Set me free

O Lord my God, I hope in Thee;
My dear Lord Jesus, set me free;
In chains, in pains,
I long for Thee.
On bended knee
I adore Thee, implore Thee,
To set me free.

Mary Queen of Scots (1542 - 1587)

An eye for an eye

An eye for an eye only makes the whole world blind.

Mahatma Gandhi, India

Roots Shoots and Fruits

Lord God,
Creator of the Tree of Life

We pray for roots,
Trying to provide foundation and security
in barren or hostile ground
Where it is difficult to root
or where strong winds blow
forcing them to hold on for the sake of the tree

We pray for those whose love and work is unseen
Holding things together
Providing nutrition and support
For individuals, families, churches

We pray for shoots
signs of growth
Outlets for energy to burst forth
Tissues and leaves providing energy and growth
Shelter, shade
And a framework for fruits to be borne

We pray for those whose love and work is clearly seen
Seeking peace in times of conflict
Offering costly love, and even their lives
Love in action

We pray for fruits
Borne on shoots
Those who offer sustenance
To the hungry, the thirsty, and all in need
And those who through seeds
Can continue the cycle
Of planting, growth, seedtime and harvest

We pray for those whose love and work
Offers nourishment
Or a foundation for the future
Nourishing individuals and communities
Or planting new ventures
For others to develop and build

We pray for your church
It too is part of your cycle of renewal

You plant your people in fertile and rocky ground
Along the roadside as well as in fertile fields
Bless those who are roots, shoots or fruits
Strengthen and encourage them
Help them to understand their role in the kingdom
Seen or unseen
Part of your tree of life

In the name of Jesus Christ
Sower, vine dresser, leader of the harvest
Son of the Creator
Amen

Nick Butler, England