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.

‘Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes, and I will keep them unto the end.’ (Psalm 119:33)

Hymn: Just as I am, without one plea...

Genesis 9:8-17

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. Let us us confess our sins remembering before God the times when we have fallen from temptation into sin:

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: Heavenly Father, your Son battled with the powers of darkness, and grew closer to you in the desert: help us to use these days to grow in wisdom and prayer that we may witness to your saving love in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Mark 1:9-15

Please see the Message from the Minister.

‘All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.’ (Psalm 25:9)

Let us turn to the Lord in prayer:
We pray for St Peter’s Church and the church throughout the world, that we will be known as your disciples by the love we show to one another;

We pray for the world, that we will learn to live in peace and to take our stewardship duties seriously;

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 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: O Jesus, I have promised...

May Christ give us grace to grow in holiness, to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him; 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.