Third Sunday of Epiphany

This written service offers today’s readings, prayers and music for those worshipping from home. We welcome those joining us today.

A Prayer for Peace

In this troubled world, we open our written service with a heartfelt prayer for peace:

Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all, the true love of peace and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth that in tranquillity your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; 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.

Opening Hymn

Hymn 374 – How sweet the name of Jesus sounds

The Collect for today

Almighty God, whose Son revealed in signs and miracles the wonder of your saving presence: renew your people with your heavenly grace, and in all our weakness sustain us by your mighty power; 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.

Intercessions

Heavenly Father, in the short chilly days of winter we look forward to the light and warmth that heralds new life in the Spring. As we contemplate this seasonal miracle uplifting our hearts, inspire us to trust the joyful Gospel news and the transforming miracle that it can bring to the ways in which we live our lives.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Across the entire world we see the hardship and suffering caused by the conflict in the Ukraine, even to those far removed from the battlegrounds. We pray to you again, Lord, for peace. We pray especially for the people of the Ukraine in their time of need. Grant, in your loving kindness, that hostilities may cease and that a time of recovery and restoration may ensue.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

When many are thrust by external circumstances into financial difficulties, Creator God we pray you to guide our Heads of State and their governments to recognize and aid those in direst need. Grant that policies may be developed urgently to ensure that the more vulnerable will not go hungry and that the provision of shelter may become available to all who need it.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Lord, we pray for the medical and care services in our lands. We thank you for their skill and devotion, especially when working under extreme pressure. Grant that the value of their contributions to our society may be adequately recognized. As our healthcare needs become more complex and extensive, help those in authority to plan for the provision of resources to meet these changing needs.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

In our materialistic and secular world, inspire our Bishops and their clergy to keep feeding us spiritually. Bless their pastoral work and help them to encourage us in our faith pilgrimage through life. In turn, help us to respond to their leadership, by showing both gratitude and support. Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

We pray, in our diocesan prayer cycle, for the Spanish Episcopal Reformed Church, and its Bishop, Carlos Lopez-Lozano. We also bring before you the welfare and pastoral needs of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.
In our Diocesan Office we seek your blessing on our Safeguarding Team, Grace Fagan, Andy Munrow, Bridgett Fenton, and Craig Norman. We also pray for the watchful care of children and vulnerable adults in all our chaplaincies.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

With grateful hearts we give thanks for all the blessings we have received as a congregation. Lord Jesus, look with favour upon our chaplaincy in Haarlem, and upon our hopes and aspirations. Under the leadership of our chaplain, Bruce, inspire us with the vision and wisdom to discern pathways to grow our membership. May we increase our service and witness to the surrounding communities of Haarlem.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

We lift up before you any amongst our families and friends who are ill or distressed. Grant healing and comfort, and reassure them with a sense of your presence with them. Once again, we seek your care for those on our prayer list, and for any others for whom ongoing prayer has been requested (especially…………).

Take into your everlasting rest all who have passed from this mortal life (…) and bring comfort to their grieving and bereaved loved ones.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

As we close our intercessions, in silence let us take a moment to bring our most personal and pressing requests before God.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers which we offer in the name of your Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Closing Hymn

Hymn 56 – Songs of thankfulness and praise

Closing 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. Amen

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.