Wednesday: Afternoon Prayer

ABOUT TODAY

In the church calendar the long stretch of time between Pentecost and the beginning of Advent is known as ‘Ordinary Time.’ Inasmuch as we have celebrated the birth, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus and the subsequent descent of the Holy Spirit; so this time is often seen as representative of the long ‘Church Age’ when the gospel is preached to all creation.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Reader:
God, come to my assistance.
All:
Lord, make haste to help me.

Reader:
All glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
All:
As it has been from the beginning, is today and forever! Amen

AFTERNOON PSALM

Psalm 126

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem,
    it was like a dream!
We were filled with laughter,
    and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said,
    “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”
Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!
    What joy!

Restore our fortunes, Lord,
    as streams renew the desert.
Those who plant in tears
    will harvest with shouts of joy.
They weep as they go to plant their seed,
    but they sing as they return with the harvest.

All:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

WORSHIP (Optional)

All:
(A short time of worship and thanksgiving, led or spontaneous. Alternatively a devotional song may be played and listened to.)

OLD TESTAMENT READING

Song of Solomon 6:11 – 7:5

The Man Speaks

I went down into the orchard of nut trees
    to see the blossoms of the valley,
to look for buds on the vines,
    to see if the pomegranate trees had bloomed.
Before I realized it, my desire for you made me feel
    like a prince in a chariot.

The Friends Call to the Woman

Come back, come back, woman of Shulam.
Come back, come back,
so we may look at you!

The Woman Answers the Friends

Why do you want to look at the woman of Shulam
as you would at the dance of two armies?

The Man Speaks to the Woman

Your feet are beautiful in sandals,
    you daughter of a prince.
Your round thighs are like jewels
    shaped by an artist.
Your navel is like a round drinking cup
    always filled with wine.
Your stomach is like a pile of wheat
    surrounded with lilies.
Your breasts are like two fawns,
    like twins of a gazelle.
Your neck is like an ivory tower.
Your eyes are like the pools in Heshbon
    near the gate of Bath Rabbim.
Your nose is like the mountain of Lebanon
    that looks down on Damascus.
Your head is like Mount Carmel,
    and your hair is like purple cloth;
    the king is captured in its folds.

Reader:
The Word of the Lord.
All:
Thanks be to God.

Pause for Reflection……

PRAYER

(Take a moment to bring to God any issues that have arisen during the morning. You may like to end with the following prayer…)

Reader:
Holy Spirit, guide us through the rest of our day.
May we know your wisdom in our hearts,
Your strength in our bodies,
And your peace in our lives. Amen

GRACE (Optional)

Reader:

Lord God, we thank you for your gift to us of this food;
Produce of earth, sky, many living beings, and much hard work.

May we eat with prayerfulness, gratitude and moderation;
With renewed minds and spirit-controlled appetites.

May we eat with compassion for those who hunger today,
And in such a way that reduces the suffering of all creatures;
Healing and preserving our precious planet.

Use this food to strengthen our bodies, revive our spirits,
Nurture our family and nourish our resolve;
That we may continue to serve all that lives with all our life. Amen

All other Psalms – Scripture quotations are taken from The Living Bible copyright © 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Year V: Week 26 of Ordinary Time

Wednesday: Morning Prayer

ABOUT TODAY

CALL TO WORSHIP

Reader:
Lord, Open my lips.
All:
And my mouth will give you praise.

Reader:
All glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
All:
As it has been from the beginning, is today and forever! Amen

INVITATORY PSALM:

Psalm 95:1-7 (Venite, exultemus)

All:

Come, let us sing to the Lord!
Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come to him with thanksgiving.
Let us sing psalms of praise to him.
For the Lord is a great God,
a great King above all gods.
He holds in his hands the depths of the earth
and the mightiest mountains.
The sea belongs to him, for he made it.
His hands formed the dry land, too.

Come, let us worship and bow down.
Let us kneel before the Lord our maker,
for he is our God.
We are the people he watches over,
the flock under his care.

All:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

MORNING PSALM

Psalm 2

Why are the nations so angry?
    Why do they waste their time with futile plans?
The kings of the earth prepare for battle;
    the rulers plot together
against the Lord
    and against his anointed one.
“Let us break their chains,” they cry,
    “and free ourselves from slavery to God.”

But the one who rules in heaven laughs.
    The Lord scoffs at them.
Then in anger he rebukes them,
    terrifying them with his fierce fury.
For the Lord declares, “I have placed my chosen king on the throne
    in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.”

The king proclaims the Lord’s decree:
“The Lord said to me, ‘You are my son.
    Today I have become your Father.
Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance,
    the whole earth as your possession.
You will break them with an iron rod
    and smash them like clay pots.’”

Now then, you kings, act wisely!
    Be warned, you rulers of the earth!
Serve the Lord with reverent fear,
    and rejoice with trembling.
Submit to God’s royal son, or he will become angry,
    and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities—
for his anger flares up in an instant.
    But what joy for all who take refuge in him!

All:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

WORSHIP

All:
(A time of worship and thanksgiving, led or spontaneous. Alternatively a devotional song may be played and listened to.)

PRAYER & INTERCESSION

Reader:
Now we will pray for the day and its tasks, for the church and her life, and for the world and its needs.

(You may use these prayers as written or use them as ‘prayer pointers’ for your own spontaneous petitions.

Personal Requests

Almighty God, every morning your grace and glory captivates us! We thank you for a new day and give praise to you who caused light to shine out of darkness. Today by your grace we shall triumph in the works of your hands and we are anointed with fresh oil. Today we shall flourish as palm trees and grow like cedars in Lebanon!
– The Lord is strong and mighty; we are confident in Him…
Planted in the House of the Lord, we shall thrive in the courts of our God.
– The Lord is strong and mighty; we are confident in Him…
Being fruitful in every season of life, full of health and vitality!
– The Lord is strong and mighty; we are confident in Him…

Family & Friends

God, who puts the lonely into families and brings those who are surrounded by debt into prosperity, protect our families and loved ones today. As iron sharpens iron so may our relationships bring us closer to Christ; and as two are better than one, so may we be vigilant to watch over each other and work for each other’s good.
– The Lord is strong and mighty; we are confident in Him…
When your Spirit came in times past, we read that whole households were saved. We pray for the damaged and broken families of our church and call out to you for salvation for all!
– The Lord is strong and mighty; we are confident in Him…
For those in further education, that they may find good churches to support them and good friendships to sustain them.
– The Lord is strong and mighty; we are confident in Him…

The Church

Lord Jesus, we pray for your people. May they be instructed to know your ways, empowered to share their faith, enriched with every blessing, and absorbed with love for you. May your people be one, even as you are one with the Father.
– The Lord is strong and mighty; we are confident in Him…
For Pope Francis, his bishops, priests, ministers, and all those that serve your people…
– The Lord is strong and mighty; we are confident in Him…
For our Orthodox brothers and sisters, tested by persecution and triumphant by faith…
– The Lord is strong and mighty; we are confident in Him…
For the Churches of the Reformation, the Anglican Communion, and the free churches…
– The Lord is strong and mighty; we are confident in Him…

The World

Mighty God, the whole world is in your hands and you have compassion on all peoples. We ask today for Venezuela, socially fractured by the ever increasing gap between rich and poor with the top fifth of the country controlling the majority of all wealth. We pray to Jehovah Jireh and ask for your provision for those living in extreme poverty, give them today their daily bread and bless them with peace of mind for tomorrow.
– The Lord is strong and mighty; we are confident in Him…
The gap between wealth and poverty extends to that of religion, with the rich dominating religious hierarchy of Catholicism and the poor being left on the fringes. Father we thank you that you came to seek and to save those who were lost, so we pray for those feeling misplaced that they would find their home in you.
– The Lord is strong and mighty; we are confident in Him…
We pray for new believers who have been rescued from backgrounds of drugs, crime, abuse and spiritualism, may full salvation take hold of their hearts and a full transformation of the mind.
– The Lord is strong and mighty; we are confident in Him…
Lord Jesus we pray for your Church in this nation, make her a beacon to those who are lost, a sanctuary to those who are damaged and a well to those who are thirsty.
– The Lord is strong and mighty; we are confident in Him…
Jesus, it is easy to become nervous and panicked in life, yet you God are our refuge and our very present help in this time of trouble. We trust you Jesus!
– The Lord is strong and mighty; we are confident in Him…

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Reader:
And so we pray…

All:
Our Father in heaven,
Holy is Your Name.
Your Kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For yours is the kingdom,
The power, and the glory,
Forever and ever. Amen.

GOSPEL READING

John 7:25-31

Is Jesus the Christ?

Then some of the people who lived in Jerusalem said, “This is the man they are trying to kill. But he is teaching where everyone can see and hear him, and no one is trying to stop him. Maybe the leaders have decided he really is the Christ. But we know where this man is from. Yet when the real Christ comes, no one will know where he comes from.”

Jesus, teaching in the Temple, cried out, “Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. But I have not come by my own authority. I was sent by the One who is true, whom you don’t know. But I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.”

When Jesus said this, they tried to seize him. But no one was able to touch him, because it was not yet the right time. But many of the people believed in Jesus. They said, “When the Christ comes, will he do more miracles than this man has done?”

Reader:
The Word of the Lord.
All:
Thanks be to God.

Pause for Reflection…

READING: THE WAY OF CHRIST (Optional)

Principle of discipleship drawn from the book, “The Way of Christ”

Reader:
The Way of Peace: The Principle of Ecumenism Amongst the Churches.

Conscious of the terrible disfigurement to the face of Christ through the fragmenting of His body on earth, I will work for the fulfilment of Jesus’ Prayer “that they may be one.” As a follower of the Way of Peace, I will not engage in unprofitable theological controversy, or allow my personal opinions to break the bond of love with my brothers and sisters of other churches, but will humbly seek to learn from their experience of faith.

All:
This is The Way of Peace: The Principle of Ecumenism Amongst the Churches.

Pause for Reflection…

THE APOSTLES CREED

Reader:
And so we make our declaration of faith…

All:
We believe in God the Father, Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth:
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
Born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
Was crucified, dead, and buried:
He descended into the grave;
The third day he rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
And sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
From there he shall come to judge the living and the dead.
We believe in the Holy Spirit;
The Holy Worldwide Church;
The Communion of Saints;
The Forgiveness of sins;
The Resurrection of the body,
And the Life everlasting. Amen.

COLLECT

Reader:
(Either this or an alternative closing prayer may be said.)

Creator God, you made us all in your image:
May we discern you in all that we see,
And serve you in all that we do;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

BLESSING

Reader:
(When praying in community, this or a similar blessing may be used)

And may the love of God set your hearts free,
To live an abundant life overflowing in joy and compassion,
In the service of others. Amen.

Year V: Week 26 of Ordinary Time

Tuesday: Compline

ABOUT COMPLINE

Compline (which comes from the Latin word for completion) follows a very ancient format that has been largely unchanged for many centuries. It is simple enough to memorise and it’s familiar rhythm helps to wonderfully settle the mind before sleep. It is a time of quietness and reflection and is best done as the very last thing you do before turning off the lights and going to sleep.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Reader:
God, come to my assistance
All:
Lord, make haste to help me.

Reader:
All glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
All:
As it has been from the beginning, is today and forever! Amen

EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE

We are called to have a clear conscience towards God and towards men, in our hearts and in our minds, in our actions and inactions. To do so, it is vital that we examine our conscience daily and ask for God’s mercy as we fall short and to ask His strength to do better.

Pause for Reflection…

All: (When praying in community, use the words in parenthesis)

I confess to God almighty,
(and to you my brothers and sisters,)
that I have greatly sinned,
In my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done and in what I have failed to do.
Through my fault, through my foolishness,
And through my fear.

Almighty God, have mercy upon me.
Forgive me all my sins,
and deliver me from all evil.
Confirm and strengthen me in all goodness,
and bring me to life everlasting.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pause for Reflection…

Reader:
Lord, Have mercy.
All:
Lord, have mercy.
Reader:
Christ, Have mercy.
All:
Christ, have mercy.
Reader:
Lord, Have mercy.
All:
Lord, have mercy.

EVENING PSALM

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honour to his name.
Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honour me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.

All:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

WORSHIP

All:
(A time of worship and thanksgiving, led or spontaneous. Alternatively a devotional song may be played and listened to.)

NEW TESTAMENT READING

Acts 23:12-22

In the morning some evil people made a plan to kill Paul, and they took an oath not to eat or drink anything until they had killed him. There were more than forty men who made this plan. They went to the leading priests and the elders and said, “We have taken an oath not to eat or drink until we have killed Paul. So this is what we want you to do: Send a message to the commander to bring Paul out to you as though you want to ask him more questions. We will be waiting to kill him while he is on the way here.”

But Paul’s nephew heard about this plan and went to the army building and told Paul. Then Paul called one of the officers and said, “Take this young man to the commander. He has a message for him.”

So the officer brought Paul’s nephew to the commander and said, “The prisoner, Paul, asked me to bring this young man to you. He wants to tell you something.”

The commander took the young man’s hand and led him to a place where they could be alone. He asked, “What do you want to tell me?”

The young man said, “The Jews have decided to ask you to bring Paul down to their council meeting tomorrow. They want you to think they are going to ask him more questions. But don’t believe them! More than forty men are hiding and waiting to kill Paul. They have all taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. Now they are waiting for you to agree.”

The commander sent the young man away, ordering him, “Don’t tell anyone that you have told me about their plan.”

Reader:
The Word of the Lord.
All:
Thanks be to God.

Pause for Reflection…

RESPONSORY

Reader:
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.
All:
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

Reader:
You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth.
All:
I commend my spirit.

Reader:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
All:
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

SONG OF SIMEON (Nunc Dimitis)

All:
Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake;
Watch over us as we sleep,
That awake, we may keep watch with Christ,
And asleep, may rest in his peace.

Luke 2:29-32

Lord, now let your servant depart in peace,
your word has been fulfilled:
My own eyes have seen the salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all people.
A light to reveal you to the nations,
and the glory of your people, Israel.

All:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

All:
Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake;
Watch over us as we sleep,
That awake, we may keep watch with Christ,
And asleep, may rest in his peace.

PRAYER

(You might like to spend a few moments thanking God for the day or bringing to him any outstanding issues.)

COLLECT

Reader:
(Either this or an alternative closing prayer may be said.)

Be present, O God,
And protect us through the silent hours of this night,
So that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting world,
May rest upon your eternal changelessness.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, your son our Lord,
Who is alive and reigns with you,
In the unity of the Spirit,
One God, now and forever, Amen

BLESSING

Reader:
(When praying in community, this or a similar blessing may be used)

May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful end. Amen

Year V: Week 26 of Ordinary Time

Tuesday: Afternoon Prayer

ABOUT TODAY

CALL TO WORSHIP

Reader:
God, come to my assistance.
All:
Lord, make haste to help me.

Reader:
All glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
All:
As it has been from the beginning, is today and forever! Amen

AFTERNOON PSALM

Psalm 3

A psalm of David, regarding the time David fled from his son Absalom.

O Lord, I have so many enemies;
so many are against me.
So many are saying,
“God will never rescue him!” Interlude

But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;
you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
I cried out to the Lord,
and he answered me from his holy mountain. Interlude

I lay down and slept,
    yet I woke up in safety,
    for the Lord was watching over me.
I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies
    who surround me on every side.

Arise, O Lord!
    Rescue me, my God!
Slap all my enemies in the face!
    Shatter the teeth of the wicked!
Victory comes from you, O Lord.
    May you bless your people. Interlude

All:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

WORSHIP (Optional)

All:
(A short time of worship and thanksgiving, led or spontaneous. Alternatively a devotional song may be played and listened to.)

OLD TESTAMENT READING

Song of Solomon 6:1-10

The Friends Speak to the Woman

Where has your lover gone,
most beautiful of women?
Which way did your lover turn?
We will look for him with you.

The Woman Answers the Friends

My lover has gone down to his garden,
    to the beds of spices,
to feed in the gardens
    and to gather lilies.
I belong to my lover,
    and my lover belongs to me.
    He feeds among the lilies.

The Man Speaks to the Woman

My darling, you are as beautiful as the city of Tirzah,
    as lovely as the city of Jerusalem,
    like an army flying flags.
Turn your eyes from me,
    because they excite me too much.
Your hair is like a flock of goats
    streaming down Mount Gilead.
Your teeth are white like sheep
    just coming from their bath;
each one has a twin,
    and none of them is missing.
Your cheeks behind your veil
    are like slices of a pomegranate.
There may be sixty queens and eighty slave women
    and so many girls you cannot count them,
but there is only one like my dove, my perfect one.
    She is her mother’s only daughter,
    the brightest of the one who gave her birth.
The young women saw her and called her happy;
    the queens and the slave women also praised her.

The Young Women Praise the Woman

Who is that young woman
    that shines out like the dawn?
She is as pretty as the moon,
    as bright as the sun,
    as wonderful as an army flying flags.

Reader:
The Word of the Lord.
All:
Thanks be to God.

Pause for Reflection……

PRAYER

(Take a moment to bring to God any issues that have arisen during the morning. You may like to end with the following prayer…)

Reader:
Lord Jesus, you worked with your hands as a carpenter.
May we who labour upon the earth never cease to give you praise,
And know your loving presence with us.
We ask this for your glory. Amen

GRACE (Optional)

Reader:

Lord God, we thank you for your gift to us of this food;
Produce of earth, sky, many living beings, and much hard work.

May we eat with prayerfulness, gratitude and moderation;
With renewed minds and spirit-controlled appetites.

May we eat with compassion for those who hunger today,
And in such a way that reduces the suffering of all creatures;
Healing and preserving our precious planet.

Use this food to strengthen our bodies, revive our spirits,
Nurture our family and nourish our resolve;
That we may continue to serve all that lives with all our life. Amen

Year V: Week 26 of Ordinary Time

Tuesday: Morning Prayer

ABOUT TODAY

CALL TO WORSHIP

Reader:
Lord, Open my lips.
All:
And my mouth will give you praise.

Reader:
All glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
All:
As it has been from the beginning, is today and forever! Amen

INVITATORY PSALM:

Psalm 95:1-7 (Venite, exultemus)

All:

Come, let us worship and bow down.
Let us kneel before the Lord our maker,
for he is our God.
We are the people he watches over,
the flock under his care.

All:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

MORNING PSALM

Psalm 1

Oh, the joys of those who do not
    follow the advice of the wicked,
    or stand around with sinners,
    or join in with mockers.
But they delight in the law of the Lord,
    meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
    bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
    and they prosper in all they do.

But not the wicked!
    They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
They will be condemned at the time of judgment.
    Sinners will have no place among the godly.
For the Lord watches over the path of the godly,
    but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.

All:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

WORSHIP

All:
(A time of worship and thanksgiving, led or spontaneous. Alternatively a devotional song may be played and listened to.)

PRAYER & INTERCESSION

Reader:
Now we will pray for the day and its tasks, for the church and her life, and for the world and its needs.

(You may use these prayers as written or use them as ‘prayer pointers’ for your own spontaneous petitions.

Personal Requests

This is the day that the Lord has made – we shall rejoice and be glad in it! Give us open hearts to receive your grace, open minds to receive your Word and heavenly strength to renew our bodies.
– Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!
Open our eyes to the lonely, the broken, the troubled and the outcasts that cross our path today.
– Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!
Open our ears to your Spirit and all that we have to those in need, that we may be providers for the poor and ministers to those you want to reach.
– Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

Family & Friends

Father of all, we ask for protection over our families and provision for every need. We place them in your hands and ask for your plans to be completed in their lives. May we be an example of faith, endurance, dedication, and grace to those we love.
– Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!
Bring healing where life has torn us. Bring forgiveness where sin has broken us. Bring restoration where conflict has divided us.
– Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!
Bring direction to our children, peace to our parents, faith to our friends and happiness to our families.
– Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

The Church

Lord Jesus, we pray for your people of every nationality. Forgive our historical separation, cultural divides and selfish ways that have so distorted the face of Christ to the world. Unite us in your love and complete us in your image.
– Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!
For the churches in our area. Make your ministers shining lights, your churches sunlight in the darkness and people willing in the Day of your Power.
– Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!
For the work of Churches Together and other ecumenical bodies, that your people may be one…
– Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

The World

Mighty God, we lift to you our broken world and pray today for the United States of America. Mighty God, may this nation regain its confidence in its Christian heritage and be transformed into the strong, wise and compassionate global leaders in the world that you have called them to be.
– Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!
We pray for President Donald Trump, for Congress and the Senate, that they continue to protect the weak and those with no voice, and may their policies temper prosperity with equity, and join truth with justice. We lift up the Presidential impeachment hearings to you and ask that as people promise on your holy word that their testimony will be true, that it would be so.
– Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!
Protect your church, O God, from the creeping secularism that seeks to devour the nation and sweep away the Christian heritage upon which it was built. May your people be salt and light and gain courage to declare again the faith of their fathers. Let your gospel be proclaimed from every rooftop!
– Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!
We pray for wisdom in dealing with the many challenging situations, both at home and abroad. May the USA use its vast wealth and power as a force for good in this world.
– Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!
Holy Spirit you empower Gods people to do ‘even greater works’ to display Gods power. As we pray today for those who are sick with this virus outbreak may your power be seen in their healing!
– Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Reader:
And so we pray…

GOSPEL READING

John 7:1-24

Jesus’ Brothers Don’t Believe

After this, Jesus travelled around Galilee. He did not want to travel in Judea, because some evil people there wanted to kill him. It was time for the Feast of Shelters. So Jesus’ brothers said to him, “You should leave here and go to Judea so your followers there can see the miracles you do. Anyone who wants to be well known does not hide what he does. If you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” (Even Jesus’ brothers did not believe in him.)

Jesus said to his brothers, “The right time for me has not yet come, but any time is right for you. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me, because I tell it the evil things it does. So you go to the feast. I will not go yet to this feast, because the right time for me has not yet come.” After saying this, Jesus stayed in Galilee.

But after Jesus’ brothers had gone to the feast, Jesus went also. But he did not let people see him. At the feast some people were looking for him and saying, “Where is that man?”

Within the large crowd there, many people were whispering to each other about Jesus. Some said, “He is a good man.”

Others said, “No, he fools the people.” But no one was brave enough to talk about Jesus openly, because they were afraid of the elders.

Jesus Teaches at the Feast

When the feast was about half over, Jesus went to the Temple and began to teach. The people were amazed and said, “This man has never studied in school. How did he learn so much?”

Jesus answered, “The things I teach are not my own, but they come from him who sent me. If people choose to do what God wants, they will know that my teaching comes from God and not from me. Those who teach their own ideas are trying to get honour for themselves. But those who try to bring honour to the one who sent them speak the truth, and there is nothing false in them. Moses gave you the law, but none of you obeys that law. Why are you trying to kill me?”

The people answered, “A demon has come into you. We are not trying to kill you.”

Jesus said to them, “I did one miracle, and you are all amazed. Moses gave you the law about circumcision. (But really Moses did not give you circumcision; it came from our ancestors.) And yet you circumcise a baby boy on a Sabbath day. If a baby boy can be circumcised on a Sabbath day to obey the law of Moses, why are you angry at me for healing a person’s whole body on the Sabbath day? Stop judging by the way things look, but judge by what is really right.”

Reader:
The Word of the Lord.
All:
Thanks be to God.

Pause for Reflection…

READING: THE WAY OF CHRIST (Optional)

Principle of discipleship drawn from the book, “The Way of Christ”

Reader:
The Way of Peace: The Principle of Harmony Amongst the Saints.

Admitting that at best I only see dimly and understand incompletely, I determine to live in unity with my brothers and sisters, maintaining at all times the unity of the spirit. As a follower of the Way of Peace, I will quickly forgive perceived wrongs committed against me, and not allow anger, resentment or unkind words to abide in my heart or on my lips.

All:
This is The Way of Peace: The Principle of Harmony Amongst the Saints.

Pause for Reflection…

THE APOSTLES CREED

Reader:
And so we make our declaration of faith…

COLLECT

Reader:
(Either this or an alternative closing prayer may be said.)

Gracious Father,
By the obedience of Jesus
You brought salvation to our wayward world:
Draw us into harmony with your will,
That we may find all things restored in him,
Our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

BLESSING

Reader:
(When praying in community, this or a similar blessing may be used)

And may the peace of God enfold us,
The love of God uphold us,
And the wisdom of God control us. Amen.

Year V: Week 26 of Ordinary Time

Monday: Compline

ABOUT COMPLINE

CALL TO WORSHIP

Reader:
God, come to my assistance
All:
Lord, make haste to help me.

Reader:
All glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
All:
As it has been from the beginning, is today and forever! Amen

EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE

Pause for Reflection…

All: (When praying in community, use the words in parenthesis)

Pause for Reflection…

Reader:
Lord, Have mercy.
All:
Lord, have mercy.
Reader:
Christ, Have mercy.
All:
Christ, have mercy.
Reader:
Lord, Have mercy.
All:
Lord, have mercy.

EVENING PSALM

Psalm 8

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by a stringed instrument.

O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
Your glory is higher than the heavens.
You have taught children and infants
to tell of your strength,
silencing your enemies
and all who oppose you.

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—
the moon and the stars you set in place—
what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
human beings that you should care for them?
Yet you made them only a little lower than God
and crowned them with glory and honour.
You gave them charge of everything you made,
putting all things under their authority—
the flocks and the herds
and all the wild animals,
the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,
and everything that swims the ocean currents.

O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!

All:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

WORSHIP

All:
(A time of worship and thanksgiving, led or spontaneous. Alternatively a devotional song may be played and listened to.)

NEW TESTAMENT READING

Acts 22:30-23:11

Paul Speaks to Leaders

The next day the commander decided to learn why the Jews were accusing Paul. So he ordered the leading priests and the council to meet. The commander took Paul’s chains off. Then he brought Paul out and stood him before their meeting.

Paul looked at the council and said, “Brothers, I have lived my life without guilt feelings before God up to this day.” Ananias, the high priest, heard this and told the men who were standing near Paul to hit him on the mouth. Paul said to Ananias, “God will hit you, too! You are like a wall that has been painted white. You sit there and judge me, using the law of Moses, but you are telling them to hit me, and that is against the law.”

The men standing near Paul said to him, “You cannot insult God’s high priest like that!”

Paul said, “Brothers, I did not know this man was the high priest. It is written in the Scriptures, ‘You must not curse a leader of your people.’”

Some of the men in the meeting were Sadducees, and others were Pharisees. Knowing this, Paul shouted to them, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, and my father was a Pharisee. I am on trial here because I believe that people will rise from the dead.”

When Paul said this, there was an argument between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the group was divided. (The Sadducees do not believe in angels or spirits or that people will rise from the dead. But the Pharisees believe in them all.) So there was a great uproar. Some of the teachers of the law, who were Pharisees, stood up and argued, “We find nothing wrong with this man. Maybe an angel or a spirit did speak to him.”

The argument was beginning to turn into such a fight that the commander was afraid some evil people would tear Paul to pieces. So he told the soldiers to go down and take Paul away and put him in the army building.

The next night the Lord came and stood by Paul. He said, “Be brave! You have told people in Jerusalem about me. You must do the same in Rome.”

Reader:
The Word of the Lord.
All:
Thanks be to God.

Pause for Reflection…

RESPONSORY

Reader:
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.
All:
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

Reader:
You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth.
All:
I commend my spirit.

Reader:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
All:
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

SONG OF SIMEON (Nunc Dimitis)

All:
Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake;
Watch over us as we sleep,
That awake, we may keep watch with Christ,
And asleep, may rest in his peace.

Luke 2:29-32

All:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

All:
Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake;
Watch over us as we sleep,
That awake, we may keep watch with Christ,
And asleep, may rest in his peace.

PRAYER

(You might like to spend a few moments thanking God for the day or bringing to him any outstanding issues.)

COLLECT

Reader:
(Either this or an alternative closing prayer may be said.)

BLESSING

Reader:
(When praying in community, this or a similar blessing may be used)

May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful end. Amen

Year V: Week 26 of Ordinary Time

Monday: Afternoon Prayer

ABOUT TODAY

CALL TO WORSHIP

Reader:
God, come to my assistance.
All:
Lord, make haste to help me.

Reader:
All glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
All:
As it has been from the beginning, is today and forever! Amen

AFTERNOON PSALM

Psalm 150

Praise the Lord!

Praise God in his sanctuary;
    praise him in his mighty heaven!
Praise him for his mighty works;
    praise his unequalled greatness!
Praise him with a blast of the ram’s horn;
    praise him with the lyre and harp!
Praise him with the tambourine and dancing;
    praise him with strings and flutes!
Praise him with a clash of cymbals;
    praise him with loud clanging cymbals.
Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord!

Praise the Lord!

All:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

WORSHIP (Optional)

All:
(A short time of worship and thanksgiving, led or spontaneous. Alternatively a devotional song may be played and listened to.)

OLD TESTAMENT READING

Song of Solomon 5:10-16

Reader:
The Word of the Lord.
All:
Thanks be to God.

Pause for Reflection……

PRAYER

(Take a moment to bring to God any issues that have arisen during the morning. You may like to end with the following prayer…)

Reader:
Lord Jesus, we thank you for the work of the morning,
For the challenges faced and the obstacles overcome.
Grant that the rest of this day be used for your glory,
As we offer ourselves afresh to you. Amen

GRACE (Optional)

Reader:

Lord God, we thank you for your gift to us of this food;
Produce of earth, sky, many living beings, and much hard work.

May we eat with prayerfulness, gratitude and moderation;
With renewed minds and spirit-controlled appetites.

May we eat with compassion for those who hunger today,
And in such a way that reduces the suffering of all creatures;
Healing and preserving our precious planet.

Use this food to strengthen our bodies, revive our spirits,
Nurture our family and nourish our resolve;
That we may continue to serve all that lives with all our life. Amen

Year V: Week 26 of Ordinary Time

Monday: Morning Prayer

ABOUT TODAY

CALL TO WORSHIP

Reader:
Lord, Open my lips.
All:
And my mouth will give you praise.

Reader:
All glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
All:
As it has been from the beginning, is today and forever! Amen

INVITATORY PSALM:

Psalm 95:1-7 (Venite, exultemus)

All:

Come, let us worship and bow down.
Let us kneel before the Lord our maker,
for he is our God.
We are the people he watches over,
the flock under his care.

All:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

MORNING PSALM

Psalm 149

Praise the Lord!

Sing to the Lord a new song.
Sing his praises in the assembly of the faithful.

O Israel, rejoice in your Maker.
    O people of Jerusalem, exult in your King.
Praise his name with dancing,
    accompanied by tambourine and harp.
For the Lord delights in his people;
    he crowns the humble with victory.
Let the faithful rejoice that he honours them.
    Let them sing for joy as they lie on their beds.

Let the praises of God be in their mouths,
    and a sharp sword in their hands—
to execute vengeance on the nations
    and punishment on the peoples,
to bind their kings with shackles
    and their leaders with iron chains,
to execute the judgment written against them.
    This is the glorious privilege of his faithful ones.

Praise the Lord!

All:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

WORSHIP

All:
(A time of worship and thanksgiving, led or spontaneous. Alternatively a devotional song may be played and listened to.)

PRAYER & INTERCESSION

Reader:
Now we will pray for the day and its tasks, for the church and her life, and for the world and its needs.

(You may use these prayers as written or use them as ‘prayer pointers’ for your own spontaneous petitions.

Personal Requests

Almighty God, we thank you for the start of a new week and trust you for the power to serve you with courage and boldness. Give us wisdom in our work life, persistence in our prayer life, diligence to fulfil our responsibilities and rest in our times of relaxation.
– I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy of praise…
For the power to overcome sin, the determination to overcome obstacles and the stubbornness to overcome evil.
– I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy of praise…
For bodily health, spiritual intensity, mental clarity, and physical provision.
– I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy of praise…
For protection from every attack, safety from every danger, freedom from every fear and victory over every temptation.
– I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy of praise…

Family & Friends

Father of all, bless our families and those who we spend time with. May their paths be straight and their road untroubled, and may they experience a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and true happiness.
– I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy of praise…
Bring those who don’t know you into a saving relationship with your Son.
– I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy of praise…
Bring healing to those who are sick, companionship to those who struggle alone and joy to those who mourn.
– I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy of praise…

The Church

Lord Jesus, we ask for blessings upon your church, that families may be strongly defended, children powerfully protected and leaders heavily anointed! Equip the local church to reach the city and empower your people to reach the world.
– I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy of praise…
For the members of our church, as they head to their places of work…
– I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy of praise…
For those teachers and students, and the work of God in schools and places of further education.
– I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy of praise…

The World

Lord Jesus, we join with you at the Throne of Grace and pray for humanity. We ask you for the people of United Kingdom, the homeland of so many heroes of faith; upon whose firm foundation Christianity flourished and was proclaimed to the nations. Today Britain is fast abandoning this heritage for the false gods of materialism & secularism, and we cry to our God who alone has the power to intervene and have mercy upon this land!
– I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy of praise…
We pray for peace and clarity as the UK moves forwards towards leaving the European Union. Bless our leaders with wisdom, compassion and honesty as they lead this country through a time of uncertainty.
– I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy of praise…
As the gap between rich and poor widens and the demand for foodbanks and homeless shelters increases, we pray that your Church would be the solution, that those who are in despair and at the end of hope will discover you in the lives of your people who serve and minister in the community.
– I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy of praise…
Heavenly Father we pray for your Church in this nation; may she not be asleep in the light while millions perish in the darkness. May she increase not only in numbers but in spiritual depth and be seen as a body of influence once again.
– I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy of praise…
Jesus, over 50 times in scripture you bring healing to people and groups in need of health and wholeness, today we ask you to heal those who are infected by Covid-19.
– I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy of praise…

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Reader:
And so we pray…

GOSPEL READING

John 6:60-71

The Words of Eternal Life

When the followers of Jesus heard this, many of them said, “This teaching is hard. Who can accept it?”

Knowing that his followers were complaining about this, Jesus said, “Does this teaching bother you? Then will it also bother you to see the Son of Man going back to the place where he came from? It is the Spirit that gives life. The flesh doesn’t give life. The words I told you are spirit, and they give life. But some of you don’t believe.” (Jesus knew from the beginning who did not believe and who would turn against him.) Jesus said, “That is the reason I said, ‘If the Father does not bring a person to me, that one cannot come.’”

After Jesus said this, many of his followers left him and stopped following him.

Jesus asked the twelve followers, “Do you want to leave, too?”

Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, who would we go to? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One from God.”

Then Jesus answered, “I chose all twelve of you, but one of you is a devil.”

Jesus was talking about Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Judas was one of the twelve, but later he was going to turn against Jesus.

Reader:
The Word of the Lord.
All:
Thanks be to God.

Pause for Reflection…

READING: THE WAY OF CHRIST (Optional)

Principle of discipleship drawn from the book, “The Way of Christ”

Reader:
The Way of Peace: The Principle of Cultivation of a Tranquil Heart.

Recognising that only a heart that is at peace can minister peace to a broken world, I determine to keep myself in the love of God. As a follower of the Way of Peace, I establish my heart in the presence of God by the daily practice of the spiritual disciplines.

All:
This is The Way of Peace: The Principle of Cultivation of a Tranquil Heart.

Pause for Reflection…

THE APOSTLES CREED

Reader:
And so we make our declaration of faith…

COLLECT

Reader:
(Either this or an alternative closing prayer may be said.)

Holy God, Faithful and unchanging:
Enlarge our minds with the knowledge of your truth,
And draw us more deeply into the mystery of your love,
That we may truly worship you,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
One God, now and for ever. Amen.

BLESSING

Reader:
(When praying in community, this or a similar blessing may be used)

And may the Wisdom of God, the Love of God,
And the Grace of God strengthen you,
To be Christ’s hands and heart in this world.
In the name of the One who creates,
Redeems, and sustains all things. Amen.

Year V: Week 26 of Ordinary Time

Sunday: Compline

ABOUT COMPLINE

CALL TO WORSHIP

Reader:
God, come to my assistance
All:
Lord, make haste to help me.

Reader:
All glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
All:
As it has been from the beginning, is today and forever! Amen

EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE

Pause for Reflection…

All: (When praying in community, use the words in parenthesis)

Pause for Reflection…

Reader:
Lord, Have mercy.
All:
Lord, have mercy.
Reader:
Christ, Have mercy.
All:
Christ, have mercy.
Reader:
Lord, Have mercy.
All:
Lord, have mercy.

EVENING PSALM

Psalm 4

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by stringed instruments.

Answer me when I call to you,
O God who declares me innocent.
Free me from my troubles.
Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

How long will you people ruin my reputation?
How long will you make groundless accusations?
How long will you continue your lies? Interlude
You can be sure of this:
The Lord set apart the godly for himself.
The Lord will answer when I call to him.

Don’t sin by letting anger control you.
Think about it overnight and remain silent. Interlude
Offer sacrifices in the right spirit,
and trust the Lord.

Many people say, “Who will show us better times?”
Let your face smile on us, Lord.
You have given me greater joy
than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.

All:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

WORSHIP

All:
(A time of worship and thanksgiving, led or spontaneous. Alternatively a devotional song may be played and listened to.)

NEW TESTAMENT READING

Acts 22:22-29

The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they began shouting, “Get rid of him! He doesn’t deserve to live!” They shouted, threw off their coats, and threw dust into the air.

Then the commander ordered the soldiers to take Paul into the army building and beat him. He wanted to make Paul tell why the people were shouting against him like this. But as the soldiers were tying him up, preparing to beat him, Paul said to an officer nearby, “Do you have the right to beat a Roman citizen who has not been proven guilty?”

When the officer heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. The officer said, “Do you know what you are doing? This man is a Roman citizen.”

The commander came to Paul and said, “Tell me, are you really a Roman citizen?”

He answered, “Yes.”

The commander said, “I paid a lot of money to become a Roman citizen.”

But Paul said, “I was born a citizen.”

The men who were preparing to question Paul moved away from him immediately. The commander was frightened because he had already tied Paul, and Paul was a Roman citizen.

Reader:
The Word of the Lord.
All:
Thanks be to God.

Pause for Reflection…

RESPONSORY

Reader:
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.
All:
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

Reader:
You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth.
All:
I commend my spirit.

Reader:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
All:
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

SONG OF SIMEON (Nunc Dimitis)

All:
Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake;
Watch over us as we sleep,
That awake, we may keep watch with Christ,
And asleep, may rest in his peace.

Luke 2:29-32

All:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

All:
Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake;
Watch over us as we sleep,
That awake, we may keep watch with Christ,
And asleep, may rest in his peace.

PRAYER

(You might like to spend a few moments thanking God for the day or bringing to him any outstanding issues.)

COLLECT

Reader:
(Either this or an alternative closing prayer may be said.)

BLESSING

Reader:
(When praying in community, this or a similar blessing may be used)

May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful end. Amen

Year V: Week 26 of Ordinary Time

Sunday: Afternoon Prayer

ABOUT TODAY

CALL TO WORSHIP

Reader:
God, come to my assistance.
All:
Lord, make haste to help me.

Reader:
All glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
All:
As it has been from the beginning, is today and forever! Amen

AFTERNOON PSALM

Psalm 148

Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord from the heavens!
    Praise him from the skies!
Praise him, all his angels!
    Praise him, all the armies of heaven!
Praise him, sun and moon!
    Praise him, all you twinkling stars!
Praise him, skies above!
    Praise him, vapours high above the clouds!
Let every created thing give praise to the Lord,
    for he issued his command, and they came into being.
He set them in place forever and ever.
    His decree will never be revoked.

Praise the Lord from the earth,
    you creatures of the ocean depths,
fire and hail, snow and clouds,
    wind and weather that obey him,
mountains and all hills,
    fruit trees and all cedars,
wild animals and all livestock,
    small scurrying animals and birds,
kings of the earth and all people,
    rulers and judges of the earth,
young men and young women,
    old men and children.

Let them all praise the name of the Lord.
    For his name is very great;
    his glory towers over the earth and heaven!
He has made his people strong,
    honouring his faithful ones—
    the people of Israel who are close to him.

Praise the Lord!

All:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

WORSHIP (Optional)

All:
(A short time of worship and thanksgiving, led or spontaneous. Alternatively a devotional song may be played and listened to.)

OLD TESTAMENT READING

Song of Solomon 5:1-9

The Man Speaks

I have entered my garden, my sister, my bride.
I have gathered my myrrh with my spice.
I have eaten my honeycomb and my honey.
I have drunk my wine and my milk.

The Friends Speak

Eat, friends, and drink;
yes, drink deeply, lovers.

The Woman Dreams

I sleep, but my heart is awake.
    I hear my lover knocking.
“Open to me, my sister, my darling,
    my dove, my perfect one.
My head is wet with dew,
    and my hair with the dampness of the night.”
I have taken off my garment
    and don’t want to put it on again.
I have washed my feet
    and don’t want to get them dirty again.
My lover put his hand through the opening,
    and I felt excited inside.
I got up to open the door for my lover.
    Myrrh was dripping from my hands
and flowing from my fingers,
    onto the handles of the lock.
I opened the door for my lover,
    but my lover had left and was gone.
    When he spoke, he took my breath away.
I looked for him, but I could not find him;
    I called for him, but he did not answer.
The watchmen found me
    as they patrolled the city.
They hit me and hurt me;
    the guards on the wall took away my veil.
Promise me, women of Jerusalem,
    if you find my lover,
    tell him I am weak with love.

The Friends Answer the Woman

How is your lover better than other lovers,
most beautiful of women?
How is your lover better than other lovers?
Why do you want us to promise this?

Reader:
The Word of the Lord.
All:
Thanks be to God.

Pause for Reflection……

PRAYER

(Take a moment to bring to God any issues that have arisen during the morning. You may like to end with the following prayer…)

Reader:
Lord Jesus, we thank you for another morning in Your House,
For the Word as pronounced to your people,
For the Worship as presented by your people,
For the Witness as proclaimed through your people,
And for the gathering of your Bride all over the world.
We ask your blessings upon the rest of this day,
May we enjoy Sabbath rest, renewed strength and a firmer hope,
As we run the race and stretch forth towards the prize. Amen

GRACE (Optional)

Reader:

Lord God, we thank you for your gift to us of this food;
Produce of earth, sky, many living beings, and much hard work.

May we eat with prayerfulness, gratitude and moderation;
With renewed minds and spirit-controlled appetites.

May we eat with compassion for those who hunger today,
And in such a way that reduces the suffering of all creatures;
Healing and preserving our precious planet.

Use this food to strengthen our bodies, revive our spirits,
Nurture our family and nourish our resolve;
That we may continue to serve all that lives with all our life. Amen