Creator God,
We pray for our beautiful world.
Yet as we consider your amazing creation, images arise of
global warming, greenhouse gases, climate change, and rising sea levels.
We bring to you in prayer farmers whose land is dry and parched,
And our need for drenching rain to fill our catchment areas and water our land,
Guide our leaders to make responsible water policies for today and the future.
Help each one of us play our part in the wise use and conservation of our water.
God, we pray for your world.
Caring God,
We pray for the people of this world.
Yet as we consider the amazing variety of humanity, images arise of
wars and violence that result in death and tragedy,
Greed that results in poverty, prostitution, oppression and even slavery.
We bring to you in prayer the refugees and asylum seekers, the homeless and the unemployed.
Guide our leaders to be influences of good not evil.
Help each one of us play our part in bringing justice and wholeness to all people.
God, we pray for the people of this world.
Empowering God, when we are tempted to despair for our world, help us to remember
That it is at this very point of hopelessness that you are waiting,
Waiting to transform, waiting to bring new life.
Help us to see the world with eyes of love and yearning.
Let your compassion reach out through us, whatever the cost.
Faithful God, we pray for our Church, here and around the world.
We bring to you in prayer all those who serve in ministry in all its manifestations.
We give thanks for our ministry team, office staff and volunteers.
Include during Advent:
[We commit to you our special Christmas services that they may bring encouragement and hope.]
May your light burn brightly through us, that we may light the way for others.
May the words of our prayers truly become our deeds, whatever the cost.
God, in your mercy hear our prayer.
Amen.
Written in December 2006 during a time of drought in Australia
by Phyl Austin and Ana Gobledale, Anglican and Churches of Christ, Melbourne, Australia
