The Third Sunday of Lent

We pray together, we share the readings and we worship with music – our written service for those worshipping from home.

 

First we open with a prayer for peace in our troubled world:

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 234

Christ whose glory fills the skies

 

The Collect

Eternal God, give us insight to discern your will for us, to give up what harms us, and to seek the perfection we are promised in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Readings:

Exodus 17: 1-7
Romans 5: 1-11
John 4: 5-42

Hymn 267

The spacious firmament on high

The Anthem:

Like as the Hart – Herbert Howells

Intercessions

Let us pray in spirit and in truth to God, our loving Father in faith that he will hear our prayers and respond to the needs of those for whom we pray.

Heavenly Father, we pray that you will pour out the living water of your Spirit upon your Church in the world. Give us the humility and courage to seek unity where we are divided. Give us the grace to include everyone of different faith, background, gender or colour. Remind us always that it is only through your gracious love that we can find peace with you. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer

Everlasting God we pray that you will pour out the living water of your Spirit upon the nations of the world. Help us to find new non-violent ways of seeking peace and reconciliation. Give grace, wisdom and insight to the powerful that they may surrender some of their power; to the rich that they may surrender some of their wealth; and to those who express hatred and prejudice through violence to learn that there are better ways to be. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer

Gracious God we pray that you will pour out the living water of your Spirit upon our communities and our families. Help us to allow that living water to flow through us enabling us to reach out to those around us. Help us not to be afraid to show kindness to strangers or to stand alongside those on the edges of our society. Give to us the Spirit that was in Jesus, drawing people to him and uniting them in their common experience of his compassion and love. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer

Loving God we pray that you will pour out the living water of your Spirit upon all who are in need. We pray for those who face another day of pain, fear, loneliness, depression or anxiety. Let them find in you refreshment, hope and comfort for their spirit and the peace of mind that comes with the assurance of your presence alongside them. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer

In a moment of quietness we bring before you our personal prayers.

Heavenly Father we offer these prayers to you and ask that you use them, and us, to further the work of your Kingdom here on earth and so that all people will know that you are indeed among us today.

Merciful Father: accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen

 

 

Hymn 471:

We love the place, O God

Closing Prayers:

Merciful Lord, grant your people grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil, and with pure hearts and minds to follow you, the only God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen.