SUNDAY PRAYERS SEPTEMBER 3RD

THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

Opening Prayer

Loving God,

You call us to turn away from our own selfish interests,

to take up our cross,

and to follow after You,

to find our lives by giving them up to Your greater purpose.

So we come before You this morning

with open hearts and open hands,

eager to hear Your Word, and eager to know Your will.

Through the power of Your Holy Spirit,

move within us and among us as we worship.

Open our eyes to Your presence;

open our ears to Your call,

open our hearts to one another.

And then send us back out into the world,

to live and work as Your faithful disciples.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Lord,

Amen.

Prayers of Approach and Confession

Lord God,

Maker of heaven and earth,

we gather together in Your name.

We come as living sacrifices,

to offer You our worship and thanksgiving,

our praise and our prayers.

Come among us, living Lord.

Through the power of Your Holy Spirit,

transform our hearts and minds

so that we may recognize Your presence,

hear Your voice,

know Your will,

and walk in Your way.

Merciful God,

You call us to follow;

to turn away from our own selfish interests,

and to take up our cross and follow after You,

even if the path is difficult to see,

or is heading in a direction

we would never have chosen for ourselves.

Forgive us for being so quick to question

and so hesitant to follow.

Help us to see with the eyes of faith,

rather than from our own human point of view.

Teach us to follow without fear,

knowing that You are always with us,

leading the way.

Merciful God,

help us to turn away from things that do not lead to life;

from attitudes and actions that get in the way of our relationship with You

and distract us from hearing Your voice

and doing Your will.

Open our eyes and ears to Your presence and Your call.

Give us courage to take up our cross

and follow where You lead,

even if the path is uncertain

or leads in unexpected directions.

For You alone are God, and we are Your people.

Take our live and use us to Your glory. Amen.

Prayers of Intercession

Gracious God,

In love You created us,
and in love You sustain us, day after day.
So it is with confidence that we bring our prayers to You,
knowing that You hear us, and will respond.

We pray for the world around us,

for the many who continue to suffer and call out for help:

for those without enough to eat,

for those caught up in violence and political uprisings,

for those picking up the pieces after a natural disaster,

for those desperate to find work to support their families.

Gracious God, hear our prayer,

and in Your love, answer.

We also pray for family and friends who are suffering:

those struggling physically or emotionally,

those working to overcome mental illness,

those facing challenges at home or at work,

those grieving the death of a loved one.

Gracious God, hear our prayer,

and in Your love, answer.

God, You have called us to pray for our enemies;

to bless, rather than curse,

those who deliberately seek to harm us.

We bring their names before You now;

those who have hurt us, physically or emotionally,

those who have stolen from us,

or cheated us of what was rightfully ours,

those who have spread rumours about us,

or turned our friends against us.

We ask You to bless them.

Open our hearts so

that we may see them as You see them,

and be able to respond to them with Your love.

Gracious God, hear our prayer,

and in Your love, answer.

We pray for Your church around the world,

that it would be a living demonstration

of Your coming kingdom:

offering hospitality to all,

ready to help in times of need,

showing love to friends and enemies alike,

seeking to live in peace with all.

Gracious God, hear our prayer,

and in Your love, answer.

God, we praise You for Your faithful love,

and for the mercy You have shown toward us.

Open our eyes to recognize Your presence in our lives.

Give us grace to hear Your call,

and courage to follow without hesitation,

knowing that Your way is the only way that leads to life.

In the name of Jesus, our Saviour and Lord,

Amen.

The Dismissal

In the name of the Lord Jesus,

gentle and humble of heart,

full of compassion and maker of peace,

who lived in poverty and suffered persecution

for the cause of justice

and chose the Cross as the path to glory

to show us the way of salvation,

receive the word of the Gospel joyfully

and live by His example

as heirs and citizens of God`s kingdom.

The Grace

SUNDAY PRAYERS SEPTEMBER 10TH

FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

Call to Worship

We are called to wake from sleep,

to wake up and hear,

to wake up and see.

 

What has the Lord to show to us?

A new life,

a new world,

a different set of priorities,

freedom from the tyranny

of desiring and acquiring.

 

Wake up,

wake up!

Hear the invitation

that echoes down the centuries.

Welcome the Way of Christ

and find freedom.

 

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Confession

We give you all thanks and praise, O God,
It is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise, O God,
for your delight is in your people,
and the day of our salvation is near.

You are our King and our maker,
for all things came into being at your command.
You came to save your people from slavery,
striking the land of their oppressors,
and setting free all who identified themselves
with the blood of your lamb.

In your child, Jesus, you have again come to save us.
In his love we have seen the fulfilment of your law
and the revelation of your desire to reconcile all people –
to yourself and to one another.
When he was killed you raised him to life,
and marked us for salvation with his blood.
Now wherever two or three gather,
clothed in his love,
you are present in the midst of us
and we rejoice in you forever.

Living Lord,

when we stand before the empty tomb

we don’t always feel the joy of resurrection.

We feel fear, doubt, and distrust.

We feel empty.

Forgive the fear that paralyzes us at the brink of new life.

Forgive our doubt of your love.

Forgive our distrust of your surprising, joyous plan.

Fill our emptiness with your glorious light.

Raise us to abundant new life

for the glory of your name.

 

Assurance of Pardon

 

Wake up, sleeper!

Rise from the dead,

and Christ will shine on you.

 

Sisters and brothers,

Christ has forgiven our sins.

Christ calls us to new life.

Christ will lead us into righteousness.

Amen.

The Lord`s Prayer

 

Prayers of Intercession

Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here.  Romans 13:11-12

We turn to the Lord who is coming and ask him to bring his light, to end this world’s dark night of longing.

Come, Lord Jesus, break the chains of warfare and terrorism …    The night is almost over, it will be daylight soon.

Come, Lord Jesus, break the chains of poverty and hunger …    The night is almost over, it will be daylight soon.

Come, Lord Jesus, break the chains of homelessness …            The night is almost over, it will be daylight soon.

Come, Lord Jesus, break the chains of oppression,

persecution and denial of human rights …                                  The night is almost over, it will be daylight soon.

Come, Lord Jesus, break the chains of inequality and unfair practices in our society…                                                          The night is almost over, it will be daylight soon.

Come, Lord Jesus, break the chains of anxiety and unhappiness.

The night is almost over, it will be daylight soon.

Come, Lord Jesus, break the chains of apathy and indifference.    The night is almost over, it will be daylight soon.

 

Come, Lord Jesus, break the chains of sickness,

disease and death …                                                            The night is almost over, it will be daylight soon.

Come Lord Jesus and meet the needs of all for whom we have prayed, for we ask it in your name,                                            Amen.

The Dismissal

God, You are speaking to us! 

Break through our slumbering. 

Break through our lassitude.  

Break through our self-centeredness. 

Break through the veil over our minds. 

Quicken our hearing! 

Quicken our seeing! 

Quicken our desires for You. 

Awaken our zeal for You. 

Awaken our love for Your purposes.

Awaken our desires for Your Kingdom to come

here as in heaven. 

Help us carry that into our everyday activities. 

Awaken to us, our Lord and our God. 

 

The Grace

SUNDAY PRAYERS SEPTEMBER 17TH 2023

HARVEST SUNDAY

Scripture Sentences

The land has yielded its harvest:

God our God has blessed us.                                                      

The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it.                                Let the heavens be glad and let the earth rejoice.

 

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Confession

Father in heaven all good gifts come from you.                          You send the sunshine and the rain,                                          and it is through your love and care

that we enjoy the harvest time.                                           

Thank you for providing so richly for our needs

and help us to share the good things we have

with those who have little or nothing.                                       

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it; the world and all that lives in it. All the animals of the forest are the Lord’s            and so are the cattle upon a thousand hills.                                The Lord makes grass grow for the cattle

and plants for us to cultivate.                                                The Lord brings forth food from the earth,

wine that gladdens our hearts, oil to make our faces shine,

bread that sustains our hearts.                                                The Lord makes springs pour water into the valleys;                  it flows between the mountains.                                                The birds of the air nest by the waters;

they sing among the branches.                                                 

For all who cooperate and collaborate with God

to bring food to our tables,                                                      for farmers, growers, packers and processors, for breeders, stock people, shepherds and dairy-farmers,                                for distributors, hauliers, retailers and stall-holders,                    for chefs, cooks and creative entrepreneurs,

Thanks be to God.

Let us confess our forgetfulness of God,

our failure to give thanks and the ways in which we have wasted the gifts of creation.                                                       

We confess to you our lack of care

for the world you have given us.                                       

We confess to you our selfishness

in not sharing the earth's bounty fairly.                       

We confess to you our failure to protect resources for others.     

May God show us his mercy, restore us in his likeness                and give us generous hearts and lives.                                      Amen.

The Lord`s Prayer

 

Prayers of Intercession

God, the beginning and the end of all things,                            in your providence and care

you watch unceasingly over all creation;                               

We offer our prayers that in us and in all your people your will may be done, according to your wise and loving purpose in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We pray for all through whom we receive substance and life;      for all farming families who work so hard, often in adverse conditions, to provide our food and look after our countryside; for packers, processors, distributors and retailers.

We pray for young people in farming, for Young Farmers Clubs, for those studying at agricultural colleges and for the next generation of farmers as they bring new skills, energy and vision to the care of the countryside and the production of food in sustainable ways.

We pray for farmers and their families who are under stress as they face uncertainty and unpredictability in global food markets, and who struggle with increasing regulation and requirements; for those who want to leave farming or retire, especially those who are tenants, but do have the wherewithal to do so;            for those who find it hard to see a way forward.

For the Farming Help charities, especially for the work of The Farming Community Network, as they work together to alleviate stress and support farming families; for FCN volunteers who walk with farming families as friends and companions, that they may do so with integrity, insight and understanding.

We pray for a just and fair relationship between the farmer and the retailer;for researchers and academics, for food writers and political commentators, for government officials and all those involved in shaping public policies and attitudes to food production and consumption; for the reduction in food waste and a new valuing and honouring of the fruits of the earth.

 

We pray for governments and aid agencies and those areas of the world where there is disaster, drought and starvation;

for all involved in agricultural research who face the challenge to produce more food for a growing world, without harming the environment; and grant us all generous hearts in the face of immediate crises.

We offer ourselves to your service, asking that by the Spirit at work in us others may receive a rich harvest of love and joy and peace Lord of all life.                                              

God of grace as you are ever at work in your creation, so fulfil your wise and loving purpose in us and in all for who we pray, that with them and in all that you have made, your glory may be revealed and the whole earth give praise to you,           

through Jesus Christ our Lord.                                                  Amen.

 

The Dismissal

God the Father, who created the world,                                      give you grace to be wise stewards of his creation.                     

God the Son, who redeemed the world,                                      inspire you to go out as labourers into his harvest.                   

God the Holy Spirit, whose breath fills the whole of creation,        help you bear his fruits of love, joy and peace.

 

The Grace

SUNDAY PRAYERS SEPTEMBER 24TH 2023

Call to Worship

 

Give thanks and publish God’s fame,

among all races celebrate our Saviour’s deeds.

With your best songs and sweetest music

delight in all that God has done for us.

 

Glory in the Redeemer’s name,

rejoice from the bottom of your hearts.

In your worship find your true strength,

in praises celebrate God’s Presence.

 

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Confession

We delight, most loving God,

in the continuing influence of Christ Jesus in today`s world.

Wonderful is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

In every stimulating advance we make, he is there,

well ahead of us, asking us to go on in faith.

What eye has not seen, or the ear heard, or the mind conceived, God has in store for those who love him.

Where we take a wrong turn and end up in a maze of

contemporary doubts and anxieties,

Christ is there to lead us through.

You have not chosen me. I have chosen you. By grace you are saved, through faith; not by your efforts but as a gift of God.

If we become disheartened by the ability of evil to adopt new forms and corrupt new achievements, he speaks with us.

I will not leave you all alone; I will come to you. Cheer up,          for I have overcome the evil of this world.

When we are disgusted with our own folly and sin, in the name of God Christ forgives us and lifts us up.

I did not come to condemn but to save.

Daughter, son, yours sins are forgiven you. Go in peace.

Whenever we are confused by the tough ethical decisions to be made by a citizen of this twenty first century, Christ is with us.

Seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness, and all that you need will be given to you. Love one another as I have loved you.

We delight, most loving God, in all that Christ once was,

is now, and ever shall be.

Neither life nor death, things present nor things to come, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Amen               

 

The Lord`s Prayer         

 

Prayers of Intercession

Holy and loving God, you are the hope of all who call upon your name, teach us to pray with our hearts as well as with our lips, with our actions as well as our thoughts.

We pray for our family members and dear friends, who are extra special to us.

Bless those who are going through rough times: the unemployed or work-weary, handicapped or enduring pain, those trying to break a drug habit, coping with mental illness, or facing a slow death, and especially those who have no faith to guide and encourage them.

Bless those who have big decisions to make: whether to have surgery or not, or to change jobs, or return to study and re-train, or move home, or to stay in a difficult marriage, move away or overseas, or to take legal action against an injustice.

Bless those who are enjoying life: the happily married, those expecting a new baby, the ones who are successful in sport, those promoted at work, the ones who are newly in love, those who have a secure and growing faith, any who celebrate a birthday or anniversary.

And we pray for those outside the circle of our loves ones: for neighbours and work colleagues, strangers in the street, our enemies and the host of people who are only faces and names in news programmes.

Bless them according to their respective needs we pray. Everything we ask for our loved ones we also ask for them.

Bless those who are trying to be reconciling agents wherever war and terrorism is happening. Be with those who are victims of war, soldiers on the battlefield, civilians losing home, limbs or life, and the host of young orphans.

For every human being we seek the guiding, nurturing, inspiring friendship of the Holy Spirit, the redeeming, challenging, healing love of Christ Jesus, and the undergirding, enfolding, ever-enduring love of God.

To you be given all trust and thanksgiving, love and praise, today and forever.

Amen

 

The Dismissal

We began this worship with thanksgiving.

I call on you now to move out into the world with thanksgiving.

O give thanks to our God who is so good,

whose love stands firm forever.

Let thanksgiving enhance the joys you experience,

let thanksgiving transcend the pains you may suffer,

let thanksgiving sweeten the duties you must perform,

let thanksgiving underpin even the griefs 

you may have to endure.

O give thanks to our God who is so good,

whose love stands firm forever.

 

The Grace 

SUNDAY PRAYERS OCTOBER 1ST 2023

Call to Worship

 

The Psalmist says:

Teach me your ways and make them known to me.

Teach me to live according to your truth – teach it to me -

because you are my God who saves me.

I put my hope in you all day long.

Remember, your kindness and constant love –

They are forever!.

Forgive the errors of my foolish and childish ways.

Remember me only according to your faithful love

for the sake of your goodness, Lord.

based on Psalm 25vv.4-7

 

Prayer of Approach and Confession

 

O God who called the world into being,
who calls us to follow Christ;
close our minds to distractions around us,
open our ears to hear your call,
open our hearts to receive your love,
and open our eyes to the needs of our community.

Help us to find space in our worship
to hear your voice calling to us,
to feel your Spirit present with us
and to know your love's healing in our hearts.

 

For those times when we have blamed others’ actions:
Gracious God: forgive us.

For those times when we have acted from selfish ambition:
Gracious God: forgive us.

For those times when we have been conceited:
Gracious God: forgive us.

For those times when we have regarded ourselves

as better than others:
Gracious God: forgive us.

For those times when we have looked only to our own interests:Gracious God: forgive us.

In silence we remember those times when we have fallen short of the example that Jesus set for us.

 

Silence

 

Gracious God: forgive us.

 

Assurance of Pardon

It is God who is at work in you, your sins are forgiven.
Let the same mind be in us that was in Christ Jesus,
so that your love for all people

may shine through our words and actions.                  

Amen.

 

 

The Lord`s Prayer

 

 

Prayers of Intercession

 

Just and merciful God,                                                              the world needs this new heart and spirit that Ezekiel talks of.

The Church needs the attitude that Jesus had.

so that we too can be faithful, humble and obedient.

Jesus lived as a humble human being to show us Your way

so that people may have life in all its fullness.

 

We pray for those in power, who have to make difficult decisions

which will affect the lives and well-being of many.

Teach us your way of love. 

We pray for those who are the victims of warfare or poverty, who are calling out to us for aid.

Teach us your way of love.

 

We pray for those we know who are ill or anxious or bereaved, who need to be aware of our care for them.

Teach us your way of love. 

We pray for those involved in the upbringing of children,

who aretrying to show them right from wrong.

Teach us your way of love.

We pray for the church, as we face the challenge of Christian living in a modern society and world.

Teach us your way of love.         

Amen.

 

The Dismissal

 

God sends you out to follow the way of Christ;
to obey his teaching;
to trust in Him.
God bless you now and always.

 

The Grace

 

SUNDAY PRAYERS OCTOBER 8TH 2023

Call to Worship

From north and south,
from east and west, we come:

God's people called to the Table
where simple grace nourishes us.
From down the street to across town,
from single households to apartment dwellers:

God's people are called to community,
where we live and serve one another.
From every class, every race, every status;
from little ones with sippy cups to seniors with overflowing hearts:

God's people are called to witness to God's hope,
to offer peace to a shattered world.
 

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Seeing your children in bondage and despair,
you brought them to freedom by your compassion and hope.
Longing to create a people who would care for one another,
you spoke simple truths about integrity and justice.

Fill our worship with sighs more precious than
all we value, Word Speaker.

You came, not to build a grand scheme,
but to be our foundation of faith.
You came, not to choose sides like we do,
but to be that peace which brings us together.
You came, not worrying about what lay ahead for you,
so we could see your kingdom prepared for us.

Fill our worship with your grace more precious
than our deepest fears, Word Bearer.
When we cling to all which holds us back,
you empty our arms,
putting our past in a rummage sale.

When we hesitate to stand with the lost,
you nudge us forward with the wind of justice.

Fill our worship with your peace more precious
than the brokenness we grasp, Word of Wisdom.

If we were to name all the gods we have before you,                  Rock of Redemption, we would be here a very long time.            We elevate politicians into saviours,

though they are as broken as we are.                     

We misuse your name so much during the day,                        we have trouble speaking to you in prayer at night.                    We are so busy, we do not notice how creation witnesses            to your goodness and grace.

Forgive us, God our Hope.                                                        Help us to let go of what we value most,

so we may open our emptiness,                      

our hearts, our lives

to the healing and loving presence of Jesus Christ,                      our Lord and Saviour.

Assurance of Pardon

Persistently, patiently, lovingly,

God pours out grace and joy into our lives,                     

healing our brokenness, forgiving our sin.
Loved, we are sent to love;
forgiven, we are freed to forgive;
graced, we can offer our gifts to everyone we meet.

Thanks be to God.                                                                    Amen.

The Lords` Prayer

Prayers of Intercession

God our Father,

grant us the help of your Spirit                                                in our prayers for the salvation of all people.

We pray for the Church throughout the world
and for this church and all its members,
that in faith and unity we may be constantly renewed by your Holy Spirit for mission and service.

We pray for the peoples of the world and their leaders
that they may seek justice, freedom and peace for all people.

We pray for our own country

and for all who have authority and influence,
that they may serve their fellows

in wisdom, honesty and compassion.

We pray for those among whom we live and work,
that we may rightly use your gifts to set people free from drudgery and want and together find joy in your creation.

We pray for all in sorrow, need, anxiety and sickness,
for the lonely and the persecuted
and for all who suffer from cruelty, injustice and neglect,
that in their weakness they may know your strength,

and in despair find hope.

In you, Father, we are one family in earth and heaven.                We remember in your presence those who have died,
giving thanks especially for those

who have revealed to us your grace in Christ.

Help us to follow the example of your saints in light                    and bring us with them

into the fullness of your eternal joy,                                          through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen.

 

The Dismissal

You are a blessed people.
Go to be a blessing in the world.
You are the face of Jesus.
Go to be love and compassion to all.
You are the family of God.
Go to serve our sisters and brothers
wherever you may find them.

 

The Grace

SUNDAY PRAYERS OCTOBER 8TH

Call to Worship

From north and south,
from east and west, we come:
God's people called to the Table
where simple grace nourishes us.
From down the street to across town,
from single households to apartment dwellers:
God's people are called to community,
where we live and serve one another.
From every class, every race, every status;
from little ones with sippy cups

to seniors with overflowing hearts:
God's people are called to witness to God's hope,
to offer peace to a shattered world.
 
Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Seeing your children in bondage and despair,
you brought them to freedom by your compassion and hope.
Longing to create a people who would care for one another,
you spoke simple truths about integrity and justice.

Fill our worship with sighs more precious than
all we value, Word Speaker.

You came, not to build a grand scheme,
but to be our foundation of faith.
You came, not to choose sides like we do,
but to be that peace which brings us together.
You came, not worrying about what lay ahead for you,
so we could see your kingdom prepared for us.

Fill our worship with your grace more precious
than our deepest fears, Word Bearer.
When we cling to all which holds us back,
you empty our arms,
putting our past in a rummage sale.

When we hesitate to stand with the lost,
you nudge us forward with the wind of justice.

Fill our worship with your peace more precious
than the brokenness we grasp, Word of Wisdom.

If we were to name all the gods we have before you,

Rock of Redemption, we would be here a very long time.            We elevate politicians into saviours,

though they are as broken as we are.                     

We misuse your name so much during the day,                   

we have trouble speaking to you in prayer at night.                    We are so busy, we do not notice how creation witnesses          to your goodness and grace.

Forgive us, God our Hope.                                                        Help us to let go of what we value most,

so we may open our emptiness, our hearts,

our lives to the healing and loving presence of Jesus Christ,        our Lord and Saviour.

Assurance of Pardon

Persistently, patiently, lovingly,

God pours out grace and joy into our lives,                      healing our brokenness, forgiving our sin.
Loved, we are sent to love;
forgiven, we are freed to forgive;
graced, we can offer our gifts to everyone we meet.
Thanks be to God.                                                                    Amen.

The Lords` Prayer

Prayers of Intercession

God, our Father, grant us the help of your Spirit                          in our prayers for the salvation of all people.

We pray for the Church throughout the world
and for this church and all its members,
that in faith and unity we may be constantly renewed by your Holy Spirit for mission and service.

We pray for the peoples of the world and their leaders
that they may seek justice, freedom and peace for all people.

We pray for our own country and for all who have authority and influence, that they may serve their fellows in wisdom, honesty and compassion.

We pray for those among whom we live and work,
that we may rightly use your gifts to set people free from drudgery and want and together find joy in your creation.

We pray for all in sorrow, need, anxiety and sickness,
for the lonely and the persecuted
and for all who suffer from cruelty, injustice and neglect,
that in their weakness they may know your strength,

and in despair find hope.

In you, Father, we are one family in earth and heaven.              We remember in your presence those who have died,
giving thanks especially for those who have revealed to us

your grace in Christ. Help us to follow the example of your saints in light and bring us with them

into the fullness of your eternal joy,                                        through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen.

 

The Dismissal

You are a blessed people.
Go to be a blessing in the world.
You are the face of Jesus.
Go to be love and compassion to all.
You are the family of God.
Go to serve our sisters and brothers
wherever you may find them.

 

The Grace

SUNDAY PRAYERS OCTOBER 15TH

Call to Worship (based on Isaiah 25:1,4)

O Lord, you are my God;

I will exalt you and praise your name.                                      In perfect faithfulness you have done marvellous things,

things planned long ago.

You have been a refuge for the poor,

a refuge for the needy in their distress.                     

You are a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.      O Lord, you are my God,

I will exalt you and praise your name forever.

 

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Confession

Almighty God, source of every blessing,                                  your generous goodness comes to us anew every day.                We gather together in worship to acknowledge your goodness,    give thanks for your benefits and serve you in willing obedience.  We give thanks for your Spirit of joy and laughter,                      of comfort and of strength, by whom  we celebrate with you      and you with us, as we offer our worship and ourselves to you.

Loving Father, we come before you

with humble and penitent hearts.                                              We are conscious of how we have offended thee. 

Our sins are ever before us.

Forgive us for our carelessness with the gospel of Jesus Christ,    for our assumption that the neglect of your holy word

does not matter.

Where we have overlooked the needs of others

and where we have proven insensible to the feelings of those around us, we ask your pardon.

Forgive us for dwelling on the things that are wrong in this world and overlooking the good that is being done all around us.

Where we have been negative and destroyed the hopes of others and where we forgotten the comfort and strength of your arms, we ask your pardon.

Merciful God, hear our prayer.                                                (silent prayer of confession)                                                    Lord, forgive us.                                                                      Touch us and make us whole.                                                    Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Brothers and sisters in Christ,

it is written that God so loved the world                                    that he gave his one and only son,

so that whoever believes in him                                   

should not perish but have eternal life.                                                                                                                                  For God did not send his son into the world

to condemn the world but to save the world through him.

Having this word from our God,                                                I tell you in the name of Christ - your sins are forgiven.              If you would have the fullness of life promised by God,              be thou likewise giving and forgiving.                                        Amen

The Lord`s Prayer

Prayers of Intercession

Fill us, Gracious God.  Fill us with those things that are good:

things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely and honourable.

Help us to put into practice

what we have learned from Your Word.

Lord, hear our prayer…

 

Loving God, you have invited us to feast                                    in Your promised Kingdom.                                                      May we never be so busy taking care of things                        that we cannot turn to You,                                                  and thankfully celebrate the power of Your Son.

Lord, hear our prayer...

 

Tender and Merciful God, we pray for those with power and

influence; that they may be grateful for the opportunities their

positions give them and show their gratitude by fulfilling their

responsibilities conscientiously and with wisdom,

justice and compassion.                                                            Lord, hear our prayer...

 

We pray for those with money and possessions;                        that they may be grateful for the security that their money gives them and show their gratitude by using what they have            to enrich the lives of those who have not.

Lord, hear our prayer...

 

We pray for those who know Your saving love;                            that they may be grateful for the joy and peace that faith in You gives to them and show their gratitude by sharing their faith

and living in love with others.

Lord, hear our prayer...

 

We pray for ourselves, each with special gifts from You;              that we may be grateful for the unique calling that we have received and show our gratitude by using our talents in the service of others and so bring glory to Your name.

Lord, hear our prayer...

 

We hold before you those of our community and our world      that you have put upon our hearts this day in a special way.        We remember especially ….

Lord, hear our prayer...

 

Father of us all, we remember with gratitude all those

who lived their lives as a thank-offering to You,                        and we thank you for all that You have done for us in Christ.    May we follow their example.                                                  We ask these things in his name.                                              Amen

 

The Grace

SUNDAY PRAYERS OCTOBER 22ND

Call to Worship

The Holy One is here amongst us;                                            Source of all being,                                                                Guide of all hope,                                                                    Spirit of all inspiration.                                                            Holy One we worship and adore you                                          and raise our voices in praise.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Confession

God our Creator, Source of all being,                                          we celebrate this Life you have made,                                        in all its wonder and interdependence, and we praise you.                                                       

Guide of all hope, we celebrate the Way you show us,             

in Jesus - our Saviour and Exemplar, and we praise you.                                                             

Spirit of all inspiration, we celebrate the goodness you grow and nurture in our lives and world, and we praise you.

Holy One, awed by your goodness

we recognise our own smallness,

we acknowledge the times when our selfishness has damaged this earth.                            

We acknowledge the times when our prejudice or apathy has injured others.                       

We acknowledge the times when our fear,

isolation or self-loathing has injured ourselves.

With humility, grace and courage,                                              we turn to you knowing your faithfulness and love have no limits and ask you to transform our despair into new opportunity.    Help us to turn away from our destructiveness                        and work with your Spirit to create new life.

These prayers we offer in Jesus` name,                                    Amen.

 

The Lord`s Prayer

 

Prayers of Intercession

Holy One, you are the Source and Creator of all life                    and you have made humanity in your image.                            We are awed by the wonder and intricacy of the planet you have woven. We rejoice in the beauty and interdependence you have wrought.

We pray for the places where your earth is scarred with global warming and your carefully crafted species are becoming extinct.We pray for your creatures who are abused or misused.

We seek to remember at all times that all that is, is yours.                                                         

Faithful One, help us to live out your love and hope,                that through our lives and by our prayers,

your kingdom may come.

Holy One, you are Christ our crucified and resurrected Saviour.    You have shown us the truth of love and the way of faith.          We pray for all who feel trapped by prejudice and poverty          and for all who seek to build just systems in our world.             

We pray for all who live with the challenges of mental and physical ill health and for all who care for them

professionally and personally.                                                    We seek to remember that every life is yours and beloved.        Loving One, help us to live out your love and hope,                    that through our lives and by our prayers,

your kingdom may come.

Holy One, you are the Spirit of transformation and new life.        You are the breath of life in each body, mind and heart.              We pray for all who hold leadership in faith communities, government, institutions, businesses, across the world.              We pray for teachers and nurses, artists and inventors, managers and carers. May all who shape our lives and world be guided by your love and justice.

Gracious One, help us to live out your love and hope,                that through our lives and by our prayers,

your kingdom may come.                                    

Amen.

 

The Grace

PRAYERS FOR BIBLE SUNDAY OCTOBER 29TH

Opening Prayer

Gracious Father,
bring your blessing
into this meeting of your people,
gathered here today;
speak to our hearts
through the hymns we sing,
the prayers that are said,
and the reading
and understanding of your word,
that we might go refreshed
into the world,
and through our lives
bring refreshment to others.

 

Prayers of Approach and Confession 

From the very beginning was Your Word,
which spoke this world into being,
Your Word,
which thunders from the skies,
Your Word,
which flows like mountain streams,
Your Word,
which whispers in morning breeze,
Your Word,
revealed through kings and prophets,
Your Word,
revealed through Angels' praise,
Your Word,
revealed in humble service,
Your Word,
revealed through a tiny child,
Your Word,
alive from the beginning of all things
and to eternity.

Your Word is the light we see,
a guide for our footsteps to where you are found.

Your Word is the strength we find when darkness threatens
to overwhelm.

Your Word is the power we need
to become servants of a Heavenly King.

Your Word is the reason we live in the sure knowledge
you are everything.

Your Word reveals to us a simple truth,
that sin entered this world through human folly,
in believing we could be like you,
and permeated history through envy, selfishness and greed.
Yet sin, which holds us tight within its grasp,
cannot resist a heart that is touched
by your grace through Jesus Christ,
cannot contend with Living Water
pouring into hearts and souls.

Your Word reveals to us a simple truth,
that sin is defeated,
and we can become the people we were always meant to be,
by your grace through Jesus Christ.                                        Amen.

 

The Lord`s Prayer

 

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

Let us give thanks for the gift of the Bible                                  and pray for all who enable it to be studied,

understood and loved.                                        

Almighty God, in your goodness you have given us the Scriptures to equip us for every kind of good deed.                     

We give thanks for all who translate the Bible, and pray that, through their work and skill, your word may go forth to the ends of the earth.    

Lord, hear us.                                                                        Lord, graciously hear us.

We give thanks for all who distribute the Scriptures,

and pray that, through the written text,

your people may be built up in faith and love.                                                                

Lord, hear us.                                                                        Lord, graciously hear us.

We give thanks for all whose learning interprets the Scriptures, and pray for biblical scholars and theologians,

that more light and truth may break forth from your word.

Lord, hear us.                                                                          Lord, graciously hear us.

We give thanks for all preachers and teachers, and pray that, through the word proclaimed and shared, your Church may grow in holiness and discipleship.

Lord, hear us.                                                                          Lord, graciously hear us.

We give thanks for all who read the Bible in public worship,

for all study groups and training courses, and pray that, through the study of the Scriptures, your word may find a home in the hearts of your people.                                                                    

Lord, hear us.                                                                        Lord, graciously hear us.

We give thanks for your love, revealed in scripture, for all people and pray for the world, especially those areas affected by war or terrorism, drought or flood.                    

We pray for those who are hungry or homeless, those suffering in body, mind or spirit, the bereaved and the despairing.

Lord, hear us,                                                                        Lord, graciously hear us.

Grant to all for whom we have prayed,

the hope and strength they need.

Gracious Lord, grant to us that loving your holy word,

we may adorn it with obedient and Christlike lives;

to the glory of your name.                                                        Amen.

 

Sending Out

The Word of life which was from the beginning,

we proclaim to you.                                             

The darkness is passing away

and the true light is already shining;

The Word of life which was from the beginning, that which we heard, which we saw with our eyes and touched with our hands, we proclaim to you.

For our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son,

Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Word of life, which was from the beginning,

we proclaim to you.                                              

The darkness is passing away

and the true light is already shining.

 

The Grace