracious gifts from God unfold.

Thus new patterns for Christ’s mission,
in a small or global sense,
help us bear each other’s burdens,
breaking down each wall or fence.
Words of comfort, words of vision,
words of challenge, said with care,
bring new power and strength for action,
make us colleagues, free and fair.

So God grant us for tomorrow
ways to order human life
that surround each person’s sorrow
with a calm that conquers strife.
Make us partners in our living,
our compassion to increase,
messages of faith, thus giving
hope and confidence and peace.

Jane Parker Huber (1981)
Tune = BEECHER

 

 

Benediction

The Lord Bless You and Keep You (John Rutter) - Virtual Choir by Batavia Madrigal Singers