Prayer:
Loving God, we confess we are afraid of what we do not understand.
Our fear sometimes causes us to ignore others, to despise them,
or to think we know better than they do.
When we are afraid, remind us that you are with us,
accompanying us, consoling us, comforting us,
calling us to follow you.
Save us from creating hierarchies
and allowing our unconscious biases to guide our decisions.
Free us to show your love to everyone whom we meet.
For we know we are loved by you as we seek to love others.
You are with us; you journey with us; you love us that, in turn, we may love.
We thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Bible reading:
John 9:1-41 (Jesus Heals A Man Born Blind)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+9&version=GNT
The Bible Gateway website includes further translations in English and many other languages.

Hymn:
Amazing grace! (Church Hymnary, No. 555)
Nana Mouskouri (first three verses):


Barack Obama:


Bagpipes, but only verse 1:

Blessing:
The Lord has promised good to me,
his word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.
(the verse of Amazing grace missing from all the above videos)

Finally:
Some favourite Bible passages that people have been sharing this past week:

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound mind.
(1 Timothy 1:7, NKJV)

Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7, NIV)

Do not be afraid – I am with you!
I am your God – let nothing terrify you! (Isaiah 41:10, GNB)