The Third Sunday before Advent
God, our refuge and strength, bring near the day when wars shall cease and poverty and pain shall end, that earth may know the peace of heaven through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
We welcome you to this written service for home worship. Here you will find prayers, today’s readings and links to the anthem, hymns and psalm.
Let us start by praying 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 Prayer
Almighty Father, whose will is to restore all things in your beloved Son, the King of all: govern the hearts and minds of those in authority, and bring the families of the nations, divided and torn apart by the ravages of sin, to be subject to his just and gentle rule; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Opening Hymn
Hymn 239 – Lord of all hopefulness
The Readings
Isaiah 52: 7-10
Hebrews 13: 7-17
Matthew 25: 14-30
The Psalm
The Anthem
Anthem: Thou knowest Lord – Henry Purcell
Hymn
Hymn 459 – The Lord’s my Shepherd
The Intercessions
Everlasting God, open our eyes, that we might see you. Open our ears, that we may hear you. Open our mouths, that we might speak your praise. Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
Holy God, we pray for your church throughout the world, for our Bishop Robert, and our host Bishop Dirk. We thank you for our chaplain Bruce and ask for your blessing upon his ministry among us. We pray for all those who seek God at home, at work, in the streets, for all who search for life. We pray for the stillness to listen to the voice of your Spirit and to recognise with thanksgiving all you have done for us. Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
Creator God you gave to us the care of our planet and yet all that we seem to do is spoil it. We bring before you the UN climate summit which starts today in Egypt. We pray that there will be progress on implementing the pledges made in Glasgow last year. We pray that we all will learn to be good stewards of your wonderful creation. Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
Eternal God, we see the world around us in great turmoil and we pray for the victims of natural disasters and war. We remember those who have lost their homes and livelihood. Grant wisdom to the world leaders as they seek solutions to bring about hope and peace. Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
Loving God, we raise before you the sick and the suffering and ask that even in difficult times, we may honour you and encourage others by our prayers for those who are suffering today. We remember you those on our church Prayer list. Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
Faithful God, you have promised to be with us and long ago sent your Spirit to live amongst us to guide us to a future of goodness and hope. As we travel into the week ahead seeking your truth and justice, help us to feel your presence as we encounter you in unexpected places in our lives.
Merciful father: accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
Closing Hymn
Concluding Prayers
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.
