Monday, July 24, 2023

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.

Be our strong rock, a castle to keep us safe, for you are our crag and stronghold. Breathe new life into the limbs of our family trees, O LORD. Bless the new blossoms that grow here, and the new fruit that is to come. Count us among your blessed children. Restore our families for your sake. We will remember your blessings, and praise your name throughout the generations.

In this sacred time with you, with grateful hearts, we remember how you are with us, care for us, and save us. We worship you and only you. We sing together, “Here I raise my Ebenezer. Here by Thy great help I’ve come. And I hope by Thy good pleasure.” (“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” Robert Robinson, 1758).

Our eyes are on you, watching you, and wanting to be like you. Thank you, Divine Family, for your extravagant love. Thank you for showing us how to love, which leads to health, life, and healing.

You uphold and lift us when we are weak. Your faithfulness to your promises is complete. You fulfil our desires; you fill us to overflowing. Watch over us always. Protect us from the arrogant and oppressors. We will sing of your love forever.

We enter your sacred prayer space with gratitude for all you have done for us. You promise to prosper and not harm us. We feel hardship in our daily journey, yet your rains fall softly upon our fields in your perfect timing. In our fear and doubt, we withhold from you and others what we can share. You remind us to not put off until tomorrow what we can generously give to others today.