Prayers

Use some of the suggestions from the Gather activity to invite people to meet God, e.g.
Who created the seas? God did!
Who created rainbows? God did!
Who created snails, whales and wolves? God did!
Who created rain, sunshine and snow? God did!
Who have we come to worship? Our creator God.

Lord, you are amazing and wonderful.
You are dressed in the beauty of the world you created.
You control the skies and the waters.
We praise you for your countless creations,
for the stunning beauty you have made.
You made them in your wisdom.
We praise you, Lord. Amen.

Almighty God, we come to you today with awe and wonder, as we hear your voice from the whirlwind, and witness your power and majesty in creation. You are Lord and know all things. Teach us, humble us and reveal yourself to us. Help us to approach you with reverence and faith, and to worship you in spirit and in truth. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Glorious God, we praise you and we adore you for your amazing deeds, wonderful works and marvellous wisdom. You created the heavens and the earth and sustain all life. You are the ruler of the storm and the sea, and the provider of all our needs. You are the high priest of the new covenant, and the mediator of all grace. You are the King of kings and the Lord of lords, and the friend of sinners. You are worthy of all praise and deserving of all adoration.
Amen.

A prayer of confession

Forgiving God, we confess that we have sinned against you and against our neighbours. We have failed to recognise your presence and your authority in our lives. We have doubted your goodness and your justice in our world. We have resisted your guidance and your correction in our hearts. We have been selfish and ambitious, rather than humble and servant-like.
Forgive us, O God.
Amen.

Assurance of forgiveness

Gracious God, thank you for your forgiveness and mercy. Thank you that you do not condemn us, but that you love us. Thank you that you sent your Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins, and to rise again for our salvation. Thank you that you have given us your Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts, and to assure us of your pardon. Thank you that you have called us by name and claimed us as your own.
Amen.

Awesome God, we praise you for your wonderful deeds and mighty power.
We praise you for your everlasting love.
We praise you that you are faithful to your promises.
We praise you for your healing touch.
We praise you for your generous gifts.
We praise you for your gracious presence.
Amen.

We know you are God, and you have created and love your creation:
How many are your works, Lord.

Lord, you have made us and all people across the world. So now we pray for the people of the Middle East, faced with the terror of war, attack, injury or death. We pray for all those who are fleeing their homes to find safety, and those working for peace, striving to bring comfort, and praying for hope. We pray also for all those intent on causing harm across the region, .

We know you are God, and you have created and love your creation:
How many are your works, Lord.

Lord, you have made the trees and plants grow, the animals roar and squeak, and the birds fly and sing. So now we pray for the wonderful creation we have around us. We pray for all those whose work is to protect and care for your creation, and those who campaign to protect what we have and challenge progress that causes damage. We pray that we would value and appreciate all the variety and greatness of your creative work.

We know you are God, and you have created and love your creation:
How many are your works, Lord.

Lord, you give us light each day as the seasons change. You give us people to support us and a plan for our lives. So now we pray for all those who, as Job did, feel lost and alone at this time. We pray for those who fear the darkness of autumn and winter, those who do not feel the warmth of your love and those who have lost all hope. We pray that those who are lost and in despair may look for you and find you, and you would show us how we can share your hope.  

We know you are God, and you have created and love your creation:
How many are your works, Lord.

Lord, you give people skills and talents, responsibilities and purpose. So now we pray for our leaders as they work to grow our nations, seek fairness and justice, and work with businesses to bring hope. We pray for you to pour out your wisdom on all those who make decisions that change nations and lives. We pray that all leaders would work for the best for everyone and look to you for help and guidance.

We know you are God, and you have created and love your creation:
How many are your works, Lord.

Lord, you give people trust and hope in true justice, balanced with mercy and forgiveness. So now we pray for all those caught up in the justice system: for prisoners and the accused, for judges and magistrates, and for all who work to bring change in a system that is struggling. We pray for those who are working for change, that they would have strength and determination. We pray that you would bring hope and that your justice and compassion would be seen in practice.

We know you are God, and you have created and love your creation:
How many are your works, Lord.

So, forgive us for the times when we forget who you are and all that you have created for us. Forgive us when we fail to see your plan in our lives and in the lives of others. We know you are God.

Amen

Response after each bidding:
Help us to recognise your greatness.

Lord, your majesty is beyond compare:
you made all created things,
you are beyond our understanding.
We are just a small part of the mystery of creation,
yet we are loved and nurtured by you.
Thank you, Lord. Amen.

Go with God and search for his wonders.
Go with God and look for his glory.
Go with God to proclaim his greatness.
Go with God as your Lord and your friend.
Amen.

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