Christian Aid Week 2020
An act of Worship
Joint worship on Sunday 10th May would usually mark the beginning of Christian Aid Week for those of us in Murrayfield. This year we are unable to gather physically as the members of MCT but we can come together spiritually in prayer. Please use the prayers and readings below in your Sunday worship at home.
Introduction
Christian Aid Week helps us remember that we are part of the family of God scattered across the globe. The Covid19 outbreak also shows us how inter-connected we are, how vulnerable we all are and how resourceful and supportive of each other we can be. We are neighbours far and near who are going through this time of pandemic together. May our shared experience unite us in praise, prayer and action as one human family, separate but together in the home that is God’s world.
God of all the Earth, be present with us now, in each of our homes, as we connect together. Build us into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to you through Jesus Christ, our risen Redeemer and Healer. Amen.
Prayer of Confession & Absolution
How many times have you washed your hands over the last few weeks, or even today? As we pray today we remember the words of St.James:
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts …” James 4:8
As we turn on the tap, we turn our hearts towards you, O God.
As we wet our hands, renew our thoughts,
so we might be transformed.
As we lather soap between our fingers and all over our hands purge us from all that brings us harm and might harm others.
Remove the invisible guilt and shame that so often keeps us from you.
As we rinse our hands we trust in your overflowing grace, making all things new. Amen.
Remember that if you truly wish to be forgiven then God will forgive you and if you truly wish to amend your ways then God will guide and support you; and know that God always loves you. Amen.
Reading: Psalm 31
Reflection: ponder on the words of the Psalmist or read Dean's reflection
Intercessions
God our refuge, we pray for all who are anxious, all who are bruised by this time, all who are ill and all who are bereaved. Draw close to us now in each of our homes, be with our loved ones, neighbours and friends and strengthen those working on the front line in our hospitals and care facilities. Amen.
God our strength, we pray for those throughout the world who suffer not only from the pandemic but through poverty, abuse, hardship and neglect. Help us always to remember those in need and to put our faith into action. Amen.
God of hope, we pray for a better future for all your people; for a fair sharing of the world’s resources, for an end to exploitation and corporate greed. Help us to play our part in changing the world, that no one will go hungry, no one will be forgotten and no one left unloved. Amen.
We pray for the work of Christian Aid throughout our world and for all it does to support the most vulnerable and all it does to support those who need a helping hand. We pray most especially for those with limited sanitation facilities and the ability to regularly wash their hands. We give thanks for Christian Aid partners seeking to provide soap and buckets for the communities that need them most. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Prayer & Blessing
Loving God, source of healing and comfort, fill us with your grace; that the sick may be made whole, that those who care for us will be strengthened, that the anxious will be calmed, and those most vulnerable be protected in the power of the Spirit, in the the faith of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
May the presence of the Creator refresh you, may the comfort of the Son renew you, may the inspiration of the Spirit restore you to be love in action, even from a distance, in our neighbourhoods near and far, this day and for evermore. Amen.
To donate to Christian Aid please go to: www.christianaid.org.uk