Prayer 060714 (John 1 - Incarnation)

Heavenly Father,

Before the universe was made, or anything in it, you existed in three persons - Father, Son and Spirit - in perfect relationship. We are told that you created all things through this relationship - all things were created through your Son, and for him. We are told that it was by your word all things were created, and we know that the word was made flesh in Jesus Christ. Through creation you made us, breathing your spirit into us, making us in your image. We are created to relate to you, and to relate to each other. We thank you for the wonderful relationships that we are able to have - in families, in marriage, in friendship, in our communal faith, and with you as our God. You give us prayer, and ask us to pray, so that we might communicate our thoughts to you. And you give us your message in the Bible, so that we can read your will and understand your ways. We thank you that you are so eager to talk to us, and pray you might grow our desire to talk with you.

We spend a few moments now, silently bringing before you all of the joys, sorrows, requests and difficulties that we are facing, both as individuals, and as a Christian church community.

We pray for those who are sick, that you will give them strength to face these illnesses, and we pray that you will alleviate sickness and bring health. We pray for those who grieve, and ask for your comfort to surround them, and for you to fill their hearts with faith in you. For all those who suffer, face obstacles and difficulties in their lives, or even just face doubt, give them a sure knowledge that you are ultimately in control, that you will not allow injustice or pain or suffering to win the day.

You sent your son to live amongst us, to be a human like us, to suffer in mortal flesh like us, and then to die like one of us. You died in our place, so that we might live for you, and for that we are truly thankful. Then you raised your son back to life, showing us your amazing power, proving to us that you defeat even death and sin for our sake. You have given us your Spirit, to guide us in our Christian lives, and to empower us to live for you. We thank you that you are never far from us. Help us to live by the Spirit, and to listen to its voice in our lives, and to be transformed by its renewing of our minds as we live each day for you. And you have promised to return, and to let us live with you forever, and to transform us to be the perfect people you want us to be, free from sin, and holy, like you are holy. We cling to that promise, and we joyfully look forward to the day when you will bring us home to you in heaven.

Finally, you have made us your representatives on this earth, to speak to all people and tell them the good news about you. Help us to be faithful to that responsibility, and to live lives of holiness and joy, and to speak your truth without fear, always having faith in you. Fill us with your love for others, that we can share it with everyone around us.

In the name of Jesus and by his authority we pray,

Amen