Hi all,
Friday (just gone) was "wear it purple day – see link.
http://wearitpurple.org/about/
I thought some of you may like to read the prayers written by Nicole Fleming for inclusion in tomorrow's liturgy at the uniting church she leads in Sydney's Balmain.
Nicole has previously been a guest speaker at the Sydney chapter meeting of f2be.
She has given permission for this to be shared.
"Wear it Purple Prayers”
We are grateful for the vision of young people in our community.
For their efforts to speak against injustice
and to offer hope to those who are bullied.
We give particular thanks for the students behind Wear it Purple day
And their courage to provide hope to gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, queer and transgender young people.
May compassion and understanding be offered to all who come out,
To those who are questioning and exploring their sexuality,
For those who are confused or who are struggling to accept themselves.
May they be surrounded by role models who offer them hope,
And communities that surround them with love and grace.
As parents learn more about who their children are,
May they have ears to hear, minds to understand and hearts to love.
May all young people find love and acceptance among their family and friends,
As they explore who they are and who they want to be.
We pray for all young people bullied for their differences,
For young people who feel isolated and lonely.
We ask you to surround them with people who care,
people who will encourage and value the diversity of humanity.
We pray for those who bully,
May their minds be opened to the impact of their actions on others,
May they find loving and just ways to be part of their communities.
As we bring our prayers to you loving God, we do so with conviction and faith,
We do so in the hope that all young people
will discover courage, support,
acceptance and hope in their lives.
I am sure many of you will join with me in saying Amen –
Sarab
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