Praise the LORD; praise the LORD; let the people rejoice! You, Yahweh, feed your people and we are satisfied. Nature joins with us, singing your praises. We remember you and your goodness, and we turn to you. We will tell the next generation of your love and all you have done.
Life has returned to winterlands. Nests are filled, trees prepare to bloom, and warm winds blow through the fields. Life-giving Spirit breathes through and around all creation. All beings remember the feeling of her breath, and lean into her embrace and kisses as she passes by.
We bow to you in prayer and worship. All that was once destroyed is restored again in your presence. Create in us clean hearts; renew and restore us. Make us even better than before. Equip us to walk in your ways and delight in your will, by the power of your Holy Name.
Ever-present God, we, your Beloved, cherish your sacred prayer space. You provide and care for the welfare of your people. Thank you that your ways are not our ways, and that you make decisions based on the character of the person and not what the world uses to make decisions. We listen carefully for your voice, so we can follow you.
We rest in your pastures. In this sacred prayer and worship space, we want for nothing. You speak, and we know your voice. You invite us to journey with you through these peaceful paddocks. We know you will not leave us, but will protect us when danger lurks.
Today, we invite you to reread, rest and reflect on the prayers of the past week.
Lectionary Readings for Today:
Psalm 23
Genesis 48:8-19
Mark 6:30-34
You restore us in new lands, with new opportunities. We bring our faith, skills, and abilities. We lay them before you. Choose us for your service, so we will live long in the land you have promised us, and be a blessing to you and your creation.
We confess we have not always listened to your guides and prophets. Loving Yahweh, thank you for the guides, prophets, and Elders who point us to you. Your love never fails; you long for a relationship with us. Thank you for removing our sins and for restoring us and for times of refreshment that come from spending time with you.
We enter your sacred prayer space, accustomed to seeing the world through human eyes. But you draw near and invite us to look beyond worldly logic, to the truth of who you are, what you are capable of, and what we are capable of when we step in faith with you. You begin to restore our vision, so we can see your truth.
We give thanks for the Elders you have placed in our lives, who follow your guidance and also guide us. Be with the future generations. Give them wise Elders to also guide them back to you.