The Fifth Sunday in Lent
Welcome to our written service for today, the Fifth Sunday in Lent. Later the sermon will also be available for you to listen to.
We begin this written service with a prayer for Ukraine.
A Prayer for Ukraine
God of peace and justice,we pray for the people of Ukraine today.We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons.We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow,that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.We pray for those with power over war or peace,for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions.Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear,that you would hold and protect them.We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen
Archbishop Justin Welby, Archbishop Stephen Cottrell
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Opening Hymn
NEH 468 – Through all the changing scenes of life
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Opening Collect
Most merciful God,
who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ
delivered and saved the world:
grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross
we may triumph in the power of his victory;
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.
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The Readings
Isaiah 43: 16-21
Philippians 3: 4b-14
John 12: 1-8
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The Anthem
Lead me, Lord – Samuel S. Wesley
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The Intercessions
My loving Lord,it’s so hard to love the world sometimes and to love it the way Jesus did seems impossible. Help me to be inspired by his love and guided by his example. Most of all, I want to accept that I can’t do it alone, and that trying is an arrogance of self-centeredness. I need you, dear God, to give me support in this journey. Show me how to unlock my heart so that I am less selfish. Let me be less fearful of the pain and darkness that will be transformed by you into Easter joy.
You call us to your service and so we ask that you make us worthy of your calling; and to hear us as we intercede and give thanks to you through Jesus Christ your Son.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
As we gather for worship in a place that is not our own but given over to us by another denomination we thank you for our Ecumenical partners in the mission of the Christian Church Worldwide; teach us all to serve you as you deserve, putting aside sectarianism whilst healing any divisions that keep us on the path towards your kingdom.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
We pray for the nations of the world and for their right dealing with each other, especially between Russia and Ukraine where we pray for a cessation of hostilities and a declaration of peace. May all barriers of race, creed, gender and colour be broken down and political freedom established where there is oppression and suppression of new ideas. We pray for educational development and for a more just economic structure which pays people fairly for their labour.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Look mercifully upon those whose lives have been shattered by illness
Help them and those who care for them to be freed from resentment and give them the strength to seek your will, whatever it might be, in every situation.
(add names of those requesting prayer)
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Help us also to remember that whatever occurs in life we are surrounded by your love. Help those bereaved by the loss of a loved one to find in your love peace and reassurance.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Merciful father: accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
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The Psalm
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The Final Hymn
NEH 439 – Praise to the Holiest in the height
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Closing Prayers
Soul of Christ, sanctify me,
body of Christ, save me,
blood of Christ, inebriate me,
water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me:
hide me within your wounds
and never let me be separated from you.
From the wicked enemy defend me,
in the hour of my death, call me
and bid me come to you,
so that with your saints I may praise you
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Anima Christi (14th century)
May God bless us and show us compassion and mercy. Amen.
