Southwark and Deptford

You asked for my hands that you might use them for purpose. I gave them for a moment then withdrew them for the work was hard.

You asked for my mouth to speak out against injustice. I gave you a whisper that I might not be accused.

You asked for my eyes to see the pain of poverty. I closed them for I did not want to see.

You asked for my life that you might work through me. I gave a small part that I might not get ‘too involved’.

Lord, forgive me for my calculated efforts to serve you only when it is convenient for me to do so, only in those places where t is safe to do so, and only with those who make it easy to do so.

Father, forgive me, renew me, send me out as a usable instrument that I may take seriously the meaning of your Cross

- The Prayer of a Reluctant Disciple, Joe Seremane (taken from Lifelines, Christian Aid, 1987—with permission)

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

We pray for strength on living with the challenges of life in the City:

1. For users of foodbanks and the Peckham Pantry, those on benefit and managing periods of sanction; for those least equipped to access help and support;

2. For the work of the Southwark Peace Garden at Walworth Church and the continuing support of those whose lives are scarred by violent crime;

3. For renewed commitment to tackling the inequalities and injustices that restrict the growth and opportunities for all within the community;

4. For our congregations and communities that extend to all parts of the world, may our vision not compromise the one God, who is over all, through all and in all.