Our Father, we treasure these moments as we turn to you in prayer. We thank you for enriching our lives with your love. We only realise how fragile we really are when we become ill. We take our health and well-being very much for granted. We admit that we do not thank you often enough for all that you give through your love.
As we mark World Health Day on 7th April, the World Health Organisation draws attention to a world in crisis. It highlights a world that continues to be affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. It draws attention to a planet that is suffering due to the pollution that is poisoning our earth. The impact of climate change such as the devastation from droughts and floods are to be seen all around us.
We pray for a world that’s fair and equal. Our hope is for a caring and peaceful world. May our deeds continue to help and improve the lives of others locally, nationally and internationally. We thank you for Jesus, our friend the Good Shepherd, who leads us by example. In the words of Joseph Scriven’s well known hymn:
What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged:
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful,
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Jesus only is our refuge,
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he’ll take and shield thee,
thou wilt find a solace there.
We ask this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.