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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Fifth Sunday in Lent

Isaiah 43:16-21; Psalm 126; Philippians 3:4b-14; John 12:1-8   

(Hold mouse over reference to see reading)

OPENING PRAYER

"See, I am doing a new thing!" says the Lord. A new thing in the lives of his people, a time of blessing and plenty, with the desire that they might respond in worship. A new thing in our lives also if we will let him. A new heart for his people, a new love for our neighbour, a new willingness for service and a new spirit of worship. Let us open our hearts to the God of new beginnings as we join together in worship this morning.

ADORATION

To know you, Lord
what more could we desire?
To know your love
Hear your call
Feel your touch
Understand your suffering
Follow where you have walked
Into resurrection life.

To know you, Lord
what more could we desire?
To run the race
Eyes focused
Spirit filled
Stumbling but rising up
Heading toward the glorious light
of resurrection life.

CONFESSION


Forgive us, gracious God,
when we tire of the journey
and wander from the path;
when our heart
is set not on the goal
toward which you point
but toward a distant shore
that offers a temporary comfort.

Forgive us when the light
that once shone
within our soul is dimmed;
when first love
is not focussed on Saviour,
but on the satisfaction of self,
which leads to a different destination.

Forgive
Restore
Re-focus
Revive

Re-ignite the flame within.
That we might illuminate the way
toward which so many seek to travel.
Through Jesus Christ we ask this. Amen.

THANKSGIVING

You enter our lives
as sweet perfume.
A fragrant offering
poured into lives
open to receive.
The gift of your spirit
freely given,
refreshing hearts,
reviving souls.

Flowing in
Flowing out

You enter our lives
as sweet perfume,
a fragrant offering
carried into the world
by hands that care,
hearts that love
and lives that serve.

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