They scrutinised their test tubes and Petri dishes,
searching for clues,
results,
answers.
For all their discoveries,
there was so much more to learn,
each experiment opening up new avenues of enquiry
and the prospect of a breakthrough
that would touch the lives of all.

Give me an enquiring mind, Lord:
an innate curiosity to learn about you
and to know you better.
However much I’ve understood,
remind me that faith constantly needs to explore
fresh horizons,
delving into the riches of who and what you are.
I’ve glimpsed a little:
help me to see more.
Amen.

(Taken from Calling Mars: Out of this world prayers for men, by Nick Fawcett.)

Loving Father,
our adventurous Creator,
give us the courage
to choose the path before us,
risking pain to find joy,
risking failure to be creative,
risking doubt to deepen faith,
risking rejection so that we might love,
risking stumbling so that we might climb,
risking the journey for the sake of the homecoming.
We ask this in the name of Jesus,
who risked living and dying
for love of us.
Amen.

(Taken from Revealed: A course uncovering Advent to Epiphany, by Claire Benton-Evans.)

May the sun of suns shine upon me,

bringing peace and poise.

May the healing rays come through me

until I frolic like the lambs.

Amen.

(Taken from Waymarks for the Journey, by Ray Simpson.)

She examined the proofs,
poring over each page line by line,
word by word,
painstakingly searching for any errors
that might detract from the finished book.

Examine me, Lord,
and show me what’s wrong in my life.
Search me
and help me to recognise where I go astray.
Teach me to look carefully at who and what I am,
identifying my faults and weaknesses,
and, with your help, seeking to put them right,
so that, imperfect as I am,
I may nonetheless draw a little closer
to what I’m meant to be
and what I hunger to become.
Amen.

(Taken from Touching the Seasons, by Nick Fawcett.)

Lord Jesus,
Thank you that, when anyone reaches out to you
in faith and expectation, wonderful things happen.
Grant me that kind of faith.
Thank you that when people involve you in their lives,
they begin to experience the hope of eternal life,
in your presence -
and receive your peace and comfort.
Help me to walk with you.
Thank you that in the fullness of your kingdom
there is no more sickness or death.
Be with those who are sick at this time;
and those suffering from bereavement.
In your name I pray.
Amen.

(Taken from The Fragrance of Jesus, by Patrick Coghlan.)

Show us how our daily living,
working, being and doing
might be love in action,
according to your will.
Amen.

(Taken from Revealed: A course uncovering Advent to Epiphany, by Claire Benton-Evans.)

Blessed are you, Lord our God,
for you have called us out of darkness
into your own most marvellous light.
You call us to know and to love you.
Grant that our lives may help to reveal
your love and glory in the world.
As you have called each of us to be saints
may we be worthy of our calling.
Blessed be Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

(By David Adam, taken from Artwork and Texts for Service Sheets and Newsletters, compiled by Tony Castle, John Elliston and Sarah Roberts.)

The day is just beginning,
be with us, we pray.
There is work to be done,
be with us, we pray.
There are challenges to face,
be with us, we pray.

(Taken from Hands Together, Eyes Closed, by Nick Harding.)

Lord God, thank you for healing me
with the blessing of your forgiveness.
Thank you for your generous, shining love
that changes crusted lives and broken spirits.
Thank you that you love us as we are
and are happy to enlist our help
in the lighting of dark places,
bringing hope and joy.
Blessed be God for ever.
Amen.

(Taken from Making Christmas Happen, by Susan Sayers.)

This is fun!
When I try things for the first time
I will think of you, God.
I will never be scared
because you are right by my side.
Amen.

(Taken from The Mouse-Lynn Book of Prayers for Children, by Heather Ellis.)