Worship on the
Web |
 |
PRAY NOW: TODAY'S PRAYER
Unconditional relationships - Ruth and Naomi
So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they came to
Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them.
Prayer
God, today we remember that
In a time when women only had status through men,
In a land where journeys were always long and tiring
And in circumstances that were risky and unconventional
Ruth clung to Naomi in loyal love.
And with the gleaning of a harvest,
And the reciprocated concern of Naomi,
A new bond was made and a new family begun.
So now we affirm families of our time:
For those bound by action not blood,
For those not recognised by some but admired by others,
For those trying to fit and live up to expectations,
For those journeying through tragedy gleaning something of a future.
Loving God,
By the telling of the story of Ruth and Naomi,
Teach us whom we should stand beside and cling to with devotion.
May all the bonds of love you forge in us be strengthened,
For this is your unexpected,
unconventional,
unconditional way that stirs us and moves the world.
Readings
Luke 8:42-8 Faith makes a woman
well
Psalm 22:1-11 Trusting
God
Prayer activity
There was of course another 'Bethlehem story' - read the Christmas story and
consider the people and the family there, reflecting on the unconventional and
unconditional aspects you recognise and relate to.
Prayer for the Church
Readers, elders and all local church leaders, and those who provide
training for them and all Christian people as they seek to grow in faith, prayer and service.
Blessing
May the God of Ruth and Naomi
bind us together with ties of love and loyalty
and may the peace of Christ unite us
in hope and joy. Amen.
[Back
to Pray Now introduction]
[top of page]
|
