Alleluia. Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Lord, direct our thoughts, and teach us to pray. Lift up our hearts to worship you in spirit and in truth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

‘From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will pay before those who fear him. The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord. May your hearts live for ever!’ (Psalm 22:25-26)

Hymn: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling...

Acts 8:26-40; 1 John 4:7-21

Let us pray: Most merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we confess that we have sinned in thought, word and deed. We have not loved you with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. In your mercy forgive what we have been, help us to amend what we are, and direct what we shall be; that we may do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God. Amen.

May the God of love bring us back to himself, forgive us our sins, and assure us of his eternal love in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for the day: Risen Christ, your wounds declare your love for the world and the wonder of your risen life: give us compassion and courage to risk ourselves for those we serve, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

John 15:1-8

Please see the Message from the Minister.

Hymn: O Jesus I have Promised...

Let us kneel before God in prayer, asking for his cleansing love to be known to all people. 

We pray for St Peter’s Church, that your love will be seen in all we do, to your glory;

We pray for our world, that all of its creatures will thrive, and for peace in the world;

We pray for our friends, families and community, that we may share in the love of Christ; 

 We pray for people who are sick or suffering, that they will know healing and strength; 

 We remember the departed, and pray for all who mourn.

Let us join in the words of the Lord’s prayer, whoever and wherever we are:

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.

May the love of the Lord Jesus draw us to himself, the power of the Lord Jesus strengthen us in his service, the joy of the Lord Jesus fill our hearts; and may the blessing of God Almighty who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit rest upon us and and be with us always.

Amen.

Let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord, in the name of Christ. Amen.