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Dear Jesus Christ,
Who came to show me that all things can be transformed by a great love, come into my life with your great love and settle it in my heart. Then help me to give it, freely, to others, that your name may be praised, now and for ever,
Amen
(Note. Earlier this year we marked Armed Forces day with a series of National events. And I prayed for those who serve in Christ's army.)
Lord,
I pray for those who fight in your cause. For yours is the army of those who have failed you, who do not serve you as you deserve. It is the army of the weak and the mean and of many with little faith.
But yours is also the army of peacemakers, it is led by the merciful and armed by the persecuted. It belongs to those who love one another and to the many who come together to praise your name, to those who will always seek your Spirit in their hearts.
We are not righteous; but we are yours and through you we can be made new.
So commit us to love the unlovable, to heal the incurably wrong, to speak your name to those who do not hear you. For we ask all things in your name,
Amen
Lord,
Make our society your own, and help us to bring it to you. For we live in a society that is at war, but does not fight for you. And on our streets there is violence and aggression, but we do not turn to the Prince of peace, or take your mercy there. Grant us to reclaim the streets for you.
We live in a society where homes are repossessed and people are evicted. But we do not make our homes in you. Set our values straight and make them worthy of your love.
When we uphold the importance of free speech, let us read your words more attentively. We holiday in distant lands but never in your kingdom. We want great age, but ignore your eternal life.
Our shops promote rich food and clothes and every aid to beauty. They nourish our slightest whim. But we do not want the real bread of life. Help us to tell the fundamental and the trivial, apart. And then to bring our deepest needs to you.
And when we remember how much you loved the world, let us bring its devotion to you and place it where you redeemed us, at your cross.
In your own name we pray it, Jesus, our Lord,
Amen
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