Encounters
with God' People
[1]
[2]
Circle us, Lord
Circle us with the light of your presence, bright within this dark
world
Enable us to be overcomers of fear and temptation
Enable us to be victors over sin and despair
Enable us to become that which you would desire
(Silent prayer)
Lord of creation, Lord of Salvation
Circle us with the light of your presence
Circle us, Lord
Circle our family within the shelter of your outstretched arms
Protect them in each moment of their daily lives
Protect them in the decisions that they face
Protect their homes and relationships
(Silent prayer)
Lord of creation, Lord of Salvation
Circle our families with the light of your presence
Circle us, Lord
Circle this nation with Advent love and hope
Create a desire to listen to the Advent message
Create a willingness to understand and respond
Create a need to reach out to the Christ Child
(Silent prayer)
Lord of creation, Lord of Salvation
Circle our nation with the light of your presence
Circle us, Lord
Circle this world with the joy of your Salvation
Where there is sickness and disease bring healing
Where there is hunger and despair bring hope
Where there is torture and oppression bring release
(Silent prayer)
Lord of creation, Lord of Salvation
Circle this world with the light of your presence
Spirit of life
ALL: Fill our emptiness with your fullness
Spirit of power
ALL: Stir our hearts afresh
Spirit of love
ALL: Touch us, and through us, our neighbour
Spirit of Creativity
ALL: Enable and empower the gifts you have given
Spirit of Eternity
ALL: Draw us ever deeper into your Kingdom
Lord, grant us simplicity of faith
and a generosity of service
that gives without counting cost
A life overflowing with Grace
poured out from the One
who gave everything
That we might show
the power of love
to a broken world
and share the truth
from a living Word
Lord, grant us simplicity of faith
And a yearning to share it
Your people
A particular people
Chosen and cherished
From the beginning of time
Lavished and loved
Sheltered and shepherded
Through sunshine and storm
Restore us O Lord
Make your face shine upon us
That we might be saved
Your children
Prodigal children
Wandering far from home
A wilderness people
Yet never forgotten
Never separated
From the warmth of your love
Restore us O Lord
Make your face shine upon us
That we might be saved
Your prophets, called to make known your Word
Proclaiming justice, convicting sin
Displaying fruits of your love and grace
Comfort, comfort my people, says our God
And the glory of the Lord will be revealed
Your prophets, called to forth tell your Word
Unfolding a vision of your eternity
Making straight a highway to walk along
Comfort, comfort my people, says our God
And the glory of the Lord will be revealed
We have a call
To be loved
and to love
To be shown mercy
and to show mercy
To be forgiven
and to forgive
To receive hope
and to offer hope
To know joy
and share joy
To feel peace
and bring peace
To be made whole
and offer wholeness
We have a call
Listen...
Listen...
Do you hear?
God of Love, God of Peace
This fractured word
Cries out in pain
Burns deep into my soul
And challenges me
To make a difference
God of Love, God of Peace
God of this world
Scarred by grief and tears
Ignorance and fear
Soften hearts of stone
And begin with mine
God of Love, God of Peace
Create within me
A heart for people
A desire for change
For new beginnings
To start this day
In your time, Loving God
When we had wandered far
In your perfect time
You embraced the prodigal
Within the security of your arms.
Remind us always
As we look at pain caused
And hardship endured
That at the centre of our faith
Is the forgiving love of God.
Bless those who are peacemakers
From all creeds and cultures
All who bring no other agenda
Than to see neighbour and stranger
Live together as one community
A: Bless the peacemakers
B: Strengthen and bless them
Bless those who are comforters
Shoulders to cry upon
Willing ears to listen
A present help in times
Of despair and hoplessness
A: Bless the comforters
B: Strengthen and bless them
Bless those who are healers
Of physical injury
And deeper hurts
Whose touch brings relief
From trauma and pain
Who brings compassion
A: Bless the healers
B: Strengthen and bless them
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