The Third Sunday after Trinity

We welcome you to this written service with prayers, readings and music. Today is the Third Sunday after Trinity.

Opening Prayer

Almighty God,
you have broken the tyranny of sin
and have sent the Spirit of your Son into our hearts
whereby we call you Father:
give us grace to dedicate our freedom to your service,
that we and all creation may be brought
to the glorious liberty of the children of God;
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. 

 

The Readings

Job 38: 1-11
2 Corinthians 6: 1-13
Mark 4: 35-41

 

The Anthem

They that go down to the sea in ships – Herbert Sumsion

 

Intercessions

Gracious Heavenly Father, in the quieter period following the great annual faith festivals, we turn our thoughts towards our relationships with you, with each other, and our interactions with the world around us. We give you thanks for your many gifts, for bringing us safely to this day and to this worship service. Today’s readings remind us of our place, our need for faith, and our relationships with those who support us. In the midst of all the distractions and concerns of material life, help us to keep our eyes firmly fixed on you. Grant that we may follow the example of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, remaining open to guidance through the Holy Spirit, especially from the messages of those around us who have our spiritual and material welfare at heart.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

We thank you that the measures taken to control the spread of the Covid-19 related viruses have had effect, particularly through the application of vaccines. We pray that opportunities for rest and recreation may be expanded over the coming summer months, leading to regeneration and revitalization, especially for all who have borne the burden of care for the sick and vulnerable. Grant us the foresight, wisdom and skills to mitigate the effects of any recurring waves of infection.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Recent days have seen important gatherings of heads of state and their representatives whose decisions will influence many aspects of our lives. Grant that the implementation of their policies may be for the general good rather than for the privileged few groups or nations.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

In this season we also pray for the many young people who are transitioning across phases of education or completing their studies. Grant them support in the search for appropriate, meaningful employment. Impart a sense of responsibility for the stewardship of our planet which rises beyond care of the natural world, to equality amongst peoples and the peaceful co-existence between our many and varied cultures.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Look with favour upon our bishops, archdeacon, dean, and our visiting clergy. Whilst giving thanks for their pastoral care, we pray for their continued support. Bless, we pray, the ongoing work to prepare for the appointment of our nominated Chaplain. We ask for your guidance regarding the advice we seek so that the conditions may be created for a rapid entry into this new chapter of our chaplaincy’s life.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

In our diocesan prayer cycle this week we pray for the Russian Orthodox Church and the work of Malcolm Rogers, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Apokrisiarios to the patriarch of Moscow and all Russia. Father, we also ask for your concern and support for the persecuted church worldwide, and for the work of Open Doors in providing information about persecution.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Look with pity upon those amongst our community, families and friends who are suffering from illness or distress. We ask you, Lord, to reach out your healing hands to uplift, cure, and restore. Today we especially bring before you the needs of Mary as she recovers from a fracture, and…….
Father, we commend to you the soul of Andrew’s mother, Judy. Grant to her eternal rest and to her grieving family the comfort and assurance that she will for ever abide in the light of your presence.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

And now, let us take a moment to silently articulate our most pressing needs and concerns and lay them at Jesus’s feet.

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

Prayers for Reassurance

Take time to find strength and reassurance from God…

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging”

(Psalm 46:1-3)

Who is there like you,
God of mercy and grace
who loves us as you do?

Who knows and understands
our actions as you do?
Who hears the thoughts and words
of our heart as you do?
Who knows our joys and sorrows
and shares them as you do?
Who feels the pain we endure
and comforts us as you do?
Who hears as we confess our sins
and forgives as you do?
Who takes a broken heart
and makes it whole as you do?
Who finds a life that’s lost
and welcomes it home as you do?

Who is there like you,
God of mercy and grace
who loves us as you do?

Prayer from John Birch, faithandworship.com

The Hymn for today

The hymn is NEH 353: Dear Lord and Father of Mankind (Repton)

 

Closing Prayers

O God, whose beauty is beyond our imagining
and whose power we cannot comprehend:
show us your glory as far as we can grasp it,
and shield us from knowing more than we can bear
until we may look upon you without fear;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
 Amen.

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen.

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