The Fifth Sunday of Easter
We welcome you to this written service which offers today’s readings, prayers and music for the Fifth Sunday of Easter.
Recent sermons can be found here.
We start by remembering Ukraine with this prayer:
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
Opening Prayer
Risen Christ,
your wounds declare your love for the world
and the wonder of your risen life:
give us compassion and courage
to risk ourselves for those we serve,
to the glory of God the Father.
Post Communion
Opening Hymn
Hymn 103 – Alleluya! Alleluya! Hearts to heaven and voices raise
The Readings
Acts 11: 1-18
Revelation 21: 1-6
John 13: 31-35
The Psalm
The Anthem
I give to you a new commandment – Peter Nardone
The Intercessions
In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ,
let us pray to the Father.
Almighty God, our heavenly Father,
you promised through your Son Jesus Christ
to hear us when we pray in faith.
Lord, In your Mercy, Hear our prayer
Strengthen Robert and David our bishops, our Hosts Bishop Dirk and Fr. Robert; our chaplain Bruce and all your Church in the service of Christ,
that those who confess your name may be united in your truth,
live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.
In the Anglican cycle of prayer we pray for the Scottish Episcopal Church, and in the diocesan prayer diary as well as for our bishops , we pray for their chaplains Alan and Frances.
for all those training to be Readers in the diocese and for those supporting them. We also pray and give thanks for the work of the Friends of the Diocese in Europe.
Lord, In your Mercy, Hear our prayer
Bless and guide our monarchs; give wisdom to all in authority;
and direct every nation in the ways of justice and of peace;
that we may honour one another, and seek the common good.
Lord, In your Mercy, Hear our prayer
Give grace to us, our families and friends, and to all our neighbours,
that we may serve Christ in one another, and love as he loves us.
Help others by the example of his love to see better ways to heal division and end conflict in these troubled times.
Lord, In your Mercy, Hear our prayer
Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit,
give them courage and hope in their troubles;
and bring them the joy of your salvation.
We take a moment to bring anyone known to us personally before you;
[pause]
Lord, In your Mercy, Hear our prayer
Hear us as we remember those who have died in the faith of Christ …;
according to your promises,
grant us with them a share in your eternal kingdom.
Lord, In your Mercy, Hear our prayer
Rejoicing in the fellowship of Anna and Mary with all your saints,
we commend ourselves and the whole creation to your unfailing love.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen.
Closing Hymn
Hymn 401 – Light’s abode, celestial Salem
Closing Prayers
Eternal God,
whose Son Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life:
grant us to walk in his way,
to rejoice in his truth,
and to share his risen life;
who is alive and reigns, now and for ever. Amen.
May the risen Christ give us his peace. Alleluia. Amen.
