Chorlton Central Church

For the peoples of Afghanistan and the USA

Listen to the words of Jesus:
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."

…..for the times when fear and ignorance have festered
for the hatred that breeds prejudice
for the prejudice that incites violence …..

Merciful God, forgive us, for we do not know what we are doing.

….. for misinterpreted religious beliefs
for misplaced patriotism
when stones are thrown at little schoolchildren
when major acts of terrorism are committed
and we succumb to the downward, destructive spiral of retaliation …..

Merciful God, forgive us, for we do not know what we are doing.

Listen to the words of women in Afghanistan:
"We stand with the rest of the world in expressing our sorrow and condemnation for barbaric acts of violence and terror. But indiscriminate acts on a country that has been facing permanent disasters for more than 20 years will not be a matter of pride. Attacking Afghanistan and killing its most ruined and destitute people will not in any way decrease the grief of the American people."

Listen to the words of women in America:
"Many children are now without their father. We have to live with this for the rest of our lives. We do not want anyone else to experience this. Retaliation can only bring more grief and suffering."

Listen again to the words of Jesus:
"Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does."

They are truly blessed
who refuse to repay violence with violence
who would turn the other cheek
who would drop food instead of bombs
whose hands are open to give and to receive
who work for justice
who believe that the ultimate sacrifice has been made, once and for all
who would always look for non-violent ways to resolve conflict.

Merciful God, you have offered us forgiveness.
We have heard your word in the voices of others.
We know what we must do to bring peace.
Give us courage to accept your forgiveness
to respond to your word
and to travel along the paths of peace.

Revd Sarah Brewerton 2010

and for ourselves;

Let us pray.

Jesus said “Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.”

God of compassion
we come to you
bringing with us our needs and the needs of the world.
Where there is uncertainty, bring your gentle wisdom.
Where there is anxiety, bring your liberating wholeness.
Where there is fear, bring your joyful freedom.

Jesus said “This is my body, given for you.”

God of extravagance
we come to you
bringing with us our needs and the needs of the world.
Where hearts are broken, may we respond with tender strength.
Where lives are needlessly sacrificed, bring us to our knees in penitence.
Where decisions are taken to give unconditionally
inspire us to do the same.

Jesus said “This is my blood, poured out for you.”

God of salvation, we come to you
bringing with us our needs and the needs of the world.
Where people hesitate to move towards your embrace, help us to set our pace to theirs.
Where people feel unworthy, help us to lift them up to encounter your grace.
Where people are far away, widen our hearts and our arms to welcome them home.

God of compassion, extravagance and salvation
we come to you
because you have promised never to turn us away.

And so we bring these prayers confidently, hopefully and joyfully
so that we and others can know you more fully.
AMEN.

Revd Sarah Brewerton
February 2010

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- you acknowledge the author's copyright in any printed order of service as follows;
'copyright © author's name; used by permission'; and
- you email Chorlton Central Church at info@chorlton-central.org.uk stating when and where the prayer was used; this will be passed on to the author for their information.

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new content 27 February 2010