The Eleventh Sunday after Trinity
Christ, the sun of righteousness, rise in our hearts this day, enfold us in the brightness of your love and bear us at the last to heaven’s horizon; for your love’s sake. Amen.
We welcome you as we join for home worship with this written service on the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity.
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
O God, you declare your almighty power most chiefly in showing mercy and pity:
mercifully grant to us such a measure of your grace, that we, running the way of your commandments,
may receive your gracious promises, and be made partakers of your heavenly treasure;
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 Readings
Jeremiah 2: 4-13
Hebrews 13: 1-8,15-16
Luke 14: 1, 7-14
The Anthem
The Intercessions
Almighty and Ever-Loving God, in faith we bring our prayers to you; for the Church, the world and ourselves, rejoicing in the certain knowledge that you will hear and answer our prayers.
Father of all, we come here today to worship you on this Sabbath day, like thousands of others across the world. But we know there are many people, in many places, who do not have the same privilege. We ask for your protection on those who are in real danger of persecution or imprisonment simply by declaring your name. Fill them with hope and dignity as they faithfully serve you and may we stand alongside them as they suffer in your most holy name. Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
Gracious God, we thank you for your blessings on our neighbourhoods, especially those who live and work in this parish. We pray thefor all those who serve you in a leadership role, for those who prepare services and the outreach activities, for all who use their skills and talents in practical ways, often unseen or acknowledged. May our motives always be pure and help us to be gentle with ourselves and each other. Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, we pray for those from our community who are away on holiday at the moment that they may find rest and refreshment and return to us safely. Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
We pray for men, women and children throughout the world who lack what we have in abundance. For people who have no peace or security in their lives. For families who have no homes and who lack clean water, fresh food and adequate medical equipment and supplies. For refugees living in temporary shelters who hoped to find new lives but instead feel unwelcome, unwanted and forgotten. For medical staff who risk their lives to save and treat victims of war and terrorism. For all who work to bring peace and reconciliation into places of violent conflict. Guide the decisions and actions of those in positions of power and may we always be compassionate and ready to defend the poor and suffering. Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
God of Healing, we thank you for your blessings on all doctors and nurses whose knowledge, skill and compassion do so much to alleviate the pain and distress of illness. We pray for all who are suffering today in body, mind or spirit. Give them courage, hope and peace, and the knowledge that you are present in their weakness, pain and suffering. We pray for all who are oppressed, for those weighed down with addiction or mental illness. Set them free and bring to them healing and hope so that they may live life in all its fullness. Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
God of Love, we thank you for your gift to us of eternal life. We thank you for the lives of those who have gone before us into the fullness of your presence. We pray for those who feel the pain of grief at the loss of a loved one. Help us to support those who mourn both with our prayers, with words of comfort and with practical help both this day and in the days and weeks to come. May they each feel the comfort of your loving arms around them. Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
Lord, may we know you in the silence. May our hearts be like the heart of Jesus as we go from here into the coming week, so that others may see the joy of Christ in our lives. Merciful Father: accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Hymn for today
Closing Prayers
God the Father, Creator and Sustainer,
who gives all good things
seen and unseen.
In you alone we put our hope,
God the Son, Saviour and Redeemer,
who died for our sins
and rose again.
In you alone we put our hope,
God the Spirit, Teacher and Comforter,
who moves us to sing
‘Our God reigns!’
In you alone we put our hope. Amen.
