May - June prayers

Young boy with school workSunday 24 June (based around 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1)

God of all,
Help us to share your message with our confidence placed in the risen Lord. 
Help us to remain strong and focus on the truth you have placed in our hearts.
Help us to persevere even when the task seems too large or too long. 
Help us to keep our eyes fixed on you, the God of all.

Amen

Sunday 17 June (based around Mark 4:35-41)

In the storms of life when we feel that we are going to sink and are unable to cope, still the storm we pray. 
In the gales that would blow us off your course and send us in the wrong direction, still the storm, we pray. 
In our turmoil over decisions, dilemmas, plans and hopes, still the storm, we pray. 
Help us to know who you are, and to know your power. Amen

Sunday 10 June - for young runaways

Loving God, we bring to you all children and young people who receive no love in their home, those for whom home is a place of pain and abuse, and those who have only known neglect. We bring to you those who have run away to live on the streets, and those who have been drawn into more abuse and continue to be exploited. We pray for the Runaways Campaign, that those with influence and those with responsibility would both see the needs, and respond with actions. Amen

Sunday 3 June: A prayer for strength, hope, joy and peace

Our strength is in you, O Lord.Give your strength to young people facing exams, tests, and life-changing decisions.Our hope is in you, O Lord.Give hope to children who face heavy responsibilities and carry adult burdens.Our joy is in you, O Lord.Bless all children with the joy and relish of life that only you can give.Our peace is in you, O Lord.Bring peace to the hearts of all the young, today and each new day. Amen-- Nick Harding, Children’s Ministry Advisor, Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham.

A prayer for Pentecost

Holy Spirit, breath of God,
Blow away all that is sad, 
And bring healing,
Like a mighty wind from heaven.
Holy Spirit, fire of God,
Burn in us with a passion for change
For a world where children are respected, valued and heard,
And empower us with the warmth of your grace.
Holy Spirit, flame of God,
Lighten the darkness of all who need it,
And all who grow up without the resources they need. 
Guide us in the way of life and goodness. 
Guide us in the way of life and goodness. 
Pour out your Spirit upon us, Lord,
And kindle in our hearts the truth of your love.

Sunday 20 May based around Ascension Day (celebrated on 17 May)

Loving God, we rejoice in the ascension of our Lord Jesus as was raised to your heavenly home. We pray for children do not feel welcome in their earthly homes and those who run away. We ask that you bring them love, warmth and healing. 

Bless the work of the Children Society and their campaigning work to keep young runaways safe. Protect children in need. Give wisdom and compassion to adults in authority who come into contact with vulnerable children but often see them as a threat or a problem. 

Finally we pray for ourselves, that our hearts may be opened wider so that earthly homes would be as welcoming as your heavenly home.

We pray this in Jesus name,

Amen.

-- Yvonne Morris, Children’s Advisor in the Diocese of Oxford.

Sunday 13 May based around John 15:9-17

Lord Jesus, we hear again your command that we must ‘love one another and you love us’. Let us take a moment of silence to dwell on those words.
Lord Jesus, you showed your love in the time you took with people.
Your words brought light into darkness. 
You forgave sins. You healed. You restored. You fed. You nurtured. You gave your life, the ultimate sacrifice.
Lord Jesus, show us what we need to do or say to bring light, forgiveness, healing, restoration, food, nurture and life to those in need.
We ask this to fulfill your commands.

Amen.

-- Yvonne Morris, Children’s Advisor in the Diocese of Oxford.