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

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