As you might already, I’m a big fan of the work of Manna Gum, and not just because they included my article in the latest Manna Matters – I recommend reading the whole thing and signing up for future editions (better yet, take a day off and trawl through their back catalogue!). You can read the latest Manna Matters here.

And here’s a prayer I wrote for the latest Amos Magazine that’s just been printed – if you’d like a hard copy, let me know and I’ll get one sent to you (such are my sweeping powers).

A prayer for help in hospitality

Father, Son and Spirit

We’re so comfortable living in your creation and presence

That we hardly notice your generous hospitality

Or the space you carved out for us.

You have crafted so thoughtful a welcome

So warm and gentle an embrace

That at times we start thinking your world belongs to us, and is our handiwork.

Forgive us for those times and restore us:

Sit us back down at your bountiful table

Teach us again the basics of hospitality

And the artistry of your neighbourliness.

Drill us in the craft of making space for those

Who are told – one way or another – that they don’t belong

Make us masters of making room for them

So that the lie of not-belonging is simply untenable

Because they feel your open-armed welcome

Is genuine and present in us.

Make them no longer strangers or enemies or guests

But friends, dearly beloved friends.

We need your help

and rather a lot of it

So guide our stumbling feet

And embolden our trembling hearts.

Strap us in, cover us with grace

and make it loads and loads of fun

For the sake of Jesus

Amen