Christ the King – the Sunday next before Advent

We welcome you to this written service, the Sunday next before Advent, Christ the King.

Opening Prayer

Eternal Father,
whose Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven
that he might rule over all things as Lord and King:
keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit
and in the bond of peace,
and bring the whole created order to worship at his feet;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

Opening Hymn

The Intercessions

Creator God, as we prepare anew for the season of Advent help us to remember with thanks our many blessings. Turn our thoughts to the great gift provided for us by the life and example of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We stand in awe of his humble earthly origins, yet regal divine pre-eminence and power. Help us to follow his teachings, acknowledging his authority over how we should live our lives in service and love towards others.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Heavenly Father, we beseech you to look upon the recurring cycles of conflicts and local wars and bring peace on earth. Release us from the gnawing fear of escalation in the wider geopolitical arenas, where military technology has the potential to unleash unimaginable horrors. In our feelings of helplessness
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Teach us to be mindful of the plight of individuals and families in the many streams of refugees across the planet. Whether the cause of their displacement be found in natural disaster or human conflict grant that they may be offered shelter and support. Bless the work of aid agencies large or small as they struggle to provide food and shelter and help us not to forget their ongoing need for financial support.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

And so, Lord, we pray for wisdom and sound judgements from our political leaders, and good examples from our Heads of State. We ask for your blessing upon King Willem Alexander and Queen Elizabeth, and their governments. Imbue them with the skill and steadfastness to pilot their respective countries through the uncharted waters of the coming times.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

We pray for relief from the pandemic: a relief from the ongoing physical, emotional and economic impacts. In our societies, communities and families, bind us together with bonds of respect, love and mutual support. Grant ongoing strength and stamina to our beleaguered health services and their staffs. In these hours of pressure and need, help us to support them and to understand their limitations. May we never neglect to recognise our indebtedness, or to express our thanks.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Lockdowns and restrictions have had a pronounced effect on the educational processes and mental health of children and young people. Heavenly Father, grant that with an increasing awareness of these issues, sufficient measures may be undertaken to ensure the wellbeing of the upcoming generations.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Today, Lord, with our diocese we pray for the work of the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht, and their Archbishop Bernd, as well as for the Evangelical Lutheran Churches of Iceland, Latvia, and Lithuania. We also seek your blessing for the support of our Diocesan Chancellor, Mark, Registrar, Aiden and Communications Director, Damian.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Offering grateful recognition for the dedicated support of our many guest priests and ministers during recent years, we rejoice in the appointment of our new chaplain, Grant, we pray, to Bruce and his wife Lauretta a smooth transition from his current benefice in the UK and a successful introduction into our chaplaincy and community.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Look upon the sick, distressed, and infirm amongst our members, their families and friends. Lord, we seek your healing and your comfort. Ease pain and anxiety, we pray, and give a calming and restorative sense of your presence. We especially lift up Kees Jan, and …. before you for healing.
We also commit to your eternal care the souls of those who have recently departed this mortal life, (remembering…….,,,,,,,)
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Lord, in or periodic chaplaincy courses you have often inspired participants to talk openly and freely about subjects that are personal and difficult to articulate. Yet, even deeper within us lie other burdens and concerns. In these few closing moments help us silently to lay these most private of matters at the feet of Christ the King for help and resolution.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son our Saviour, Jesus Christ

The Anthem

The Readings

Daniel 7: 9-10,13,14
Revelation 1: 4b-8
John 18: 33-37

Final Hymn

Closing Prayers

Stir up, O Lord,
the wills of your faithful people;
that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may by you be plenteously rewarded;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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