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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CHRISTMAS DAY ( years A. B, C)
(Dec 25th)

Readings: Isaiah 52:7-10, Psalm 98, Hebrews 1.:1-4 (5-12) , John 1:1-14

OPENING PRAYER

There is a new song in the air! God's promise to his people was that he would eventually draw them back into his arms from wherever they had strayed. Prodigals returning to their heavenly Father with humility and repentance would find Salvation. And now this is God's Day as the Messiah, the Annointed One of God, the one whom people longed for, is born in human form. God becomes flesh to live among them. The angels are singing this new song, the shepherds are singing this new song, and we are invited to join in their chorus of praise!

Saving God, who came to earth for us, we praise you for your everlasting love, your endless patience, and for the greatest gift you could possibly give to us, the possibility of Salvation through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

ADORATION

From the very beginning was
Your Word
Which spoke this world into being
Your Word
Which thunders from the skies
Your Word
Which flows like mountain streams
Your Word
Which whispers in morning breeze
Your Word
Revealed through kings and prophets
Your Word
Revealed through Angels' praise
Your Word
Revealed in humble service
Your Word
Revealed through a tiny child
Your Word
Alive from the beginning of all things
And to eternity.

CONFESSION

You gave your all to the world
In the bleakness of that stable
Love was born that day
Pure love
Undiluted
Poured out for all
Who call on Your name
Such Grace
Undeserved
Deserves a response
In the life that we lead
Forgive our ingratitude
After all you have done
Draw us to your Word
Give us a new song to sing
That will resonate throughout this world
And begin with us today. Amen

THANKSGIVING

Shout for joy
The whole earth
And everything within
Rejoice!
For Light has come into the world

The mountains sing
The seas resound
To the praise of your name
Salvation
Once promised is here on earth

The angels' song
Rings in the air
A child has been born
Hallelujah!
The Saviour of the world is here

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