O God, our creator and preserver,
who gives us the strength to start new things;
we ask you to guide and encourage those who this year
are leaving school and starting work or college;
help them to get used to new ways, new ideas, new people;
give them wisdom to know what is right and good and the courage to do it;
and may they do their work knowing that it is for you,
and that you are with them; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the times of rest and relaxation which are given to us in the course of our lives. Teach us to use our leisure and our holidays to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds; and may we be strengthened and refreshed in spirit for our daily work and the service of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
O God, make the doors of our churches wide enough to receive all who need human love and fellowship, and a heavenly Father's care; and narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and hate. Make the threshold smooth enough to be no stumbling block to children, nor to straying feet but rugged enough to turn back the tempter's power: make it the gateway to your eternal kingdom. Amen
Eternal God you have declared in Christ the fulfilment of your purpose of love.
May we live by faith, walk in hope, and be renewed in love,
until the world reflects your glory, and you are all in all.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Amen
Heavenly Father, in your Son Jesus Christ you have given us a true faith and a sure hope: Strengthen this faith and hope in us all our days, that we may live as those who believe in the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, and the resurrection to eternal life through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Almighty God, through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ you have overcome death
and opened to us the gate of everlasting life:
Grant that, as by your grace going before us you put into our minds good desires,
so by your continual help we may bring them to good effect;
through Jesus Christ our Risen Lord who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.