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.

‘It is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.’ (2 Corinthians 4:6)

Hymn: And can it be that I should gain...

2 Kings 2:1-12

When the Lord comes, he will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness, and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Therefore in the light of Christ let us confess our sins:

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: Holy God, you know the disorder of our sinful lives: set straight our crooked hearts, and bend our wills to love your goodness and your glory in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Mark 9:2-9

Please see the Message from the Minister.

O Lord hear my prayer, O Lord hear my prayer: when I call, answer me;

O Lord hear my prayer, O Lord hear my prayer: come and listen to me.

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 people who patiently wait to meet for worship once again, that they will be blessed and strengthened;

We pray for the world, that your love will overcome all evil;

We pray for our friends, families and neighbours - that relationships will thrive and community spirit will grow;

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 Betty Emery, Joan Morrison 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: Lord Jesus Christ, you have come to us...

Hear the teaching of Jesus: ‘Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.’ Let us go now to do God’s will; 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.