Prayers for Worship
Proper 12
by Ron Gordon

John 6:1-21

Collect:
 

Lord God, who is this who feeds the hungry crowd and walks to his disciples 
across the angry sea? Our faith answers that you are present in Jesus with power 
to nourish and to save. In him your grace, mercy and peace are present in human form. 
Glory to God forever.

Prayer:
 

Lord God of Israel, creator of all that is, by your prophets you gave your law 
and sustained the call for justice and peace in the life of your people. 
You provided food in the wilderness, sustained them on their journey to the land 
you had promised and you suffered their rebelliousness and idolatry. 
In your time you gave us Emmanuel, God in our flesh, who gave himself to us and for us. 
You are worthy of all adoration.

Lord Jesus Christ, truly Emmanuel, not only speaking words from God, 
but being God present to us, we are surrounded by mystery when we consider 
your words and deeds. We try to offer explanations appropriate to our understandings, 
but we fail unless we explore the option of faith. Lord, have mercy.

Bread of life for the crowded world, we humans have never explored the possibility of grace 
for all our sisters and brothers in need of bread in this world; 
for the lacking the imagination of faith and love: Christ, have mercy.

Spirit of God, help us grow in confidence in what God offers so that we know 
that all things are possible for those who hold to faith. Lord, have mercy.

You assure us, Father, that when we turn to you, you do not turn from us 
but that we are accepted and forgiven. We offer you our gratitude and love, 
and pray that we may live for your glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, 
blessed forever and ever. Amen.

© 2009 Ron Gordon (used with permission)

even the least
by Jenn Gordon
 
John 6: 1-21

we who flee
the monotony of breathing
sheltering in shacks of sand
gorging on garbage
acquiring more and more and more stuff, 
would never follow you
to a grassy hill
without our picnic basket full
because there’s always enough
and nothing gets in the way
of a latte

so who are they
un-numbed by satiated selves
whose deep and desperate longing
draws them to your feet
to search, to sit, to satisfy
and you do not deny
a single one
and nothing’s wasted, gather every crumb

and though we fail to recognize
you come into our fear 
because death’s dark, tempestuous seas 
are always near

and in your presence we 
discover where we long to be
and that even the least has a place 
at the feast

(Comments to Jenn at jennieg@labyrinth.net.au.)