Heavenly Father, we come to You today with hearts full of humility and with a deep sense of awe for Your gracious love, mercy and forgiveness. We thank You for the gift of life, for the beauty of creation, and for the richness and diversity of Your people. We gather as one family, as the body of Christ, to lift our prayers and petitions on behalf of our brothers and sisters of the Pride movement, who seek acceptance, love, and affirmation within the Christian community.
Lord, You have taught us we are all created in Your image,
and that each one of us is fearfully and wonderfully made, regardless of our fleshly shortcomings that we confess openly. We acknowledge diverse individuals in our midst, and we recognise the unique gifts and talents that they bring. We ask for Your guidance and wisdom as we strive to be a holy and loving community
of faith, a place where all are truly welcome and valued, regardless of any characteristic that might set
them apart.
Lord Jesus, You have commanded us to love one another as You have loved us. Teach us to be authentic witnesses to Your love, embracing the diversity that You have intended for Your creation. Help us break down the barriers that divide us, to dismantle the prejudices and biases that perpetuate exclusion and marginalisation, and to build bridges of understanding and solidarity. To grow in love for sinners and encourage them in Your ways, despite how we might feel about the sin.
God of all comfort, we lift to You those who have faced
hurt, rejection, or alienation because of their past actions. We pray for healing, forgiveness and reconciliation, for new beginnings, and for the restoration of
relationships. We ask that You would strengthen and renew the faith of those
who have been wounded by the words or actions of fellow Christians, and that
You would remind them of Your never-failing love and Your promise to be with
them always.
Loving God, we entrust to You the ministry of
reconciliation, and we ask that You would make us effective ambassadors of Your
love and grace. Give us the wisdom and discernment we need to navigate hard
conversations and engage in meaningful dialogue with those with differing
views on matters related to sexuality. Help us speak the truth in
love, not to condemn but to listen with open minds and hearts, and to seek
common ground as we journey together toward Your promise.
Finally, Lord, we ask that You would bless our church and its leaders as we seek to live out the Gospel mandate to love and serve even the least of people. Grant us the courage to confront our own prejudices, and to challenge any systems and structures that perpetuate discrimination and exclusion. Fill us with Your Spirit of unity, peace, and hope, and inspire us to work tirelessly for the good of all Your children, including our brothers and sisters who identify with the Pride movement. In Jesus’ name. Amen.