Wednesday, March 27, 2019

lent 23 - a time of crisis

Last Sunday the churches in and around Belfast gathered on the steps of Stormont ( our parliament building which has had no sitting executive for many months because two parties cant work together to govern ) to pray this prayer.   As I cannot think of anything to say about Brexit except  ' God, HELP!' I thought I'd post it today as I think the words are well crafted and wise.

Heavenly Father, we pray for our nation at this time of such uncertainty, division, and confusion. Some of us are for Brexit, some of us are against it, and some of us aren’t sure. But we look to You to guide us, reconcile and restore us.
Our political leaders cannot agree and Stormont is no longer sitting. But you have been the hope and the heart of these islands for a thousand years, and today we return to you again, the King of this divided kingdom.
Communities are divided, social media is cynical, public discourse is polarised but you are the way, the truth and the life, the Rock of Ages, a very present help in times of trouble.
We humble ourselves and repent of our pride, our division, our selfishness. We confess that we have looked to ourselves and not to You. We are sorry. Hear our prayer and heal our land.
Lord, have mercy on us.
God of all wisdom and truth, we ask you to inspire and guide our political leaders at this difficult time. Raise up brilliant women and men of peace, integrity and startling courage to lead us in these turbulent times.
God of justice, in this moment of economic and social uncertainty we pray for the most vulnerable in our midst. Lord, we ask not for what is best for us, but for what is best for everyone, and especially the least and the lost.
God of mercy, we are deeply divided. We have been without a local government for too long, we live on divided islands and in fractious times. Would you rise with healing in your wings, bring balm to our brokenness and wholeness to our hurts.
Lord of the church, we pray for our spiritual leaders that they would speak truth to power without compromise. As our nations shake, awaken your church to proclaim the good news of your gospel with renewed conviction. Revive us, we pray, and reconcile our relationships that the world may perceive that you are alive, believe in your name, and receive your love for every person, every family, and every community in this land.
Lord, hear our prayers.
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