PRAYER

Genesis 1:28; Genesis 12:2-3; Matthew 28:18-20

LORD of all the earth, What you have given to us, teach us to share with others:

Creation commission: ‘Be fruitful and increase, fill the earth and steward it.’ You have given us such bounty In land and sea and society How can we not share justly?

Forgive us our greed, and give us your wisdom To inhabit the world you tasked us to manage With justice and compassion Show us how to do that in your image

Covenant commission: ‘All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’ You have adopted us into relationship with you And told us that you mean to draw all nations by it How can we hide away our worship?

Forgive us our ghettoising, and teach us to be A light on a stand, a city on a hill A kingdom of priests and a holy nation Your people showing those who are not-yet-your-people How much greater is life worshipping you

Christ’s commission: ‘Go and make disciples of all nations.’ Jesus, you have called us as Kingdom apprentices And called us to apprentice others to follow you How can we wander off so quickly?

Forgive us for wandering from your side Forgive us for wandering from walking beside others Help us to stick close, Jesus To learn who you are and what you want from us To teach who you are and what you want from us As we walk alongside others

May the gifts of our King be known to all nations May your Church repent, heal and bless May the nations see the Kingdom of God And receive all that you wish to bless them with In Jesus’ name

Amen