The Eleventh Sunday after Trinity

We welcome you to this written service on the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is the day when Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken into Heaven having ended her life on Earth.

Today we return to services in church after a short summer break.

Opening Prayer

O God, you declare your almighty power
most chiefly in showing mercy and pity:
mercifully grant to us such a measure of your grace,
that we, running the way of your commandments,
may receive your gracious promises,
and be made partakers of your heavenly treasure;
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

Isaiah 61: 10-end
Galatians 4: 4-7
Luke 1: 46-55

The Anthem

Hymn to the Virgin – Benjamin Britten
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQsv5W4KXpM

The Intercessions

Everlasting God we bring before you our prayers of thanksgiving and intercession.
Almighty God we pray for Anglican churches in The Netherlands and ask that our church here in Haarlem have a clear vision of what is needed to be both focused and relevant in all that is good and serves your purpose of spreading the Good News. We pray for our future chaplain during this time of preparation. Lord in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer

Creator God we thank you for the beauty of the created world; for its wonderful variety and bounty. Help us to be good stewards by taking care of our environment and doing all that we can concerning global warming. We remember those whose lives have been affected by the floods in different parts of the world including the Netherlands. We pray for the victims of wild fires in America and Russia, as well as Italy, Turkey and Greece. Lord in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer

Faithful God we pray for the world, particularly for the situation in Afghanistan. We pray for those who are living in fear and danger. Grant wisdom to the world leaders that the decisions they make will bring about peace. Lord in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer

Gracious God we thank you for the miracle of healing and for those we know who are in the process of recovery. We pray for all who minister to the sick and infirm, both at home and in hospital care centres. We remember those we know who are ill or in need of our prayers that they may experience your peace and love. Lord in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer

Merciful God we pray for those whose lives have been shattered by the death of someone close and dear to them. Surround them with your comfort and strength. Lord in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer

Father God in a moment of quietness we bring before you our own thoughts and prayers.
Merciful Father: accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen

The Hymn

Closing Prayers