A prayer in challenging times—Wendy Lloyd
Published on 14 March 2019
Over the coming weeks, as the UK faces huge changes in our relationships with the EU and as Rt Rev Susan Brown, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, invites congregations across Scotland to do all we can to demonstrate care and hospitality, we will be providing a prayer each week that we hope might be useful in personal devotions and public worship. Please feel free to change and adapt these prayers to suit your own context.
This week our prayer comes from Wendy Lloyd, vice convener of the Church of Scotland's Church and Society council, worship resources co-ordinator for Christian Aid and resource development partner for the Guild of Health and St. Raphael.
A prayer for uncertain times based on the Second Sunday in Lent and St. Patrick's Day.
‘Do not be afraid, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.' Genesis 15:1
‘For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock.' Psalm 27:5
‘Wait for the LORD, be strong, and let your heart take courage, wait for the Lord.' Psalm 27:14
‘But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.' Philippians 3:20
‘How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing.' Luke 13:34
Gathering God,
who spoke words of comfort to Abram,
pointing to a bright future that seemed so unlikely,
as we wander this wilderness of Brexit uncertainty,
bewildered and confused, frustrated and angry,
help us all hear Your words beyond the chaos and din:
‘Do not be afraid, I am your shield.'
Christ with us, Christ within us
Christ behind us, Christ before us.
[SILENCE]
Sheltering Son,
In these days of trouble, cover with your protection
those made most vulnerable by the fall-out of indecision,
gather under your wings all feeling overlooked and marginalised
holding their breath for fear;
a fragile peace might fracture,
where to call home?
How will we make ends meet?
Help us all hear your words beyond the chaos and din:
‘Do not be afraid, I am your shield.'
Christ comfort and restore us.
Christ beneath us, Christ above us,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger.
[SILENCE]
Strengthening Spirit,
waiting on You, let our hearts take courage,
mindful of our citizenship in heaven,
working for Your will to be done on earth.
May all those in political leadership
be willing to seek and serve the good of all creation.
Help us all hear your words beyond the chaos and din:
‘Do not be afraid, I am your shield.'
Christ in hearts of all that love us,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
[SILENCE]
In the name of Almighty God;
Creator, Son and Spirit we pray, Amen.