Prayers of Adoration & Confession

God of Love, Ever-knowing, and Ever-living
Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End
Holy One and Saviour
Who names us and knows us
Gentle mother, we rest safe in your arms

We are so small in the great cosmic vastness of creation
Yet you have named us in the expanses of your heart.
Remember to us our sacred worth, for we have been made in your image
And bear the mark of infinite love.

Spirit Dove, as we rest in you, rest yourself in the shelter of our soul
O Lord, but the nest of our heart is so often overgrown and brittle
Twisted with little broken sprigs and sharp thorns
Within us are little shiny trinkets of memory and hurt
Hidden things and tender things
Hurt things that will not be healed
Regrets and disappointments that will not be let go
Secrets that we dare not reveal

And yet nothing within us is hidden from you
For you have created us and shaped us
All our thoughts lie open to your gaze
And in the silence we rest ourselves in your mercy.

Silence

We thankyou, Loving God, for you have put our sin from us as far as the East is from the West.

In the name of Christ,

Amen

‘Be not afraid,’ says the Lord, ‘for I have redeemed you and called you by name’.

When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;

In the work Jesus Christ, Immanuel, our sin is forgiven.

Thanks be to God

by Daniel Broadstock, offered for worship 21/7

Prayers of the people

Loving God, we pray for our world.
We give thanks for diversity of humanity, and the many nations around the world.
We pray for those who live in countries or regions that are at war, under the threat of war, or under occupation.
For refugees and for those whose lives are in danger because of their faith, ethnicity, sexuality or gender,
particularly for those who are imprisoned here in Australia, or in off-shore detention.

In your mercy; hear our prayer.

We pray for those who work with displaced people all over the world, to bring them security, food and healthcare.
For leaders and politicians, and those who work in government, that they may bring about positive change.
For all those who work for justice throughout the world.

In your mercy; hear our prayer.

Loving God, we pray for our church.
We give thanks for the life and witness of this congregation,
and pray for your guidance as we plan for the future use of our buildings.
We pray for all those in leadership within our congregation.
We pray for leaders in the Uniting Church: for our president Deidre, for our new Moderator, Denise,
and for our former moderator Sharon as she moves into a new role.

In your mercy; hear our prayer.

We pray for all those who work within the church to bring healing and wholeness.
For people who have been wounded by the church, and do not know where they belong.
We pray for understanding, and peaceful dialogue between all people of faith.

In your mercy; hear our prayer.

Loving God, we pray for our community and those most dear to us.
With joy, we give thanks for children and the joy of new life.
We pray for Steph, Matt and Joshua, for all children, and all those who are raising them.
Give them strength, guidance and a strong community of support.

In your mercy; hear our prayer.

We give thanks for medical care, for nurses, and doctors and all health care workers.
We pray for those who are sick or unwell, for those who care for them,
and especially for those who are nearing the end of life.

In your mercy; hear our prayer.

We pray for those who grieve.
For those who are lonely or in difficult relationships.
For those who are struggling to make ends meet.
For those who are in need of your comfort and healing.
We remember particularly those closest to us, in the struggles that they are facing today.

In your mercy; hear our prayer.

Amen

by Natalie Sims offered for worship, 21 /7