By Gill Varcoe

Father, we come confidently to you in prayer because all our hope rests in you. Thank you for your sure promise of restoration and re-creation. Thank you that in the midst of grief and violence we have the privilege of turning to you. Thank you that in the mystery of prayer we engage with the spiritual battle in heavenly places that your kingdom may swiftly come, and your will be done. We pray for those who are in conflict worldwide, especially Gaza and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, Sudan, and South Sudan.Where there is no human hope of peace and justice, in communities divided by generations of prejudice, cruelty, and revenge, raise up your chosen peace-makers and justice-bringers that suspicions disappear and hatreds cease. In Australia, we grieve the violence which leaves communities in trauma: heal our divisions, our racism, our sexism, and our clinging to privilege. Father, where we are complicit, where we have been silent, where we have allowed ourselves to be captured by cookie-cutter conformity to this world, grant us true repentance, forgive us, and transform us. And please hear our prayer for those whose lives and possessions are threatened once more by drought, flood, and fire. In your mercy, restore your creation and heal our land. Most gracious Father,we pray for your holy catholic church:fill it with all truthand in all truth with all peace;where it is corrupt, purge it;where it is in error, direct it;where anything is amiss, reform it;where it is right, strengthen and confirm it;where it is in want, furnish it;where it is divided, heal it            and unite it in your love. Lord God, the giver of eternal life,we pray for the elderly of our communityand thank you for those who, having given a lifetime of service,            face the future with faith.We especially ask today for your protecting hand upon the residential communities in this parish, and recovery to all those who have contracted Covid.We remember too the housebound, the lonely and fearful, the doubting, the grieving, and the despairing.Bless them all and enable us to serve them with love. ‘He who was seated on the throne said … “these words are trustworthy and true… It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning, and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.”’ [Rev 21.5-6]Come Lord Jesus Almighty God, you have promised to hear our prayers …