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PRAY NOW: TODAY'S PRAYER
Arrivals
So Noah went out with his sons and his wife and his sons' wives. And every animal, every creeping
thing, and every bird, everything that moves on the earth, went out of the ark by families.
Prayer
Arrival
is a coming home.
A storm-tossed boat
scraping hull on rough rock;
a runaway rebel
resting at heaven's gateway;
a travel-weary king
stooping at life's threshold.
I have arrived, Lord;
recognised a refuge,
felt stone, earth and hay beneath me.
Arrival
is an awakening.
An embracer in a garden,
changing worlds with a kiss;
a hungry fisherman
surf-sliding to a stranger on a beach;
a sudden-struck blind man
straining for new light.
I have chosen, Lord,
and been chosen,
with soiled heart and solid hands.
Arrival
is a leaving behind.
A thief restored
with paradise promises;
a dawn-dulled woman
startled by a gaping grave;
a faith-fragile friend
declaring there's no doubt.
Here I go, Lord,
into the open-armed unknown,
believing in welcomes.
I may not come as a surprise, Lord,
or deserve a prodigal's banquet.
But I expect you're expecting me
just as I am. |
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Readings
Genesis 28:10 - 17 Jacob's dream at Bethel
Matthew 2:7-11 The kings arrive in Bethlehem
Mark 14:43-6 Judas betrays Jesus
Acts 9:1-9 Paul's conversion
Luke 23:39-43 The repentant thief is promised a place in Paradise
John 20:1, 2; 11-18 Mary at the empty tomb
John 20:19-28 Thomas believes
Prayer activity
If you could go anywhere right now, where would it be? Picture that place in your mind. Imagine arriving there and the feelings that creates. Thank God for the place
that makes you feel comfortable, refreshed, at home.
Prayer for the Church
For those involved with new and creative ministries and concerned with presenting the
Christian faith in accessible ways
especially within emerging ministries taskgroup, the transformation team and New
Charge developments.
Blessing
In our going and our coming,
In our leaving and our arriving,
In the strangeness of the unknown
And the familiarity of home,
Grant us your blessing, Lord,
And bring us rejoicing to the places
Where we may recognise and welcome you. AMEN
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