Prayers of thanksgiving and intercession

• Any modelling material might work: modelling clay, plasticene, playdough or sensory dough
• Distribute modelling material before the start of the prayer.
• Let participants know that there will not be an ‘art show’ following the service; the exercise is for themselves during the prayer, and that they will be guided to change the shape of the clay several times.
• May be read responsively while interacting with the clay/dough.
• The leader reads out the suggestions (in italics) for how to interact with the clay/dough in each section of the prayer.

Knead, warm and soften the dough, enjoy the texture and the smell.

God, our creator,
thank you for creativity in all its forms.
For opportunities to imagine and make.
For music, words and art that move us.
For worship that goes beyond words.
Inspire our creativity
and awaken our senses to beauty.

Roll the dough into a smooth ball.

We pray for this world you so love.
A world damaged by greed and by war.
We lift to you the brokenness and pain it holds.
[opportunity here to name places of concern]
We ask for your healing and mercy.
Help us to imagine and pray for a just world.
Make us builders of peace.

Form the dough into a bowl or cup shape.

Eternal One, we pray for this church.
Help us to be a welcoming community.
Fill this place to overflowing
with your life-giving spirit.
May your love spill out from here
to bless the world.

Form the dough into the shape of a heart.

God-with-us,
you know what it’s like to be human.
You understand grief, suffering, and frailty.
You have promised never to leave or forsake us.
In a few moments of silence we lift to you
the people we’re concerned about.
[silence is held]
Give us hearts that are soft and full of compassion.

Form the dough into the shape of a cross.

Christ the carpenter…
Your words and your life teach us that to follow you is costly.
For love, you gave up everything, and you ask no less of us.
Help us to surrender our egos, our love of money,
our clinging on to the past.
Give us courage to go where you lead.

Knead and work the dough:

God who formed us from the earth,
we ask you to continue to shape us.
Help us to place our lives,
and all we hold dear, into your hands,
knowing that we are safely held there.
Work your transformation in us.

Originally written for Year C, Proper 18, 13th Sunday after Pentecost

Image: clay nativity by by Darla Brosha, Colorado USA