Heavenly Father,
When our faces were downcast you called out to us, “Take heart.” When we were not sure of our way You made a way for us. When we were sure that death was winning, you told us “Don’t be afraid.” No doubt, all our days are better with you, for you have brought us into your communion — the communion of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
By the blood of Jesus all our sins have been covered. You have clothed us with joy where before we were weighed down with shame. Living loved is what your Spirit specializes in, so Lord, pour your Spirit into our fellowship!
Help us uproot unforgiveness and resentment. Free us from lingering attitudes of contempt and fear. Help us live justly and as much as it depends on us to live at peace with everyone — show us how to love even those who regard us as enemies.
You have delivered us into your freedom that we might be free to pursue the righteousness of your kingdom on behalf of our neighbours. Oh Lord, when we announce the good news of Jesus’ Kingdom may it be accompanied by good deeds generated by faith in you.
Lord we lift up to you those who doubt their own humanity because of the disregard and trauma they have received from those with power and selfishness. Oh Spirit of God come close by, reveal yourself to them, and fill them with the grace and truth of Jesus. Heal them and raise them up as confident and strong lovers of your children, able to speak with authority and faith.
Lord we lift up to you the people of Mozambique, of Tigray in Ethiopia, and of Azerbaijan. Please Lord bring a just peace to the land that your Gospel of truth and grace may be known. We hear the cry of the hurting in our own city and we yearn for your Kingdom, so we pray,
(Please join me in the Lord’s Prayer.)
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one;
for yours is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever.
Amen.
This Prayer was part of the Origin Church Weekend Broadcast on 13 November 2020.