We bow to you in prayer and worship. All that was once destroyed is restored again in your presence. Create in us clean hearts; renew and restore us. Make us even better than before. Equip us to walk in your ways and delight in your will, by the power of your Holy Name.
Ever-present God, we, your Beloved, cherish your sacred prayer space. You provide and care for the welfare of your people. Thank you that your ways are not our ways, and that you make decisions based on the character of the person and not what the world uses to make decisions. We listen carefully for your voice, so we can follow you.
We rest in your pastures. In this sacred prayer and worship space, we want for nothing. You speak, and we know your voice. You invite us to journey with you through these peaceful paddocks. We know you will not leave us, but will protect us when danger lurks.
Today, we invite you to reread, rest and reflect on the prayers of the past week.
Lectionary Readings for Today:
Psalm 23
Genesis 48:8-19
Mark 6:30-34
You restore us in new lands, with new opportunities. We bring our faith, skills, and abilities. We lay them before you. Choose us for your service, so we will live long in the land you have promised us, and be a blessing to you and your creation.
We confess we have not always listened to your guides and prophets. Loving Yahweh, thank you for the guides, prophets, and Elders who point us to you. Your love never fails; you long for a relationship with us. Thank you for removing our sins and for restoring us and for times of refreshment that come from spending time with you.
We enter your sacred prayer space, accustomed to seeing the world through human eyes. But you draw near and invite us to look beyond worldly logic, to the truth of who you are, what you are capable of, and what we are capable of when we step in faith with you. You begin to restore our vision, so we can see your truth.
We give thanks for the Elders you have placed in our lives, who follow your guidance and also guide us. Be with the future generations. Give them wise Elders to also guide them back to you.
We take comfort in your reassuring voice, reminding us not to be afraid, because you are with us. Thank you for bringing us home to you. We feel your loving embrace restoring us
We gather behind closed doors, hoping you will draw near to us. Our eyes are tempted towards the threats, storms, and chaos that surround us. Though you draw near, we struggle to believe it is you. But you bring us hope, as you remind us of how you have been with us and our ancestors. Your stories restore us.