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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Second Sunday after Christmas

(2nd – 5th January)

Readings: Jeremiah 31:7-14, Psalm 147:12-20, Ephesians 1:3-14,
John 1:10-18 (1-9)

OPENING PRAYER 

There's something wonderful in the thought that the One who brought this world into existence, loves us enough to want to call us sons and daughters. 

Father God, as we join together in worship today we do so in the certain knowledge that you have called us into your family; to know you more, experience your love and know the blessing that comes from being in your presence day by day.

ADORATION

Creator God, you who love us more than we can know
who chose us from the very beginning to be family
we praise your holy name
Jesus Christ, Son of God, Word become flesh
who dwelt among us and was sacrificed for us
we praise your holy name
Holy Spirit, present and power in our lives
from the moment that we first believed
we praise your holy name.

CONFESSION

God of the journey, your invitation is to all
to walk with you without fear of stumbling
your arm enough to steady the feeblest soul
your grace to rescue us should we fall.
Grant us faith enough to take you at your word,
to know that when our hearts are heavy
and the destination seems so far
that you are there with us along the road.
Forgive us those times when we doubt your Word
when we awake and feel alone.
Draw us ever closer into your family
that we might know your presence
and sing your praises
all the days of our lives. Amen

THANKSGIVING

We are not grains of sand upon the shore
buffeted by sea and storm,
we are individuals loved by God
more intimately than we could ever know.
Though from a distance
we seem insignificant and frail
the creating breath that formed us
now lives in and sustains us.
Thank you, Saving God
made known to us in Jesus Christ
not only by his words
but through his sacrificial life.
May our lives reflect
not only his love
but your glory
and the whole earth sing your praises. Amen

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