prayers from Lifestreams

Father you have generously given us so much – help us to think how we can use our gifts, our energy and our resources to serve you. Help us to waste none of today’s hours and to miss none of today’s opportunities. Help us to remember that serving you should not be the leftover time we have once we have done everything we want to, but should be our priority.

Thank you for the gifts you have given us – individually and collectively – and help us to use them to further your Kingdom here on earth.

We thank you for:

• Eyes to see and perceive
• Ears to hear and listen
• Hands to work and create
• Minds to think and innovate
• Memories to remember and learn from
• Hearts to love and worship

In our own church we pray for our ministers, for our leadership team and all those who give their time and talents so generously to build your Kingdom here.  We pray for every member of this congregation and ask that you bless us all this coming week.

Today we think and pray especially for those in our own country and across the globe whose lives and health are being affected and upturned by the Coronavirus.

Lord Jesus, you travelled through towns and villages “curing every disease and illness.” At your command, the sick were made well. Help us now, during the global spread of the coronavirus, to experience your healing love.  Heal those who are sick with the virus - may they regain their strength and health through quality medical care.  Heal us from our fear, which may prevent nations from working together and neighbours from helping one another.  Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders.

As our senses are filled with the constant news of the Coronavirus – help us not to forget the people whose lives continue to be devastated by the recent rain and floods. Give comfort, protection and strength to all who are affected and to those who are doing all they can to help them.

We also remember the suffering in the war torn country of Syria and thank you for the fragile cease fire which is happening at the moment.

Heavenly Father, you want us to be a generous people offering our time, our skills and abilities and our money to your service. Guard us, Lord, from holding tight when we should be letting go and honouring you as Lord of all we have.

Amen