The Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity

You are most welcome to share in this written service, the Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity. This service offers the readings for today, prayers and a selected anthem and hymn.

 

Opening Prayer

O Lord, we beseech you mercifully to hear the prayers
of your people who call upon you;
and grant that they may both perceive and know
what things they ought to do,
and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil them;
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

Wisdom 1: 16-,2.1, 12-22
James 3: 13-4.3,7-8a
Mark 9: 30-37

 

The Anthem

Teach me, O Lord – Thomas Attwood
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAmWl8xWmZQ

 

The Intercessions

Gracious God, as the seasonal changes usher in fresh nuances in our outlook on life, help us to reflect on our spiritual journey and on our relationship with you. Aware of our debt of gratitude for the life of our Lord Jesus, for his example on how we should live, and for his sacrifice of himself for us, we bring our intercessions before you with praise and thanksgiving. Just as the autumn mists dissolve in the warmth of the sun, revealing clear and sharply defined vistas, help us so to focus on the teachings in your Holy Word that we find clear pathways to follow throughout our earthly pilgrimage.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Heavenly Father, in a world too complex to understand we often feel burdened by life’s pressures and loads. Remembering today’s Gospel reading grant us the clarity and unfettered simplicity of children. In unsolicited service to others help us to find freedom, joy and fulfilment.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Caught up in perpetual cycles of fear, cultural differences, and ethnic mistrust that fuel arms races and confrontational posturing, Lord we long for world peace. Grant, we pray, fresh inspiration and creativity to national and international leaders that energies and resources bound up in the manufacture of weapons may be diverted towards relieving hunger and suffering, and for supplying other basic needs.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayerr

Look with compassion on aid workers and agencies, especially those providing emergency support to victims of natural and man-made disasters. Grant them courage and tenacity, particularly in the face of danger, resource limitation, frustration and despair. Help all of us who live in greater security and comfort never to forget to help provide them with financial and material resources.
And, amongst other humanitarian crises we lift up before you the peoples of Afghanistan and Yemen.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

We ask your blessing on the work and support given by our visiting priests and diocesan bishops. We thank you that we have been able to identify a suitable candidate as our future chaplain and we pray for your help and guidance as we work through the administrative issues necessary for his formal appointment.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Lord, daily in the nations of the earth people come together to worship and pray to you in many languages and liturgical traditions. Help us to actively maintain open communication and mutual respect for others. Today we pray for the well-being of the Russian Orthodox Church, its members and priesthood. We ask you to bless and inspire the work of Malcolm Rogers, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s representative to the Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia.
Look also, with mercy upon the persecuted church worldwide. Give protection, and assurance, recognizing the work of the Open Doors organization in providing information about persecution.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Lord, many people have borne the brunt of care for victims of the Covid-19 virus. We thank you for their devotion, often far beyond the normal expectations of duty. We pray that our Heads of State and their governments will continue to recognize, support and reward this extraordinary work and commitment.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Heavenly Father, our physical and mental health are inextricably entangled with our spiritual welfare. We beseech you that where there is disease, pain, or despair amongst our community, families and friends, you will bring healing and relief. Grant comfort and patience in adversity and provide an unfailing sense of your presence. Look especially upon Mary in her recovery and resettlement, and on Christine in her bereavement.
We commend to you the souls of Renger and other faithful departed to your eternal keeping.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Lord, our worldly cares distract us, scattering to the winds our focus and good intentions. Assist us now in the quiet of this sanctuary to briefly pause and reflect, presenting before you our innermost concerns for ourselves and for others.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son our Saviour, Jesus Christ

 

 

The Hymn

377 – Immortal invisible
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spE-BE23qxA

 

 

Closing Prayers

Almighty God,
you have taught us through your Son
that love is the fulfilling of the law:
grant that we may love you with our whole heart
and our neighbours as ourselves;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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.