Prayers on a Theme of The World
This world I live in
this town I live in
this street I live in
this house I live in
may each be the focus of my prayer
Those I live with
those I rub shoulders with
those I work with
those I don't get on with
may each be the focus of my prayer
Those who laugh
those who cry
those who hurt
those who hide
may each be the focus of my prayer
Prayers centred less on self
and more on others
less on my circumstances
more on the needs of others.
May my life be likewise centred
less on self and more on You
and through You to the world
in which I live and move.
It's all in the touch
the touch of love
the touch of healing
the touch of compassion
the touch of reassurance
the touch that says
'You are special, wanted
held in high regard'
It's all in that touch
that very special touch
the touch you give through us
who reach out to those in need
to those who need to know.
Help us to be channels of your touch
in this dark world
to bring your love
healing
compassion
and reassurance
to a world that knows
none of these
There is comfort
in the warmth of a hug
security
in a reassuring hand on shoulder
confidence
in the firm grip of a handshake.
Something passes from giver to receiver
and mysteriously returns with interest.
Yet in a world which worries
about values
and investment rates
and the volatility of currencies
so little attention is shown
to this simple fact.
The things that are rated of value
in this world
are temporary
fluctuating with the uncertainty
of the Stock Market.
Love meanwhile is constant
it's value increasing
each time it is given away.
This, Lord is the Investment Trust
of which you are in control.
Thank you that this is one
we can indeed rely upon.
Saints of days long gone
standing on seashore and mountain top
considered the might of the elements
that you had created
the roar of the wind and waves
the constancy of the tides and seasons.
To them, Lord it was evidence enough
that your creative Spirit was still empowering
this fragile world, encircling their lives
as the very wind and mist
that swirled around them.
We have so little time
to contemplate this world
and complain when wind and rain
conspire to spoil our day
Yet in doing so we often fail
to gain the comfort
and reassurance
that your saints felt in their isolation.
We forget that it was your creative breath
that set this universe in motion
and still moves across the world
Not always predictably
but there to be seen and felt
there to offer the comfort and reassurance
of a God who is constant and eternal.
Thank you, Creator God
for the constancy and ample evidence
of your love for this world
Lord, bless the noisy people
The rowdy people
Intimidating people
The drunk
And scantily clad people
Making their way home this evening
Bless the burglar
The loan shark
Prostitute and drug dealer
Low life
And dangerous people
Hiding in the shadows this evening
Inhabit their spaces
Enlighten their darkness
These prodigals of yours
For all whose image of your creation
is marred by pain and suffering
A: Your kingdom come
B: Your will be done
For those who wake each morning
to shellfire and destruction
A: Your kingdom come
B: Your will be done
For children dispossessed of childhood
and transformed into soldiers
A: Your kingdom come
B: Your will be done
For orphans wandering lonely roads
to uncertain futures
A: Your kingdom come
B: Your will be done
For each persecuted family
carrying your Cross
A: Your kingdom come
B: Your will be done
