Faith & Worship

The Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) offers a three-year cycle with four readings for every Sunday in the Church Year.

These readings are:
A Lesson from the Hebrew Scriptures (or Acts during the Season of Easter)
A Psalm
A Lesson from the Epistles or Acts
A Lesson from the Gospels

The following prayers follow a traditional form using the pattern of ACT (Adoration, Confession and Thanksgiving).

There is also an opening prayer which can be used at the beginning of a service.

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Proper 15 (20th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Sunday between August 14 and August 20 inclusive

Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19; Hebrews 11:29-12:2 - 29;Luke 12:49-56

OPENING PRAYER

We gather as your children,
forgiven and accepted,
meeting in this sacred place.
We gather as brother and sister,
family together
meeting in our Father's house.
We gather as your body
blessing each other,
the community of Christ.

ADORATION

For the majesty of creation,
the heavens above
and the oceans below,
accept our offering of praise.

For the beauty of your love,
the wisdom, joy
and patience shown us,
accept our offering of praise.

For the sadness we cause you,
and your willingness
to forgive us,
accept our offering of praise.

For the knowledge of salvation,
Jesus' sacrifice,
bringing life to us,
accept our offering of praise.


CONFESSION

You have given us
a world of beauty,
and we have spoilt it.
A world to feed us,
and so many go hungry.
A world of riches,
and we are unwilling to share.
A world to care for,
and we think only of ourselves.
Forgive us, gracious God,
every time your heart is saddened
by our selfishness,
every time we have no thought
for others, no cares but ours.
Enable us to see this world
as a gift from you
that can be shared,
and those who live on it
as our neighbours.
We ask this that your name
may be glorified,
through the beauty of this world,
and the service of our lives.
Amen

THANKSGIVING

Faith is the gift
by which we see
this world through your eyes,
and the beauty that's within it.

Faith is the gift
by which we see
your image in all people
and the blessing if we claim it.

Faith is the gift
by which we see
the hope within your promise
and the strength by which to live it.

Faith is the gift
that keeps on giving!

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