Preparation
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
My trust is in you, O Lord.
I have said, ‘You are my God.’
Praise
Gracious Father,
you gave up your Son out of love for the world:
lead us to ponder the mysteries of his passion,
that we may know eternal peace
through the shedding of our Saviour’s blood,
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Psalm 105:4-9
Seek the Lord and his strength;
seek his face continually.
Remember the marvels he has done,
his wonders and the judgements of his mouth,
O seed of Abraham his servant,
O children of Jacob his chosen.
He is the Lord our God;
his judgements are in all the earth.
He has always been mindful of his covenant,
the promise that he made for a thousand generations:
The covenant he made with Abraham,
the oath that he swore to Isaac.
Glory to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now
and shall be for ever. Amen.
Reading
Jesus said to the Jews, ‘Very truly, I tell you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.’ The Jews said to him, ‘Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, and so did the prophets; yet you say, “Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.” Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets also died. Who do you claim to be?’ Jesus answered, ‘If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, he of whom you say, “He is our God”, though you do not know him. But I know him; if I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him and I keep his word. Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad.’ Then the Jews said to him, ‘You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.’ So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.
John 8:51-59 (NRSV)
Prayers
As the prophets foretold the coming of Christ, and John the Baptist declared his presence, empower your Church to make him known at this present time. Guide us with wisdom and understanding in the reading of your word revealed in holy scripture.
Enlighten the people of this world with repentance for past wrong and a new resolve for good. Fulfil in our time the promise of peace and reconciliation.
Bless our families and friends with the joy of your presence. Give us patience in all our dealings with others. Where relationships are hurt or broken give healing and renewal.
As our Lord Jesus performed great wonders of healing, bring relief and renewed health to the sick and suffering. Have mercy on those who, after long illness, are despairing of health. Give them hope and trust in your unfailing love.
Have mercy on those who have departed this life in faith of Christ, and on those whose faith was known to you alone. Make their joy complete in the Kingdom where there is neither birth nor death but abundant life without end.
Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you
for all the benefits that you have won for us,
for all the pains and insults that you have borne for us.
Most merciful redeemer,
friend and brother,
may we know you more clearly,
love you more dearly,
and follow you more nearly,
day by day.
Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy 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 thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Conclusion
May Christ, who bore our sins on the cross,
set us free to serve him with joy.
Amen.