Rainbow prayer of hope
Action: Draw or paint a rainbow using the seven colours. As each band is coloured, have a reader say the corresponding section of prayer.
Materials:
Paper — individual sheets for each person or a large banner or poster large enough for everyone to see. If using individual sheets, a seven-band rainbow might be printed in black & white on each sheet ahead of time for participants to colour in. If using a large sheet or banner, draw in guiding lines for the rainbow’s seven bands ahead of time.
Coloured pens, crayons or paint: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet
RED- Rebuilding – God of hope, we pray for those who have lost their homes, communities and livelihoods due to conflicts, wars, occupations, climate change and natural disasters. Our hearts ache for those who yearn to return and rebuild their homes and lives. May they granted freedom to return. Show us how we can assure access to needed materials, finances and resources to aid with this rebuilding.
ORANGE – Possibilities God of possibilities, we pray that all obstacles are removed from stopping people living together in harmony – political, financial, social. Enable us to transform our world, to remove the obstacles of racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, and all forms of prejudice, hatred and mistrust. Pave the way forward with possibilities of unity and love.
YELLOW YELLOW – Youth – God of life, we pray for children and young people who have seen too much destruction and sadness. May they experience your love and peace. Empower us to work together to ensure them of the hope that things will get better.
GREEN – Aid – God of generosity, bless those offering gifts of time, talent and treasure. Protect the gifts of aid — food, water, and building, medical and school supplies, that they might be safely received by those who need them. Encourage groups and nations living in abundance to share beyond generously.
BLUE – Healing God of healing, we pray for those who are broken by hunger, war and oppression. We pray for those who strive to provide food through farming and fishing. For those who work valiantly for peace. For those who rise up to break the bonds of oppression. Use our voices to encourage them and our pocketbooks to support them.
INDIGO – Inspiration God of justice, inspire our leaders and voters to choose peace and dignity for all. Inspire and encourage us to work together, as servants not conquerors. Re-commit us to truly follow the Prince of Peace, not just in word but in deed.
VIOLET – Peace God of peace, we pray for an end to violence. Bring an end to wars, genocide, starvation, thirst, lawlessness. We pray that peace will break out and spread like wild fire across the whole world.
God, thank you for rainbows that act as a visible reminder of your promises to us of love, hope and a fresh start after difficult and challenging times.
Photo: Artwork at St James, Avebury, Wiltshire — photo by Ana Gobledale
Adapted for Worship Words