Wise Words for You

Show us, O Lord, the transience of the world in the light of heaven, the shortness of time in the light of eternity and the meaning of death in the light of resurrection; through the merits of Christ the Lord. Amen. Richard Challoner (1691-1781) God of love, in whom we live and move and have our being, help us to recognise your presence in the first things: the sunrise, the newborn child, the green shoot; the up-beat, the intake of breath, the opening line. And help us to know your presence in the last things: the end page, the finished article, the closing remarks; the final flourish, the dying notes, the gentle goodnight. Above all, help us to live our lives so totally in your presence, that our beginnings and endings become the same thing. In the name of Jesus, the first and the last. Amen. Sheryl Anderson, Liverpool District Chair via The Methodist Church in Britain

Show us, O Lord, the transience of the world in the light of heaven, the shortness of time in the light of eternity and the meaning of death in the light of resurrection; through the merits of Christ the Lord. Amen. Richard Challoner (1691-1781) God of love, in whom we live and move and have our being, help us to recognise your presence in the first things: the sunrise, the newborn child, the green shoot; the up-beat, the intake of breath, the opening line. And help us to know your presence in the last things: the end page, the finished article, the closing remarks; the final flourish, the dying notes, the gentle goodnight. Above all, help us to live our lives so totally in your presence, that our beginnings and endings become the same thing. In the name of Jesus, the first and the last. Amen. Sheryl Anderson, Liverpool District Chair via The Methodist Church in Britain

Give us patience, O God, in the hour of trouble; humility in the hour of success and constancy in the hour of temptation. Grant us thankfulness for your benefits, fear of your judgement and hope in your enduring mercy; now and for ever. Amen. John Cosin (1594-1672) Prayer for Artists God, you are the ultimate creator and yet you share this gift with human hands and minds. We thank you for artists, for their work that enriches our lives and your world, partners in creating, makers of beauty and speakers of truth. Let inspiration flow like a roaring river. Let artists flourish. Let art light up the world. Amen. Annette Kupke via The Methodist Church in Britain | Prayer of the day http://ift.tt/1fOEKKh

Give us patience, O God, in the hour of trouble; humility in the hour of success and constancy in the hour of temptation. Grant us thankfulness for your benefits, fear of your judgement and hope in your enduring mercy; now and for ever. Amen. John Cosin (1594-1672) Prayer for Artists God, you are the ultimate creator and yet you share this gift with human hands and minds. We thank you for artists, for their work that enriches our lives and your world, partners in creating, makers of beauty and speakers of truth. Let inspiration flow like a roaring river. Let artists flourish. Let art light up the world. Amen. Annette Kupke via The Methodist Church in Britain | Prayer of the day http://ift.tt/17RqoSA

Grant to us, Lord, the peace of those who have learnt to serve you, the joy of those who are glad to obey you and the delight of those who rejoice in your praise; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Aidan of Lindisfarne (d. 651) O God, who journeyed with Abraham, laughed with Sara, waited with Simeon, rejoiced with Anna, we thank you for those who lives are lived in your presence and for those who come to you later. We ask your blessing on those who work with older people in church and in the community, to maintain faith and bring fresh insights. We pray for active older people that, through Spirit filled grace, they may continue to follow your call. We pray for those whose lives move towards its conclusion, that they may know your peace and behold your glory, in Jesus' name. Amen. Adrian Burdon, superintendent minister, South Fylde Circuit via The Methodist Church in Britain | Prayer of the day http://ift.tt/12yuInt

Lord our God, let the remembrance of your goodness be always on our minds and the gift of your love forever in our hearts. Keep us free from sin, protect us in the hour of temptation and guide us with the light of your presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. John Calvin (1509-1564) Lord Jesus, as we face an unknown future, help us to recognise where your hand has been at work over the years, bringing us to the place where we find ourselves today. Be our rock, Lord Jesus, a foundation on which to build. Help us to be faithful to our calling and to trust you in the years to come. Amen. Richard Hall, Isle of Man District Chair via The Methodist Church in Britain | Prayer of the day http://ift.tt/1Lglel4

Grant to me, O Lord, the penitence of the publican who dared not raise his eyes to heaven, the desire of the prodigal who longed to return home and the wisdom of the merchant who surrendered all to possess the kingdom. Amen. Rabbula of Edessa (d. 435) Prayer for farmers Loving God, we give you thanks for all those who work so hard, in all kinds of weather and, sometimes in very difficult circumstances, to produce food for our tables. May we never take those who work on the land for granted, but always be mindful of the struggles they face. We pray for all those who live in small villages where amenities are dwindling. May our rural churches and chapels support them in the fight for justice in daily living. We pray for young farmers groups, for chaplains in the auction markets and for the work of the Farming Community Network. And may we trust you for all that is to come as we give thanks for all that is past. Amen. Jane Gibson, deacon, North Lancashire Circuit via The Methodist Church...