|
Many of the congregation will be aware that Friday was a World Day of Prayer. The theme was “Holy Spirit, Fill Us”. In the interests of conservation and recycling, I thought we might re-use it today. Besides, what better thing can we ask for?
So, today’s Prayers of the People will be responsive for any who wish to contribute. When you hear the words “Fill Us With The Holy Spirit”, please feel free to join in with “Holy Spirit, Fill Us”. You may say it loudly with enthusiasm, or quietly with reverence, or silently in private devotion.
God will hear you, either way.
Holy God, we come to you with our prayers for others.
Lord, it is easy to pray for those we love. And we do pray for them. We pray for our families and friends – that they might have health, and happiness, and your grace.
But if it is easy to pray for those we love, it is much harder, Lord, to pray for those that we hate. Many seek the deaths of people like Saddam Hussein and Osama Bin Laden. Yet Jesus said “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you”.
Lord, we open our unforgiving hearts to you that we might forgive.
Fill us with the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, Fill Us.
Lord, it is easy to pray for those who are like us. And we do pray for them. We pray for the Uniting Church, the Presbytery, the Synod, the Elders, the congregations and ministers, and most specially our congregation, and for our Minister. May they be guided by you, and may they enjoy full and rich lives in your presence.
But if it is easy to pray for those who are like ourselves, it is harder, Lord, to pray for those who are unlike us. They may be refugees, or indigenous peoples. They may be Muslims, or Jews. They may be North Koreans or Palestinians. We see only the differences, but not the similarities. We see only the negatives, but not the positives. In the words of Jesus, we do not notice the logs in our eyes, yet we see the specks in others eyes.
Lord, may our eyes be washed clean.
Fill us with the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, Fill Us.
Lord it is easy to pray for those who do not harm us. And we do pray for them. For our country folk, afflicted by drought, for those in economic difficulty, for those who have lost loved ones. We pray that their suffering will be reduced, that they will be healed, and that they will be loved. Be with them through their times of trauma.
But if it is easy to pray for those who do not harm us, it is harder, Lord, to pray for those who do harm us. For terrorists, for murderers, for child molesters. Feelings of fear and hate, and revenge make homes in our hearts and minds. We would wield a sword sharper than justice against these, yet Jesus has told us to turn the other cheek, and to put our swords back in their place.
Lord, may our thirst for blood be washed away by your love.
Fill us with the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, Fill Us.
Lord, the world seems filled with a spirit of hatred and malice, fear and prejudice, desire and greed. We like to blame individuals, (always others), for our suffering. We paint all with the same brush. We all pray for victory over our enemies, we all believe that our actions are justified. We always see the evil in others’ hearts, yet never in our own.
In pursuit of peace, we go to war.
In the name of freedom, we lock people up.
Claiming the responsibility and sensibility of adults, we play with toys of mass destruction.
We forget the teachings of Your son, Jesus Christ.
Lord, we pray that we may live out the teachings of Jesus in our everyday lives.
Lord, may we be bathed in the dazzling light of your perfect love.
Fill us with the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, Fill Us.
Fill us with the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, Fill Us.
| 
