Inspired by Genesis 9:8-17, Mark 1:9-15 and Micah 6:8
God our creator,
thank you for those moments when the natural world
surprises, delights, and stops us in wonder.
The brilliant blue flash of a kingfisher.
Rose-gold sunlight on bare-limbed trees.
A rainbow, radiant against dark grey clouds.
May we notice and appreciate these shining gifts.
May we feel our connection to the earth and her seasons.
May we remember our smallness and find our belonging.
Remember your faithfulness,
hear our prayer.
Painter of every colour,
thank you for the beauty of diversity.
Rid the earth of racism, misogyny, and homophobia.
Help us to see all flesh as holy,
all love as divine in origin,
all people as temples of your Spirit
and bearers of your likeness.
We ask for your healing, for the wounds we bear,
and those we have inflicted in your name.
May we acknowledge and overcome our prejudice.
May we honour and celebrate our difference.
Make this church a place of safety and welcome for all.
Remember your faithfulness,
hear our prayer.
As you place your bow in the heavens,
so you bend the arc of history towards justice.
Make us partners in this work of raising up
all who are mistreated and disadvantaged.
Bring an end to poverty, exploitation, and corruption.
Reveal to us where we are complicit.
Help us to act justly, love mercy,
and walk humbly with you, our God.
Remember your faithfulness,
hear our prayer.
As a rainbow graces the sky in the peace that follows a storm,
we pray that war and violence will cease,
that hope will survive,
that peace will prevail at last.
We remember today the people of […name places of concern]
Do not forget them, God.
Remember your faithfulness,
hear our prayer.
Finally, eternal one, we give thanks for your promise,
and every reminder of your grace.
May we know your steadfast presence
with us in the wilderness.
May we know ourselves beloved.
You are our God.
Make us your rainbow people:
radiant with your love,
reflecting and dispersing your light,
symbol of hope for the world.
Remember your faithfulness,
hear our prayer.
Photo: Wiltshire hills, Ana Gobledale
