A prayer for unending praise of God
Day and night, we confess your name, O Lord, and proclaim your glory. In wisdom you have made all things and by your Spirit you sustain them. From sunrise to sunset you reveal your majesty, speak peace to our hearts and protect your people. With unending praise, with all your saints, we rejoice in the gift of salvation.
A prayer when we are exhausted
Loving God, you remind us in your Bible that when we find it difficult to pray the “Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words” (Romans 8:26). Thank you for the treasure hidden in these words of Scripture.
When we experience moments in life when we are exhausted by care, ground down by constant negativity, or know that words are not enough to heal the pain, help us to trust in your Holy Spirit.
Help us to see that when we cease from constant busyness, quieten our minds and silence our tongues, it’s then we might hear the “sighs too deep for words” and know again the comfort of your love.
A prayer for God's light in the darkness
Creator God, you separated light and darkness giving us the precious gifts of day and night. You used the stars of the sky to illustrate your covenant promises. You sent messengers to the shepherds as they kept watch by night. Speak to us through the darkness.
Christ Jesus, you often prayed under the cover of darkness, searching for guidance about the next steps in your journey. In Gethsemane we sense you wrestling with questions yet affirming your commitment to God’s will. From the hidden darkness of the tomb came resurrection and new life. Intercede with us in the darkness.
Holy Spirit, you brooded over the waters of the deep, calling forth rich treasures where we saw only a void. Elizabeth was filled with your presence as her baby leapt for joy in the darkness of the womb. In the secret depths of sleep, you spoke to your servants through dreams and visions. Show us what is hidden in the darkness. Amen.
Julie Coates, Deputy Chair, Sheffield District
