Breaking down barriers, prayer — Martin Johnstone, Scotland

God,
who in Jesus,
broke down all barriers,
between people of different races
rich and poor,
male and female,
Jew and Gentile,
between heaven and earth,
we worship you.

God,
at this time of heavy responsibility,
as decisions about future relationships
with our neighbouring nations are being taken,
we pray for our leaders:
that they will lead wisely;
that they will listen attentively;
that they will exercise grace;
and that they will know peace
in their deliberations.

God,
at this time of uncertainty,
within our nations and communities,
we pray for ourselves:
that we will remain open to the stranger;
welcoming to the neighbour;
and committed to those who struggle.

God,
we pray for your church of which we are a part:
that we might be a place of honest reflection;
respectful dialogue;
open friendship;
humility and reconciliation.

We pray that
we might be a community that points to heaven,
and shows ways in which heaven is glimpsed on earth.

God,
who in Jesus,
breaks down all barriers,
between people of different races
rich and poor,
male and female,
Jew and Gentile,
between heaven and earth,
we worship you.

Photo by Ana Gobledale

The prayer was written in 2019 by Rev Dr Martin Johnstone, Secretary to the Church and Society Council of the Church of Scotland, as the United Kingdom prepared to vote to leave the European Union.  It has been slightly adapted for Worship Words.

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