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.
‘Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.
Blessed be his glorious name for ever; may his glory fill the whole earth. Amen and Amen.’
(Psalm 72:18-19)
Hymn: Brightest and best of the suns of the morning...
Isaiah 60:1-6
The grace of God has dawned upon the world through our Saviour Jesus Christ, who sacrificed himself for us to purify a people as his own. Let us confess our sins in penitence and faith:
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: Creator of the heavens, who led the Magi by a star to worship the Christ-child:
guide and sustain us, that we may find our journey’s end in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Matthew 2:1-12
Please see the Message from the Minister.
Let us join in prayer, asking for the light of the Lord 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 the love of our Lord, even when physically apart, and that we may be starlight beams of his love in the world. We pray for our planet, that lessons will be learned so that the Earth and all of its creatures will thrive, and that all people will work together in peace. We pray for our friends, families and neighbours - that we may all share the love of Christ and build relationships.
We pray for people who are sick or suffering, especially for those affected directly or indirectly by the pandemic, and for those on our hearts and minds today, that they will know our Lord’s healing presence.
We pray for the departed, remembering Ron Wright, Patricia Sharman and all who mourn.
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: As with gladness men of old...
May Christ the Son of God perfect in us the image of his glory and gladden our hearts with the good news of his kingdom; 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.