Prayer of the week

Each week we will publish a prayer, reflecting on issues in the news or in the life of The Children's Society. You can find this week's prayers below.

We would encourage you to use the prayer in your personal devotions, in your church service, or by printing it in your church notice sheet. But however you use it, please do join us as we pray with and for children and young people.

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 20th 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.

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.