Praying for NEXUS Scotland
3. The SECC Becomes a House of Prayer
3.1 Building a Temple
When Hiram heard the words of Solomon, he rejoiced greatly, and said, “Blessed be the LORD today, who has given to David a wise son to be over this great people.” Hiram sent word to Solomon, “I have heard the message that you have sent to me; I will fulfil all your needs in the matter of cedar and cypress timber.
(1 Kings 5: 8 – 9)
Holy God, creator of all that is and will be,
who are we to think we can build your house?
Who are we to think we can undertake your work?
Who are we to presume to know your will?
Yet you have entrusted the building of your realm into our hands.
My hands alone can achieve so little,
help me to see, help me to appreciate
those you send to me to share the task.
Help us to work with all who seek to build your realm on this earth.
Help us to see in the other, your helping hand. Amen.
3.2 Dedicating a Temple
Will God indeed dwell on the earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, much less this house that I have built! (1 Kings 8: 27)
Holy God, creator of all that is and will be,
who are we to think we can build your house?
Who are we to think that any building on earth can contain your glory?
Help us to remember that
where two or three are gathered in our Saviour’s name,
you are there.
Help us to remember you are among us where ever we go;
you are there where two or three pause
to speak with you
to listen to you.
Help us to remember that
wherever we pray is a house of prayer;
a place where your glory will shine.
In the busyness of preparations;
in the bustle of the exhibition;
in the sharing of experiences,
help us know you are there;
help us know that when two or three thousand
come together in your name,
you have already created a house of prayer.
Amen.
3.3 Worship
Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory of his name;
worship the LORD in holy splendour.
(Psalm 29: 1 – 2)
As we listen we hear your voice, Creator God,
throughout the universe;
in city street,
in highland glen,
in the vast wilderness of the frozen lands of this world
and in the burning sands of deserts.
As we listen we hear your voice, Saviour God,
it is heard by young and old,
male and female,
rich and poor.
As we listen we hear your voice, Spirit God,
heard in the quiet of the sanctuary
and in the commotion of exhibition hall.
As we listen, we hear your O God;
as we hear, we respond
and in trust our lives are worshipful prayer dedicated to your holy name.
Amen.
3.4 Going Up to the House of the Lord
I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the LORD!”
(Psalm 122: 1)
I was glad when they said to me,
‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’
I was glad when they said to me,
‘Come to Glasgow and celebrate.’
As we prepare for our celebrations,
help us to see that as we walk through the SECC
you have made it holy;
as we fill the space
with prayer and praise,
with Scripture and song
help us to see you have created a new temple
to which all may come.
As we gather,
remind us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem
and all the world,
so that as we celebrate,
the world may know your justice,
your peace,
and rejoice.
Amen.
NEXUS Scotland 2007
23-25 August 2007
SECC
Glasgow
Scottish
Christian Resources Exhibition
