Bible Sunday – the Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity

We welcome you and invite you to join us in prayer with our written service for home worship on the Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity.

Today is also Bible Sunday, when we celebrate the Bible and the gift of God’s word. We cherish these words and the guidance they give us to live our lives. Join us in prayer this Bible Sunday:

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

As the war continues in Ukraine, we remember them with this prayer:

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

The Intercessions

Almighty God, we give you thanks for the precious gift of the collected books of the Bible. They provide us with a blueprint as to how we should live our lives and how we should relate to each other. Grant us the inspiration to accept and follow their instruction so that we may become beacons of your love in our communities, as exemplified by the earthly life of your Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

As the waves of consequence rolling from the war in Ukraine crash upon the European and world economies, Lord we pray again to you for peace. We lift up before you the many victims and casualties of this needless conflict for your care and support. Speak to the political leaders and military commanders responsible for the destruction and bloodshed that they may desist from such a devastating conflict. Turn their hearts and energies, we beseech you, towards efforts to bring reconciliation and peace.

We ask that the same plea may echo over the many other armed struggles across our world from which our attention has become deflected. Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
Gracious Father, recent events in the UK have reminded us of the critical importance of political stability and credibility in our democracies. We pray for your wisdom and steadying hand upon our Heads of State and Governments. In difficult times grant them the will to listen, learn, and lead. Inspire the creativity and commitment to channel realistic support to the most vulnerable, especially through the winter months. May they be granted an ongoing vision of the actions needed to develop a just and sustainable society. Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

We pray for the health of our planet. Grant to us all an increasing awareness of the threats created by uncaring exploitation of its resources. Create in us the will to improve our individual and collective stewardship of the wonderful natural resources upon which our continuing existence depends. Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Lord, keep us ever mindful of our calling to witness to the truths of the gospel message. We pray for the work and welfare of the clergy and bishops of our diocese. With their help and guidance may our lives be worthy of our calling. We ask especially that you bless the work of our Chaplain, Bruce, and his spiritual leadership. Grant that all of us in may continue to grow as a caring, loving community that will radiate your love throughout our surrounding environment. Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Joining other members of our diocese today, we pray for the life and work of the Spanish Episcopal Reformed Church and its bishop, as well as for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Within our diocese, we ask for your blessing on the function and activities of our Diocesan Safeguarding Team in their support for children and vulnerable adults. Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

We pray for the sick amongst our members, their families and friends. Once again remembering all who are on our chaplaincy healing list (especially, ….). Where there is discomfort, pain, or distress, we pray for your healing, relief and comfort, with a continuing tangible sense of your assuring presence.

Grant everlasting rest to all who have passed from this mortal life (……) and give strength to their bereaved families and friends. Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

And, as we conclude our requests, help us to use a moment’s silent reflection to offer you our most pressing personal concerns for others, as well as for ourselves.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers which we offer in the name of your Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Closing Hymn

NEH 438 – Praise to God whose word was spoken

Concluding Prayers

God our Father, whose Son, the light unfailing, has come from heaven to deliver the world from the darkness of ignorance:let these holy mysteries open the eyes of our understanding that we may know the way of life, and walk in it without stumbling; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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.

Bible Sunday – the Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity

Opening Hymn

The Readings

The Anthem

The Intercessions

Closing Hymn

Concluding Prayers