God of grace and glory:

We thank you that you are merciful and just in all your ways.

Lord your world is very broken. Wherever we look there are wars, conflicts and chaos.

There are some who have plenty and to spare and others who don’t even have the basics, like clean water, food or access to medical care.

We know that this wasn’t your plan, Lord. When you finished creating the world you looked at all that you had made, and you saw that it was good.

Lord, we need you to come and heal your world

We pray especially about the escalating conflict in the Middle East and all those killed, injured or displaced by the fighting, whatever their nationality or political views.

Open our eyes that we may see the world through your eyes;

Open our ears that we may hear cries for justice with your ears;

Open our hearts that we might share your compassion;

Open our minds that we might discern your truth;

Open our mouths that we might speak your word;

Embolden us with your Spirit that we might

    respond to all that we see and hear,

    put into practice what we are learning from you,

    and be messengers of your grace and glory. Amen

(written by Sue Foy and including an extract from a prayer by Rachel Deigh, mission partner in Sierra Leon, Methodist Prayer Handbook)