Good News from St Hildeburgh's

 

All-loving God, Your hands have fashioned every lovely corner of this treasured planet, and the beautiful land of Afghanistan is as precious as every other place Your children call ‘home'. By its rivers and mountains, its fields and gardens, its busy towns and ancient villages, it is the heart's desire of its people and the place where their lives and loves are nurtured. We grieve today with those who grieve over Afghanistan, the people who call it home indeed, the people exiled or suddenly having to leave, and the men and women from other countries who have made sacrifices in recent years in the cause of that country's future. We remember with renewed sadness the loss of lives of military personnel during the years of this country's involvement in Afghanistan, conscious of the questions that must today be troubling the minds of those in our community who were bereaved, those who were wounded on operations, and those who were forever changed by experiences suffered ther

Loving God, We praise your name with all you have created. You are present in the whole universe, and in the smallest of creatures. We acknowledge the responsibilities you have placed upon us as stewards of your creation. May the Holy Spirit inspire all political leaders at COP26 as they seek to embrace the changes needed to foster a more sustainable society. Instil in them the courage and gentleness to implement fairer solutions for the poorest and most vulnerable, and commit their nations to the care of Our Common Home. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ your Son. Amen (Prayer Source: CAFOD)

Lord, in November, We call to mind all those whose lives are done. We thank you that their time, now completed, however short or long, sad or joyful, is gathered up, looked on and known by you.  We offer up remembrance: those whose absence we feel daily; those who have shaped us; those who have nurtured us; the people we are grateful to have walked with; all those we hardly knew but wished we’d known better. We give thanks for all they gave and all the future owes them. Lord, your love embraces every person  who has ever lived; you promised that you lost none. May your Spirit make us always thankful for all our gifts of love and cherished memory.   AMEN. (Source: The Church of England)

Lord,  We thank you for the Saints now gone before us whose faith defined their living and their dying; those who loved you more than their own lives; those who are still mirrors of your love. We celebrate the saints who walk among us rejoicing while they walk in your footsteps, making your name known in a fractured world, against injustice, prejudice, hatred, evil. We stand with those who sacrifice themselves to bring about your kingdom here on earth. Lord, your grace shines in the lives of Saints. We thank you for their example, their holy words. Your Spirit inspired them. Come Holy Spirit inspire us to be saints in your Church now. Amen