Faith & Worship Faith & Worship

Prayers for the Lectionary Year C


Praying through the Lectionary Year  C - 4th  after Easter


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.


Fourth Sunday of Easter

Acts 9:36-43 ; Psalm 23 ; Revelation 7:9-17 ; John 10:22-30


OPENING PRAYER

The Bible gives us a wonderful image of God as Shepherd, which possibly has more meaning to some than others, depending on age and location. Yet in some parts of the world the enduring bond between the shepherd and his sheep has changed little since Biblical times. It’s the dependence of the sheep on their shepherd for safety and sustenance that is the mirror of our relationship with God.

Good shepherd, who leads us beside still waters and into green pastures, be close to us in our gathering today. May we feed on your word, know your protection and be sustained by your Spirit, this day and all days. Amen



ADORATION


God of love
You care for us as shepherd,
leading us to fresh pasture and living water.
You care for us as Father,
drawing those you love close into your embrace.
You care for us as Saviour,
forgiving all who draw near to you in faith.
You care for us as Lord and King,
bringing us into the heart of your kingdom.
God of love,
accept this sacrifice of praise,
and the service of our lives,
this day and all days. Amen




CONFESSION

When we stray from the path you choose for us,
distracted by the promise of better days,
tempted by the scenery around us
searching for a different way.
forgive us.
Show us the better way;
walking in your steady footsteps,
listening to your voice which calls us,
feeding on your Word which nourishes,
living our lives in grateful service. Amen



THANKSGIVING

Praise and honour,
glory and power,
belong to our God
for ever and ever.
Accept the offering of our praise,
our thankfulness
for all that you have done for us.
Accept the service of our lives,
our sacrifice
and all that we might do this day.
Praise and honour,
glory and power,
belong to our God
for ever and ever. Amen



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