Posts by Manningham UC (Page 6)

Lord, may we accept with gratitude that you work in mysterious ways Help us to follow you willingly and find your ways in ourselves and others as we are open and intentional in ‘loving all’ this Advent season

Father God, we are reminded again of God’s love for us through the Old and New Testament stories. At times it all gets too hard Open our hearts and minds to see God’s love through new eyes as we celebrate the birth of a small child born in a manger

Father God, we are reminded not all people can embrace Christmas as a time to celebrate Help us to be sensitive, to listen, and in those quiet moments to show others something of God’s love

Father God, each day we turn on the news we are reminded of climate change, the war in Ukraine, inflation, and interest rates Encourage us to reach out, to sit with, to share our hope for all people everywhere, in the form of one called Jesus

Lord, help us to step beyond ourselves May we open our eyes, ears and hearts to the needs of others and be genuinely surprised and happy as we interact together in new and different ways, sharing your love and guidance

Jesus, thank you for your redemption, grace and caring, for making us equal in your eyes Help us to give of ourselves and to offer that same equality, compassion, kindness, and grace to those we love and to those who begin as strangers

Lord, open our hearts Give us the vision and determination to live, to give, and to share your love clearly and with purpose, welcoming and valuing our diversities

Lord, help us to dig deep May we be grateful our many blessings this Christmas and beyond May we seek many new ‘giving’ opportunities to share personally with others

Father God, we often talk about your grace. It flows easily off the tongue. They become words to be read on a piece of paper Help us to recognise your gift of Love to us, to be shared with others as difficult as that is

Father God, as we gather with family, may we be more aware of those who have no close family Encourage us to reach out to the lonely. A phone call, a coffee, an invitation to share with another, to be a voice for the lonely

Father God, sit with us as we reflect on times and places in the past. Let us remember with fondness those moments of joy and those with sadness Encourage us to share with others the joy of Mary’s Song in the form of one called Jesus

Lord, please guide us this Christmas and beyond to be faithful in offering your gifts of upholding, healing, compassion, time and loving to those we know and those we are yet to know

Thank you for the example of Ruth in following her heart with integrity and returning with Naomi to know God May our journeys with God and our examples to others reflect that same dedication as we navigate the ups and downs of life

God’s love is a gift, a gift we are called on to experience and share May this be our gift to others this Christmas

Open our hearts and guard our words this Advent season May our words and actions be free and generous gifts that reveal God’s love and care for every person

Thank you for your mercy and your willingness to uphold us when we falter, when we rely just on ourselves May we take the time to stop, trust, give thanks, be humble to your will, and to do our best

Lord, thank you for the path and examples for living you have provided Please guide our feet and our hearts as we aim to walk openly in your footsteps day by day, especially in this Advent period

Open our eyes Lord Help us to find your presence in others in our diverse world May we offer your love and welcome freely with generosity and warmth

God, we are ready We anticipate the advent of your love and example coming to us through Jesus this 2022 Christmas May we stop, worship, feel your presence, and share that love and that presence with others