Presentation of Christ in the Temple
Today is the final Sunday of Epiphany, the Presentation of Christ in the Temple. In our service today, we remember how Jesus was brought to the Temple by his parents according to the law of Israel. There, he was recognised by Simeon, who declared him to be ‘a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of God’s people Israel.’
First, in our troubled world, we pray for peace and for those affected by war and conflict.
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.
Introit
Prayer for the blessing of light – Malcolm Archer
Opening Hymn
Hymn 408 – Love device, all loves excelling
Opening Collect for Today:
Almighty and ever-living God, clothed in majesty, whose beloved Son was this day presented in the Temple, in substance of our flesh:grant that we may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts, by your Son Jesus Christ 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
The Psalm
The Anthem
Hodie beata virgo – William Byrd
The Intercessions
Almighty God as we celebrate the feast of Candlemas today we give thanks for your son Jesus who is the Light of the World and for your call to us to share in that light. We pray that our Church may be a light to those who live in the darkness of unbelief, and reveal to them his love. Hear our prayers of intercession and thanksgiving and show your presence in our daily lives as you make the ordinary very special and the special, extraordinary. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Heavenly Father we pray for all those in authority: King Willem Alexander and King Charles 111. We pray for the European Union and our different governments. Grant them wisdom when dealing with difficult issues that affect our individual lives. We pray for your church worldwide, our bishop Robert and our host bishop Dirk and our chaplain Bruce. We ask for your blessing upon their ministries. On this day from the Prayer Diary of the Diocese in Europe we pray for the Episcopal Church in Europe and Bishop Mark Edington as well as the partnership with ICS. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Creator God, you gave us this world and made us stewards of it. We are a world family who we should care about, despite our differences of race, colour, creed or gender. Too often we are selfish only thinking of ourselves and so we ask you to forgive our selfishness, widen our vision and help us to be the caring people we ought to be. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Father God, we thank you for all who take risks and make sacrifices for others in their daily work, and especially for the men and women who work in our emergency services. Help us to respect and appreciate our fire-service, police and paramedics and bless them with the support of the communities that depend so heavily on them in times of crisis. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Loving God, we pray for all those who are suffering physical, emotional or mental illness. Help them to keep their eyes fixed on you, and give them the courage to face the trials and temptations that may come. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Merciful God, help those of us who are saddened by the loss of a loved one, particularly Regine whose mother died this week and the family and friends of Linda who was on our prayer list for a long time. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
In a moment of quietness, we bring before you our personal prayers.
Gracious God, we thank you for this time together in prayer and as we look forward to the week to come, help us to share your love and light with those around us.
Merciful father: accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
The Magnificat
Nunc Dimittis
Closing Hymn
Hymn 244 – Glory to the, my God, this night
Closing Prayers
O Lord,
who didst fulfil the hope of Simeon and Anna
that they might live to greet the coming of the Messiah:
grant that we, who have received these inexpressible gifts,
may be prepared to meet Christ Jesus when he shall come
to bring us to eternal life;
for he liveth and reigneth, now and for ever.
Amen.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen.
