Gracious God, we thank you for creating a world of ethnic diversity and yet too often we do not honour that diversity. We thank you for sending Your Son Jesus to preach a message of justice and equality for all people, and yet too often we fail to heed that message. Loving and forgiving God, we ask for forgiveness for the times when we have not allowed the voices of our brothers and sisters to be heard, for the times when we have failed to speak out and allowed prejudice to hurt and destroy the lives of others. God of Grace, we pray for all those whose lives are disadvantaged simply because of the colour of their skin. We come before you in the name of Jesus Christ who taught us to love, honour and respect all people equally, regardless of ethnicity, gender or social status.  May we as a Church, seek to bring restoration, justice, equality and healing into our communities, and may we commit to a vision of a world where ‘your kingdom come’, the coming of a Kingdom where the voices of all your people are heard. Amen.

For the next 11 days our prayers have been written by Thelma Commey, Methodist Youth President 2019/2020, for the global prayer initiative ‘Thy Kingdom Come’.

Reflection:
John 3.16 is one of the best-known verses in the Bible because it emphasises God’s love for everyone. Jesus didn’t just love those who are easy to love, he loved the people who hated him, who despised him; he loved the people that others looked down on. He didn’t just love some people – he loved the whole world.
This speaks about the action that God took to show us love – it shows us how love is an active word. God loved us so much that God sent Jesus for us. Not because of anything that we did, not because we deserved it; but because God is a loving God. God’s love is selfless and sacrificial and shows us what we are worth. If God can love anyone, the least we can do is to do the same.
Prayer:
Loving God, thank you that you gave your Son, Jesus, for me and for all people. Help me accept the love that you showed me in sending your Son. I pray for my  friends. Please open their hearts to your love. And teach me to love more truly. Amen

John 12:10 says  “Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.”

Gracious God, we lift before you this morning, all those involved in charitable giving; Those who couldn’t run the London Marathon yesterday but ran round their homes, all the Scouts who could not march on St George’s Day, but are walking  a mile to create a united walk to the moon. Lord God, we know that many people rely on the work of charitable organisations, who at the moment are struggling to raise funds because of the lockdown. We thank you for those who continue to find creative ways of tackling this problem, for those who continue to donate and for all the charitable organisations who continue to strive to find a way forward. Please bless the witness of all those people who give so that others might live  knowing they are loved, valued and cared for.  Amen.

God of healing, may your presence be felt by those suffering, in any way,  from mental health issues at this time.  We pray for a sense of peace and calm for all those in need. We pray for conversation for those in need of reassurance. So too, we pray for all those agencies and charities seeking to offer support in difficult circumstances. You are our God. May we live in the power of Your strength today. 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.

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 strengthen them and may they feel the assurance of your presence with them.

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.

Creator God, help us to trust you, help us to know that you are with us, and help us to believe that nothing can separate us from your love revealed in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lord of Love, it is good to come to You and remember that we do not face anything in our strength alone, but with You walking alongside us. Through the Power of Your Holy Spirit, you give us the courage and the strength to face the challenges set before us. You give us the courage to continue to serve you and others. So teach us to let go of any fears and doubts and to place our trust in You, throughout this day and always, Amen.