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Praying from the contents of my pockets
Day One - Three Horse Chestnuts
As my Son, Stephen, asked me on our recent visit to Leeds - "Why on earth have you got three conkers in your pocket"?
Well.... I carry three conkers which are very individual, very beautiful and useful for relieving stress. They are polished to a sheen both by being in my pocket and by my rolling them in the palm of my hand and between my fingers when I am thinking.
Despite not being edible they also remind me of the fruitfulness of the earth and the generosity of God's creation and so we pray for that creation and our use and misuse of it.
Let us pray
Loving God, we thank you for the wonder and beauty of creation.
For all of the gifts you give to us,
which provide for all of our needs.
We remember those who do not have enough.
Through the greed of others or from an unwillingness to share.
Where basic necessities are used to control.
And where profit comes before humanity.
We pray for all who bring help in those situations,
either locally or in distant places.
May your loving hands rest upon them keeping them safe from harm.
We pray for our own generosity
For our support of local charities and groups
In particular the Feed project and Centre 33 in St Albans.
We pray for our financial support of national and international charities.
We pray particularly for the Methodist charity "All We Can".
For our interest in politics and
our passsion for the fair sharing of your creation.
We lift before you the politicians of the world.
And those in positions of power.
We pray that they may strive to break down barriers, restore peace
and establish a world of love and care.
Lord, we know these things are impossible through the action of people alone
and so we pray for your help.
In Jesus name we offer this prayer. Amen
Some resources which might be helpful in our times of devotion.
Hymn - Singing the Faith 102 - For the beauty of the earth
Reading - Psalm 104 - "The Lord takes care of his creation".