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.

‘May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.’

(Psalm 126:5-6)

Hymn: I, the Lord of sea and sky...

Acts 11:27-12:2

Jesus said to his apostles, ‘You are my friends if you obey my commands.’

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: Merciful God, whose holy apostle Saint James, leaving his father and all that he had, was obedient to the calling of your Son Jesus Christ and followed him even to death: help us, forsaking the false attractions of the world, to be ready at all times to answer your call without delay; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Matthew 20:20-28

Please see the Message from the Minister.

Let us pray:

We pray for St Peter’s Church and the Church throughout the world: for the strength and 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 the prayer that Jesus taught 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: From heaven you came, helpless babe...

May the love of the 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 and be with us always. Amen.

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