The Fourth Sunday before Lent
We welcome you to our short written service, made so that you can worship from home this Fourth Sunday before Lent. With today’s readings, prayers and music.
Accession of H.M. The Queen, 6th February 1952
Today we especially pray for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on her Platinum Jubilee Day.
A quote from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Coronation Day, 2 June 1953
When I spoke to you last… I asked you all, whatever your religion, to pray for me on the day of my Coronation – to pray that God would give me wisdom and strength to carry out the promises that I should then be making… I have been uplifted and sustained by the knowledge that your thoughts and prayers were with me.
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Opening Collect
Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness,
bless our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth,
and all who are in authority under her;
that they may order all things
in wisdom and equity, righteousness and peace,
to the honour and glory of your name
and the good of your Church and people;
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.
O God, who providest for thy people by thy power, and rulest over them in love: Vouchsafe so to bless thy Servant our Queen, that under her this nation may be wisely governed, and thy Church may serve thee in all godly quietness; and grant that she being devoted to thee with her whole heart, and persevering in good works unto the end, may, by thy guidance, come to thine everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
Opening Hymn
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The Readings
Isaiah 6: 1-8
1 Corinthians 15: 1-11
Luke 5: 1-11
The Anthem
O Lord give thy Holy Spirit – Thomas Tallis
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Intercessions for the 4th Sunday before Lent.
Lord Jesus, you have chosen your priests from among us and sent them out to proclaim your word and to act in your name. For so great a gift to your Church, we give you praise and thanksgiving. We ask you to fill them with the fire of your love, that their ministry may reveal your presence in the Church. Since they are earthen vessels, we pray that your power shine out through their weakness. In their afflictions let them never be crushed; in their doubts never despair; in temptation never be destroyed; in persecution never abandoned. Inspire them through prayer to live each day the mystery of your dying and rising. In times of weakness send them your Spirit, and help them to praise your heavenly Father and pray for poor sinners. By the same Holy Spirit put your words on their lips and your love in their hearts, to bring good news to the poor and healing to the brokenhearted.
Thank you that you call some of us to be apostles, sent out to do your work. We pray for all who respond “Here I am Lord” when they hear you call. We pray also for those who have a ministry in their daily lives of work, family life or community, who daily bear witness to the gospel in all that they say or do.
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Thank you for our world and the places where we live. Help us all to be mindful that we are all created equal in your sight and accept our deep regret that despite this there is still so much inequality to be found. Help us to remember that you want us to be good stewards of your creation, living responsibly in the lands and seas of the earth. May all future growth be sustainable and may we ensure that its abundance is fairly shared for the good of all.
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Lord, help us to use our influence within our families and communities to bring peace, joy and fun into people’s lives. Help us be reliable and honest in what we do, and friendly to all who we meet in our daily lives.
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Loving God, friend of those in need, your Son Jesus can free us from our burdens and heal our bodies and spirits. We pray for those still burdened, those seeking healing, those in need within the church and the world.
(add names of those requesting prayer)
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Merciful God, when death separates from us those we love and we find it hard to live without them, take from us all bitterness and resentment and help us to remember that death has no power over the peace you give and that the love we shared with our departed loved ones goes beyond the grave.
(add names of the recently departed or on Anniversary list)
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Eternal God, in the week ahead help us to conduct our lives with dignity, always giving respect, always praying before taking action and following each action with prayerful thanksgiving.
Merciful father: accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.
Closing Hymn
NEH 76 – Take up thy cross, the Saviour said
Closing Prayer
Go before us, Lord, in all we do
with your most gracious favour,
and guide us with your continual help,
that in all our works
begun, continued and ended in you,
we may glorify your holy name,
and finally by your mercy receive everlasting life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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.
