Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

Hymn: The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want...

Philippians 4:1-9

The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

Let us now confess our disobedience to him:

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, our judge and saviour, teach us to be open to your truth and to trust in your love, that we may live each day with confidence in the salvation which is given through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Matthew 22:1-14

Please see the message from the minister.

Let us join in prayer, asking for God’s loving presence to be known to everyone as we live day by day:

We pray for St Peter’s Church and the Church throughout the world, that people will be drawn together by God’s love.

We pray for the world, for compassion and loving kindness to grow in people’s hearts so that all will flourish.

We pray for our friends, families and neighbours as we continue to share God’s love and build relationships.

We pray for people who are sick or suffering, and especially those affected directly or indirectly by the pandemic, that they will know God’s healing presence.

We pray for the departed, remembering all who mourn.

Chant: The kingdom of God is justice and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit...

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

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.

Hymn: Dear Lord and Father of mankind, forgive our foolish ways...

May the love of our 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 remain with us always.

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