SUNDAY PRAYERS JANUARY 5TH 2025

EPIPHANY

Call to Worship

We gather wondering, 'Where will we find the Babe born in Bethlehem?'                  We will find the Babe in the laughter of children, in the wisdom of grandparents.

We gather asking, 'where will we find the Child of Christmas?'                                  We will find the Child where the needy are gifted with hope,
where the oppressed are set free.

We gather wanting to know, 'where will we find the Christ

who has come for us?'                                                                                          We will find our Hope where fear is overwhelmed by grace,
where hatred is overwhelmed by love,
where all people are overwhelmed by joy.

Prayers of Approach and Confession

We have heard of your grace, Shaper of stars;                                                        from those set free from injustice;
from our children who whisper of your joy;
from greeters of dawn's fresh start;
from late risers who listen to the stories of the needy.

We have heard of your Light, Bright Star of the morning:                                        which can illumine the shadows of our lives;
which can show the path to God's heart;
which can point the way to where we become servants of the gospel.

We have heard of your promised peace, Wisdom's Radiance:
that peace which can end war, as well as heal our hearts;
that peace which can conquer our fears, and flood us with faith;
that peace which can enter our lives and overwhelm us with hope.

We search for your light, Star Caster, but too often end up settling for the dimness of temptation. Our motives for seeking to find Christ are not always pure, for we expect him to fulfil our desires, rather than your hopes for us.                                We want the gifts of wealth, health, success, fulfilment, rather than those of servanthood, of compassion, of peace.                                                                  Forgive us, Shaper of our lives, that we are so foolish to put our needs ahead of your grace. Help us to be like those wise people of so long ago, who found hope, instead of a destination; who found grace, instead of gratitude; who found salvation, instead of a sign. As we journey with your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, fill us with the light of your joy and love.

Assurance of Pardon

Up, on your feet! Grace has been poured into our hearts,                                      love has flooded our souls, the light of hope shines in us.
This is the light which has come to all,                                                                  the light we will carry and give to everyone we meet.                                              Thanks be to God.                                                                                                Amen.

The Lord`s Prayer

Prayers of Intercession

God of wonder and mystery,
God of the stars and the universe,
God of winding ways and straight paths,
we gather today with gratitude for the gift of your constant presence,
your trustworthy guidance,
and your daring risk-taking with us.
You dare to love us despite our inability to respond fully.
You dare to care for us, despite our challenge in caring for others.
You dare to walk with us, despite our fickleness.

On our own journeys toward the stars and guiding points you put before us,
you continue to lead us forward,
guiding us by the teachings of Jesus
to seek justice, love kindness, and walk humbly in your loving shadow.

As we struggle with the political wrangling of this world,
the wars waged for both justice and greed,
the violence committed daily against the innocent,
let alone the pain of broken relationships and loss,
you remain steadfast in your care and devotion
for your entire creation throughout the universe.
It is almost too much to take in sometimes.
And even in our doubts and disbelief,
our struggle to understand and constant misunderstanding,
and our flat-out ignorance about your ways,
you remain constantly present to us.

We pray for peace in this world, Lord,
the kind of peace in which we celebrate diversity,
are joyfully challenged by adversity,
and share in the joy that is to be found everywhere.

We pray for those who are lonely,
that you might lead us to reach out and be friends.

We pray for those who are hungry,
that you might lead us to offer sustenance.

We pray for those who are lost,
that you might lead us to give hope and direction.

We pray for the countries of the world,
that we might find a way to work together to lift one another up.

We pray for our leaders,
that your Spirit might guide them to set an example for our country and the world
to work together rather than against one another.

We pray for the Congregational Federation,
that we may seek to build up the Body of Christ.
We pray for ministers, deacons and members
that they may continually seek your Spirit                                                            in their lives and their daily decisions
as they serve their congregations.

And we pray for ourselves,
that we might continue on this journey,
learning the lessons you offer,
seeking the fullness of your perfection,
and live as you would have us live.

These prayers and hopes we offer in confidence                                                      and gratitude for your love and presence,                                                              Amen.

The Dismissal

God sends you out by a different road.
May you find those who have been left by the side of the world.
Jesus walks with you down a different road.
May you serve those who are lonely and frightened.
The Spirit illumines a different road.
May take you take our sisters and brothers by the hand
to walk in wonder and grace.

The Grace

SUNDAY PRAYERS JANUARY 12TH

THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST

Call to Worship

Come, all who seek a deeper understanding of God's presence in our world.
Come with open hearts, seeking the Spirit that moves among us.

As Jesus was baptised in the Jordan, He stood alongside all humanity.
Let us seek to live lives of compassion, justice, and love.

Let us worship the God of love, who calls us all beloved.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Confession

We thank you that when we baptize ourselves
in the frigid waters of fear, you come to gather us up,
drying us off with grace, wrapping us in the warm and comforting towel                  of your Spirit.

We thank you that when our faith becomes
as threadbare as the carpet beneath our feet,
you come, your work boots on, your tool belt around your waist,
building a new foundation for us, whistling, 'my hope is built
on nothing less . . .'

We thank you that when we worry that someone
else has taken our place in your heart,
you show us where our name is etched,
so you can always feel us with every beat.

God in Community, Holy in One,
we lift our prayers of thanksgiving to you,

as we bring also our prayers of confession.

We know what it is like to be singed by the flames of our lives, Holy God.           

We look for ourselves in all the wrong places - success, power, adulation.                We carve our names in the granite walls of work,                                                    hoping we will be remembered when we are gone.                                                  We have gone through the waters of baptism,                                                        but live as if they have not changed us.                                                                We need to hear your sure word, 'do not fear,' .

Our failures do not cause you to stop loving us, for you continue to claim us, gathering us up in your compassionate arms.

In our baptism, we discover not the end, but the first step of our journey

with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Assurance of Pardon

God's words of comfort and restoration are more powerful than any foolishness,

any mistakes, any sins we commit.

This is good news: we are God's people!
By water and word, by the Spirit of God's redeeming grace,                                    we are marked and sealed as God's beloved children.                                              Thanks be to God!                                                                                                Amen.

The Lord`s Prayer

Prayers of Intercession

Loving God,
as we reflect on Jesus' baptism and the blessing of Your Spirit,
we lift up our prayers for the world,
trusting that You are with us in our hopes, needs, and challenges.

We pray for Your Church across the world,
that it may be a source of hope, compassion, and justice.
May we, as Your people, remember our baptismal calling                                        to be a light in the world,
sharing Your love with humility and courage.                                                          Empower us to follow Jesus' example of radical compassion,
reaching out to those in need and advocating for justice in our communities.

We pray for leaders of all nations,
that they may seek wisdom, integrity, and a commitment to peace.
May they govern with justice,
and may their decisions bring life, safety, and hope to all people.
Strengthen them to care for the vulnerable,
the poor, and those who seek refuge and freedom.

God of Comfort, we lift up all who suffer today,
those who are burdened by illness, loss, or isolation.

We pray for those facing oppression or hardship,
that they may feel Your strength beside them.

Grant healing to the sick, peace to the grieving,
and community to the lonely.
Help us to be Your hands and feet,
bringing comfort and love wherever there is pain.

Creator God, we pray for the earth,
Your beautiful creation.
Guide us to be responsible caretakers,
tending to the planet with respect and wisdom.
May we work together to protect it,
ensuring a future for generations to come.

Finally, Lord, we lift up our own lives,
asking that You would renew our faith and open our hearts to Your Spirit.

Help us to live as Your beloved children,
caring for others, standing up for what is right,
and offering compassion to all we meet.
In Jesus' name, we pray.                                                                                      Amen.

The Dismissal

May you go forth with the assurance
that you are deeply loved and cherished by God.

May you find your true identity in God's unending love,
just as Jesus was called the beloved Son at His baptism.

May the Holy Spirit rest upon you,
filling you with peace, joy, and a sense of belonging.

The Grace

SUNDAY PRAYERS JANUARY 19TH
SECOND SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY

Opening Prayer

O God of steadfast love,
at the wedding in Cana
your Son Jesus turned water into wine,
delighting all who were there.
In our worship today                                                                                            transform our hearts by your Spirit,
that we may use our varied gifts
to show forth the light of your love
as one body in Christ.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Confession

We thank you Lord,

that you bring us rest for our weary hearts,

peace for our troubled minds,

and joy at seeing your face.

We anticipate the wedding feast,

the celebration of your presence

and our connection forever with you.

We thank you Lord,                                                                                              that when our lives run dry,

we rest in the hope that you will replenish us.

We await the hour when you come and reinvent the world.

We trust you Lord,                                                                                                to take the emptiness of religion

and fill us with the richness of new creation in you.                                                We confess before you Lord,                                                                                those things which separate us from you and from one another.

We submit ourselves to your transforming power

and your wisdom to make us into our true selves,

the people you made us to be.

With joy, we praise you Lord,                                                                                for your wonderful power and grace,

coming once to give us what we needed

and coming again to make all things complete.

 We place our trust in you.

Help us also to believe in the glory you have revealed

as we look expectantly toward the fullness of the future you bring.

Come, Lord Jesus.                                                                                                Amen.

The Lord`s Prayer

Prayers of Intercession

God of wedding parties and new wine,

of love and laughter, dancing and singing,

we pause to pray for those among your worldwide family

who today may be feeling left out in the cold. 

Bless the many people who must toil for such long hours

that there is no time or energy to laugh or sing.

Bless your children who feel so demeaned and exploited

that they view even angels of mercy with suspicion and fear.

Bless the many folk who are caught in vicious circles of evil

and can see no way to escape.

Bless those among your children whose every waking hour is spent in pain,

and whose sleep is at the best fitful.

Bless those people who are drawn to Christ and new life,

yet who fear the scorn of family, friends or workmates.

Bless your children who once tasted the new wine of Christ

but have now slipped away into indifference, or maybe despair.

Bless those folk who with much trembling,

hand their lives over to you this day.

May they find faith and courage for the days to come.

Bless the people of your church,

that abundant love may flow in our prayers

and our prayers flow into generous words and deeds.

In the name of the Christ who makes all things new.                                              Amen!

The Dismissal

Go now, with your trust in Christ 
who has quenched your thirst with the wine of God’s love.
Do not be silent about God’s faithful love,
but shelter in the warmth of God’s wings
and keep your hearts honest.

May God rejoice over you and call you “My Delight;”
May Christ Jesus bring out the best in you, to his glory;
And may the Spirit equip you all with gifts for the common good.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord,
in the name of Christ.                                                                                          Amen.

The Grace

SUNDAY PRAYERS JANUARY 26TH

THIRD SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Lord Jesus, preaching good tidings to the people,

proclaiming release to captives,

setting at liberty those who are bound:
We adore you.

Lord Jesus, friend of the outcast and the poor,

feeder of the hungry,

healer of the sick:
We adore you.

Lord Jesus,

denouncing the oppressor,

exposing the hypocrite,

overcoming evil with good:
We adore you.

Lord Jesus,

pattern of gentleness,

teacher of holiness,

prophet of the kingdom:
We adore you.

Lord Jesus,

dying to save us from our sin,

rising to give us eternal life,

ascending to prepare our heavenly home:
We adore you.

Waiting God, you know us all too well. We listen to this episode in the life of Jesus. We hear the astonishment of the people gathered in worship                                  as Jesus proclaims the mandate and scope of his ministry.

It is what they had hoped for and also what they have feared.

Change and challenge are always difficult.

We are more inclined to turn our backs on opportunities of service

than pitch in to affect the needed changes that will promote healing and wholeness.

Forgive us when we give lip service to you and then slip into inaction.                      Give us courage to be willing disciples.                                                                  Help us to be people of promise and hope.                                                            In Jesus' Name, we offer this prayer. 

Assurance of Pardon

Jesus has opened the doors for service to each one of us.                                        We have been freed from our fears and doubts.                                                      Rejoice, dear fiends!                                                                                            In Jesus' Name, we are forgiven and healed.                                                          Thanks be to God.

Amen.

The Lord`s Prayer

Prayers of Intercession

As the prophet Isaiah rang out, “Arise, shine; for your light has come;”

empower your Church, O God,

to ring out the Good News of the Light of your son Jesus,

which pierces even the deepest darkness.

As a star rose high into the nighttime sky

to draw the nations to the Christ-child;

send your blessing, O God, on this nation, and every nation,

and draw the whole world to your peace and truth.

As John the Baptist guided throngs of people to the edge of the wilderness

and baptized Jesus in the River Jordan,

we pray that you would guide our country and our leaders

to the ways of justice and righteousness.

Like the Magi who travelled from afar

to bring gifts and celebrate the Savior’s birth;

we pray for this community,

and for those who celebrate their own birthdays and anniversaries;

As Jesus climbed the mountaintop,

and proclaimed blessings on the people of the world;

we pray for the sick and the distressed, the poor and the lame.

We especially pray for those near and dear to us.

As Jesus called his disciples to leave their nets and boats, and follow him;

we pray for those we love and who have answered your call

to follow Jesus to your Heavenly Kingdom. Give them your peace.

Lord Jesus, Light of the World,

hear our prayers, and make us reflections of your Light,

that the places of darkness in our world would be pierced by your Light,

and that all nations would be drawn to you and be overwhelmed with joy.            Amen.

The Dismissal

The Spirit of the Lord is upon you!
You have been called,

You have been anointed,

You have been given a task.
So go out from this place

into the mission field that is the world.
Go carrying Good News to the world:

news about freedom from oppression

and healing for the afflicted.
The time of the Lord's favour is now!

The Grace

SUNDAY PRAYERS FEBRUARY 2ND

CANDLEMAS

Scripture Sentences

In the beginning God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light, and God saw that the light was very good, and he separated light from darkness.”

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows me shall never walk in darkness

but shall have the light of life.”  

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Lord God, you are the source of everlasting light.                                                    Your son was presented in the temple forty days after his birth.                              He was recognised by Simeon and Anna and welcomed as the promised Messiah. May we like them, behold the glory of Christ.                                                    Grant that we may stand before you with hearts cleansed by your forgiving love.

We worship you, loving, listening God.                                                                  We offer you our prayers and praises                                                                  drawn to your light and seeking your way.

Father eternal, giver of light and grace,                                                                  we have sinned against you and against our neighbour,                                          in what we have thought, in what we have said and done,                                      through ignorance, through weakness,                                                              through our own deliberate fault.                                                                          We have wounded your love and marred your image in us.                                      We are sorry and ashamed, and repent of all our sins.                                            For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who died for us, forgive us all that is past; and lead us out from darkness to walk as children of light.

Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy upon us,

pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness, and keep us in life eternal.

Like Simeon, may we grow old in hope and wonder.                                                Like Anna, may we be in love with you all our days.                                                May we be open to truth, open to surprises.                                                          May we let your spirit into our lives.                                                                      May we let your justice change our behaviour.                                                      May we live in the brightness of your joy.                                                              Amen.     

The Lord`s Prayer

Prayers of Intercession

Almighty God, we give thanks for the welcome given to the child, Jesus,                by Simeon and Anna, seeing that in his life there would be joy,                              sorrow and suffering, and for the example they have set us.

As we remember the older and retired people in our churches,                           

we thank you and pray for their work with children, young people

and families in our communities.

We pray your Holy Spirit may inspire them to use and share their experiences of life with wisdom, humility and gladness. We pray for the work and service of all homes and day centres for the elderly and those in need.

Jesus Light of the world, shine in our darkness.

Lord, we pray that churches across the world                                                        may always be ready to travel along your way and in your direction.
Bless and guide our ministers and leaders
Help us to be alive to your Spirit, who searches all our hearts                                  and renews our lives as we offer our faith and obedience.

Jesus Light of the world, shine in our darkness

We pray for nations and leaders as they live through conflicts and struggle with identity. We think of Ukraine and the Middle East
We remember those suffering in natural disasters and extreme weather both at home and abroad, whether it be floods or famines.
We pray for all those people sacrificially working to bring aid and help                      where it is most needed.

Jesus Light of the world, shine in our darkness.

We pray for the families and communities we represent                                          asking that we may have a spirit of generous love,

understanding and respect for those who are different from us.

Jesus Light of the world, shine in our darkness.

We pray for all finding their life-journey tedious, lonely or uncertain,
those who are ill or vulnerable.                                                                              Be their strong comfort in times of need.                                                              Bless and protect their families and their careers.

Jesus Light of the world, shine in our darkness.

Lord, we remember for those who have died                                                          and pray for those who miss and grieve for them.

Christ is the light of the world,                                                                              a light which no darkness can quench.                                                                  May our candles today be a symbol of your love and warmth and hope.
You turn our darkness into light, in your light shall we see light.
Grant us and all who have known you in their hearts                                              a share in your eternal kingdom.

Jesus Light of the world, shine in our darkness

In a moment of silence                                                                                        we make our particular concerns known to God.

Open our eyes, Father
To the light of your glory
In the world you have made
In the people around us
And in the face of Jesus Christ our Lord.                                                               

Jesus Light of the world, shine in our darkness

Merciful Father, accept these prayers                                                                      for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.                                                  Amen.

Nunc Dimittis

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace                                          according to thy word.                                                                                      For mine eyes have seen thy salvation;                                                              Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;                                        To be a light to lighten the Gentiles                                                                        and to be the glory of thy people Israel.

The Dismissal

The Lord Jesus give light to your eyes,       

light to your minds,                                                                                          light to your hearts,                                                                                            light to your whole lives,                                                                                    That you may witness to Christ Today and forever

Turn from the crib to the cross.                                                                            May you go to carry the light of Christ.                                                                  May you shine with the light of Christ`s love.

The Grace

SUNDAY PRAYERS FEBRUARY 9TH

FOURTH SUNDAY BEFORE LENT

Call to Worship

Jesus calls us
to praise and prayer,

to song and silence;
Jesus calls us to worship.  

Jesus calls us
to hearing and healing,

to service and solidarity;
Jesus calls us to love.

Jesus calls us
to advocacy and action,

to protest and provision;
Jesus calls us to justice.
Let us heed the call of Christ.
Let us worship together with joy.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Confession

Holy God, you are the God above and beyond all things!  

With trust, hope and humility in our hearts and minds, we gather to praise and worship you, the God who always hears and answers our prayers.

God’s promises are trustworthy and honourable, and so with thankful hearts and minds, we praise and worship our God who understands and guides us.

Ever-loving and Faithful God, you are utterly to be trusted! God’s mercy and love does not discriminate between the rich and the poor, the powerful or the humble, but instead, God pours blessings and grace upon all people who respond to God’s gracious and generous acts of love and compassion.

Awesome God, we come in reverent wonder before our God!  

Every day and night, we have been blessed by the wonders of our God,

whose ways are beyond our understanding, but whose mercy never fails;

and whose gentle powers are shown through God’s unfailing kindness

to people who are weak and in need of strength, encouragement

and hope for the future.

Ever-present God, your faithful love endures for ever, and ever and so we give thanks with all our hearts.

You Son called the disciples from their everyday lives to a life of faith in action, forgive us when we fail to respond to your call with faith.                                     

Forgive us when we are shackled by our narrow understandings of discipleship and our clouded sense of purpose.

Forgive us when we are frightened of the future                                                      or pull back from the demand of your calling.

Forgive us when we fail to sense your presence in our past,                                    to acknowledge your grace in the present moment,                                                and to trust you for our future.

Through your Spirit, we offer ourselves in discipleship.

We stand together as your disciples.

We seek renewed and renewing faith.

Touch us now with your Spirit, Lord                                                                      and grant forgiveness and the assurance of your pardon.                                        Amen

The Lord`s Prayer

Prayers of Intercession   

As the prophet Isaiah rang out, “Arise, shine; for your light has come;”

empower your Church, O God,

to ring out the Good News of the Light of your son Jesus,

which pierces even the deepest darkness. 

As a star rose high into the nighttime sky

to draw the nations to the Christ-child;

send your blessing, O God, on this nation, and every nation,

and draw the whole world to your peace and truth.

As John the Baptist guided throngs of people to the edge of the wilderness

and baptized Jesus in the River Jordan,

we pray that you would guide our country and our leaders

to the ways of justice and righteousness.

Like the Magi who travelled from afar

to bring gifts and celebrate the Savior’s birth;

we pray for this community,

and for those who celebrate their own birthdays and anniversaries.

As Jesus climbed the mountaintop,

and proclaimed blessings on the people of the world;

we pray for the sick and the distressed, the poor and the lame.

We especially pray for _____.

As Jesus called his disciples to leave their nets and boats, and follow him;

we pray for those we love and who have answered your call

to follow Jesus to your Heavenly Kingdom. Give them your peace.

Lord Jesus, Light of the World,

hear our prayers, and make us reflections of your Light,

that the places of darkness in our world would be pierced by your Light,

and that all nations would be drawn to you and be overwhelmed with joy.              Amen.

The Dismissal

You call us,

Wanderer of seashores and sideroads,

inviting us to sail out of our smug harbours

into the uncharted waters of faith

to wander off from our predictable paths to follow You

into the unpredictable footsteps of the kingdom;

to leave the comfort of our homes and accompany

You into the uncomfortable neighbourhoods we usually avoid.

As we face this coming week in our simple, sometimes complex,

constantly uncertain lives,

speak to us:

of that hope which is our anchor;

of that peace which is our rock;

of that grace which is our refuge.

The Grace

Minister ~ Rev Alan Kennedy 07733153203 01612703296 alanrk1690@gmail.com