Leader:
Let us gather in humility and reverence as we reflect on the words of our Lord Jesus Christ concerning wealth and poverty. His teachings call us not only to examine our actions, but to shape our hearts in the pattern of His love. May we enter this time of meditation with open hearts.
All:
Open our hearts, Lord, to Your truth about wealth and poverty.
Help us to live lives of cruciform love.
Leader:
Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
(Matthew 5:3)
All:
Blessed are the humble, those who trust fully in God.
Help us to live lives of cruciform love.
Leader:
Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.”
(Matthew 6:19)
All:
Teach us, Lord, to seek the treasures of heaven, that which is eternal and cannot fade away.
Help us to live lives of cruciform love.
Leader:
Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money.”
(Matthew 6:24)
All:
Grant us the grace to serve You alone, O Lord. Deliver us from the love of wealth and the pursuit of selfish gain.
Help us to live lives of cruciform love.
Leader:
Jesus said, “Sell your possessions and give to the poor… Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out.”
(Luke 12:33)
All:
Inspire us to generosity and selflessness. May we open our hearts and hands to those in need.
Help us to live lives of cruciform love.
Leader:
Jesus warned, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
(Mark 10:25)
All:
Guard our hearts from the snares of wealth and privilege. Lead us to a life of simplicity and trust in You.
Help us to live lives of cruciform love.
Leader:
Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… to proclaim good news to the poor.”
(Luke 4:18)
All:
Empower us, by Your Spirit, to proclaim Your gospel of hope and restoration to the poor, the oppressed, and the forgotten.
Help us to live lives of cruciform love.
Leader:
Jesus told the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, warning us of the dangers of neglecting the suffering of others.
(Luke 16:19-31)
All:
Open our eyes to see the needs of those around us. May we not turn away from the suffering at our very door.
Help us to live lives of cruciform love.
Leader:
Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
(Matthew 25:40)
All:
May we see Your face, Lord, in the faces of the poor, the lonely, and the vulnerable. As we serve them, may we serve You.
Help us to live lives of cruciform love.
Leader:
Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me.”
(Matthew 16:24)
All:
Teach us the way of the cross, O Lord. We lay down our earthly desires and follow You, trusting in Your grace and love to sustain us.
Help us to live lives of cruciform love.
Leader:
And now, as our Saviour has taught us, let us pray with one heart and voice:
All:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
For ever and ever. Amen.
Leader:
Lord, may Your words shape our lives and hearts. Send us forth to be a people of humility, generosity, and love, embodying the cross of Christ in all we do.
All:
Amen. Help us to live lives of cruciform love.
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