A Brexit prayer for peace and unity

A special prayer has been written to focus hearts and minds as we enter the post-Brexit transition period.

Although the UK has left the EU, the full terms of our exit will continue to be negotiated until the end of 2020. This will undoubtedly be a period of confusion and uncertainty as we, as a nation, work out how best to work with our neighbours and take our new place in the world.

This prayer was written by Rev Dr Martin Johnstone, Secretary to the Church and Society Council of the Church of Scotland.

Church congregations across the UK and overseas are encouraged to use it during services this Sunday and share it widely on social media.

God,
who in Jesus,
broke down all barriers,
between people of different races
rich and poor,
male and female,
Jew and Gentile,
between heaven and earth,
we worship you.

God,
at this time of heavy responsibility,
as decisions about future relationships
with our neighbours in Europe are being taken,
we pray for our leaders:
that they will lead wisely;
that they will listen attentively;
that they will exercise grace;
and that they will know peace
in their deliberations.

God,
at this time of uncertainty,
within our nations and communities,
we pray for ourselves:
that we will remain open to the stranger;
welcoming to the neighbour;
and committed to those who struggle.

God,
we pray for your church of which we are a part:
that we might be a place of honest reflection;
respectful dialogue;
open friendship;
humility and reconciliation.

We pray that
we might be a community that points to heaven,
and shows ways in which heaven is glimpsed on earth.

God,
who in Jesus,
breaks down all barriers,
between people of different races
rich and poor,
male and female,
Jew and Gentile,
between heaven and earth,
we worship you.

AMEN