Page 8 of 10

We respond by nurturing community

Prayers for others - by Norman Marange

Open our minds, Christ,
So that we think beyond ourselves,
And spare a thought for those less fortunate.

Open our hearts, Christ,
So that we have compassion for those who come to mind,
When we think about those who suffer in the world,

Open our voices, Christ,
So that we join in your call for justice
And speak up for those whose lives are downtrodden by poverty and affliction.

Open our hands, Christ,
So that we find ways to serve the needs of others,
Having thought about those who deserve compassion.

Open us, Christ,
So that we follow in your way,
And give all in response to your call to love others.

Open and grow our faith, Christ,
So that we are compelled beyond naïve belief,
And narrow, self-focused religion.

Open our lives, Christ,
So that we are saved from being ourselves and be connected with life eternal,
And work with you in your work of redemption and re-creation.

In your Holy name we pray.
Amen.

We continue our journey in God’s world

Hymn - Community of Christ

1. Community of Christ,
who made the cross your own,
live out your creed and risk your life
for God alone:
the God who wears your face,
to whom all worlds belong,
whose children are of every race and every song.

2. Community of Christ,
look past the church’s door
and see the refugee, the hungry,
and the poor.
Take hands with the oppressed,
the jobless in your street,
take towel and water, that you wash your neighbour’s feet.

3. Community of Christ,
through whom the world must sound –
cry out for justice and for peace
the whole world round:
disarm the powers that war
and all that can destroy,
turn bombs to bread, and tears of anguish into joy.

4. Community of Christ,
so shall God’s will be done,
the climate of the world be peace
and Christ its Son:
our currency be love
and kindliness our law,
our food and faith be shared as one forevermore.

Words: Shirley Murray
Tune: Leoni