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.

‘Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. (Psalm 1:1-3)

Hymn: Seek ye first the kingdom of God...

Deuteronomy 30: 15-20; Philemon 1-21

‘God is love, and those who live in love live in God and God lives in them.’ 

(1 John 4:16)

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: God of constant mercy, who sent your Son to save us: remind us of your goodness, increase your grace within us, that our thankfulness may grow, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Luke 14: 25-33

Please see this reflection from Heartedge: 

https://www.heartedge.org/category/heartbeats/reflections/

Let us pray:

We pray for our Church throughout the world, for the courage to share God’s love;

We pray for the world, for reconciliation where there is conflict, for justice and peace;

We pray for our communities, families and friends - for relationships to flourish;

We pray for all who are sick or suffering, for healing in mind, body and spirit;

We pray for people who have been bereaved, for comfort in their grief.

Let us pray for the coming of God’s kingdom in the prayer that Jesus taught us:

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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

Hymn: The God of Abraham praise...

May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep our hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and may the blessing of God Almighty: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among us and remain with us always. Amen.

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