PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Welcome To World day of prayer
England wales & north ireland
Leader
In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, God said, ’Let there be light!’
Leader
lights the first candle.
All:
God, giver of life,
we light a candle of hope
to celebrate with all your people
as we watch and wait for your plans and promises to be fulfilled.
Leader
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.
All
God of hope,
In our busy-ness may we find space
to see you at work in our lives and our world.
May we be people who radiate your hope
as we worship in celebration today. Amen.
Leader
lights the second candle.
All
God, giver of life,
we light a candle of hope
to celebrate with all your people
as we watch and wait for your plans and promises to be fulfilled.
Leader
The people of Jeremiah’s time found themselves in a place where they did not want to be: away from their homeland and excluded from their culture, worship, and homes.
There are many people who have settled in the British Isles after fleeing their homeland and culture. In the land of prosperity many are poor. In the midst of crowded cities many are lonely. How can we tell ALL their stories? We cannot.
What does it mean to feel excluded in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland? Let us listen...
(Lina):
Living in poverty, regularly missing a meal so that my children might not go hungry.
(Lina):
Living in poverty, regularly missing a meal so that my children might not go hungry.
(Natalie):
Living in fear because my partner abuses me, physically, emotionally, and sexually.
(Emily):
Living in loneliness and isolation because of my age, disability, ethnic origin, or sexuality.
Leader
lights the third candle.
All
God of love,
we light a candle of hope
to celebrate with all your people
as we watch and wait for your plans and promises to be fulfilled.
All
God of tenderness,
we light a candle of hope
to celebrate with all your people
as we watch and wait for your plans and promises to be fulfilled.
All
God of compassion,
we light a candle of hope
to celebrate with all your people
as we watch and wait for your plans and promises to be fulfilled.
Leader
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light …
Jesus said: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
God’s promises of freedom, forgiveness, justice, and peace are fulfilled in Jesus, the life-giving light which even the deepest darkness cannot extinguish. Through Jesus we are able to come close to God and discern God’s plans for us.
BIBLE READING Jeremiah 29: 1 - 14