“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2)

Blessed are you, Lord our God. You are the dignity and delight of our lives. Thank you that there is now no condemnation for those who shelter themselves in the covenant of your everlasting love. Through the death and resurrection of your beloved son Jesus Christ, we are brought into perfect communion with the holy God. Command the insecurity, fear and chaos that overwhelms the world around us to still. Guide us into surrender and prayer with your righteous right hand.

We ask for wisdom and discernment to share your gospel with those you bring into our lives. Give us the vigour to oil our lamps in expectancy for your second coming, and the confidence to worship you on earth as it is in heaven. Give us energy to declare your goodness in all circumstances, evangelising about the hope of our lives with gentle boldness. We pray that your Spirit would shepherd our hearts and minds. When we suffer, let us remember that suffering produces in us a hope that will not put us to shame. Your love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:3-5).

Dear God, we pray that you would speak through us as you did your disciples at Pentecost. Make us attentive and intentional in the ways that we choose to share our faith. Give us the desire to pursue cultural and racial awareness so that the diversity of experience is respected and valued. Give us the passion to address discrimination with compassion and longevity. Let us recognise the full humanity in one another, leaning into a more Spirit-led understanding of issues that affect our world. May we live as image-bearers that reflect the great commission – making disciples of all nations and baptising them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

Lord God, teach us how to obey the commands that you have given us. Produce in us godly grief, that we may always be receptive to your Spirit through repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). Give us beauty for ashes, joy for mourning and the garment of praise to replace our heaviness, that we may be called trees of righteousness, planted firmly in the Lord (Isaiah 61:3). You equip us for battle so that all may know you are the Lord. Fear has no power over us when we humble ourselves to worship you. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you form the light and create darkness in its time (Isaiah 45:6-7). Make us your witnesses, the servants you have chosen (Isaiah 43:10). For surely you are with us always, unto the end of the age (Matthew 28: 20). May all the glory be yours forever.

In your name we pray, amen.

Written by Shanley McConnell