Loving Father, there are those whose lives have been savagely impacted by this pandemic - those who have tested positive to the virus, those who have lost loved ones and not been able to say goodbye, those who are still feeling the effects of the virus months after having it, those who have lost their employment and their livelihoods, those who have been unable to meet face to face with friends and family and led an isolated existence.

As we appear to be emerging from the grip of the pandemic, may each one of us have the hope and peace that only you can give. Open our hearts to receive you and, as we do, let us think of all the things we can give you thanks for:

We give thanks for the easing of Covid-19 restrictions on our daily lives.

We give thanks for the preparedness of Victorians and Australians to push up their sleeves and be vaccinated against the Coronavirus.

We give thanks for the superhuman effort of hospital workers, emergency workers, ambulance officers and all those who are caring for the sick and elderly.

We give thanks for the return of children to their classrooms and the beginnings of workers returning to their offices.

We give thanks that businesses are beginning to re-open and that workers are being employed again.