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St George's Church in Rugby has played host to over 500 hundred children for each of the past six years. They come along to an interactive exhibition to learn about Christianity. They go around in small groups with church members as guides; they try on priests' and choir robes. There are displays covering the church's year, as well as baptism, weddings and funerals; and those showing Christians going out to "love and serve the Lord". The children are invited to write their own prayers during these visits, and on the following Sunday these are offered as the church's intercessions. Sadly, what has become apparent over the years is the growing number of children who, either in their conversations, or in their prayers, display almost heart-breaking pain and grief, often tempered by such love and grace that makes us feel both ashamed and helpless.
The prayers that follow are typical of those we read each year. We may not see the children again, but we can make their prayers our prayers.
Dear God, please help my family to keep strong at this moment as it isn't happy - and help me control my actions.
Dear God, help us to make the right choices in life and show us right from wrong. Please help to stop all wars and end poverty. Thank you for every day you give us.
Dear God why was I born disabled?
I wish there would be peace in the world and our loved ones would come back safe.
Please God why can't I be clever like other children? .
Help me to learn from my mistakes.
Dear God, please help me; I feel like my life is in a mess
I wish my parents would get back together - please answer my prayer.
Dear God, please don't make my Dad work away any more. Please get the thoughts (you now what they are) out of my head. Help me to be a nicer person. Please!
Dear God, please help my Mum to forgive my Dad and let them both be happy now they are separated.
Help my dad; he's come back from hospital and we don't know what's wrong. Please help him to relax and have no stress and for my Mum that she doesn't think she is a bad wife and for her to cope.
Please can you make sure my great Nan is OK. I never got to her funeral. I miss her so much - so please can you look after her.
Dear God please make sure my Dad is OK. And make sure he never forgets me because I will never forget him. Thank you.
Dear Lord, thank you for each day I live, thank you for my family, thank you for everything I have. I will always have faith in you
© 2005 Newsline 2004