Our living, growing, church

Acts 1:15–17, 21–26 

We pray for the church,

living, growing, changing. 

We give thanks for our leaders,

past and present and emerging. 

May those who are concluding 

roles and terms and responsibilities

among us do so with peace

for all that they will not do,

and gratitude for all that they have given. 

May we show grace to those

who have gone before,

listen for their wisdom,

honour their contribution,

even as we make the job our own. 

May those who discern a new season

of service, contribution, giving,

in new roles, terms, responsibilities

among us, do so with courage

for the challenges ahead,

and hope for the life they will nurture. 

May we support and encourage

our leaders, through presence

and prayer, listening, trusting,

participating in the life our our 

community with all we each can give. 

We pray for our church,

living, growing, changing,

as it has done always,

with You. 

Amen.