The InvocationIf you wish, open with a song/s. The leader says E te whānau / My brothers and sisters, our help is in the name of the eternal God, who is making the heavens and the earth. Eternal Spirit, flow through our being and open our lips, that our mouths may proclaim your praise. Silence Let us worship the God of love. Alleluia. Alleluia. Psalm of PraiseShare this extract of Psalm 119 (89-96) together - perhaps take turns to read a verse each. Dear God, your eternal word of love endures for ever in the universe. Your trust stands fast from one generation to another. You have laid the foundations of the earth, and it abides. In fulfilment of your purpose it continues to this very day, for all things serve you. If my delight had not been in your wisdom, I should have perished in my trouble. I shall never forget your truths, for with them you have given me life. I belong to you: save me; for I have sought your counsel. The ungodly laid wait for me to destroy me, but I will meditate on your law. I see that all things come to an end, but your commandment is exceeding broad. Prayers of ThanksgivingWe encourage you to share prayers of thanksgiving and gratitude. We conclude our prayers with the following: Christ is the good shepherd who knows and cares for every one of the sheep in different folds. In Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile; in Christ there is no discrimination of gender, class or race. In Christ the poor are blessed, the simple receive truth hidden from the wise. Alleluia! God of justice and compassion, you give us a work to do and a baptism of suffering and resurrection. From you comes power to give to others the care we have ourselves received so that we, and all who love your world, may live in harmony and trust. The ConfessionThe leader says Happy are those whose sins are forgiven, whose wrongs are pardoned. I will confess my sins to the Lord, I will not conceal my wrongdoings. We keep silence. Alternatively, if you feel comfortable share any stuggles you are facing. God forgives and heals us. We need your healing, merciful God: give us true repentance. Some sins are plain to us; some escape us, some we cannot face. Forgive us; set us free to hear your word to us; set us free to serve you. The leader says Hear the word of God to all. God shows love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Amen. The ReadingsWe encourage you to use the Gospel reading from the Lectionary for today. Feel free to add in other readings as you wish. An online version of the Lectionary can be found right here. You may wish to take turns reading portions of the Scripture with your group. Teaching and ReflectionWatch this week's sermon video and answer either the following questions or the questions presented by the preacher:
Prayers of IntercessionThe leader prays Lord have mercy. E te Ariki kia aroha mai. Kyrie eleison. Christ have mercy. E te Karaiti kia aroha mai. Christe eleison. Lord have mercy. E te Ariki kia aroha mai. Kyrie eleison. We encourage you to enter a time of prayer for our world, our communities and for each other, concluding with one of the following prayers: 1. O God of many names, lover of all peoples; we pray for peace in our hearts and homes, in our nations and our world; the peace of your will, the peace of our need. Dear Christ, our friend and our guide, pioneer through the shadow of death, passing through darkness to make it light, be our companion that we may fear no evil, and bring us to life and to glory. O God of peace and justice, of holiness and love; knit us together in mind and flesh, in feeling and in spirit, and make us one, ready for that great day; the fulfilment of all our hopes, and the glory of Jesus Christ. Keep us in the spirit of joy and simplicity and mercy. Bless us and those you have entrusted to us, in and through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. 2. Let us be at peace within ourselves. Silence Let us accept that we are profoundly loved and need never be afraid. Silence Let us be aware of the source of being that is common to us all and to all living creatures. Silence Let us be filled with the presence of the great compassion towards ourselves and towards all living beings. Silence Realising that we are all nourished from the same source of life, may we so live that others be not deprived of air, food, water, shelter, or the chance to live. Silence Let us pray that we ourselves cease to be a cause of suffering to one another. Silence With humility let us pray for the establishment of peace in our hearts and on earth. Silence May God kindle in us the fire of love to bring us alive and give warmth to the world. Lead me from death to life, from falsehood to truth; lead me from despair to hope, from fear to trust; lead me from hate to love, from war to peace. Let peace fill our heart, our world, our universe. The Lord’s PrayerAs Christ teaches us we pray Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen. The BlessingThe leader shares a common blessing May the Creator bless us and keep us; may the beloved companion face us and have mercy upon us; may the eternal Spirit’s countenance be turned to us and give us peace; may the Three in One bless us. The service concludes The divine Spirit dwells in us. Kia noho te Wairua o te Runga Rawa ki a tātou. Thanks be to God. Whakamoemititia a Ihowā. Looking OutwardsAs you conclude your time together, we encourage you to discuss together any local needs you have identified in your group or wider neighbourhood, and what your response to those might be. |
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