This evening was the second of the
'Prayer For Redditch' meetings
to mark the 50th anniversary of the town.
Unfortunately I was unable to attend,
but I lit a candle anyway.
Lord, I pray for the town of Redditch.
A drawing together of the old and the new.
Let all live together as people of this town
With no sense of division between
that which grew naturally
and the planned developments that followed.
I pray for healing of regret for that which has gone.
The fields and the woods,
the houses and factories
just a distant memory.
Now the roads, gardens,
homes, factories and shops
of a 21st Century community.
May the churches of the town to sing together
with one voice,
a sound of harmony and acceptance,
with all voices singing together in harmony.
No-one striving to dominate,
and none afraid to contribute,
for all have a song to share.
A song of love
which comes not from self,
but from our Saviour.
Lord, may we as your people
reach out to the lost and lonely
the broken and the hungry
meeting their needs
both physically and spiritually.
Lord, when my words are hesitant and stumbling
empower me by your Holy Spirit
to speak your words of hope and love.
Amen.
