During our Harvest Festival service on Sunday, the congregation were asked to write down what they were thankful for and what concerns they have. These messages were compiled and turned into prayers which were read out during the service.

Creator God,

We are thankful to see the beginnings of resolution in Gaza and pray for peace through diplomacy, not war, in both Gaza and Ukraine.

Thank you, God, for the abundance of your beautiful world - for the stars, the wildlife, the colours of autumn, and the richness of life in all its variety.

Thank you for our families, our health, our homes, our freedom, and for never having known real hunger.

We are grateful for the food we have and how readily available it is in our shops.

Thank you for farmers, transport workers, shopkeepers, gardens, and allotments. Thank you for the variety of fruit and vegetables that nourish us.

We pray that we will manage the world better. Help us care for the bees and the soil, preserve rather than destroy, and be mindful of the insecticides and pesticides we use.

May we produce more food locally and import less, reducing air miles and treating your creation, including animals and livestock, with kindness.

We are deeply concerned about climate change. Though we do our best through recycling, walking, cycling, and reusing, we need governments to act boldly to curb the power and influence of the oil industry.

We pray this for the sake of our children and grandchildren. We are so thankful for all we have. Give us grace to give and receive with open hearts.

Amen.