The Third Sunday before Lent
You are most welcome to join us in home worship with this short written service. It includes today’s readings, prayers and music.
Opening Collect:
Almighty God,
who alone can bring order
to the unruly wills and passions of sinful humanity:
give your people grace
so to love what you command
and to desire what you promise,
that, among the many changes of this world,
our hearts may surely there be fixed
where true joys are to be found;
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.
Opening Hymn
NEH 333 – All my hope on God is founded
The Liturgy of the Word – The Readings
Old Testament Lesson: Jeremiah 17: 5-10
New Testament Lesson: 1 Corinthians 15: 12-20
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The Gospel Reading: Luke 6: 17-26
This is the Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you, O Christ.
The Anthem
Ye choirs of new Jerusalem – Charles V. Stanford
The Intercessions
Let us pray to God the Father,
who has reconciled all things to himself in Christ:
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
For peace among the nations,
that God may rid the world of violence
and let peoples grow in justice and harmony to eliminate threats, oppression and hatred wherever they occur.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
For those who serve in public office,
that they may work for the common good.
For our politicians and leaders, that they strive for understanding, fairness, and consensus in solving our worlds problems.
For those in caring professions, that their efforts are rewarded by our reciprocal support and care for them.
For Robert, David and Dirk, our bishops; for Bruce, Robert and all who minister in this place; and for Christian people everywhere, that we may joyfully proclaim and live our faith in Jesus Christ remembering his example of inclusion and love for all.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
For those who suffer from hunger, sickness, loneliness, sadness or bereavement, that the presence of Christ may bring them health and wholeness;
We bring before you in a moment of silence anyone known to us in need of your care
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
Lord you can test our minds
and search our hearts,
to give to all according to our ways,
according to the fruit of our doings.
Help us, knowing this, to live without judgement, to give without favour, and to love unconditionally in your name.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
Let us commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray,
to the mercy and protection of God.
Final Hymn
NEH 467 – Through all the changing scenes of life
The Lords Prayer
Closing Prayer
Alone with none but thee, my God,
I journey on my way.
What need I fear, when thou art near O king of night and day?
More safe am I within thy hand
Than if a host did round me stand. Amen.
(Columba, c.521 – 597)
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.
