Harvest Festival on the Seventeenth Sunday in Trinity
Today we joyfully celebrate the Harvest with our Sunday Eucharist on this Seventeenth Sunday in Trinity. We welcome Revd Ruan Crew who leads us in worship.
Opening Prayer:
Almighty God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you: pour your love into our hearts and draw us to yourself, and so bring us at last to your heavenly city where we shall see you face to face; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Readings:
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 8:6-18
New Testament: 2 Corinthians 9: 6-end
Intercessions:
At this Harvest season, gracious Lord we offer you unreserved thanks for the abundance of the fruits of the earth and seas that we have received. We thank you for the wider harvests from which we benefit: the blessing of financial recovery in our chaplaincy, the beauty and inspiration of the choral tradition in our midst, and the love generated by prayer, fellowship, and mutual support within our community. Grant that, as we have richly received, we may richly sow in faithful outreach to all around. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer
Our lives remain gripped by the viral pandemic which has beset us. Lord we pray to you for the ongoing development of effective treatment protocols and successful vaccines. As we give thanks for all medical and care staff who have worked tirelessly to treat and support the afflicted, we humbly request healing for the seriously ill, and for consolation of families bereaved by the virus. Besides the focus on Covid-19 issues keep us mindful of the needs of the many victims of other natural disasters, such as floods, storm, and fire. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer
We pray to you, Lord, for peace in our world. War and armed conflict bring death and destruction, pain, sorrow, disease, and hunger. Help our human race to turn from senseless violence and instead to focus on better stewardship of our planet. Grant us the wisdom and skill so to manage our impact on land, sea, and climate that the use of all resources may be sustainably moderated and that our descendants may experience the beauty and benefits we have been privileged to enjoy.Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer
Lord, our host country, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, are steeped in traditions which reflect shared values of justice, freedom, equality, and human dignity. Through our Heads of State, Willem Alexander and Elizabeth, and their governments, we pray for protection of those values where they may be failing or under attack. We pray for the unbiased and transparent administration of our laws to the benefit of all citizens. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer
Gracious Father look upon our bishops, Robert, and David. Imbue them with inspiration, wisdom, and strength as they lead and pastor us on life’s journey. And today we pray especially for their support through the Bishop’s Office in Brussels, remembering particularly: Meurig Williams, in his role as Bishop’s Chaplain; Gail Wilmet, the Bishop’s Personal Assistant; Damian Thwaites, the Bishop’s Attaché to the European Institutions; Barbara Omorro, Appointments Secretary; and Caroline Gaumy, Administrative Secretary. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer
Lord, we give you thanks that we have been able to continue public worship during the present interregnum. We thank you for the commitment, constancy, and inspiration of our visiting clergy, and we look to you for guidance as we move towards the appointment of a new chaplain. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer
Again, we plead for your mercy upon the sick and infirm in our congregation, their families, or communities. We pray for healing, both physical and spiritual. In times of pain and uncertainty we pray that you will bring comfort through a strong sense of your presence and the gift of your peace. And we offer grateful thanks for those who have been healed and restored.
Keep, Eternal Father, in your everlasting care, the souls who have departed this life in the faith of your beloved Son and give comfort and reassurance to the families and friends they leave behind. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer
Heavenly Father, most of us are troubled and burdened with persistent anxieties and concerns that lie deep within. Now, in this still moment help us silently to lay before you our most urgent personal needs, and our concerns for others.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers which we offer in the name of your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
Music:
Anthem: O sing joyfully – Batten
Post Communion: Oculi omnium – Wood
Closing Prayer:
Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, and make us continually to be given to all good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
