Friday, September 15, 2023

How wonderful we feel in your presence in this sacred prayer space. We want to know you more and spend more time with you. You invite us to come to you as we are. We feel Life-giving Spirit’s embrace. We hear you whispering: “Bring your cold hearts, loneliness, doubts, and worn hands. Bring your weariness, feelings of low self-worth, and fear. I will carry your burdens and lighten your loads.”

We become aware we are your creation. We have what we have because of your love. We humble ourselves and are content being in the moment with you. We put our hope and trust in you.

Thank you, Loving Companion, for guiding us on life’s journey. Thank you for the skilled mentors who share their wisdom that protects and sustains us. We are eager to study, know and live out of your Word. Thank you for closing doors that no one can open. May we respect and honour the escorts who guide us.

We once made decisions for our own sake. But you have taught us your new way. We put off our old ways to follow you. Give us your spirit of truth, honesty, and kindness. Give us your spirit of forgiveness, so we will not store-up bitterness or anger towards others. We will follow your ways and journey together in a good way.

Hallelujah, LORD, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We gather on the shore, in parks and places of worship, and at city halls; we all seek your healing, hope, and compassion. We find you here, in these sacred spaces. We receive food, shelter, and peace. But we also find scorn and judgement from those who think we should just get better and rise above our conditions.

We gather in your abundant fields and vineyards. We seek to live well and honourably in your presence. In this sacred prayer space, you reveal to us how you have saved those who have gone before us. They did not always harvest with honour, or do what was right. Yet, by your love, you vindicated them.