Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. ‘ (Psalm 127: 1)
God our Father,
We are ever conscious of the gifts you have showered on humankind:
How our deepest feelings can be expressed in music, word and art;
How illness can be cured by the insight and skills of scientists and doctors;
How the impulse to pursue truth and justice and peace can transform the lives of nations.
All of this flows from Your being and we pray that our response will be thankful hearts shown in our devotion to You, shown in our willingness to live our lives according to Your will.
Help us to grasp that nothing of value will be established through us unless You build.
Help us to grasp that there is no lasting security unless You watch over us.
Let this time of quietness strengthen our bond with Jesus, as Your Spirit deepens our understanding of Your Word and clarifies our vision of what it means to be Your people in this moment.
God our Father,
As we find our way through this time of crisis we thank you for those things that have kept us steady and strong.
For the family and friends who have kept in touch by whatever means;
For those whose work has made food and other essentials available;
For the doctors, nurses, and hospital staff who have cared for the sick and troubled;
For dentists, pharmacy staff, teachers, police officers, fire fighters and others we can bring to mind whose work places them at risk.
We thank you also for the fellowship of the Church, for the Word read and preached, for the ways we have carried one another’s burdens.
Bless the Church wherever she witnesses.
Keep every fellowship strong in conviction and in love.
Bless the nations.
May they be ruled wisely with justice and peace as their aspiration.
Bless our United Kingdom.
May our leaders find the strength and the wisdom
they need for every day.
Bless those who daily struggle with pain, with anxiety, with loss.
We especially remember those in the grip of the virus and their loved ones as they watch and wait.
