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.

‘Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky. (Psalm 85: 10-11)

Hymn: Long ago, prophets knew...

Philippians 1:3-11

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: Almighty God, purify our hearts and minds, that when your Son Jesus Christ comes again as judge and saviour we may be ready to receive him, who is our Lord and our God. Amen.

Luke 3:1-6
Please see the message from the minister.

Let us join in prayer, as we look forward to our Lord’s coming:
We pray for St Peter’s Church and the Church throughout the world, that this season leading up to Christmas will be a special time of peace and joy;
We pray for our world, that the Earth and all of its creatures will thrive;
We pray for our friends, families and neighbours - may we all share the love of Christ; We pray for people who are sick or suffering, to know the Holy Spirit’s healing presence; We remember the departed, including Hazel Smith, and pray for all who mourn.

Let us pray for the coming of God’s kingdom in 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: Dear Lord and Father of mankind...

May Christ the Sun of Righteousness shine upon us, scatter the darkness from before our path, and make us ready to meet him when he comes in glory; 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.