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.

May 5 

A prayer around Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5

Today we hear a vision of a perfect city coming down from heaven. 

Through the city flows the river of the water of life. 

On either side of the river is a tree, and the leaves of the tree are for healing. 

God of love,

Today we pray for the places where we live. 

We pray for all who need your refreshment,

And all who need your healing.

We pray for the asylum seeker;

For the families struggling to make ends meet;

For the teenager neglected, 

Whose only option seems to be to run away. 

Work through us to bring your life and goodness

To our surroundings,

That we may see glimpses of heaven on earth,

And see your kingdom come. 

May 12

A prayer for the season of Easter

Lord God

You call us to be people 

Who tell others the good news about Jesus

In word and deed.

Give us the confidence 

To speak out about what our church is doing,

Especially with children who are powerless or hidden.

Help us to embrace our communities

So that your love might shine out

In our neighbourhoods and in the world. 

May 19

A prayer for Pentecost

At Pentecost the Holy Spirit comes down upon the disciples, empowering them to move from where they are hiding and into the world. 

Blow up a series of balloons without tying them up. Then give them to children to let them go. Watch how quickly the empty balloons move. 

Holy Spirit of God,

Blow through us,

Through our homes,

Through our churches,

Through our world,

Blow through us and give us life,

To proclaim your good news,

And to be strengthened 

To move out of our hiding places,

And to bring your life all we meet. 

Blow up a final balloon or series of balloons and leave them in your church for the week as a sign of the life we have been given. 

May 26

A prayer for Trinity Sunday

Holy God,

Three-in-one,

Although we will never be able to explain you,

Help us to know you.

Although we will never be able to understand you,

Help us to trust in you.

Although we will never be able to see you in full,

Help us to glimpse you.

And when we reach our limits,

Losing sight in your promises of love and hope,

Take us beyond our understanding,

And give us faith.