Last weekend the MWiB Residential Weekend took place at Swanwick. The theme for the weekend was “Oceans of Justice, Rivers of Fairness”, and I was asked to write some Pyjama Prayers, to be said by delegates in private in the morning. You may like to use them too.
Preparation
Encircle me, O God, hold me, love me,
Open me, heart and mind, so that I may meet with you
Approach
On this morning, Lord, with the whole day ahead of me,
Help me to use this gift of being alive to come closer to you.
Let me discover you in those I will share the day with.
Guide me by your Spirit and strengthen me by your Grace
That in worship and living I may truly give you glory
Adoration
Take time to contemplate the greatness, majesty and wonder of God
Eternal God, you are the source of all life, the fount of all wisdom, the wellspring of all grace. Your days are without end, your loving mercies without number. You are God, worthy of all praise, adoration and worship. You are holy, amazing and incredible, and have revealed yourself as Father, Son and Spirit. All glory and honour are yours…
Confession
Imagine looking at Jesus as if he were your image in a mirror and you can see his attitudes and actions to others, himself and the world – are there any areas of your life that do not match up to what Jesus is asking of you in your attitudes and actions to others, self and the world? If so offer them as a prayer of confession.
After offering your prayer you may like to pray the following:
Loving and Holy God, may my weaknesses become your strength,
My problems become your opportunities, and my defeats, your victories,
So that Jesus may shine through me and your name be glorified. Amen
Reading: Psalm 63
Prayers of intercession
Creator God, you are the source of all life giving living water, from the clouds that renew our oceans, seas, rivers, lakes and waterfalls to the living water that Christ offers us. O God may we drink deeply from the wells of your love so that we are filled to overflowing and become the channels of your grace in the world.
Hold in prayer before God what has happened in the world, this country, your community and family…..
Father God as we grow as one family in earth and in heaven, may all Christians live out what we believe. Save us from saying the right things but not doing them, may our prayers be a reflection of our hearts desires and not empty words. Move us and stir us to make our faith real and active as we work for justice and fairness. In the name of the one who endured the cross for love, justice, fairness and liberation. Amen
Closing Prayer
Creator God, as with all your creation I offer you the life of this day. Give me grace to love and serve you to the praise of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
You can download this Prayer for the Week here.
Prayers for April by Denise Creed, except Adoration and Closing Prayers based on the MDO Daily Prayer
Image from the internet
