I’ve been thinking about what kind of prayer might be appropriate for our monthly drop-in community gatherings. We don’t plan to have a formal service, but over time we might like to pray together in some way.
I have created this short gathering prayer that reflects the character of our Good Shepherd community – before, during and beyond the pandemic. The opening sentence is from Romans 12:1-3 (The Message version).
Leader: Take your everyday, ordinary life – your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life – and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.
All: Dear Lord, we are a community of companions on a journey together. As we gather today we want to celebrate Your love and discover more about You. We come as we are, knowing that You care for each one of us and understand our worries and concerns. Many of us are weary and long for rest and refreshment. We open ourselves up to your presence, and ask you to fill us with your joyful and life-giving spirit. Please be in our midst as we gather, and inspire us so that we are ready to share your message of hope with those around us and with the wider world. Amen.
I’ve also included the Lord’s Prayer (Messy Style) which was written by others in our church. This is not my own work, but I like it and wanted to share it.
Our Father God, come, and be our friend for ever. Help us to love as you love us. Give us each day the things we really need. Forgive us for the unkind and thoughtless things that we do and say and help us to forgive those who hurt us. Keep us from all harm, and place your hope, light, love, joy and peace in our hearts. Amen.
If you would like to, make these prayers your own. God bless.
On the journey 