The Third Sunday of Epiphany
We welcome you to our written service for this Sunday, the Third Sunday in Epiphany. We are worshipping in church again today, but for those at home we hope this service of readings, prayers and music helps you in you home worship.
Collect for the Third Sunday of Epiphany
Almighty God,
whose Son revealed in signs and miracles
the wonder of your saving presence:
renew your people with your heavenly grace,
and in all our weakness
sustain us by your mighty power;
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 Opening Hymn
Christ is King! O friends rejoice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLF6GrSZoEU
The Readings
Nehemiah 8: 1-3,5-6,8-10
1 Corinthians 12: 12-31a
Luke 4: 14-21
The Anthem
Blessed be the God and Father – Samuel S. Wesley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMDVKMWCaxQ
The Intercessions
Gracious Lord, as we recall in our Old Testament reading today the encouragement to rejoice, we come before you with joyful hearts, thankful that we may once again meet together for worship, praise and fellowship. Let your Holy Spirit guide us in our requests, so that those things for which we ask may work towards the fulfilment of your divine plan and the benefit of those around us.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer
Amid the depressing warnings in the media of further conflicts we pray with heart and soul to you for peace. Grant that the fervent petitions of your servants may prevail, and that present armed conflicts may cease. Give wisdom and restraint to the political leaders involved, in the knowledge that once new fighting is initiated it is almost impossible to contain and control. Suffering and destruction then becomes unavoidable and so,
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer
We pray for our Heads of State and our governments. In the Netherlands, we seek your blessing and guidance for the new cabinet in the formulation and execution of its policies. For the UK, we pray for an end to confusion regarding ethical behaviour within the governing body and the restoration of trust in the political system.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer
Merciful God, look upon the people of Tonga and their island nation after the disastrous volcanic eruption that has brought destruction and temporary isolation. Grant them swift support in their time of need and the courage and energy to restore their homes and islands. And remembering the victims of many other recent natural and man-made disasters, teach us to be more concerned about our impacts on the ecosystems of our planet. Help us to work towards better sustainability so that we may all contribute towards the management of effective change.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer
Lord, we recognize the heavy burden on our medical and caring communities caused by the ongoing pandemic. We pray for the continued stamina and motivation of exhausted staff. Help us to remain aware of our indebtedness to their devotion to duty and to express our thanks and support.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer
From our diocesan prayer cycle, Lord, we ask for your blessing on the Spanish Episcopal Reformed Church and its bishop, as well as on the life of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Within our own diocese we pray for the work of the Safeguarding Team in the Diocesan Office and their concern for children and vulnerable adults.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer
Heavenly Father, we give you heartfelt thanks for your guidance and protection throughout the long period of interregnum. We rejoice in the appointment of our new chaplain, Bruce, and again offer thanks for the unfailing support of Robert, and for our other visiting priests. Grant that together we may move forward into a new chapter on our journey, advancing the development of our chaplaincy vision under the guidance of your Holy Spirit.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer
Lord Jesus, so many times in your earthly life you experienced the trauma and devastation of sickness, injury and disability amongst those you met. Through faith and your mercy many were healed at your behest. Now, we lift up before you the sick, infirm and bereaved in our communities for your comfort and healing. We pray for the restoration of their health and relationships. Today we especially seek your blessing and healing for……
Gather into your loving arms the souls of those departed this life in your faith, remembering … who died recently.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer
In a brief escape from the noisy chatter of so many media messages and communications, Lord, let us pause for a moment in silence to listen for that still small voice in our minds through which you correct, comfort and inspire.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son our Saviour, Jesus Christ
Confessional Prayer
You speak to us in many ways,
through rushing wind
or still small voice,
in Scripture’s Word
or through your Grace
and we in turn find many ways,
to hear the world’s
insistent voice
break through the silence
and take your place.
Forgive our sin.
Help us hear your voice
above the clamour of this world,
recognise the difference
and follow only you. Amen
Closing Hymn
The Church’s one foundation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQv4EAwMFoQ
Closing Prayer
Almighty Father,
whose Son our Saviour Jesus Christ is the light of the world:
may your people,
illumined by your word and sacraments,
shine with the radiance of his glory,
that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed
to the ends of the earth;
for he is alive and reigns, now and for ever.
The Blessing
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.
Confessional Prayer from faithandworship.com
