July Prayer 2022
Thank you, Lord God, for this month of July, as we hope for 
long summer days, the warmth of sun upon our faces, the scents of flowers and the sound of children playing. We thank you for the luscious greenness of the ancient trees around us… the gentle wind… the birds which sing in our gardens and accompany us as we enjoy your creation.
We thank you for the time of holiday – of being able to get away or stop the usual routines. We thank you for a time of refreshment and rest. Help us to appreciate the opportunity to do less than usual – a time of ‘being’ not frantic ‘doing’.
We thank you, Lord, for our loved ones with whom we share this time. Encourage us to smile at the energy of the children, the joy of families being together, the closeness of couples young and old. Help us to see with your eyes of love those with whom we live.
We remember those who find this time difficult: those whose lives are out of control, those who are lonely, those who find it difficult to mix with others. May each and every person realise that they are loved by You, that they are precious and valued.
We pray for the upcoming Lambeth Conference – where Bishops from all over the world meet to discern Your will for the church. Open their hearts to meet in Your love, to listen with the compassion of Your Son, and to be one in the Spirit.
Father, help me to live this day to the full, being true to You in every way,
Jesus, help me to give myself away to others, being kind to everyone I meet,
Spirit, help me to love the lost, proclaiming Christ in all I do and say. Amen (Lectio 365)
