Prayers on a Sunday
Beginning of Passiontide: Today, as in all following Sundays until we no longer have to be locked down, Rev Pauline Percy celebrated the Eucharist at home with her husband at 10:00am:
We prayed for all those we know including all at Queen Mary’s, that you may all know the presence and peace of God at this time and that you may be free from your fears and anxieties.
It is a difficult time but somewhere in the world prayers are being said and the Eucharist is being shared for ALL.
You may join in a ‘Spiritual Communion’ if you wish – use this link:
https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2020-03/Guidance%20on%20Spiritual%20Communion%20and%20Coronavirus.pdf
or search ‘Spiritual Communion Church of England’.
The Gospel reading for today is John Chapter 11 which tells of the raising of Lazarus…. one way to read it is to imagine yourself as part of the story – who are you? What do you see, smell, hear or feel? How does each character reflect ourselves and our wants and desires? Maybe a longing that ‘if …….. then this wouldn’t have happened’ or weeping with Lazarus’ sisters. Jesus also weeps – he knows our fears and sadness yet also brings life. Yet Lazarus still needs the help of others to take the bandages off – as we all need help from each other. So maybe you can think of someone who needs a friendly ear just now or a positive message…… will you help?
We can ‘collect’ our prayers with all those who pray today in this prayer…
Gracious Father,
you gave up your Son
out of love for the world:
lead us to ponder the mysteries of his passion,
that we may know eternal peace
through the shedding of our Saviour’s blood,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Prayers to help you….
God of compassion,
be close to those who are ill, afraid or in isolation.
In their loneliness, be their consolation;
in their anxiety, be their hope;
in their darkness, be their light;
through him who suffered alone on the cross,
but reigns with you in glory,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
For the Christian community:
We are not people of fear:
we are people of courage.
We are not people who protect our own safety:
we are people who protect our neighbours’ safety.
We are not people of greed:
we are people of generosity.
We are your people God,
giving and loving,
wherever we are,
whatever it costs
For as long as it takes
wherever you call us.
Amen
The prayer that was said after Communion today which you may like to make yours…
Lord Jesus Christ,
you have taught us
that what we do for the least of our brothers and sisters
we do also for you:
give us the will to be the servant of others
as you were the servant of all,
and gave up your life and died for us,
but are alive and reign, now and for ever.
Amen
And to finish… a link to a wonderful worship song by Matt Redman telling us that God will never let go….
You Never Let Go – Matt Redman (with lyrics)
or for those who prefer traditional hymns…
Great is thy Faithfulness…
May Christ Crucified draw you to himself,
to find in him a sure ground for faith
a firm support for hope
and the assurance of sins forgiven;
And the Blessing of God, Father, On and Holy Spirit,
be with you and remain with you always…
Amen
Back to news