Praying for our children
Holy God,
thank you for the gift of children among us,
for the energy and wonder that they bring,
awakening the child still within us.
As we honour your image in them,
show us how to create a place of safety
and encouragement for them among us,
so that they will grow into fullness of life.
And give us listening ears and gentle hearts,
so that we will learn to walk together.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, child and friend. Amen.
- Rev'd Jane Foulcher
Lord, keep us safe this night
secure from all our fears.
May angels guard us while we sleep
till morning light appears. Amen.
A prayer for God's support
May God support us all the day long,
till the shadows lengthen
and the evening comes
and the busy world is hushed
and the fever of life is over
and our work is done –
then in his mercy –
may God give us a safe lodging
and a holy rest
and peace at last. Amen.
- John Newman
A Franciscan Travel Blessing
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers,
half truths and superficial relationships
so that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger at injustice,
oppression, and exploitation of people,
so that you may wish for justice, freedom, and peace.
May God bless you with enough foolishness
to believe that you can make a difference in this world,
so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.
(Source unknown) - Contributed by the Rector - Paul Black
The Church of England has published two new prayers to comfort people made redundant, and those remaining in the workplace following a round of redundancies because of the financial crisis.
The 'Prayer on being made redundant' helps to put into words the anxieties of those who are losing – or who have already lost – their job. The 'Prayer for those remaining in the workplace' focuses on the guilt and increased workload associated with redundancy.
Prayer on being made redundant
'Redundant' – the word says it all -
'useless,
unnecessary,
without purpose,
surplus to requirements.'
Thank you, Heavenly Father, that in the middle of
the sadness,
the anger,
the uncertainty,
the pain,
I can talk to you.
Hear me as I cry out in confusion,
help me to think clearly,
and calm my soul.
As life carries on,
may I know your presence with me
each and every day.
And as I look to the future,
help me to look for fresh opportunities, for new directions.
Guide me by your Spirit,
and show me your path,
through Jesus, the way, the truth and the life. Amen.
Prayer for those remaining in the workplace
Life has changed:
colleagues have gone – redundant, out of work.
Suddenly, what seemed so secure is now so very fragile.
It's hard to know what I feel:
sadness, certainly,
guilt, almost, at still having a job to go to,
and fear of the future:
who will be next?
how will I cope with the increased pressure of work?
Lord Jesus, in the midst of this uncertainty, help me to keep going:
to work to the best of my ability,
taking each day at a time,
and taking time each day to walk with you
for you are the way, the truth and the life. Amen.