Source: Spill the Beans Issue 34

God, our creator,
we come to this place,
some of us know the way here
it is part of our routine
and natural path of life,
others need some guidance,
encouragement and help.

Jesus, our shepherd,
we come to this place
knowing that we will find you here,
and that you will guard the gate for us.
We come to this place of safety and welcome
ready to be fed and watered by
our Shepherd King.

Holy Spirit, our inspiration,
we come to this place
ready for you to do your thing.
To enliven us with your love,
breathe life into our tired souls,
reinvigorate our purpose
and send us on our way.

Forgive us for those times
when we have failed to find
our way to you and instead
have gone our own way,
and walked away from the flock.

Forgive us for those times
when we have ignored the shepherd’s call
and instead behaved in ways
that take us off in a different direction
from the rest of the flock.

Lord Jesus,
we know that you are
the shepherd of our lives,
always looking out for us,
offering protection form a world
that can be a scary place.
Thank you for never giving up
on your restless flock.

Shepherd of our lives,
hear our prayer.
Amen.

Inviting you to think about our own church community the wider church, the world!

• This week we pray for our Church Life Workers – Alison Tweedie (Administration & Encouragement)
  and Heather Lamb (Community & Care).
• This week we pray for ACT/NSW Legislative Assembly- for those who seek to give leadership.
• This week we pray for Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales. For overcoming barriers so that all might experience welcome as these countries become more genuinely multi-ethnic and multi-faith.

Inviting you to think about our own church community the wider church, the world!

• This week we pray for Darren and his family as they prepare to move and settle into Canberra over the next few weeks.
• This week we pray and give thanks for Canberra Region Presbytery- for the members of our 54 congregations and their enormous contribution to the building up of God’s Kingdom; for our Chaplains and their work in Universities, Defence, Hospital; for the staff at Greenhills Camp and Conference Centre and their ministry with young people.
• This week we pray for Belgium, Luxembourg and Netherlands.

Inviting you to think about our own church community the wider church, the world!

• This week we pray for Darren and his family as they prepare to move and settle into Canberra over the next few weeks.
• This week we pray for University Chaplaincy in ACT Universities.
• This week we pray for France, Germany, Monaco.

Inviting you to think about our own church community the wider church, the world!

• This week we pray for our Christmas worship and for the community that will meet here throughout that time. For those who come often, those who are new and for those who will visit.
• This week we pray for China, Hong Kong, Macau; for the women and children who do not have equal status or opportunity.