ST. PAUL CHURCH (RUNNYMEDE)

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CHURCH & SOCCER (FOOTBALL)

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The Church of England has prepared prayers for the upcoming World Cup tournament in South Africa! They were written by the Bishop of Croydon in association with the Revd Peter Moger, the National Worship Development Officer, and are for personal use or for use during church services. I am pleased to see that they are sufficiently neutral in wording to be able to be used in this diocese in Europe, since, alongside England, the following European countries will be competing: Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland. There are three prayers, including one "for those who are not particularly interested in the World Cup", which is no-one in our diocese, of course!
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Lord of all the nations, who played the cosmos into being,guide, guard and protect all who work or play in the World Cup. May all find in this competition a source of celebration, an experience of common humanity anda growing attitude of generous sportsmanship to others. Amen.
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God of the nations, who has always called his people to be a blessing for the world,bless all who take part in the World Cup. Smile on South Africa in her hosting, on the nations represented in competition andon those who travel to join in the party. Amen.
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A prayer for those simply not interested: Lord, as all around are gripped with World Cup fever, bless us with understanding, strengthen us with patience andgrant us the gift of sympathy if needed. Amen.
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