Parish News

The fourth Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland review has just been
published in the journal ‘Irish Birds’; 63% of regularly occurring Irish bird
species are now threatened, with 54 species on the ‘Red List’ (high
conservation concern) and 79 on the ‘Amber List’ (medium concern).
Farmland and upland birds (especially waders) are most affected. Once
common species are disappearing from large swathes of the country. An
inspiring book, ‘Curlew Moon’ by Mary Colwell, chronicles the sad decline of
this iconic species, whose distinctive call is beloved by so many. Birds such
as Snipe and Lapwing, also with evocative breeding sounds, Meadow Pipit,
with its captivating parachute breeding displays, or Skylark singing from on
high are suffering devastating declines. Efforts are now underway to try
and prevent some species from becoming extinct in Ireland. Meanwhile, it
is important that wild areas are retained; every boggy field margin is
needed. On a more positive note, 78 species on the ‘Green List’ are doing
better, some even increasing in numbers. Large flocks of the charismatic
Goldfinch at feeders, mewing Buzzards soaring overhead, recent colonisers
such as Little Egret and Great Spotted Woodpecker all add to biodiversity.

Ashford Charity Shop is now back in action. Old stock has been removed
and new goods are on display. Sales have been good since re-opening. It
has received word of a successful application for a Community Award Grant
amounting to €500. Well done to all volunteers!

One day I’ll hear
The laugh of children
In a world where war has been banned
One day I’ll see
Men of all colours
Sharing words of love and devotion
Stand up and feel
The Holy Spirit
Find the power of your faith
Open your heart
To those who need you
In the name of love and devotion
Yes, I believe
I believe in the people
Of all nations
To join and to care
For love
I believe in a world
Where light will guide us
And giving our love
We’ll make heaven on earth
I believe in the people
Of all nations
To join and to care
For love
I believe in a world
Where light will guide us
And giving our love
We’ll make heaven on earth
Yes, I believe
I believe in the people
Of all nations
To join and to care
For love
I believe in a world
Where light will guide us
And giving our love
We’ll make heaven on earth
I believe

Topic: Evening Prayer 2 June

Time: Jun 2, 2021 07:30 PM Dublin

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Meeting ID: 828 4626 4166

The Service leaflet is available here:  Evening Prayer Wednesday 2 June 2021

and below here:

Wednesday 2 June 2021: Evening Prayer

 

SERVICE OF LIGHT

Jesus Christ, you are the light of the world;

the light no darkness can overcome;

Stay with us now, for it is evening,

and the day is almost over.

Let your light scatter the darkness,

and shine within your people here.

 

EVENING HYMN

Joyous light of heav’nly glory, loving glow of God’s own face,

You who sing creation’s story, shine on ev’ry land and race.

Now as evening falls around us, we shall raise our songs to you,

God of daybreak, God of shadows, come and light our hearts anew.

 

In the stars that grace the darkness, in the blazing sun of dawn,

In the light of peace and wisdom, we can hear your quiet song.

Love that fills the night with wonder, love that warms the weary soul,

Love that bursts all chains asunder, set us free and make us whole.

 

You who made the heaven’s splendor, ev’ry dancing star of night,

Make us shine with gentle justice, let us each reflect your light.

Mighty God of all creation, gentle Christ who lights our way,

Loving Spirit of salvation, lead us on to endless day.

Marty Haugen (b. 1950)

 

EVENING THANKSGIVING

May God be with you all,

and also with you.

Let us sing our thanks to God;

it is right to give God thanks and praise.

 

Blessed are you, Creator of the universe,

from old you have led your people by night and day.

May the light of your Christ make our darkness bright,

for your Word and your presence are the light of our pathways,

and you are the light and life of all creation. Amen.

 

THE WORD OF GOD

Psalm 140

Let my prayer rise up like incense before you, the lifting up of my hands as an offering to you.

 

O God, I call to you, come to me now; O hear my voice when I cry to you.

Let my prayer rise up like incense before you, the lifting up of my hands as an offering to you.

 

Keep watch within me God, deep in my heart may the light of your love be burning bright.

Let my prayer rise up like incense before you, the lifting up of my hands as an offering to you.

 

All praise to the God of all – Creator of life; all praise be to Christ and the Spirit of love.

Let my prayer rise up like incense before, the lifting up of my hands as an offering to you.

 

May our prayers come before you, O God, as incense,

and may your presence surround and fill us,

so that in union with all creation, we might sing your praise and your love in our lives:

Amen

 

Psalm 20

May the Lord hear you in the day of trouble, ♦︎

the name of the God of Jacob defend you;

Send you help from his sanctuary ♦︎

   and strengthen you out of Zion;

Remember all your offerings ♦︎

and accept your burnt sacrifice;

Grant you your heart’s desire ♦︎

   and fulfil all your mind.

May we rejoice in your salvation

and triumph in the name of our God; ♦︎

may the Lord perform all your petitions.

Now I know that the Lord will save his anointed; ♦︎

   he will answer him from his holy heaven,

with the mighty strength of his right hand.

Some put their trust in chariots and some in horses, ♦︎

but we will call only on the name of the Lord our God.

They are brought down and fallen, ♦︎

   but we are risen and stand upright.

O Lord, save the king ♦︎

and answer us when we call upon you.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and shall be for ever. Amen.

 

Mark 4: 21-25

He said to them, ‘Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand? For there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!’ And he said to them, ‘Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. For to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.’

 

ADDRESS

 

Silence for Meditation

 

The Light shines in the darkness

and the darkness has not overcome it.

 

 

 

 

 

THE ANNUNCIATION

Luke 1: 26-28, 30-32, 38

An angel went from God to a town called Nazareth to a woman whose name was Mary. The angel said to her, “Rejoice, O highly favored, for God is with you. You shall bear a child and his name shall be Jesus, the Chosen One of God Most High.” And Mary said, “I am the servant of my God, I live to do your will.”

 

THE MAGNIFICAT

My soul proclaims your greatness, O God, and my spirit rejoices in you.

You have looked with love on your servant here, and blessed me all my life through.

Great and mighty are you, O Holy One, strong is your kindness evermore.

How you favour the weak and lowly one, humbling the proud of heart.

 

You have cast the mighty down from their thrones, and uplifted the humble of heart.

You have filled the hungry with wondrous things, and left the wealthy no part.

Great and mighty are you, O Faithful One, strong is your justice strong your love.

As you promised to Sarah and Abraham, kindness forevermore.

 

My soul proclaims your greatness, O God, and my spirit rejoices in you.

You have looked with love on your servant here, and blessed me all my life through.

Marty Haugen (b. 1950)

 

LITANY AND PRAYERS

In peace, in peace, we pray to you:

God of mercy, hold us in love

For peace and salvation, we pray to you:

God of mercy, hold us in love

For peace between nations, for peace between peoples:

God of mercy, hold us in love

For us who are gathered to worship and praise you:

God of mercy, hold us in love

For all of your servants who live out your gospel:

God of mercy, hold us in love

For all those who govern, that justice might guide them:

God of mercy, hold us in love

For all those who labor in service to others:

God of mercy, hold us in love

Grant weather that nourishes all of creation:

God of mercy, hold us in love

Keep watch on your loved ones and keep us from danger:

God of mercy, hold us in love

For all the beloved who rest in your mercy:

God of mercy, hold us in love

Help us, comfort us, all of our days.

Keep us, hold us, gracious God.

 

Great and merciful God,

source and ground of all goodness and life,

give to your people the peace that passes all understanding,

and the will to live your gospel of mercy and justice,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

 

OPEN PRAYER

 

THE LORD’S PRAYER

God, remember us in your love, and teach to pray:

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name.

Your Kingdom come:

your will be done on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial,

and deliver us from evil.

For the Kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,

now and forever. Amen

 

FINAL BLESSING

Let us bless our God:

Praise and thanks to you.

 

May God, Creator bless and keep us,

may Christ be ever light for our lives,

may the spirit of love be our guide and path,

for all of our days.

Amen

 

A Pentecost Vigil which will be posted on the Parish YouTube Channel at 7pm this evening. The service was recorded in Nun’s Cross church and includes hymns, readings and prayers related to the coming of the Holy Spirit.

 

Please see the service details here and below : Pentecost Vigil 22 May 2021

 

 

Killiskey Parish

 

Pentecost Liturgy

 

Saturday 22^nd May 2021 via YouTube

The Service of Light

 

GREETING

Christ is risen.

The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!

 

The Easter Candle and other Church Candles are lit

 

A SONG OF THE LIGHT sung by Robin Heather                                  

1    Hail, gladdening light, of his pure glory poured,
Who is the immortal Father, heavenly, blest,
Holiest of holies, Jesus Christ our Lord.

2    Now we are come to the sun’s hour of rest.
The lights of evening round us shine:
We hymn the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit divine.

3    Worthiest art thou at all times to be sung
With undefiled tongue.
Son of our God, giver of life, alone:
Therefore in all the world thy glories, Lord, they own.

 

The Vigil

 

INTRODUCTION

Our English word Pentecost comes from the Greek Pentekoste meaning the fiftieth of fifty days of celebration. It has its roots in the Jewish Feast of Weeks, which was completed on the fiftieth day after Passover. On the fiftieth day of Easter, God sends his Holy Spirit to empower his people to perform the mission which the risen Christ has entrusted to it and he inaugurates the Christian Church.

As we await the coming of the Holy Spirit, let us hear of how God plans to send his Spirit and how the Spirit works in the life of the believer; and let us pray that through this Pentecost celebration God may empower us by the Spirit to follow in Christ’s way and proclaim him to the world.

 

OPENING PRAYER

Let us pray:

Father in heaven,

for fifty days we have celebrated the risen and ascended Lord

and listened as he taught us along the way.

Now your people gather in prayer,

open to receive the Spirit.

May he come to rest in our hearts

and disperse the divisions of word and tongue.

With one voice and one song

may we praise your name in joy and thanksgiving.

Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Hymn: CH296 “Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire” sung by Robin Heather

Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire

and lighten with celestial fire;

thou the anointing Spirit art,

who dost thy seven-fold gifts impart.

 

Thy blessèd unction from above

is comfort, life, and fire of love;

enable with perpetual light

the dullness of our blinded sight.

 

Anoint and cheer our soilèd face

with the abundance of thy grace:

keep far our foes, give peace at home;

where thou art guide no ill can come.

 

Teach us to know the Father, Son,

and thee, of both, to be but One;

that through the ages all along

this may be our endless song:

 

Praise to thine eternal merit,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

John Cosin (1594-1672)

based on Veni, creator Spiritus

attrib.

The First Reading read by Tony Dunne

The Tower of Babel

Genesis 11: 1-9

Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. And as they migrated from the east, they came upon a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, ‘Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.’ And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. Then they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves; otherwise we shall be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.’ The Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which mortals had built. And the Lord said, ‘Look, they are one people, and they have all one language; and this is only the beginning of what they will do; nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. Come, let us go down, and confuse their language there, so that they will not understand one another’s speech.’ So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. Therefore it was called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hymn: CH294 “Come down, O Love divine” sung by Scott Golden

Come down, O Love divine,

seek thou this soul of mine,

and visit it with thine own ardour glowing;

O Comforter, draw near,

within my heart appear,

and kindle it, thy holy flame bestowing.

 

O let it freely burn,

till earthly passions turn

to dust and ashes in its heat consuming;

and let thy glorious light

shine ever on my sight,

and clothe me round, the while my path illuming.

 

Let holy charity

mine outward vesture be,

and lowliness become mine inner clothing:

true lowliness of heart,

which takes the humbler part,

and o’er its own shortcomings weeps with loathing.

 

And so the yearning strong,

with which the soul will long,

shall far outpass the power of human telling;

for none can guess its grace,

till we become the place

wherein the Holy Spirit makes his dwelling.

Bianco da Siena (d. 1434)

1. Richard F Littledale (1833-90)

based on John 14: 16, 26

 

The Second Reading read by Jane Hammond

The Valley of Dry Bones

Ezekiel 37: 1-14

The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me all round them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. He said to me, ‘Mortal, can these bones live?’ I answered, ‘O Lord God, you know.’ Then he said to me, ‘Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. I will lay sinews on you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am the Lord.’

So I prophesied as I had been commanded; and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone.  I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them; but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, ‘Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.’ I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.

Then he said to me, ‘Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, “Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.” Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people. I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act, says the Lord.

 

 

The Psalm sung by Robin Heather

Psalm 104: 1-4, 24-30

1     Praise the Lord, O my soul : O Lord my God, thou art become exceeding glorious; thou art clothed with majesty and honour.

2     Thou deckest thyself with light as it were with a garment : and spreadest out the heavens like a curtain.

3     Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters : and maketh the clouds his chariot, and walketh upon the wings of the wind.

4     He maketh his angels spirits : and his ministers a flaming fire.

24   O Lord, how manifold are thy works : in wisdom hast thou made them all; the earth is full of thy riches.

25   So is the great and wide sea also : wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.

26   There go the ships, and there is that leviathan : whom thou hast made to take his pastime therein.

27   These wait all upon thee : that thou mayest give them meat in due season.

28   When thou givest it them they gather it : and when thou openest thy hand they are filled with good.

29   When thou hidest thy face they are troubled : when thou takest away their breath they die, and are turned again to their dust.

30   When thou lettest thy breath go forth they shall be made : and thou shalt renew the face of the earth.

 

Glory be to the Father,

and to the Son,: and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning,

is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

 

The Third Reading read by Michael Norman

God’s Spirit Poured Out

Joel 2: 28-32

Then afterwards I will pour out my spirit on all flesh;

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your old men shall dream dreams,

and your young men shall see visions.

Even on the male and female slaves,

in those days, I will pour out my spirit.

 

I will show portents in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved; for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the Lord has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the Lord calls.

 

Hymn: CH293 “Breathe on me, Breath of God” sung by Patricia Butler

Breathe on me, Breath of God,

fill me with life anew,

that I may love what thou dost love,

and do what you wouldst do.

 

Breathe on me, Breath of God,

until my heart is pure,

until with thee I will 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 (1835-89)

based on Job 33: 4

The Fourth Reading read by Hannah O’Connor

Life in the Spirit

Romans 8: 22-27

We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Hymn: CH639 “O thou who camest from above” sung by Scott Golden

O thou who camest from above

the pure celestial fire to impart,

kindle a flame of sacred love

on the mean altar of my heart.

 

There let it for thy glory burn

with inextinguishable blaze,

and trembling to its source return

in humble prayer and fervent praise.

 

Jesus, confirm my heart’s desire

to work, and speak, and think for thee;

still let me guard the holy fire,

and still stir up thy gift in me.

 

Still let me prove thy perfect will,

my acts of faith and love repeat;

till death thy endless mercies seal,

and make the sacrifice complete.

Charles Wesley (1707-88)

 

Gospel Acclamation

The Sending of the Holy Spirit

Alleluia. Alleluia

Come, Holy Spirit,

fill the hearts of the faithful

and kindle in them the fire of your love.

Alleluia. Alleluia.

 

The Fifth Reading read by Revd Ken Rue

Rivers of Living Water

John 7: 37-39

On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me,  and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.”’ Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit,  because Jesus was not yet glorified.

 

 

 

 

PRAYERS

We remember in prayer the church, the world and those in need:

 

Come, Holy Spirit, bestowed on the church at Pentecost.

Inspire your church today to be prophetic,

to witness to the gospel,

and to serve the world.

Give it new visions and power to achieve them.

That the world may believe.

For this we pray:

Hear us, living God.

 

Come, Holy Spirit, to all the nations of the world.

Bring your peace to our conflicts.

Inspire leaders and people to find peace

and let justice take its place in all human affairs.

That all God’s children may live.

For this we pray:

Hear us, living God.

 

Come, Holy Spirit, bring healing to those in need,

comfort to those who grieve

and courage to those without hope.

That all may be renewed.

For this we pray:

Hear us, living God.

 

Come Holy Spirit, and at the last bring us

With all who have loved the Lord Jesus in life and are now at rest

To the fulfilment of the kingdom.

For this we pray:

Hear us, living God.

 

Heavenly Father,

with alleluias in our hearts and on our lips,

we commend to your care all for whom we pray,

trusting in your mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

COLLECT

Almighty God,

who on the day of Pentecost

sent your Holy Spirit to the apostles

with the wind from heaven and in tongues  of flame,

filling them with joy and boldness  to preach the gospel:

By the power of the same Spirit

strengthen us to witness to your truth

and to draw everyone to the fire of your love;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Hymn: CH634“Love divine, all love excelling” sung by Patricia Butler

Love divine, all loves excelling,

joy of heaven, to earth come down,

fix in us thy humble dwelling,

all thy faithful mercies crown;

Jesu, thou art all compassion,

pure, unbounded love thou art,

visit us with thy salvation;

enter every trembling heart.

 

 

Come, almighty to deliver,

let us all thy life receive;

suddenly return, and never,

never more thy temples leave.

Thee we would be always blessing,

serve thee as thy hosts above,

pray, and praise thee without ceasing,

glory in thy perfect love.

 

Finish, then thy new creation;

pure and spotless let us be.

let us see thy great salvation

perfectly restored in thee;

changed from glory into glory,

till in heaven we take our place,

till we cast our crowns before thee,

lost in wonder, love and praise.

Charles Wesley (1707-88)

based on Malachi 3: 1-2;

2 Corinthians 3: 18; 5: 17

 

PEACE

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace.

If we live in the Spirit, let us walk in the Spirit.

Galatians 5: 22

 

 

BLESSING

The Spirit of truth lead you into all truth,

give you grace to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

and to proclaim the words and works of God:

and the blessing of God Almighty,

the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,

be with you and remain with you always. Amen.

 

DISMISSAL

Filled with the Spirit’s power

Go in the light and peace of Christ. Alleluia, alleluia.

Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Topic: Evening Prayer
Time: May 19, 2021 07:30 PM London

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Meeting ID: 815 7343 5386
Passcode: 987466

The service leaflet is available here: WEDNESDAY 19 MAY. EVENING PRAYER

or below here:

 

Wednesday 19 May

Night Prayer

 Approach

The angels of God guard us through the night,

and quieten the powers of darkness.

The Spirit of God be our guide
to lead us to peace and to glory.

 

It is but lost labour that we haste to rise up early, and so late take rest, and eat the bread of anxiety. For those beloved of God are given gifts even while they sleep.

 

Silence

 

Our help is in the name of the eternal God

who is making the heavens and the earth.

 

Dear God, thank you for all that is good, for our creation and for our humanity, for the stewardship you have given us of this planet earth,
for the gifts of life and of one another, for your love which is unbounded and eternal. O thou, most holy and beloved, my Companion, my Guide upon the way, My bright evening star. We repent the wrongs we have done:

 

Silence

 

We have wounded your love.

O God, heal us.

We stumble in the darkness.
Light of the world transfigure us.

We forget that we are your home.
Spirit of God, dwell in us.

 

Eternal Spirit, living God, in whom we live and move and have our being, all that we are, have been, and shall be is known to you, to the very secret of our hearts and all that rises to trouble us. Living flame burn into us, cleansing wind, blow through us, fountain of water, well up within us, that we may love and praise in deed and in truth.

 

 

Invocation

Eternal Spirit, flow through our being and open our lips,

that our mouths may proclaim your praise.

Let us worship the God of love.

Alleluia, alleluia.

 

Psalm 16

O God, I give you thanks for the wisdom of your counsel, even at night you have instructed my heart.

I have set your face always before me, you are at my right hand and I shall not fall.

Therefore my heart is glad and my spirit rejoices, my flesh also shall rest secure.

For you will not give me over to the power of death, nor let your faithful one see the Pit.

In your presence is the fullness of joy, and from your right hand flow delights for evermore.

 

Reading

John 16:16-24

‘A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me.’ Then some of his disciples said to one another, ‘What does he mean by saying to us, “A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me”; and “Because I am going to the Father”?’ They said, ‘What does he mean by this “a little while”? We do not know what he is talking about.’ Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, ‘Are you discussing among yourselves what I meant when I said, “A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me”? Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy. When a woman is in labour, she has pain, because her hour has come. But when her child is born, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy of having brought a human being into the world. So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. On that day you will ask nothing of me. Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.

 

Address

 

Into your hands, O God, I commend my spirit,

for you have redeemed me, O God of truth and love.

Keep me, O God, as the apple of an eye;
hide me under the shadow of your wings.
Preserve us, O God, while waking,
and guard us while sleeping,
that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep may rest in your peace.

 

Nunc Dimittis

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word.

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

To be a light to lighten the Gentiles and to be the glory of thy people Israel.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;

as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

 

 

Prayer response

I will lie down in peace and take my rest,
for it is in God alone that I dwell unafraid.
Let us bless the Earth-maker, the Pain-bearer, the Life-giver,
let us praise and exalt God above all for ever.
May God’s name be praised beyond the furthest star,
glorified and exalted above all for ever.

 

Lord, it is night. The night is for stillness. Let us be still in the presence of God. It is night after a long day. What has been done has been done; what has not been done has not been done; let it be. The night is dark. Let our fears of the darkness of the world and of our own lives rest in you. The night is quiet. Let the quietness of your peace enfold us, all dear to us, and all who have no peace. The night heralds the dawn.
Let us look expectantly to a new day,
new joys, new possibilities. In your name we pray. Amen.

 

O God, strengthen your servants with your heavenly grace, that we may continue yours for ever, and daily increase in your Holy Spirit more and more, until we come to your everlasting kingdom. Amen.

Topic: Compline 12 May 2021

Time: May 12, 2021 07:30 PM

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WEDNESDAY, 12 MAY 2021:  COMPLINE

 

PREPARATION

OPENING PRAYER

The Lord Almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.

 

A SENTENCE OF SCRIPTURE

Brethren, be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist, steadfast in the faith.                                                          1 Peter 5: 8, 9.

 

VERSICLES AND RESPONSES

But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.

Thanks be to God.

O God, make speed to save us.

O Lord, make haste to help us.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

Praise ye the Lord.

The Lord’s Name be praised.

 

THE WORD OF GOD

PSALM

Psalm 15           

1    Lord, who may dwell in your tabernacle?  ♦

Who may rest upon your holy hill?

2    Whoever leads an uncorrupt life  ♦

and does the thing that is right;

3    Who speaks the truth from the heart  ♦

and bears no deceit on the tongue;

4    Who does no evil to a friend  ♦

and pours no scorn on a neighbour;

5    In whose sight the wicked are not esteemed,  ♦

but who honours those who fear the Lord.

6    Whoever has sworn to a neighbour  ♦

and never goes back on that word;

7    Who does not lend money in hope of gain,  ♦

nor takes a bribe against the innocent;

8    Whoever does these things  ♦

shall never fall.

 

Glory to the Father, and to the Son♦︎

and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning, is now, ♦︎

and shall be for ever. Amen.

 

A READING

Mark 16: 19-20

So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and proclaimed the good news everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that accompanied it.

ADDRESS

 

RESPONSORY

Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

For thou hast redeemed me, O Lord, thou God of truth.

HYMN (SAID)

SHEPHERD OF TENDER YOUTH

Shepherd of tender youth,

guiding in love and truth

through winding ways:

Christ, our triumphant King,

we come your name to sing;

here we our children bring

to shout your praise.

 

You are our holy Lord,

the all-subduing Word,

healer of strife;

you did yourself abase,

that from sin’s deep disgrace

you might now save our race,

and give us life.

 

Forever be our Guide,

our Shepherd and our guide,

our staff and song;

Jesus, O Christ of God,

by your enduring Word,

lead us where you have trod,

make our faith strong.

 

VERSICLES AND RESPONSES

Keep me as the apple of an eye.

Hide me under the shadow of thy wings.

Preserve us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping,

that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.

THE GOSPEL CANTICLE

NUNC DIMITTIS        The Song of Simeon  Luke 2: 29-32

1 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace,

   according to thy word.

2 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,  

   which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

3 To be a light to lighten the Gentiles

   and to be the glory of thy people Israel.

Glory be to the Father,

and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning,

is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

 

Preserve us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping,

that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.

PRAYER

Kneel

Let us pray.

 

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Christ, have mercy upon us.

Lord, have mercy upon us.

 

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy Name,

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

But deliver us from evil. Amen.

 

Blessed art thou, Lord God of our fathers,

to be praised and glorified above all for ever;

 

Let us bless the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Let us praise him and magnify him for ever.

 

Blessed art thou, O Lord, in the firmament of  heaven

to be praised and glorified above all for ever.

 

The Almighty and most merciful Lord guard us and give us his blessing.

Amen.

CONFESSION

A prayerful examination of the past day may be undertaken after which the following words of penitence are said

We confess to God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

That we have sinned in thought, word, and deed, Through our own grievous fault.

Wherefore we pray God to have mercy upon us.

Almighty God, have mercy upon us, Forgive us all our sins,

Deliver us from all evil, Confirm and strengthen us in all goodness,

And bring us to life everlasting; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

May the Almighty and merciful Lord grant unto you pardon and remission of all your sins, time for amendment of life, and the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

VERSICLES AND RESPONSES

Wilt thou not turn again and quicken us

that thy people may rejoice in thee?

O Lord, shew thy mercy upon us

and grant us thy salvation.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this night without sin.

O Lord, have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us.

O Lord, hear our prayer

and let our cry come unto thee.

 

Let us pray.

THE COLLECTS

Almighty God,

by triumphing over the powers of darkness

Christ has prepared a place for us in the new Jerusalem:

may we, who give thanks for his resurrection,

praise him in the eternal city

of which he is the light;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Almighty God,

thou givest us the joy of celebrating our Lord’s resurrection.

Bestow on us also the joys of life in thy service,

and bring us at last to the full joy of eternal life,

through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord,

who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 

THE ENDING

DISMISSAL

 

 

We will lay us down in peace and take our rest.

For it is thou, Lord, only, that makest us dwell in safety.

 

The Lord be with you

and with thy spirit.

 

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

 

 

Bring us, O Lord God, at our last awakening

into the house and gate of heaven,

to enter into that gate and dwell in that house,

where there shall be no darkness nor dazzling, but one equal light;

no noise nor silence, but one equal music;

no fears nor hopes, but one equal possession;

no ends nor beginnings, but one equal eternity:

in the habitations of thy majesty and glory, world without end. Amen.

 

BLESSING

May the risen Lord Jesus bless us.

May he watch over us and renew us

as he renews the whole of creation.

May our hearts and lives echo his love. Amen.

Topic: Morning Prayer Easter 6

Time: May 9, 2021 11:00 AM

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Killiskey Parish
Sunday 9th May 2021 @ 11.00am
MORNING PRAYER 1
THE SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Opening Hymn: CH335 “Jesus calls us here to meet him”(vs 1-3)
Jesus calls us here to meet him
as, through word and song and prayer,
we affirm God`s promised presence
where his people live and care.
Praise the God who keeps his promise;
praise the son who calls us friends;
praise the spirit who, among us,
to our hopes and fears attends.
Jesus calls us to confess him
Word of life and Lord of all,
sharer of our flesh and frailness
saving all who fail or fall.
Tell his holy human story;
tell his tales that all may hear;
tell the world that Christ in glory
came to earth to meet us here.
Jesus calls us to each other:
vastly different though we are;
Race and colour, class and gender
neither limit nor debar,
Join the hand of friend and stranger;
join the hands of age and youth;
join the faithful and the doubter
in their common search for truth.
John L Bell (b. 1949)
and Graham Maule (1958-2020)

SENTENCE OF SCRIPTURE
Christ is risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept.
1 Corinthians 15: 20
Let us humbly confess our sins unto almighty God.A GENERAL CONFESSION
Almighty and most merciful Father; We have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep. We have
followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against thy holy laws. We have
left undone those things which we ought to have done; And we have done those things which we ought not to
have done; And there is no health in us. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare
thou them, O God, which confess their faults. Restore thou them that are penitent; According to thy promises
declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake; That we
may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, To the glory of thy holy Name. Amen.

THE ABSOLUTION
Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who desireth not the death of a sinner, but rather that he may turn
from his wickedness, and live; and hath given power, and commandment, to his Ministers, to declare and pronounce to
his people, being penitent, the Absolution and Remission of their sins: He pardoneth and absolveth all them that truly
repent, and unfeignedly believe his holy Gospel. Wherefore let us beseech him to grant us true repentance, and his
Holy Spirit, that those things may please him which we do at this present; and that the rest of our life hereafter may be
pure and holy; so that at the last we may come to his eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, On earth as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass
against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, The power, And
the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.
O Lord, open thou our lips
and our mouth shall show forth thy praise.
God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Praise ye the Lord.
The Lord’s name be praised.

A CANTICLE
VENITE Psalm 95
1 O come, let us sing unto the Lord:
let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation.
2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving
and shew ourselves glad in him with psalms.
3 For the Lord is a great God
and a great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are all the corners of the earth
and the strength of the hills is his also.
5 The sea is his, and he made it,
and his hands prepared the dry land.
6 O come, let us worship and fall down
and kneel before the Lord our Maker.
7 For he is the Lord our God;
and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.

A LESSON
from the Old Testament
Acts 10: 44-48
While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had
come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they
heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, ‘Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing
these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’ So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of
Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.

THE PSALM
Psalm 98
1 Sing to the Lord a new song, ♦︎
for he has done marvellous things.
2 His own right hand and his holy arm ♦︎
have won for him the victory.
3 The Lord has made known his salvation; ♦︎
his deliverance has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.
4 He has remembered his mercy and faithfulness
towards the house of Israel, ♦︎
and all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
5 Sound praises to the Lord, all the earth; ♦︎
break into singing and make music.
6 Make music to the Lord with the lyre, ♦︎
with the lyre and the voice of melody.
7 With trumpets and the sound of the horn ♦︎
sound praises before the Lord, the King.
8 Let the sea thunder and all that fills it, ♦︎
the world and all that dwell upon it.
9 Let the rivers clap their hands ♦︎
and let the hills ring out together before the Lord,
for he comes to judge the earth.
10 In righteousness shall he judge the world ♦︎
and the peoples with equity.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,: and to the Holy Spirit;
As it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

A LESSON
from the New Testament
1 John 5: 1-6
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the
child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the
love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is
born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the
world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood.
And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth.

Hymn before the Gospel: CH515 “A new commandment I give unto you” (sung twice)
‘A new commandment I give unto you,
that you love one another as I have loved you,
that you love one another as I have loved you.
By this shall all know that you are my disciples,
if you have love one for another.
By this shall all know that you are my disciples:
if you have love one for another.’
John 13: 34-35

A LESSON
from the Gospels
John 15: 9-17
As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in
my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that
my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.
‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay
down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any
longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have
made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I
appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my
name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.

JUBILATE Psalm 100
1 O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands;
serve the Lord with gladness
and come before his presence with a song.
2 Be ye sure that the Lord he is God;
it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves
we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
3 O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving
and into his courts with praise:;
be thankful unto him, and speak good of his Name.
4 For the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting,
and his truth endureth from generation to generation.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,: and to the Holy Spirit;
As it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

THE APOSTLES’ CREED
is said
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

PRAYER
Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy upon us
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, On earth as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass
against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.
O Lord, show thy mercy upon us
and grant us thy salvation.
O Lord, guide and defend our rulers
and mercifully hear us when we call upon thee.
Endue thy ministers with righteousness
and make thy chosen people joyful.
O Lord, save thy people
and bless thine inheritance.
Give peace in our time, O Lord,
because there is none other that fighteth for us, but only thou, O God.
O God, make clean our hearts within us
and take not thy Holy Spirit from us.

THE COLLECTS
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
Almighty God,
who hast given thine only Son
to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin,
and also an ensample of godly life;
Give us grace that we may always
most thankfully receive that his inestimable benefit,
and also daily endeavour ourselves
to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life;
through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE SECOND COLLECT For Peace
O God, who art the author of peace and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose
service is perfect freedom; Defend us thy humble servants in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in thy
defence, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE THIRD COLLECT For Grace
O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, who hast safely brought us to the beginning of this day:
Defend us in the same with thy mighty power; and grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of
danger; but that all our doings may be ordered by thy governance, to do always that is righteous in thy sight; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE SERMON
Hymn of Faith: CH627 “What A Friend we have in Jesus”
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer!Have we trials and temptations?
is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged:
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Jesus is our only refuge:
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer:
in His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
you will find a solace there.
Joseph Scriven (1819-86)
Prayer: Fr Eamonn Crosson

INTERCESSIONS
Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God because God is love. Let our prayers be an expression of our love
for God and for one another.
Lord, hear us in your love.
For all Christians:
that they may be known by their love for one another.
We pray in faith.
For those who govern the nations of the world:
That they may strive to rid the world of hatred and fear.
We pray in faith.
For those who have known little love in their lives:
that they may experience the healing touch of Christ.
We pray in faith.
For husbands and wives:
that they may persevere in the way of faithful love.
We pray in faith.
For our families:
that they may be characterised by mutual forgiveness and love.
We pray in faith.
For our deceased relatives and friends:
that we may come to share with them in Christ’s glory.
We pray in faith.
For our own special needs which we now pause to remember…
that we may leave all in your loving care
We pray in faith.
Heavenly Father, your Son commanded us to love one another and set us an example by laying down his life for us.
Help us to follow his way of love so that we may taste the joy that only love can bring. We ask this through Christ our
Lord. Amen.

PRAYERS
A Prayer for the President and all in authority
Almighty God, who rulest over the kingdoms of the world; We commend to thy merciful care the people of this land,
that being guarded by thy providence, they may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to the President of this State and to
all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness,
that they may serve thy people faithfully to thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer for the Houses of the Oireachtas
Almighty God, source of all authority and wisdom: guide by your Spirit those who represent us in Dáil and Seanad.
As representatives of the people keep them humble, as legislators make them compassionate, and as politicians defend
their integrity. So may the proceedings of the Oireachtas serve the truth and promote the common good. We pray in
the name of Jesus Christ, the servant Lord. Amen.
A Prayer for the Clergy and People
Almighty and everlasting God, who alone workest great marvels: Send down upon our Bishops and Clergy, and all
People committed to their charge, the healthful Spirit of thy grace; and that they may truly please thee, pour upon
them the continual dew of thy blessing. Grant this, O Lord, for the honour of our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
O God, the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that
thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy saving health unto all nations. More especially, we pray for the good estate of the Catholic Church; that it may be so guided and governed by thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those who are any ways afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; [* especially those for whom our prayers are desired]; that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their
sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ his sake. Amen.

A General Thanksgiving
Almighty God, Father of all mercies, We thine unworthy servants Do give thee most humble and hearty thanks
For all thy goodness and loving-kindness to us, and to all men. We bless thee for our creation, preservation and
all the blessings of this life: But above all, for thine inestimable love In the redemption of the world by our Lord
Jesus Christ; For the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And, we beseech thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies, That our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful,
And that we show forth thy praise, Not only with our lips but in our lives; By giving up ourselves to thy service,
And by walking before thee in holiness and righteousness all our days; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, To
whom with thee and the Holy Spirit Be all honour and glory, World without end. Amen.
A Prayer of Saint Chrysostom
Almighty God, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications unto thee; and dost promise that when two or three are gathered together in thy Name thou wilt grant their requests: Fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge
of thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all
evermore. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13: 13

Doxology: CH63 “All praise to thee, my God” vs 6
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise Him, all creatures here below;
praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Thomas Ken (1637-1711

Jack Kinkead is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Evening Prayer

Time: May 5, 2021 07:30 PM Dublin

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The service leaflet is available here: Late Evening Office – 5th May 2021

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A LATE EVENING OFFICE – Wednesday 5^th May 2021

Blessed be our God for all time, now and for evermore. Amen.                                                                 Glory to you, our God, glory be to you, Holy Spirit, Comforter, treasure of all goodness and giver of life, come and dwell in us, cleanse us from all sin, and in your love bring us to salvation.

Holy God, holy and strong, holy and immortal, have mercy on us.

Psalm 30 – A song. For the dedication of the temple.  Of David.

¹ I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
² Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.
³ You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead;                                                               you spared me from going down to the pit.

⁴ Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name.
⁵ For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favour lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

⁶ When I felt secure, I said, “I will never be shaken.”
⁷ Lord, when you favoured me, you made my royal mountain stand firm;
but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.

⁸ To you, Lord, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy:
⁹ “What is gained if I am silenced, if I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness?
¹⁰ Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help.”

¹¹ You turned my wailing into dancing;                                                                                               you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
¹² that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
Lord my God, I will praise you forever.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever, Amen.

 

Reading – John 14 v 15 – 31 – The Promise of the Holy Spirit

¹⁵ “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. ¹⁶ And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. ¹⁷ This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. ¹⁸ “I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you.

¹⁹ In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. ²⁰ On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. ²¹ They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.” ²² Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?” ²³ Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. ²⁴ Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.

²⁵ “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. ²⁶ But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. ²⁷ 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. ²⁸ You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. ²⁹ And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. ³⁰ I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; ³¹ but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us be on our way.

Meditation.

 

HYMN – Holy Spirit, come, confirm us,

Holy Spirit, come, confirm us in the truth that Christ makes known;

We have faith and understanding through your helping gifts alone.

 

Holy Spirit, come, console us, come as advocate to plead;

Loving Spirit stand beside us, grant in Christ the help we need.

 

Holy Spirit, come, renew us, come yourself to make us live;

Make us holy through your presence, holy through the gifts you give.

 

Holy Spirit, come, fulfill us, you the love of Three in One;

Bring our lives to full completion through your work in us begun

 

 

PRAYERS – Let us pray,

Holy Spirit, we remember how you worked in the life of the early Church, prompting, guiding, cleansing, invigorating, opening doors to the Gospel and raising up followers ready to make it known through word and deed. Transform the Church,

Holy Spirit                   Bring guidance and wisdom,

 

Holy Spirit, you transformed the lives of the Apostles by your renewing power. You breathed into them new vision, new hope and new faith. Enrich our service,

Holy Spirit                   Increase faith and vision,

Holy Spirit, coming gentle as a dove, we pray for all who long for peace. We think of those in homes racked by tensions, families split by disputes, communities scarred by prejudices and intolerance and countries torn apart by violence and war.

Holy Spirit                   Bring peace and love,

Holy Spirit, we pray for all those who long for change – the poor, the homeless, the hungry, those who are sick, the downtrodden and the oppressed and those who yearn for a new beginning and a fresh start.

Holy Spirit                   Bring healing and renewal,

Holy Spirit, we thank you for your presence among us and your power to bring comfort in times of sorrow, courage in times of fear, peace in times of trouble and hope in times of despair.

Holy Spirit                   Enlighten awareness of your presence,

Holy Spirit, we welcome you afresh in our lives and ask you to open our minds to your guidance, open our hearts to your love and our lives to your purpose.

Holy Spirit                   Pour out your power,

 

Let us continue praying in silence                 (Silence is kept)

 

THE LORD’S PRAYER – Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

 

BLESSING

Sovereign God, send us out in the name of Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit. We have heard your word; now help us to make it known, we have rejoiced in your love; now help us to share it with others. Use us for your will and for your kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

And the blessing of God Almighty – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with us and remain with us always.  Amen.