The Second Sunday of Lent

We welcome you to our written service this Second Sunday in Lent. Here you can find the readings for today, prayers and links to the anthem, psalm and hymns.

First we open our service with a prayer for peace in our 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.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not let them be afraid. John 14.27

Hymn 338

At the name of Jesus
.

The Collect

Almighty God, by the prayer and discipline of Lent may we enter into the mystery of Christ’s sufferings, and by following in his Way come to share in his glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Intercessions

Heavenly Father, we continue to pray for Your creation, with its many and great problems;
we pray for its worldly leaders, many struggling for power, without regard for human life or dignity; if it be Your will, turn their hearts to an understanding of Your love and the responsibilities they have for Your creation;
We pray You for those devoting their time, energies and lives to helping others;
and for all, individuals and families, struggling to maintain traditional human standards against the great temptations and dangers of modern society, automation and ease;
Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for Your Church world-wide in its various denominations, and particularly at this time for the Church of England, facing a profound rift within its leadership;
We pray for all Christian leaders, particularly for our Kings Charles and William Alexander, and for ourselves, as we struggle to understand what You would have us do:
help us to believe and trust in Your promises, waiting patiently in the world ‘with clean hands and a pure heart’.
Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all in need or distress at this time,
for those suffering from the atrocities being perpetrated in so many areas of the world;
for those suffering directly or indirectly from the consequences of climate change;
for all sick and suffering; the mentally ill, the lonely, and the bereaved;
We pray particularly for our own congregation, for those on our Chaplaincy Prayer List,
and for those for whom we personally wish to pray …
Comfort, O God, all in distress, relieve them from their suffering if it be Your will,
and lift them up in Your everlasting arms;
Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Pour out Your Spirit on all the baptised O God, fill us with trust in Your word, and the hope of our Lord’s return, and give us that peace of mind that passes all understanding.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of Your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen
.

Hymn 76

Take up thy cross, the Saviour said
.

Closing Prayers

Almighty God,
you have created the heavens and the earth
and made us in your own image:
teach us to discern your hand in all your works
and your likeness in all your children;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns supreme over all things,
now and for ever.
Amen.

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

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Lifeline no.195

Welcome to our written service for the Second Sunday after Trinity.

We praise you, O God,
we acclaim you as the Lord;
all creation worships you,
the Father everlasting.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
the cherubim and seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory. Amen.

from Te Deum Laudamus

All are very welcome to use this written service for home worship. Here you can find the readings for today, prayers and intercessions, a sung psalm, hymns and an anthem. Should you wish to listen to our sermons, you can find recent sermons here.

Let us start by remembering Ukraine with this prayer:

A Prayer 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

Opening Prayer

Lord, you have taught us
that all our doings without love are nothing worth:
send your Holy Spirit
and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love,
the true bond of peace and of all virtues,
without which whoever lives is counted dead before you.
Grant this for your only Son Jesus Christ’s sake,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Opening Hymn

Hymn 353 Dear Lord and Father of mankind

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4KnlQwzl3Y

The Readings

2 Kings 2: 1-2, 6-14
Galatians 5: 1, 13-25
Luke 9: 51-end

The Anthem

Anthem: Beati quorum via – Charles V. Stanford

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBZj_kMhjRI

The Intercessions

Heavenly Father, we come before You, not through our own merit, but through the sacrifice and mediation of Your Son Jesus Christ.

You made us in Your own image, and we are baptised as Your children, but we constantly fall short of that high calling;
strengthen us and guide us, give us the humility to listen to Your Holy Spirit – to be in the world but not of the world;

We thank You that we have the freedom to practice and witness to our faith according to our consciences, and we pray for the many parts of the world where Christians are oppressed for their faith;

We pray for the leaders and clergy of all Christian denominations at this time of great confusion and aimlessness in the Church; inspire them by Your Holy Spirit, and grant them the wisdom and courage to know what You would have them do, as they lead and care for the flocks in their charge;

We pray You particularly today for the families and children in our Chaplaincy; guide parents to set the example of Christian living, and to their children the respect and obedience to their parents, in accordance with God’s Holy will;
Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayer

We bring before You our world at large, now suffering the consequences of the widespread abuse of its natural resources, and continuing mindless waste and destruction;
we pray for the great unease in the world and the tensions between the major nations;

We pray for world leaders confronted with political, economic and social problems beyond their understanding;
for societies everywhere now facing a shocking increase in addictions of all kinds, drugs, gambling, and the irresistible appeal of social media, taking over and destroying the lives of the vulnerable;
Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayer

Heavenly Father, we pray for all in distress at this time; for the millions of refugees and homeless, for victims of war, revolution and aggression;
for the sick and infirm, the mentally ill or unstable, the bereaved;

We pray particularly for our own congregation, for those on our Chaplaincy Prayer List;
and for those for whom we personally wish to pray …..

Comfort, O God, all in distress, relieve them from their suffering if it be Your will,
and lift them up in Your everlasting arms;
Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayer

We remember those who have died in the faith of Christ; may they rest in your peace and rise to a joyful resurrection.
Heavenly Father, you have promised to provide light in the darkness for those who trust in you:
Grant us grace to understand what You would have us do, and the courage and strength to carry out the same;
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of Your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen

The Closing Hymn

Hymn 339 – Be you my vision, O Lord of my heart

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8v8FnoHbDgY

Closing Prayers

Jesus, Lord of time,
hold us in your eternity.

Jesus, image of God,
travel with us the life of faith.

Jesus, friend of sinners,
heal the brokenness of our world.

Jesus, Lord of tomorrow,
draw us into your future. Amen.

May God who made both heaven and earth bless us.
Amen.

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

Today the second candle on the Advent wreath will be lit when we worship in church today. The second candle is the Bethlehem Candle representing love: “This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12).

If you are worshipping at home we offer this written service of prayers, readings and music.

Opening Collect

O Lord, raise up, we pray, your power
and come among us,
and with great might succour us;
that whereas, through our sins and wickedness
we are grievously hindered
in running the race that is set before us,
your bountiful grace and mercy
may speedily help and deliver us;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit,
be honour and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Opening Hymn

Hymn 5: Hark, a thrilling voice is sounding
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUMcjVFsbUE

The Readings

Malachi 3: 1-4
Philippians 1: 3-11
Luke 3: 1-6

The Anthem

People look East – arr. Barry Ferguson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2b0XKgEboak

The Intercessions

God our Heavenly Father, Who alone can bring order out of chaos, we continue to bring before You our deeply troubled world, struggling to understand what is happening and where it is going, as it is confronted with enormous practical problems from all sides, a world experiencing social and political instability everywhere. We pray for all in a position of authority, for governments, organisations, and parents, that they may look to You for guidance in their great need for wisdom;
Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

And we pray especially for the Church, the spiritual bride of Your dear Son, as it is struggles with an increasingly materialistic and alien world, and the temptations of compromise in an attempt to survive.
Inspire, guide and strengthen its ministers, and all who confess Your name, to trust in You to keep afloat in today’s violent and stormy seas.

We pray especially for the many throughout the world who are suffering for their faith, give them great fortitude and courage to remain true to their faith in You.
Give us in this Chaplaincy to know what You would have us do, from day to day and week to week, and prepare us, and our new Chaplain, for the time ahead.

Fill us with the hope of Your Son’s return in power, that we may be ready for anything that You would have us do.
Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all in distress at this time,
for the oppressed, and for the millions of refugees fleeing from oppressive regimes;

We pray for all sick and suffering, for the depressed, the bereaved, and those struggling with their faith;
we pray particularly for those of our own congregation, for those on our Chaplaincy Prayer List;
for those too frail or handicapped to be present with us in Church,
and for those for whom we personally wish to pray …..

Comfort, O God, all in distress, relieve them from their suffering if it be Your will,
and lift them up in Your everlasting arms;
Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the souls of the faithful departed this life in the faith of Christ,
may they rest in Your peace until the day of the resurrection.

Heavenly Father, You have promised to provide light in the darkness for those who trust in You:
Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what You would have us do,
the humility to listen to Your Holy Spirit, and Your light to guide our footsteps that we may not stumble;
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of Your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen

Closing Hymn

Hymn 408: Love Divine, all loves excelling
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw5ZCZeS32M&t=147s

Closing Prayers

Father in heaven,
who sent your Son to redeem the world
and will send him again to be our judge:
give us grace so to imitate him
in the humility and purity of his first coming
that, when he comes again,
we may be ready to greet him
with joyful love and firm faith;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

May the Lord make us ready for his coming in glory.
Amen.

In these strange times the light that advent brings into our homes is even more welcome and needed than before. We welcome you as you join our streamed service, here is the Order of Service so that you may follow.

Order of Service

Choir: “Matin Responsory”(adapted from a Magnificat by Palestrina)
followed by “Come, Thou redeemer of the earth” (arr.D.Willcocks)

Choir: “Advent Wreath Prayer: Blessed are you,Sovreign Lord,
God of our ancestors,to you be praise and glory for ever.
You called the patriarchs to live by the light of faith
and to journey in the hope of your promised fulfilment.
May we be obedient to your call and be ready and watchful to
receive your Christ, a lamp to our feet and a light to our path;
for you are our light and our salvation, Blessed be God for ever.

Hymn: O Come, O come, Emmanuel (arr. John Rutter)

Ladies: O Come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Men: O come, thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From depths of hell thy people save,
And give them victory o’er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Choir: O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer
Our spirits by thine advent here ;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Men: O come. O come, thou Lord of Might
Who to thy tribes, on Sinai’s height,
In ancient times didst give the law
In cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel

All: O come, thou Key of David, come
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel

Bidding Prayer

Choir: Remember, O thou man. (Thomas Ravenscroft)

Remember, O thou man, O thou man, O thou man
remember, O thou man, thy time is spent.
Remember, o thou man, how thou art dead and gone,
and I did what I can: therefore repent.

Remember Adam’s fall, O thou man, O thou man
remember Adam’s fall from heaven to hell.
Remember Adam’s fall, how we were condemned all
in hell perpetual, therefore to dwell.

Remember God’s goodnesse, O thou man, O thou man
remember God’s goodnesse, and his promise made,
remember God’s goodnesse, how he sent his Sonne,doubtlesse,
our sinnes for to redresse: be not afraid.

The angels all did sing, O thou man, O thou man
the angels all did sing upon the shepheards’hill,
the angels all did singe praises to our heavenly King,
and peace to man living with a good will.

Lesson I The Prophet proclaims good news to a people in exile.

Choir: “O Radiant Dawn” (James MacMillan)

O Radiant Dawn, O Radiant Dawn, O Radiant Dawn,
Splendour of eternal Light, Sun of Justice, Sun of Justice,
Sun of Justice: come, come, come, come, come, come,
shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.
Isaiah had prophesied, The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land
of gloom a light has shone. Amen

Lesson 2 The Lord promises to send his people a righteous King

Hymn: 6 “Hark, the glad sound, the Saviour comes”

Lesson 3 The Lord promises that the King will come to Israel in peace

Choir: “How beautiful upon the mountains” (John Stainer)

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him
that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth salvation,
that saith unto Zion, thy God reigneth.

Hymn: 10 “Long ago, prophets knew”

Lesson 4 The Prophet foretells the advent of the desire of all nations

Choir: “A tender shoot” (Otto Goldschmidt)

A tender shoot hath started up from a root of grace,
as ancient seers imparted from Jesse’s holy race.
It blooms without a blight,blooms in the cold bleak winter
turning our darkness into light.
This shoot, Isaiah taught us,from Jesse’s root should spring,
The Virgin Mary brought us the branch of which we sing.
Our God of endless might gave her this child to save us,
thus turning darkness into light.

Lesson 5 The Prophet foretells the glory of the kingdom of God

Hymn: 15 “The Lord will come and not be slow”

Choir: “The Angel Gabriel from heaven came” (M.Archer)

The angel Gabriel from heaven came, His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame;
“All hail”said he, “thou lowly maiden Mary Most highly favour’d lady”, Gloria.
For known a blessed Mother thou shalt be, All generations laud and honour thee,
Thy Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold, Most highly favour’d lady, Gloria
Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head,“To me be as it pleaseth God”, she said,
“My soul shall laud and magnify his holy Name”, Most highly favour’d lady, Gloria
Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ was born in Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn,
And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say: Most highly favour’d lady, Gloria

Lesson 6 The angel Gabriel salutes the Blessed Virgin Mary

Choir: “I sing of a maiden” (Lennox Berkeley)
(words from 15th Century)
I sing of a maiden, that is makeless
King of all kinges, to her son she ches

He came also stille, there his mother was
as dew in Aprille, that falleth on the grass

He came also stille, to his mother’s bow’r
as dew in Aprille, that falleth on the flow’r

He came also stille, there his mother lay
as dew in Aprille that falleth on the spray

Mother and maiden was never none but she,
well may such a lady Goddes mother be.

Hymn: 32 verses 1, 3, 5, “O little town of Bethlehem”
please stand:

Lesson 7 Jesus proclaims the coming of the Kingdom of God

Hymn: 9 “Lo he comes with clouds descending”

Choir: “Zion, at thy shining gates” (George Guest)

Zion, at thy shining gates, Lo, the King of Glory waits,
Haste thy monarch’s pomp to greet, strew thy palms before his feet.
Christ, for thee their triple light, faith and hope and love unite;
This the beacon we display to proclaim thine advent day.
Come and give us peace within, loose us from the bands of sin,
take away the galling weight laid on us by Satan’s hate.
Give us grace thy yoke to wear, give us strength thy cross to bear,
Make us thine in deed and word, thine in heart and life, O Lord.
So, when thou shalt come again, judge of angels and of men,
we with all thy saints shall sing: Alleluias to our King.

Choir: “Vesper Responsory” (Palestrina; adapted by Ph.Ledger)
Cantor: Judah and Jerusalem, fear not, nor be dismayed.
Choir: Tomorrow go ye forth, and the Lord, he will be with you.

Cantor: Stand ye still, and ye shall see the salvation of the Lord.
Choir: Tomorrow go ye forth, and the Lord, he will be with you.

Cantor Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost
Choir: Tomorrow go ye forth, and the Lord, he will be with you.

The Collect for the First Sunday in Advent

Almighty God,
give us grace to cast away the works of darkness
and to put on the armour of light,
now in the time of this mortal life,
in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility;
that on the last day,
when he shall come again in his glorious majesty
to judge the living and the dead,
we may rise to the life immortal;
through him who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Blessing

Hymn: 30 verses 1, 2 & 6 “O come all ye faithful”

We welcome you to join us is worship this Last Sunday after Trinity.

Opening Prayer

Blessed Lord,
who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning:
help us so to hear them,
to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them
that, through patience, and the comfort of your holy word,
we may embrace and for ever hold fast
the hope of everlasting life,
which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Opening Hymn

Hymn 377: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spE-BE23qxA&t=53s

The Readings

Jeremiah 31: 7-9
Hebrews 7: 23-end
Mark 10: 46-end

The Anthem

Blessed be the God and Father – S.S. Wesley

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMDVKMWCaxQ

The Intercessions

Everlasting God we thank you that your written Word continues to inspire us, showing us who you are, how you love us, how we should live and what we can be.

We thank you for those in our churches who contribute to worship by reading out your Word. Give them and us discernment as we hear and inwardly digest the wisdom that we receive.

Thank you too for the way in which the Bible brings guidance, hope and health to people everywhere. We pray for the work of organisations such as The Bible Society, Wycliffe Bible Translators, the Gideons and the Bible Reading Fellowship that they will be blessed through the varied work they do at home and globally to bring your word to people’s minds and hearts. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer

Creator God we thank you that Scripture shows us that you care for the entire world and all its People. We pray for all migrants and refugees around the world, especially those from Afghanistan, that they would experience kindness and generosity in their search for a home. We give you thanks for the positive response from many countries and pray that this welcome be extended by many more. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer

Faithful God we pray for our families and friends and our church community. May we all be renewed in your love. Through the study of your Word may we encounter Christ and be transformed by his words and actions. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer

Gracious God we pray for the sick, the lonely and the hurting in our community and for those who care for them. Help them to draw strength from your love. We pray too for those who are bound by situations beyond their control or by sickness of body, mind or spirit. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer

Holy God hear these and all our prayers and let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to you, O Lord, our Strength and our Redeemer.
Merciful Father: accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen

Closing Hymn

Hymn 486 We have a Gospel to proclaim

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2FX0-kS7wA

Closing Prayers

Father of light,
in whom is no change or shadow of turning,
you give us every good and perfect gift
and have brought us to birth by your word of truth:
may we be a living sign of that kingdom
where your whole creation will be made perfect
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

We welcome you, this Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity, to join us in worship with this written service. Here you will find today’s readings, prayers and an anthem and hymn for today.

Opening Prayer

Almighty God,
you have made us for yourself,
and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you:
pour your love into our hearts and draw us to yourself,
and so bring us at last to your heavenly city
where we shall see you face to face;
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.

The Readings

Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29
James 5: 13-end
Mark 9: 38-end

The Anthem

Rejoice in the Lord alway – anonymous

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azVITZ-zNAs

The Intercessions

Holy God, we pray to you knowing that you will hear our prayers and answer them in your way. We pray for all people who seek to follow you in their lives. Let your church speak your word of truth with confidence and in unity so that those who are searching and listening will be able to see and clearly hear your message of love and peace. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer

Creator God, we recognise our part in the tensions and injustices of the world: heal the resentment between people and intervene in the world’s conflicts. We pray for those living in countries where there is violence and unrest such as Afghanistan and Jemen. Grant wisdom to the world leaders as they seek to bring about justice and find peaceful solutions. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the love we share with our families and our friends. We recognise that they may have faults and they love us in spite of ours. Help us to be flexible and adaptable in all of our relationships and also capable of accepting constructive criticism as we grow in our lives. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer

Mighty God we pray for those who practice medicine. Strengthen doctors, nurses, carers and researchers as they seek to heal and prevent disease and pain. We now name before you those we know and love who need healing in their lives. Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer

Lord we ask you to lead us into the coming week, help us to believe that you are close by us, keep us from making mistakes and guide us in our lives. When we face hard decisions or difficult work, when we enjoy ourselves and have fun, may we know that you are with us.
Merciful Father: accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen

The Hymn

NEH 467 – Through all the changing scenes of life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ox1r0OzIwoo

Closing Prayers

Lord, we pray that your grace
may always precede and follow us,
and make us continually to be given to all good works;
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.

You are most welcome to share in this written service, the Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity. This service offers the readings for today, prayers and a selected anthem and hymn.

Opening Prayer

O Lord, we beseech you mercifully to hear the prayers
of your people who call upon you;
and grant that they may both perceive and know
what things they ought to do,
and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil them;
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.

The Readings

Wisdom 1: 16-,2.1, 12-22
James 3: 13-4.3,7-8a
Mark 9: 30-37

The Anthem

Teach me, O Lord – Thomas Attwood
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAmWl8xWmZQ

The Intercessions

Gracious God, as the seasonal changes usher in fresh nuances in our outlook on life, help us to reflect on our spiritual journey and on our relationship with you. Aware of our debt of gratitude for the life of our Lord Jesus, for his example on how we should live, and for his sacrifice of himself for us, we bring our intercessions before you with praise and thanksgiving. Just as the autumn mists dissolve in the warmth of the sun, revealing clear and sharply defined vistas, help us so to focus on the teachings in your Holy Word that we find clear pathways to follow throughout our earthly pilgrimage.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Heavenly Father, in a world too complex to understand we often feel burdened by life’s pressures and loads. Remembering today’s Gospel reading grant us the clarity and unfettered simplicity of children. In unsolicited service to others help us to find freedom, joy and fulfilment.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Caught up in perpetual cycles of fear, cultural differences, and ethnic mistrust that fuel arms races and confrontational posturing, Lord we long for world peace. Grant, we pray, fresh inspiration and creativity to national and international leaders that energies and resources bound up in the manufacture of weapons may be diverted towards relieving hunger and suffering, and for supplying other basic needs.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayerr

Look with compassion on aid workers and agencies, especially those providing emergency support to victims of natural and man-made disasters. Grant them courage and tenacity, particularly in the face of danger, resource limitation, frustration and despair. Help all of us who live in greater security and comfort never to forget to help provide them with financial and material resources.
And, amongst other humanitarian crises we lift up before you the peoples of Afghanistan and Yemen.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

We ask your blessing on the work and support given by our visiting priests and diocesan bishops. We thank you that we have been able to identify a suitable candidate as our future chaplain and we pray for your help and guidance as we work through the administrative issues necessary for his formal appointment.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Lord, daily in the nations of the earth people come together to worship and pray to you in many languages and liturgical traditions. Help us to actively maintain open communication and mutual respect for others. Today we pray for the well-being of the Russian Orthodox Church, its members and priesthood. We ask you to bless and inspire the work of Malcolm Rogers, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s representative to the Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia.
Look also, with mercy upon the persecuted church worldwide. Give protection, and assurance, recognizing the work of the Open Doors organization in providing information about persecution.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Lord, many people have borne the brunt of care for victims of the Covid-19 virus. We thank you for their devotion, often far beyond the normal expectations of duty. We pray that our Heads of State and their governments will continue to recognize, support and reward this extraordinary work and commitment.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Heavenly Father, our physical and mental health are inextricably entangled with our spiritual welfare. We beseech you that where there is disease, pain, or despair amongst our community, families and friends, you will bring healing and relief. Grant comfort and patience in adversity and provide an unfailing sense of your presence. Look especially upon Mary in her recovery and resettlement, and on Christine in her bereavement.
We commend to you the souls of Renger and other faithful departed to your eternal keeping.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Lord, our worldly cares distract us, scattering to the winds our focus and good intentions. Assist us now in the quiet of this sanctuary to briefly pause and reflect, presenting before you our innermost concerns for ourselves and for others.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son our Saviour, Jesus Christ

The Hymn

377 – Immortal invisible
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spE-BE23qxA

Closing Prayers

Almighty God,
you have taught us through your Son
that love is the fulfilling of the law:
grant that we may love you with our whole heart
and our neighbours as ourselves;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

You are most welcome to join us with the written service for the Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity. this short service offers the readings for today, prayers and a hymn and anthem.

The Collect for the Fifteenth Sunday in Trinity

God, who in generous mercy sent the Holy Spirit
upon your Church in the burning fire of your love:
grant that your people may be fervent
in the fellowship of the gospel
that, always abiding in you,
they may be found steadfast in faith and active in service;
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.

Praise

from Te Deum Laudamus

The Readings

Isaiah 50: 4-9a
James 3: 1-12
Mark 8: 27-end

The anthem

Solus ad victimam – Kenneth Leighton

Intercessions

Everlasting God hear us as we pray in faith and focus on the needs of others as well as ourselves.

We pray for the whole family of your church. May all your people be built up in faith and demonstrate in their lives the gospel of Jesus Christ. Give courage to those who find it hard to follow you. Give us encouragement when we, like St Peter, find the teachings of your Son difficult to take on board.

(Short Silence)