As with previous weeks during lockdown and the phased easing of restrictions, 14 Christian churches and organisations across the country,  have co-signed the letter calling for prayer.

The statement , signed by Archbishop Cushley, reads: "As we see the easing of the restrictions on Lockdown, we begin to reconnect and rediscover what it is to welcome one another and to give and receive in a social context.

"Welcoming, giving and receiving are integral to human experience and reflect something of what it is to be made in the image of God.

"In Matthew’s Gospel (10: 40-42), Jesus reflects upon this and points to the truth that in welcoming one another we potentially welcome the presence of God. In our welcoming of one another, let us renew the relationships that shape our social community and our communion with the living presence of God."

Let us pray:
Living God, the God who creates,
You have made us in your image
That, in our giving and receiving,
We might better reflect your image.
For this gift we praise and thank you.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.

Living God, the God who gives,
Your gift to the world
Is revealed in your Son,
The image of the invisible God.
For the renewing presence of your Son, we praise and thank you.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.

Living God, the God who renews,
You call us to renew our relationships with one another
That, in so doing,
We might renew our relationship with you.
For the welcome you offer in renewal, we praise and thank you.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.

Living God, the God who welcomes,
You welcome us when we return to you
Weary and heavy laden.
Receive us as we are and forgive us when we stumble.
For the love we experience as we are welcomed, we praise and thank you.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.

Living God, the God who loves,
You offer us good gifts
And invite us to receive them.
In response, we offer our lives and all that we are.
For the sure promise of your love, we praise and thank you.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.

Signed by:

• Rt. Rev. Dr Martin Fair, Moderator of the General Assembly, Church of
  Scotland
• Most Rev. Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh,
  Roman Catholic Church
• Most Rev. Mark Strange, Primus, on behalf of the College of Bishops,
  Scottish Episcopal Church
• Rev. John Fulton, Moderator, United Free Church of Scotland
• Rev. Dr David Pickering, Moderator, United Reformed Church (Scotland)
• Rev. Martin Hodson, General Director, Baptist Union of Scotland
• Rev. Mark Slaney, District Chair, Methodist Church (Scotland)
• Rev. May-Kane Logan, Chair, Congregational Federation in Scotland
• Lt. Col. Carol Bailey, Secretary for Scotland, Salvation Army
• Adwoa Bittle, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
• Rev. Jim Ritchie, District Superintendent, British Isles North District,
  Church of the Nazarene
• Pastor Chris Gbenle, Provincial Pastor, Province of Scotland, Redeemed
  Christian Church of God
• Bishop Francis Alao, Church of God (Scotland)/Minority Ethnic Churches
  Together in Scotland (MECTIS)
• Rev Fred Drummond, Director, Evangelical Alliance (Scotland)