Christ Church Flower Festival

Lord, For all whose day starts with anxiety,
as they leave the security of home worrying about the risk of infection;
particularly those whose health or age classifies them as vulnerable.
Loving God, be close, keep them safe, along with all whose tasks today includes the care of frail and elderly. And for all of us, grant wisdom to make sensible choices, not just for ourselves, but for everybody. Amen

Lord, Help us to put aside preconceptions about other people, because that alters our behaviour, and simply accept that they, like us, are precious in your eyes. Amen

Help me O God to live this day quietly, hopefully; to lean on your strength, trustfully, to wait for the unfolding of your will, patiently, serenely; to greet other people peacefully, joyfully; to face every task confidently courageously; in the name of Christ our Lord Amen

Most high and glorious God, Lighten the darkness of my heart and give me sound faith,
firm hope and perfect love.
Let me, Lord, have the right feelings and knowledge, properly to carry out the task you have given me. Amen

Lord I thank you for my friends;
When I am confused they give me wisdom.
When I feel sad they help me smile.
When I feel worthless they share their love.
Lord above all this I thank you that you are my
friend for ever. Amen

Gracious God,
give skill, sympathy and resilience to all who are caring for the sick, and your wisdom to those searching for a cure.
Strengthen them with your Spirit, that through their work many will be restored to health;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God, whose love we cannot measure, and whose blessings we cannot number, we praise and thank you for all your goodness, your strength in our weakness, your light in our darkness, your comfort in our sorrow, and above all your peace in our hearts. Amen

Holy God, your life is lived in our midst; open our eyes to see you and our minds and hearts to know you that we may live our life in you.  Amen.

Creator God, in love you made the wonders of the universe, the treasures of the earth … and us in your own image.  May your love give us strength to strengthen others, in faith and in hope, as we share the good news of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,
and lift up all who are brought low; that we may rejoice in your comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ,
you taught us to love our neighbour, and to care for those in need, as if we were caring for you.
In this time of anxiety, give us strength
to comfort the fearful, to tend the sick,
and to assure the isolated of our love, and your love, for your name’s sake. Amen.

Merciful God,
we entrust to your tender care those who are ill or in pain, knowing that whenever danger threatens
your everlasting arms are there to hold them safe.
Comfort and heal them, and restore them to health and strength; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.