To be read very slowly

For our Church

Circle us, Lord.
Circle our Church with the light of the gospel.
May we understand more of our faith and why we believe it.
May we understand more of our doubt and not be too hard on it.
May we commit ourselves to following you in the small details
of our lives, in this particular Church of St Martin
and at this particular time.
Circle us, Lord, Keep the light within and the darkness without…

For our nation and our community

Circle us, Lord.
Circle our nation with the values of the Gospel.
Give to our national institutions, government, the law, the health services, the unions, the Church – give them the values of justice, fair representation, concern for the weak, equal opportunities for every person.
And may the sheer generosity of your presence fill our national life with hope and encouragement.
Circle us, Lord. Keep hope within and despair without…

For friends and family

Circle us, Lord.
Circles our friends and family with the love of the Gospel.
Keep them in peace and security, Guard those of our loved ones who are vulnerable; strengthen those who are struggling; encourage those who are on the brink of something new. We name these, our special people, in our hearts now…
May the deep peace of the Prince of Peace keep them all.
Circle the, Lord. Keep love within; keep danger out…

For those in need

Circle the sick and the bereaved in tour healing presence. There are some we know who are simply not well; some who are fearful and in pain; some who are on their last journey.
Circle them now Lord, the very people we name in our hearts, circle them in the healing presence of Christ.
May the touch of Christ be for them the touch of wholeness and healing.
Circle them, Lord. Keep peace within; keep fear out…