The following was written for prayers on Sunday, following a sermon reflecting on a theology of humanity. The section in italics can be altered as appropriate for current issues.
Holy God,
Creator and divine parent of all humanity,
We praise you for the marks of your image that
we find in those around us and in ourselves:
Your skill as a designer and an artist in the
intricacy and beauty of our bodies,
Your attendance to our needs in parents and
care-givers,
Your wisdom in those who teach us and guide us,
Your orderliness in managers and strategists,
Your provision of resources in those who release
finance and assets,
Your creativity in artists, musicians and
entertainers,
Your justice in campaigners,
Your playfulness in children,
Your vulnerability in the poor and suffering,
Your faithful love, kindness and mercy in our
friends and loved ones, and
Your active Holy Spirit in fellow disciples.
Forgive us Father, for when we have failed to
see, value and celebrate your image in ourselves and in others.
At the same time, O God, with humility, we
confess and sorrow for the ways in which that image is marred in ourselves and
the world around us…
In greed, in oppression, in violence towards
people and the planet, in carelessness with our own bodies, in bitterness and
division in our relationships and in your church.
At the moment we are particularly aware of...
[the
marring of your image through sexual harassment and abuse, particularly in the
entertainment industry and in politics, but also in many other walks of life.
We pray for victims, for healing and for empowerment, we pray for bystanders
and witnesses, for courage to stand for justice, and we pray for perpetrators
in systems that allow them continue, for repentance and change.]
As the great judge, just yet merciful, give us
sober minds, O Lord, when we view ourselves and fellow humans, granting us a wise
grace that celebrates without idolising, forgives without colluding, and
challenges without malice.
Amen.
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