Daily Worship

Prayer for others

Robert Allan September 06, 2015 0 0

Luke 14:15-24

(MSG)

The Story of the Dinner Party

15 That triggered a response from one of the guests: “How fortunate the one who gets to eat dinner in God’s kingdom!”

16-17 Jesus followed up. “Yes. For there was once a man who threw a great dinner party and invited many. When it was time for dinner, he sent out his servant to the invited guests, saying, ‘Come on in; the food’s on the table.’

18 “Then they all began to beg off, one after another making excuses. The first said, ‘I bought a piece of property and need to look it over. Send my regrets.’

19 “Another said, ‘I just bought five teams of oxen, and I really need to check them out. Send my regrets.’

20 “And yet another said, ‘I just got married and need to get home to my wife.’

21 “The servant went back and told the master what had happened. He was outraged and told the servant, ‘Quickly, get out into the city streets and alleys. Collect all who look like they need a square meal, all the misfits and homeless and wretched you can lay your hands on, and bring them here.’

22 “The servant reported back, ‘Master, I did what you commanded—and there’s still room.’

23-24 “The master said, ‘Then go to the country roads. Whoever you find, drag them in. I want my house full! Let me tell you, not one of those originally invited is going to get so much as a bite at my dinner party.’”

Lord God, through change and chance you guide us, our one true God, our one true hope, and we trust you with our lives. We also commit to your care all those going through changes...

For countries emerging from war and violence we pray for lasting peace; for lands throughout the world where change is needed to give people their human rights, a voice, their freedom, we pray for hearts and minds to be open to make those changes; for the communities in which we live, alongside people of different colour and race and religion, we pray for understanding, acceptance, peace and love of neighbours.

For people whose work pattern has changed and they find it difficult to adapt; for those whose work is now no longer needed because of change; for those who earnestly seek work in order to change their lives, we pray for your strength and resolve.

For those seeking to change wrong ways for the better, looking after our planet, looking after the poor, looking after the powerless; for those seeking to bring justice to bear and confront the proud and the dishonest; for those seeking equality for women and men and a dignity for every person; we pray for success and results in their efforts.

For the Church, sharing the same good news but in different and relevant ways; letting go of old ways that no longer serve a useful purpose; changing itself back into a missionary, outward looking body; existing with the tensions and excitement of change; we pray for your Spirit’s guidance and weaving that new patterns may emerge which paint an eye-catching picture of your love for all to see.

For ourselves, Lord, wondering where we fit in when all around us changes; changes in our appearance as we grow older; changes in our families, at school and at work; changes in the world around us, always seeming to move faster; we pray that we may hold fast to your love which is unchanging and know you are guiding our every step.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.