SUNDAY 29th MARCH 2020

This short act of worship has been prepared for you to use if you are unable to attend church. If you are well enough why not spend a few moments with God, knowing that other people are sharing this act of worship with you

Opening Prayer

As we come to worship you might like to have a time of silence and light a candle.

Then pray:

Holy and Loving God I come to worship you, as I do I remember that I am a part of your church in my community and in the world, and I take comfort from the fact that I am not alone.

Come by your Holy Spirit and help me to worship you in spirit and in truth.

Amen

Hymn: Breathe on me breath of God (Singing the Faith 370)

Sing/ Read /pray /proclaim the words or listen to it here

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love what thou dost love,
And do what thou wouldst do.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Until my heart is pure:
Until with thee I have one will
To do and to endure.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Till I am wholly thine,
Until this earthly part of me
Glows with thy fire divine.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
So shall I never die,
But live with thee the perfect life
Of thine eternity

Edwin Hatch (1835-1889) – Reproduced from Singing the Faith Electronic Words Edition, number 370

Let us pray together

Holy and Loving God, all life comes from you, and in you all things hold together.

As we remember this, we pause to give you thanks and Praise.

As we remember this, we are reminded that you hold the end from the beginning, and that nothing is too large or too small for you.

As we remember this, remind us that as all things are held, so we are held by you, in love.

Help us in our anxious thoughts.

Help us in our day to day lives.

Help us in this time of deep uncertainty.

We acknowledge that at times we are selfish, at times we do not seek you first.
But we know that you are always faithful, merciful, gracious, and forgiving.

(Silence)

We receive your mercy and forgiveness faithfulness and grace.

In the name of Christ.

Amen

Today’s Reading from the Old Testament: Ezekiel 37: 1-14

Today’s Gospel Reading: John 11: 1-45

Time to Reflect

Today’s readings are full of hope, reminding us that the resurrection is real, and new life is possible.

Take time to read the gospel passage slowly and prayerfully again.

Is there a word or a passage that stands out to you?

Pause to spend time with that word/ passage.

What is the Holy Spirit saying to you?

If Jesus were stood before you what would you like to ask him?

Take a time to sit quietly

A time of prayer

Let’s pray

Holy and Loving God we pray for your world, for the leaders who are making difficult decisions as every day brings new changes and challenges.
Lord of all, Lord for all

Hear our prayer

We pray for our town/ city/ village. For all who live here that your peace might reign and that your perfect love might settle our fears.
Lord of all, Lord for all
Hear our prayer

We pray for our nation, that decisions might be made with wisdom and care for the benefit of all.
Lord of all, Lord for all
Hear our prayer

We pray for our loved ones, those we know who may be ill, those who are struggling, those who are confused and conflicted… ( you might like to name names here)
Lord of all, Lord for all
Hear our prayer

And finally we pray for ourselves, you know what is on our hearts and minds, and so we offer that to you (again you might like to name your own prayers and concerns)
Lord of all, Lord for all
Hear our prayer

AMEN

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father ……

Hymn: Listen to

Oceans by Hillsongs United

A prayer of blessing

Lord, I commit myself to you today. At the end of this day, may I see you more clearly and love you more dearly, and follow you closer.

May you know the deep peace of the God who knows and perfectly loves you.

May you take the yoke of Jesus upon you,  knowing that he bears your load with you.

May you know the indwelling Spirit bringing you wisdom and peace.

Amen.

Original Materials by Rev. Sally Coleman