Parish News

Maundy Thursday Devotional and Fellowship Meal

Topic: Maundy Thursday Devotional and Fellowship Meal

Time: Apr 1, 2021 07:30 PM Dublin

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MAUNDY THURSDAY DEVOTIONAL AND FELLOWSHIP MEAL

The early Christians used to regularly share meals together. In Acts 2 vs 46 and 47 we read: “Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people.”

The current coronavirus crisis prevents us from gathering in our church communities  as we normally would to mark the events of Holy Week. However, it does not stop us praying in our homes, giving thanks, and preparing spiritually for the great celebration of Easter.

Tonight’s devotional takes place in the context of a  meal shared  ‘virtually’  at  a  distance  between  households. A candle is lit.

The Gathering of God’s People

Greeting

The Lord be with you

and also with you.

God of our days and years, we set this time a part for you.

Form us in the likeness of Christ so that our lives may glorify you. Amen.

Tonight we  recall  Jesus’  final  meal   with  his  disciples  before his  arrest and   crucifixion.  As  we  do  this,  we also recall and honour  the  roots  of our  Christian faith in the  history  of the people  of Israel. Jesus gathered with his friends  to celebrate the Passover, the festival which marked the deliverance of God’s people from  slavery in Egypt.

The Collect for Purity

Almighty God,

to whom all hearts are open, all desires known,

and from whom no secrets are hidden; Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts

by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you,

and worthily magnify your holy name;

through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Penitence

Lord God,

you sent your Son to reconcile us to yourself and to one another.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus,

you heal the wounds of sin and division.

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Holy Spirit,

through you we put to death the sins of the body – and live.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

The Collect of the Day

Almighty God,

at the Last Supper your Son Jesus Christ washed the disciples’ feet

and commanded them to love one another.

Give us humility and obedience to be servants of others as he was the servant of all;

who gave up his life and died for us,

yet is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 

Hymn: CH525 “Let there be love shared among us” (sung twice)

Let there be love shared among us, let there be love in our eyes,

may now your love sweep this nation, cause us, O Lord, to arise;

give us a fresh understanding

of brotherly love that is real,

let there be love shared among us, let there be love.

David Mowbray (b. 1938)

Listening to God’s Word

Exodus 12:1-14, 17, The story of the first Passover

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: This month  shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month  of the year for you. Tell the whole congregation of Israel that  on  the  tenth  of this month they  are to  take a lamb  for  each family, a lamb  for  each household.  If  a  household  is  too  small  for  a  whole lamb,  it  shall join  its closest neighbour  in obtaining  one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion  to the number of  people  who  eat of  it. Your lamb shall be without  blemish, a year-old male; you may take it from  the sheep or from the goats. You shall keep it until the fourteenth  day of this month; then the whole assembled congregation of Israel shall slaughter it at twilight. They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts  and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted over the fire, with its head, legs, and inner organs.

You shall let none of it remain until  the morning;  anything that remains until  the morning  you shall burn. This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly.  It is the passover of the Lord. For I will pass through the  land  of  Egypt that  night,  and  I  will  strike down  every firstborn  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgements: I am the Lord. The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

This day shall be a day of remembrance  for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord;  throughout   your generations  you  shall observe  it  as a perpetual   ordinance…  You  shall observe the festival of unleavened bread, for on this very day I brought  your companies out of the  land  of  Egypt: you  shall  observe  this  day  throughout your  generations  as a  perpetual ordinance.

 

The Lord is my strength and my might, and he has become my salvation;

this is my God, and  I will  praise him, my father’s  God, and  I will  exalt him. (Exodus 15:2)

Exodus 14:13-20, Crossing the Red Sea

…Moses  said  to  the   people,  ‘Do  not   be  afraid,  stand firm, and   see   the   deliverance  that   the  Lord  will accomplish for  you today; for  the  Egyptians whom  you see today you shall never see again.  The Lord will fight for you, and  you have  only to keep  still.’

Then  the  Lord said  to Moses,  ‘Why  do  you  cry out  to  me?  Tell the  Israelites  to  go forward.  But you lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the Israelites may go into the sea on dry ground. Then I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them; and so I will gain glory for myself over Pharaoh and all his army, his chariots, and his chariot drivers. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gained glory for myself over Pharaoh, his chariots, and  his chariot drivers.’

The angel of God who was going before the Israelite army moved and went behind  them; and  the  pillar  of  cloud moved from  in front  of them  and took  its place behind  them. It came between the army of Egypt and the army of Israel. And so the cloud was there with the darkness, and it lit up the night; one did not come near the other all night.

 

The Lord is my strength and my might, and he has become my salvation;

this is my God, and  I will  praise him, my father’s  God, and  I will  exalt him. (Exodus 15:2)

Bible Responsory, Deuteronomy  6:4-9

Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.

Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.

Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.

Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie

down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.

 

At the  time  of Jesus’  baptism,  his  cousin  John,  a  prophet,  declared  Jesus  to be the Lamb of God who  takes away  the  sin  of the  world  (John 1:29).  Jesus’  identity  as  the  ‘Lamb  of God’  takes   on  a special meaning  in the  context  of  the  Passover festival. Even as they  gather  to  celebrate  the festival, Jesus is aware that the time has come to complete his work of sacrifice and salvation.

Matthew 26:17-19, 26-29, Jesus and his Disciples Celebrate the Passover Meal

On  the   first   day  of  Unleavened  Bread  the  disciples  came  to  Jesus,   saying,

‘Where   do   you   want    us   to   make    the    preparations   for  you  to  eat   the Passover?’  He said,  ‘Go  into  the  city  to  a certain  man,  and   say  to  him,  “The Teacher  says,  My time  is  near;  I  will  keep  the  Passover at  your  house with my  disciples.”   ’          So  the    disciples   did   as  Jesus  had directed  them,  and they prepared the  Passover meal…

While they were eating,  Jesus  took  a loaf of bread,  and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the  disciples, and  said, ‘Take, eat;  this is my body.’ Then  he  took  a cup,  and   after   giving  thanks  he  gave  it  to  them,  saying,  ‘Drink from  it, all of you; for this is my blood  of the covenant, which is poured  out  for  many for  the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit  of the vine until that day when  I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.’

Worthy is the Lamb,

to receive honour and glory and blessing. (cf Revelation 5:12)

John 13:1-17, Jesus washes the disciples’ feet

Now before the festival of the Passover,  Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world  and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world,  he loved them  to the end. The devil had already put  it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all

things into his hands, and that he had come from  God and was going to God,  got up from  the table, took  off his outer  robe,  and tied  a towel  around  himself. Then he poured water   into  a  basin  and   began to  wash   the disciples’ feet and to  wipe them  with  the towel that  was tied around  him. He came to  Simon  Peter, who said  to him,  ‘Lord,  are   you  going  to  wash  my feet?’  Jesus  answered,  ‘You  do  not  know  now  what  I am doing, but later  you  will understand.’  Peter  said  to  him, ‘You  will never  wash  my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have  no share with me.’ Simon Peter  said  to him, ‘Lord, not  my feet  only but  also my hands and  my head!’ Jesus said  to him, ‘One who has  bathed does not need to wash,  except for the  feet, but  is entirely clean. And you are  clean, though not  all of you.’ For he  knew who was to betray  him; for this reason he  said, ‘Not all of you are  clean.’

After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned  to the table, he said to  them,  ‘Do  you  know what   I  have   done to  you?  You  call  me  Teacher  and   Lord—and  you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to  wash  one  another’s feet.  For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to  you. Very truly,  I tell  you, servants are  not  greater  than  their master,  nor  are  messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.’

Worthy is the Lamb,

to receive honour and glory and blessing. (cf Revelation 5:12)

Hymn: CH530 “Ubi caritas et amor” (vs 1,3 and 6)

1Ubi caritas et amor, Ubi caritas Deus ibi est.

Your love, O Jesus Christ, has gathered us together. Let us love one another as God has loved us.

The love of Jesus Christ will never have an end.

Taizé Community

Reflection

Affirmation of Faith

We have  listened  again  this  night  to  the  story  of God’s  love  for his people and his gift to us in Christ Jesus, the Lamb of God,  who takes away the sins of the world,  and so we re-affirm  our faith:

Do you believe and trust in God the Father, who made the world?

I believe and trust in him.

Do you believe and trust in his Son Jesus Christ, who redeemed mankind?

I believe and trust in him.

Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit who gives life to the people of God?

I believe and trust in him.

This is the faith of the Church.

This is our faith.

We believe and trust in One God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

1 Translation: Where charity (i.e., ‘loving-kindness’) and love are found, God himself is there.

Prayers

Loving Father, we give you thanks, for you are our rescuer.

Blessed be God for ever.

We give thanks for the gift of Christ, whose body was given for us and whose blood was shed for us.

Blessed be God for ever.

We give thanks that we may know the empowering presence of the Spirit this night and always.

Blessed be God for ever.

We give thanks for the example of Christ as servant and who leads us in the way of servanthood.

Blessed be God for ever.

In silence or aloud we offer prayers for the needs of the world, for our community  and our loved ones…

The Lord’s Prayer

Gathering our prayers and praises into one, we are bold to pray:

 

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.

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory for ever and ever.        Amen.

God of compassion,

through your Son Jesus Christ

you have reconciled your people to yourself.

As we follow his example, may we obey you with willing hearts and serve one another in holy love,

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Fellowship Meal

Hymn: CH428 “Let us break bread together”

Let us break bread together, we are one;

let us break bread together, we are one.

We are one as we stand

with our face to the rising Son, O Lord, have mercy on me.

Let us drink wine together, we are one;

let us drink wine together, we are one.

Let us praise God together, we are one;

let us praise God together, we are one.

based on a North American traditional folk hymn

Grace

Generous God, we give you thanks for the gifts of food and fellowship we are about to share.

Blessed be God for ever. Amen.

Wednesday in Holy Week

Topic: Wednesday in Holy Week
Time: Mar 31, 2021 07:30 PM London

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WEDNESDAY 31 MARCH

 SERVICE OF WHOLENESS AND HEALING

 The Gathering of God’s People

In the name of Christ, we welcome you. We have been called out of darkness into God’s marvellous light. Grace and peace be with you.

And also with you.

 The love of God has been poured into our hearts, through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us: we dwell in God and God lives in us.

Give thanks to the Lord and call upon God’s name:

make known God’s deeds among the peoples.

Sing to God, sing praises to God’s name:

and speak of all God’s marvellous works.

Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God almighty:

who was and is and is to come.

 

THE COLLECT

Heavenly Father, you anointed your Son Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit and with power to bring us the blessings of your kingdom. Anoint your Church with the same Holy Spirit, that we who share in his suffering and victory may bear witness to the gospel of salvation; 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.

 Proclaiming and receiving the word

THE GOSPEL

St. John: 13:21-32

After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, ‘Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.’ The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining next to him; Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, ‘Lord, who is it?’ Jesus answered, ‘It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.’ So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, ‘Do quickly what you are going to do.’ Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, ‘Buy what we need for the festival’; or, that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.

When he had gone out, Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once.

ADDRESS

ANTHEM

Crucifixus a 8

Crucifixus etiam pro nobis; sub Pontio Pilato passus et sepultus est.

He was crucified also for us, under Pontius Pilate he suffered and was buried.

Antonio Lotti

 

Prayer and Penitence

 

God the Father, your will for all people is health and salvation.

We praise and bless you, Lord

 

God the Son, you came that we might have life, and might have it more abundantly.

We praise and bless you, Lord

 

God the Holy Spirit, you make our bodies the temple of your presence.

We praise and bless you, Lord

 

Holy Trinity, one God, in you we live and move and have our being.

We praise and bless you, Lord

 

Lord, grant your healing grace to all who are sick, injured or disabled, that they may be made whole.

Hear us, Lord of life.

 

Grant to all who are lonely, anxious or depressed a knowledge of your will and an awareness of your presence.

Hear us, Lord of life.

 

Grant to all who minister to those who are suffering, wisdom and skill, sympathy and patience.

Hear us, Lord of life.

 

Mend broken relationships, and restore to those in distress soundness of mind and serenity of spirit.

Hear us, Lord of life.

 

Sustain and support those who seek your guidance and lift up all who are brought low by the trials of this life.

Hear us, Lord of life.

 

Gant peace and a holy death to those who are dying, and uphold by the grace and consolation of your Holy Spirit those who are bereaved.

Hear us, Lord of life.

 

Restore to wholeness whatever is broken by human sin, in our lives, in our nation, and in the world.

Hear us, Lord of life.

 

You are the Lord, you perform mighty wonders.

You have declared your power among the peoples.

 

With you, Lord, is the well of life

and in your light do we see light.

 

Hear us, Lord of life,

heal us, and make us whole.

 

Let us be silent before God.

 

A period of silence follows

 

O Lord our God, accept the fervent prayers of your people; in the multitude of your mercies look with compassion upon us and all who turn to your for help; for your are gracious, O lover of souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

 

PRAYERS OF PENITENCE

The gospel calls us to turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ. As we offer ourselves to him in penitence and faith, we renew our confidence and trust in his mercy.

 

Cast your burden upon the Lord and he will sustain you. Ps. 55:22

 

In returning and rest you shall be saved. In quietness and trust shall be your strength. Isaiah 30:15

 

You raise the dead to life in the Spirit:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

 

You bring pardon and peace to the sinner:

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

 

You bring light to those in darkness:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

 

God, the Father of mercies, has reconciled the world to himself through the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ, not holding our sins against us, but sending his Holy Spirit to shed abroad his love among us. By the ministry of reconciliation entrusted by Christ to his Church, receive his pardon and peace to stand before him in his strength along this day and evermore. Amen.

 

Prayer for healing

Our help is in the name of the Lord

who has made heaven and earth.

 

Blessed be the name of the Lord:

now and for ever. Amen.

 Blessed are you, sovereign God, gentle and merciful, creator of heaven and earth. Your Word brought light out of darkness, and daily your Spirit renews the face of the earth. When we turned away from you in sin, your anointed Son took our nature and entered our suffering to bring your healing to those in weakness and distress. He broke the power of evil and set us free from sin and death that we might become partakers of his glory. His apostles anointed the sick in your name, bringing wholeness and joy to a broken world. By your grace renewed each day you continue the gifts of healing in your Church that your people may praise your name for ever.

 

Hear the prayer we offer for all your people. Remember in your mercy those for whom we pray: heal the sick, raise the fallen, strengthen the fainthearted and enfold in your love the fearful and those who have no hope. In the fullness of time complete your gracious work. Reconcile all things in Christ and make them new. Restore us in your image, renew us in your love, that we may serve you as sons and daughters in your kingdom; through your anointed Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit we lift our voices of thanks and praise:

Blessed be God, our strength and our salvation, now and for ever. Amen.

 

Prayer is offered for healing and reconciliation

 

May Christ bring you wholeness of body, mind, and spirit, deliver you from evil, and give you peace. Amen.

 

The almighty Lord, who is a strong tower for all who put their trust in him, whom all things in heaven, on earth and under the earth obey, be now and evermore your defence. May you believe and trust that the only name under heaven given for health and salvation is the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Going out as God’s people

 

God has made us one in Christ, and has set a seal upon us and, as a pledge of what is to come, has given the Spirit to dwell in our hearts.

 

The peace of the Lord be always with you.

And also with you.

 

Let us go in the joy and peace of Christ.

Thanks be to God.

Tuesday in Holy Week

Topic: Tuesday in Holy Week
Time: Mar 30, 2021 07:30 PM London

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Tuesday of Holy Week – 30th March 2021

Opening Responses                                                         

We come to you to hear words …. Words full of meaning, rather than empty chatter

And to take them into our hearts

We come to you to learn what is important and to put to one side, the less important and the unnecessary

And to take it all into our hearts

We come to you to see your words, words of action

And to take the vision into our hearts

We come to you to feel your words, words of compassion, touching the core of our beings

And to take your touch into our hearts

 

The Collect for Tuesday in Holy Week

O God, who by the passion of your blessed Son, made an instrument of shameful death, to be for us the means of life: grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer pain and loss for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ: who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever Amen.

 

Psalm 71 verses 1 – 14 – A Prayer to God for help in old age.     

Appeal for help.

In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.
In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me.
Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of those who are evil       and cruel.

Confession that the Lord has always been his hope.

For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.
From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.
I will ever praise you.
I have become a sign to many; you are my strong refuge.
My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendour all day long.

Prayer for continual help in waning years.

Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.
10 For my enemies speak against me; those who wait to kill me conspire together.
11 They say, “God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for no one will rescue him.” 12 Do not be far from me, my God; come quickly, God, to help me.
13 May my accusers perish in shame; may those who want to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace.

 

Central confession of unfaltering hope.

 

14 As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.

 

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.

God’s Word to Us – John 12 verses 20 – 36                                    

20 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus.

23 Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour.

27 “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say — “Father, save me from this hour” No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.”

Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people[a] to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.

34 The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Messiah[b] remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?”

35 Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.”

 

Reflection

Music – The Servant King by Graham Kendrick                             

From heaven you came helpless babe, entered our world, your glory veiled
Not to be served but to serve, and give Your life that we might live

This is our God, The Servant King, He calls us now to follow Him
To bring our lives as a daily offering, Of worship to The Servant King

There in the garden of tears, my heavy load he chose to bear
His heart with sorrow was torn, ‘Yet not My will but Yours, ‘ He said

This is our God, The Servant King, He calls us now to follow Him
To bring our lives as a daily offering, Of worship to The Servant King

Come see His hands and His feet, the scars that speak of sacrifice
Hands that flung stars into space, to cruel nails surrendered

This is our God, The Servant King, He calls us now to follow Him
To bring our lives as a daily offering, Of worship to The Servant King

The Prayers                                                                                                                                                                                                

The Greeks wanted to see Jesus….                 May we see Jesus….

May we open our eyes and look for him in the most unlikely of people and places…

To see him in the unlovely and the unlovable as well as the lovely…

Lord, we look to you for guidance                              Lead us forward in faith

 

The people did not really understand Jesus …                       we bring you our lack of faith…

our failure to follow and serve you ….                       Our refusal to trust your words…

Lord, we look to you for guidance                              Lead us forward in faith

 

Jesus’ soul was troubled…we pray for all tonight whose hearts, minds or souls are troubled..

the ill, the bereaved, the anxious…                those living in fear, those who fear the future

Lord, we look to you for guidance                              Lead us forward in faith

 

Jesus promises to draw all people to himself …

We remember those who have drawn us to Jesus …. drawn us to God…

Our parents, grandparents, teachers, ministers, youth leaders .…….

and we thank God for their faithfulness …..               Help us to be faithful too…

Lord, we look to you for guidance                              Lead us forward in faith

 

Jesus tells us to believe in the light…..           May we become children of light….

Following Jesus’ way in our daily lives….         By the power of the Holy Spirit…

Lord, we look to you for guidance                              Lead us forward in faith

 

A time of open Prayer………

As our Saviour Christ has taught us so we pray –

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

 

The Blessing for Passiontide and Holy Week

Christ draw you to himself and grant that you find in his cross, a sure ground for faith, a firm support for hope, and the assurance of sins forgiven: and the Blessing of God Almighty, The Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit.                      Amen

 

 

An Easter Carol

Spring burst today,

For Christ is risen and all the earth’s at play.

 

Flash forth, thou Sun,

The rain is over and gone, its work is done.

 

Winter is past,

Sweet Spring is come at last, is come at last.

 

Bud, Fig and Vine,

Bud, Olive, fat with fruit and oil and wine.

 

Break forth this morn

In roses, thou but yesterday a Thorn.

 

Uplift thy head,

O pure white Lily thro’ the Winter dead.

 

Beside your dams

Leap and rejoice, you merry-making Lambs.

 

All Herds and Flocks

Rejoice, all Beasts of thickets and of rocks.

 

Sing, Creatures, sing,

Angels and Men and Birds and everything.

 

All notes of Doves

Fill all our world; this is the time of loves.

 

Christina Rosetti (1830-94)

 

Commentary by Philip Comfort and Daniel Partner:

This poem ties in various images from Song of Solomon, especially the passage below where the beloved asks his lover to join him in celebrating spring’s arrival after a long winter. Again, Christ’s resurrection can be seen in a similar way. When Christ arose from the grave, sin’s long, cold dominion over humanity ended, and new life burst forth in the hearts of the followers. As we enter this season of new life, let us not only be glad winter is past, but let us rejoice that Christ is risen!

 

My beloved speaks and says to me: ‘Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; now the winter is past, rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtle-dove is heard in our land. fig tree puts forth its figs,
and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, come away.

 

Song of Solomon 2: 10-13

 

 

The Value of Peat Bogs

Many people are getting busy in their gardens at this time of year, which often entails a trip to a garden centre to buy potting compost. Traditionally, peat moss was favoured. However, peat is an exceptional carbon sink and is best left untouched in the bogs. A ban on its use is being introduced to Ireland, but some peat moss for nurseries is being imported from other countries in Europe. This does nothing to help our carbon neutrality. It is important to buy peat-free compost alternatives. For those with a large garden, excellent potting compost can be made from decomposed leaves, raked up in the autumn. Garden compost made from vegetable scraps, lawn clippings, weeds etc. is ideal to feed soil for both vegetables and fruit bushes, and indeed for flowers. As the world’s carbon emissions soar once again, following a dip in the earlier months of the pandemic, we need to examine ways to reduce our carbon footprint. This can be achieved by modifying our everyday actions, including not buying peat. If we use our own compost, we save a trip to the garden centre and buying a product wrapped in plastic. Every positive step we take helps.

 

Notice of Easter Vestry

The Easter Vestry (Annual  General Meeting of the Parish) takes place on Sunday, 25th April after the morning service. This is your chance to hear more about the parish’s activities and finances, to have your say on the future direction of the parish and to vote for an incoming select vestry.

Monday in Holy Week Service

Topic: Monday in Holy Week Service

Time: Mar 29, 2021 07:30 PM Dublin

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82711562170

Meeting ID: 827 1156 2170

The service leaflet is available here: Monday in Holy Week 29-03-21

or below here:

 

Monday 29 March 2021: Holy Week Service

 Preparation

 GREETING

May the grace, healing and forgiveness of the Lord

be with you this Holy Week
and also with you.

 O Saviour of the world,
by your Cross and precious blood you have redeemed us:
save us and help us, we humbly pray. Amen.

 Opening Hymn: 226 “It is a thing most wonderful” (vs 1-5, 7)

It is a thing most wonderful,

almost too wonderful to be,

that God’s own Son should come from heaven,

and die to save a child like me.

And yet I know that it is true;

he chose a poor and humble lot,

and wept and toiled and mourned and died

for love of those who loved Him not.

I cannot tell how He could love

a child so weak and full of sin;

his love must be most wonderful

if He could die my love to win.

I sometimes think about the cross,

and shut my eyes, and try to see

the cruel nails and crown of thorns,

and Jesus crucified for me.

But even could I see Him die,

I could but see a little part

of that great love which, like a fire,

is always burning in His heart.

And yet I want to love thee, Lord;

O light the flame within my heart,

and I will love thee more and more,

until I see thee as thou art.

W Walsham How (1823-97)

 INTRODUCTION

We gather together this evening to continue our journey with the Lord through this Holy Week of our salvation. The Monday in Holy Week is the day on which we remember that Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus feet while Judas objected. We are reminded to love the Lord our God will all our heart, with all our soul and with all our mind. So we ask God to give us pure hearts, devoted to him, that his voice may be clearly heard, and that our priorities this week would be the priorities of Jesus Christ.

Silence

 PENITENCE

Lord God, you sent your Son to reconcile us to yourself and one another.
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy

 Lord Jesus, you heal the wounds of sin and division.
Christ, have mercy
Christ, have mercy

 Holy Spirit, through you we put to death the sins of the body- and live.
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy

 Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on us,
Jesus, bearer of our sins, have mercy on us,
Jesus, Redeemer of the world, grant us peace.

 THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

Almighty God,
whose most dear Son went not up to joy,
but first he suffered pain,
and entered not into glory before he was crucified:
mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of his cross,
may find it none other than the way of life and peace,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Ministry of the Word

 The Psalm: Psalm 36: 5-11

Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens,
and your faithfulness to the clouds.

Your righteousness stands like the strong mountains, your justice like the great deep:
you, Lord, shall save both man and beast.

How precious is your loving mercy, O God:
all mortal flesh shall take refuge under the shadow of your wings.

Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens,
and your faithfulness to the clouds.

They shall be satisfied with the abundance of your house:
they shall drink from the river of your delights.

For with you is the well of life:
and in your light shall we see light.

Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens,
and your faithfulness to the clouds.

O continue your loving-kindness to those who know you:
and your righteousness to those who are true of heart.

Let not the foot of pride come against me:
nor the hand of the ungodly thrust me away.

Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens,
and your faithfulness to the clouds.

 Canticle: The Song of Christ’s Glory
Christ Jesus was in the form of God:
but he did not cling to equality with God.
He emptied himself, taking the form of a servant:
and was born in our human likeness.
And being found in human form he humbled himself:
and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.
Therefore God has highly exalted him:
and bestowed on him the name above every name.
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow:
in heaven and on earth and under the earth.
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord:
to the glory of God the Father. Amen

 The Bible Reading: John 12: 1-11

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’ (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.’

When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.

ADDRESS

 Response

 SCRIPTURAL AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example,
that we should follow in his steps.
He committed no sin, no guile was found on his lips,
when he was reviled, he did not revile in turn.
when he suffered, he did not threaten,
but he trusted himself to God, who judges justly.
Christ himself bore our sins in his body on the tree,
that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.
By his wounds we have been healed,

for we were straying like sheep,
but have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of our souls.

1 Peter 2: 21b-25

 INTERCESSIONS

Let us pray to the Father through the Son

who suffered on the cross for the world’s redemption.

Fill with your Spirit Christ’s broken body, the Church…

Give to Christian people everywhere a deep longing

to take up the cross and to understand its mysterious glory.

By the Saviour’s cross and passion,

Lord, save us and help us.

 Bless those who lead the Church’s worship at this solemn time…

In the preaching of the word and the celebration of the sacraments

draw your people close to you.

By the Saviour’s cross and passion,

Lord, save us and help us.

 Strengthen those who are preparing for baptism,

together with their teachers, sponsors and families…

Teach them what it means to die and rise with Christ

and prepare them to receive the breath of his Spirit.

By the Saviour’s cross and passion,

Lord, save us and help us.

Look in your mercy on the world you loved so much

that you sent your Son to suffer and to die…

Strengthen those who work to share

the reconciliation won at such cost upon the cross.

By the Saviour’s cross and passion,

Lord, save us and help us.

 Bring healing by the wounds of Christ

to all who are weighed down by pain and injustice…

Help the lonely and the betrayed, the suffering and the dying,

to find strength in the companionship of Jesus,

and in his passion to know their salvation.

By the Saviour’s cross and passion,

Lord, save us and help us.

 Welcome us into paradise when we leave this world in your friendship.

According to your promises bring us with all your saints

to share in all the benefits of Christ’s death and resurrection.

By the Saviour’s cross and passion,

Lord, save us and help us.

 Holy God,

holy and strong,

holy and immortal,

have mercy on us. Amen.

 THE LORD’S PRAYER

As our Saviour Christ has taught us, we are bold to say:

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.

 Closing Hymn: 597 “Take my life and let it be”

Take my life and let it be

consecrated, Lord, to thee;

take my moments and my days;

let them flow in endless praise.

 

Take my hands and let them move

at the impulse of thy love;

take my feet and let them be

swift and beautiful for thee.

 

Take my voice and let me sing

always, only, for my king;

take my lips and let them be

filled with messages from thee.

 

Take my will and make it thine;

it shall be no longer mine;

take my heart it is thine own;

it shall be thy royal throne.

 

Take my love; my Lord, I pour

at thy feet its treasure store;

take myself, and I will be

ever, only, all for thee.

Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-79)

Dismissal

 BLESSING

Christ draw you to himself
and grant that you find in his cross
a sure ground for faith, a firm support for hope,
and the assurance of sins forgiven;

and the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,

be with you and remain with you always.  Amen.

Palm Sunday Service 28th March 2021

Topic: Palm Sunday Service
Time: Mar 28, 2021 11:00 AM Dublin
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 811 1336 3856
The service leaflet is available here: Killiskey SoW Lent 6 28-03-21

Killiskey Parish

SERVICE OF THE WORD –          28 MARCH 2021

THE SIXTH SUNDAY IN LENT (PALM SUNDAY)

 Liturgy of the Palms

GREETING

Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father

and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all

and also with you.

STARTING TO WORSHIP

Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest!                                                         

 INTRODUCTION

Today begins the week of all weeks.

This is the week in which we follow our Saviour Jesus Christ on the way of suffering to the Cross and on the way to victory through the Cross to the Resurrection.

Today we gather with the crowds on the road to Jerusalem, to greet our Lord as he begins his journey, to sing his praise and to welcome him to his city.

We rejoice with all our hearts and voices in the knowledge that, if we do not speak out his praises, the stones themselves will sing.

 O Lord, open our lips

and our mouth will proclaim your praise!

 Opening Hymn: CH570 “Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising” (vs. 2-4)

Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising,
give me joy in my heart, I pray;
give me joy in my heart, keep me praising,
keep me praising till the break of day.

Sing hosanna, sing hosanna,
Sing hosanna to the King of kings!
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna,
Sing hosanna to the King!

 Give me peace in my heart, keep me loving,
give me peace in my heart, I pray;
give me peace in my heart, keep me loving,
keep me loving till the break of day.

Give me love in my heart, keep me serving,
give me love in my heart, I pray;
give me love in my heart, keep me serving,
keep me serving till the break of day.

Traditional

  1. 1 based on Matthew 25: 8

The Psalm Gospel: Mark 11: 1-11

When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, “Why are you doing this?” just say this, “The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.” ’ They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, ‘What are you doing, untying the colt?’ They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,

‘Hosanna!

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!

Hosanna in the highest heaven!’

Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

Hymn: CH238 “Ride on, ride on in majesty”

Ride on, ride on in majesty!

hark, all the tribes ‘Hosanna’ cry;

O Saviour meek, pursue thy road

with palms and scattered garments strowed.

Ride on, ride on in majesty!

in lowly pomp ride on to die;

O Christ, thy triumphs now begin

o’er captive death and conquered sin.

Ride on, ride on in majesty!

the angel armies of the sky

look down with sad and wondering eyes

to see the approaching sacrifice.

Ride on, ride on in majesty!

thy last and fiercest strife is nigh;

the Father on his sapphire throne

awaits his own anointed Son.

Ride on, ride on in majesty!

in lowly pomp ride on to die;

bow your meek head to mortal pain,

then take, O God, thy power, and reign.

Henry H. Milman (1791-1868) altd.

based on Matthew 21: 8-9;

Zechariah 9:9

The Psalm:  Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29

Refrain: O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his mercy endures for ever.

 1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his mercy endures for ever.

2 Let Israel now proclaim,

‘His mercy endures for ever.’

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his mercy endures for ever.

19 Open to me the gates of righteousness,

that I may enter and give thanks to the Lord.

20 This is the gate of the Lord;

the righteous shall enter through it.

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his mercy endures for ever.

 21 I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me

and have become my salvation.

22 The stone which the builders rejected

has become the chief cornerstone.

23 This is the Lord’s doing,

and it is marvellous in our eyes.

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his mercy endures for ever.

 24 This is the day that the Lord has made;

we will rejoice and be glad in it.

25 Come, O Lord, and save us we pray.

Come, Lord, send us now prosperity.

26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord;

we bless you from the house of the Lord.

27 The Lord is God; he has given us light;

link the pilgrims with cords

right to the horns of the altar.

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his mercy endures for ever.

28 You are my God and I will thank you;

you are my God and I will exalt you.

29 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his mercy endures for ever.

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his mercy endures for ever.

 COLLECT OF THE DAY

Let us pray for a closer union with Christ in his suffering and in his glory.

Silence is kept.

 Almighty and everlasting God,
who, in your tender love towards the human race,
sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
to take upon him our flesh

and to suffer death upon the cross:
Grant that we may follow the example
of his patience and humility,
and also be made partakers of his resurrection;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Liturgy of the Passion

 The Second Reading: Philippians 2: 5-11

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

rather, he made himself nothing

by taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

by becoming obedient to death—

even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

 Hymn: CH217 “All glory, laud and honour”

All glory, laud, and honour

to thee, Redeemer, King,

to whom the lips of children

made sweet hosannas ring.

 You are the King of Israel,

thou David’s royal Son,

who in the Lord’s name comest,

the King and blessed one:

The company of angels

are praising thee on high;

and mortal flesh, and all things

created, make reply:

The people of the Hebrews

with palms to meet thee went;

our praise and prayer and anthems

before you we present:

To thee, before thy Passion

they sang their hymns of praise;

to thee, now high exalted,

our melody we raise:

Thou didst receive their praises,

accept the prayers we bring,

who in all good delightest,

thou good and gracious King:

St. Theodulf of Orleans (d. 821)

  1. John Mason Neale (1818-66) altd.

based on Matthew 21: 8-9

The Passion Gospel: Mark 15: 1-47

 The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark:

As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate asked him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ He answered him, ‘You say so.’ Then the chief priests accused him of many things. Pilate asked him again, ‘Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you.’ But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed.

Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. Then he answered them, ‘Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?’ For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. Pilate spoke to them again, ‘Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?’ They shouted back, ‘Crucify him!’ Pilate asked them, ‘Why, what evil has he done?’ But they shouted all the more, ‘Crucify him!’ So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.

Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort. And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. And they began saluting him, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.

They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take.

It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge against him read, ‘The King of the Jews.’ And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, ‘Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!’ In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying, ‘He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.’ Those who were crucified with him also taunted him.

When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, ‘Listen, he is calling for Elijah.’ And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, ‘Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.’ Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, ‘Truly this man was God’s Son!

There were also women looking on from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. These used to follow him and provided for him when he was in Galilee; and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem.

When evening had come, and since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time. When he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was laid.

 This is the Passion of the Lord.

 SERMON

COLLECT OF THE READINGS

God of all,

you gave your only-begotten Son

to take the form of a servant,

and to be obedient even to death on a cross;

give us the same mind that was in Christ Jesus

that, sharing in his humility,

we may come to be with him in his glory,

who lives and reigns with you

and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Response

THE APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come again to judge the living 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.

 PENITENCE

Lord God,

you sent your Son to reconcile us to yourself and to one another.

Lord, have mercy

Lord have mercy.

Lord Jesus,

You heal the wounds of sin and death.

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

 Holy Spirit,

through you we put to death the sins of the body – and live.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

 INTERCESSIONS

Lord Jesus, on this day you entered into Jerusalem to fulfil your Father’s will:

give us grace to enter into your will and purpose for our lives.

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

Lord Jesus, on this day you began a journey which would lead to pain and suffering:

give grace to those who are on difficult journeys in their own lives.

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

Lord Jesus, on this day you received the welcome and acclamation of the crowds:

keep us pure in heart when we receive praise and encouragement.

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

Lord , Jesus on this day you rode in humility on a donkey:

Keep us from exalting ourselves, and keep us humble in everything we do.

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

Lord Jesus, on this day the people sang praise with all their strength:

Make our praises joyful, but always from the depths of our hearts.

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

Lord Jesus, on this day many did not recognise that they were being visited by the Son of God:

Open our hearts and minds that we may recognise you in all your words, works and ways.

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

In offering our prayers this Palm Sunday, we commit ourselves to follow you on the way to the cross, in the knowledge that this way is none other than the way of life and peace.

Lord Jesus, be our Way,

Lord Jesus be our Truth,

Lord Jesus, be our Life,

This Holy Week and for ever. Amen.

 

 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 for ever. Amen.

 

Closing Hymn: CH231 “My song is love unknown” (vs 1-3, 6 and 7)

My song is love unknown,

my Saviour’s love to me,

love to the loveless shown,

that they might lovely be.

O who am I,

that for my sake

my Lord should take

frail flesh, and die?

He came from His blest throne

salvation to bestow;

but men made strange, and none

the longed-for Christ would know.

But O, my Friend,

my Friend indeed,

who at my need

his life did spend.

 

Sometimes they strew His way,

and His sweet praises sing;

resounding all the day

hosannas to their King:

Then “Crucify!”

is all their breath,

and for His death

they thirst and cry.

 

In life, no house, no home

my Lord on earth might have;

in death, no friendly tomb,

but what a stranger gave.

What may I say?

Heav’n was His home;

but mine the tomb

wherein He lay.

 

Here might I stay and sing,

no story so divine;

never was love, dear King,

never was grief like Thine.

This is my Friend,

in whose sweet praise

I all my days

could gladly spend.

 Samuel Crossman (1624-83) altd.

Dismissal

 BLESSING

May the Father,

who so loved the world that he gave his only Son,

bring us by faith to his eternal life. Amen.

 

May Christ,

who accepted the cup of sacrifice

in obedience to the Father’s will,

keep us steadfast as we walk with him the way of his cross. Amen.

 

May the Spirit,

who strengthens us to suffer with Christ

that we may share his glory,

set our minds on life and peace. Amen.

 

And the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among us and remain with us always. Amen.

 

DISMISSAL

We walk with Christ this week in the way of his cross and resurrection.

Thanks be to God. Amen.

 

Evening prayer 24th March 2021

Topic: Evening prayer

Time: Mar 24, 2021 07:30 PM Dublin

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A LATE EVENING OFFICE – Wednesday 24th March 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 56 – When the Philistines had seized David in Gath.

Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit;
all day long they press their attack.
My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me.                         3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?                                                                                                                                                                    5 All day long they twist my words; all their schemes are for my ruin.
They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, hoping to take my life.
Because of their wickedness do not let them escape; in your anger,                                                                         God, bring the nations down.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        8 Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll — are they not in your record?
Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help.
By this I will know that God is for me.                                                                                                                                                                      10 In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise—
11 in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?                                                                                                  12 I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you.
13 For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God in the light of life.

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 12 v 34 – 50

The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.”

After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them. Although he had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in him. This was to fulfil the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah:

“Lord, who has believed our message, and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” And so they could not believe, because Isaiah also said,

“He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, so that they might not look with their eyes, and understand with their heart and turn— and I would heal them.”

Isaiah said this because he saw his glory and spoke about him. Nevertheless many, even of the authorities, believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human glory more than the glory that comes from God.

Then Jesus cried aloud: “Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness. I do not judge anyone who hears my words and does not keep them, for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my word has a judge; on the last day the word that I have spoken will serve as judge, for I have not spoken on my own, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment about what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I speak, therefore, I speak just as the Father has told me.”

Meditation.

 

HYMN 216

Alleluia, my Father, for giving us your Son;

Sending him into the world to die for everyone,

Knowing we would bruise him and smite him from the earth.

Alleluia, my Father, in his death is my birth.

Alleluia, My Father, in his life is my life. 

 

PRAYERS  – Let us pray to the Lord with all our heart and with all our soul.

Lord, have mercy.                               

Let us pray for all Christian people, that they may live in love and truth.

Lord, have mercy.

Let us pray for all ministers of the Church, for our Bishop Michael, Rev Jack and Rev Ken and for all our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Lord, have mercy.

Let us pray for peace throughout the world, particularly areas of violence and unrest and for all governments and those in positions of authority.

Lord, have mercy.

Let us pray for the abundance of the fruits of the earth, and that the poor and hungry may receive a just share.

Lord, have mercy.

Let us pray for our neighbours and for all our friends.

Lord, have mercy.

Let us pray for those who hate us as we pray for those who love us.

Lord, have mercy.

Let us pray for all sick people, for the sorrowful and the dying, particularly those affected by the pandemic at this time,

Lord, have mercy.

Let us remember our brothers and sisters who have entered into eternal rest.

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.

Let us continue praying in silence                  (Silence is kept)

THE LORD’S PRAYER – we sum up all our prayers in the words Jesus himself taught us –  

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.

 

COMMON COLLECT

Lord Almighty, come and scatter the darkness of our hearts by the light of your presence; that we may know you the Light of the world and the one true God, blessed this night and for evermore. Amen.

 

BLESSING       

Let us bless the Lord.                          Thanks be to God.

May the Almighty and merciful God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.

 

Morning Prayer Lent 5 21st March 2021

Topic: Morning Prayer Lent 5

Time: Mar 21, 2021 11:00 AM Dublin

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Killiskey Parish
Sunday 21st March 2021 @ 11.00am
MORNING PRAYER 1
THE FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT

Opening Hymn: CH553 “Jesu, lover of my soul”
Jesus, lover of my soul,
let me to Thy bosom fly,
while the nearer waters roll,
while the tempest still is high:
hide me, O my Saviour, hide,
till the storm of life is past;
safe into the haven guide;
O receive my soul at last.
Other refuge have I none,
hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
leave, ah leave me not alone,
still support and comfort me;
all my trust on Thee is stayed,
all my help from Thee I bring;
cover my defenceless head
with the shadow of Thy wing.
Thou, O Christ, art all I want;
more than all in Thee I find;
raise the fallen, cheer the faint,
heal the sick and lead the blind.
just and holy is thy name,
I am all unrighteousness;
false and full of sin I am,
thou art full of truth and grace.
Plenteous grace with Thee is found,
grace to cover all my sin;
let the healing streams abound;
make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the fountain art,
freely let me take of Thee;
spring thou up within my heart,
rise to all eternity.
Charles Wesley (1707-88)

SENTENCE OF SCRIPTURE
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us; but if we confess our sins, he is faithful
and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1: 8, 9
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 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 LESSON
from the Old Testament
Jeremiah 31: 31-34
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, ‘Know the Lord’, for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.
After the reading silence may be kept.

THE PSALM
Psalm 51: 1-12
1 Have mercy upon me, O God, after thy great goodness : according to the multitude of thy mercies do away
mine offences.
2 Wash me throughly from my wickedness : and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my faults : and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight : that thou mightest be justified in thy saying,
and clear when thou shalt judge.
5 Behold, I was shapen in wickedness : and in sin hath my mother conceived me.
6 But lo, thou requirest truth in the inward parts : and shalt make me to understand wisdom secretIy.
7 Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean : thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness : that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9 Turn thy face from my sins : and put out all my misdeeds.
10 Make me a clean heart, O God : and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from thy presence : and take not thy holy spirit from me.
12 O give me the comfort of thy help again : and stablish me with thy free spirit.

A LESSON
from the New Testament
Hebrews 5: 5-10
So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him,
‘You are my Son,
today I have begotten you’;
as he says also in another place,
‘You are a priest for ever,
according to the order of Melchizedek.’
In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

Hymn before the Gospel: CH237 “O my Saviour, lifted” (vs 1, 3-6)
O my Saviour, lifted
from the earth for me,
draw me, in thy mercy,
nearer unto thee.
Lift my earth-bound longings,
fix them, Lord, above;
draw me with the magnet
of thy mighty love.
Lord, thine arms are stretching
ever far and wide,
to enfold thy children
to thy loving side.
And I come, O Jesus:
dare I turn away?
No, thy love hath conquered,
and I come today.
Bringing all my burdens,
sorrow, sin and care;
at thy feet I lay them,
and I leave them there.
W Walsham How (1823-97)

A LESSON
from the Gospels
John 12: 20-33
Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from
Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and
Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I
tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour.
‘Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—“Father, save me from this hour”? No, it is for this reason that I
have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will
glorify it again.’ The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, ‘An angel has spoken to
him.’ Jesus answered, ‘This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgement of this world; now the
ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.’ He
said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.
After the reading silence may be kept.

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 Ghost;
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
We beseech thee, Almighty God,
look upon the hearty desires of thy humble servants,
and stretch forth the right hand of thy Majesty,
to be our defence against all our enemies;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE COLLECT OF THE SEASON
Almighty and everlasting God,
who hatest nothing that thou hast made,
and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent;
Create and make in us new and contrite hearts,
that we worthily lamenting our sins,
and acknowledging our wretchedness,
may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy,
perfect remission and forgiveness;
through 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: CH291 “Where high the heavenly temple stands”
Where high the heavenly temple stands,
the house of God not made with hands,
a great high priest our nature wears,
Jesus, the Son of God, appears.
He who for us our surety stood,
and poured on earth his precious blood,
pursues in heaven his mighty plan,
eternal God and Son of Man.
Though now ascended up on high,
he sees us with a brother’s eye;
he shared with us the human name
and knows the frailty of our frame.
In every pang that rends the heart
the Man of Sorrows had a part,
he sympathises with our grief,
and to the sufferer sends relief.
With boldness, therefore, at the throne,
let us make all our sorrows known,
and ask the aid of heavenly power
to help us in the evil hour.
Michael Bruce (1746-67) altd.
based on Hebrews 4: 14-16

INTERCESSIONS
Lord Jesus Christ, you were lifted up on the cross for us and for our salvation;
help us to triumph over evil and to do good,
to give ourselves to you as you give yourself to us,
and to live and work to your praise and glory. Amen.
Lord of the church, may we bring others to know you.
Guide and strengthen the mission and outreach of your people.
We pray for missionary societies and evangelists.
Lord, as you give yourself for us,
let us give ourselves to you.
We pray for leaders of nations, for rulers of peoples,
that they may work with sensitivity and in humility.
We pray for nations emerging from tyranny,
for freedom movements and all who work for liberty.
Lord, as you give yourself for us,
let us give ourselves to you.
We remember all who have been generous to us,
all who have shared their resources and their lives.
We pray for parents who sacrificed for us,
for their giving of time and of attention.
We pray for those who have been denied love,
for all who have been deprived of well-being.
We remember today children taken into care.
Lord, as you give yourself for us,
let us give ourselves to you.
We give thanks for the passion and cross of our Lord,
for the gift of redemption.
We pray for all troubled souls,
those anxious about their health, or their future.
We remember all who are being persecuted for their beliefs or their principles;
for all who are suffering at this time,
especially Christians afflicted for their faith.
Lord, as you give yourself for us,
let us give ourselves to you.
Lord, give comfort to the bereaved,
give courage to the dying.
We remember loved ones who have entered in faith into eternal life,
and we join with them to sing your praises.
Lord, as you give yourself for us,
let us give ourselves to you.

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.

Closing Hymn: CH105 “O the deep, deep love of Jesus”
O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
vast, unmeasured, boundless, free,
rolling as a mighty ocean
in its fullness over me!
Underneath me, all around me,
is the current of his love:
leading onward, leading homeward,
to that glorious rest above.
O the deep, deep love of Jesus –
spread his praise from shore to shore!
Hi who loves us, ever loves us,
changes never, nevermore;
he who died to save his loved ones,
intercedes for them above;
he who called them his own people
watches over them in love.
O the deep, deep love of Jesus!
love of every love the best;
vast the ocean of his blessing,
sweet the haven sweet of his rest!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus –
for my Heaven of heavens is he;
this my everlasting glory –
Jesus’ mighty love for me.
Samuel T Francis (1834-1925) altd.

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