Sunday next before Lent

We welcome you to this written service with prayers, the readings for today and links to hymns and an anthem.

Today is a day for prayer as “we lament with the people of Ukraine, and we pray for the innocent, the frightened and those who have lost loved ones, homes, and family”. The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of York ask that our response to this crisis be rooted in prayer for peace.

“We pray for those in Ukraine who suffer grievously, for all who take decisions around the world, and for the people and leaders of Russia too.”

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not let them be afraid. John 14.27

Kyrie Confession

Lord Jesus, you wept over the sins of your city.
On our city/town/nation: Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you heal the wounds of sin and division, jealousy and bitterness.
On us: Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you bring pardon and peace to the sinner.
Grant us peace: Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Collect

Almighty God,
from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed:
kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all, the true love of peace
and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom
those who take counsel for the nations of the earth
that in tranquillity your kingdom may go forward,
till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love;
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 Intercessions

Heavenly Father, as we prepare ourselves for the remembrance of Your Son’s death at the hands of power-hungry men, we come before You at this time in deep sorrow and humility at what is happening in our world.

As we react in horror at what is now happening in Eastern Europe, we begin to realise that Climate Change and Covid were but distractions for the world – distractions from the evil preparing to unleash itself into the world.

We in our comfortable environments have busied ourself with our domestic matters, whilst the power-hungry leaders of Russia and the East have been free to amass their forces.

We know not what will now develop in Europe and the world at large, but we feel that the world is about to be shaken at its roots. Whether the diabolical actions now being taken are the beginning of Armageddon or not, we have, as Christians, one comfort, one hope, to trust in our Lord God, that He be with us, to guide our thoughts and actions in what will be a testing time for all, and to be ever ready for Thy Son when He returns in power to save His creation.

Heavenly Father, we pray You for all suffering in any way at this time, mentally or physically, those known to us, and for the millions throughout the world suffering at the cruel and selfish hands of others. Help us to pray also for the misguided leaders, despite our aversion to their actions, that they, like Paul, may see the flash of Your Light of Love.

Give our Chaplain Bruce particular wisdom as he leads us in our thoughts and worship at this time, as we approach the remembrance of that ultimate act of love, Your Son’s sacrifice of himself on the cross, for us and all creation.

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

We pray for the leaders of the nations,
that you will guide them in the ways of freedom, justice and truth.

We pray for those who bear arms on behalf of the nation,
that they may have discipline and discernment,
courage and compassion.

We pray for our enemies, and those who wish us harm,
that you will turn the hearts of all to kindness and friendship.

We pray for the wounded and the captive,
the grieving and the homeless,
that in all their trials they may know your love and support.

Most holy God and Father,
hear our prayers for all who strive for peace
and all who fight for justice.
Help us, who today remember the cost of war,
to work for a better tomorrow;
and, as we commend to you lives lost in terror and conflict,
bring us all, in the end, to the peace of your presence;
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Closing Hymn

Hymn 436 – Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven

The Blessing

God grant to the living grace,
to the departed rest,
to the Church, the Queen, the Commonwealth and all people,
unity, peace and concord,
and to us and all God’s servants,
life everlasting;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always. Amen.