Theme: ‘When the going gets tough’
Preparation
Opening
Opening Hymn: CP235 The great forerunner of the morn
Opening Prayer
O Lord, we enter into your steadfast love, asking that you will respond to our prayers;
we trust in your abundant mercy and ask that you will come to us.
O Lord, make your presence known to us;
draw near to us; redeem us, set us free;
for we seek to be your faithful disciples.
Amen.
A prayer of Thanksgiving
Lord, you have called us to be your disciples.
Thank you for trusting us with this privilege.
Thank you for empowering us in the ways of service.
Thank you for giving us courage when we are fearful.
Thank you for your strength when we are vulnerable.
Thank you for knowing us, loving us, enhancing our lives.
Thank you, Lord.
Amen.
Readings
Response: Hide not your face from your servant
Matthew 10.26-39
Matthew continues Jesus’ teaching on mission to the world. Jesus points out that the disciples must expect some opposition, including possibly from their own families, since Jesus himself has been opposed and called names. He reminds them that God loves and values them as a father.
Audio reflection: based on the Gospel
Reflection:
- How would you complete the sentence ‘when the going gets tough…..’?
- How can you support one another through the challenging realities of being a disciple of Jesus ?
Prayer
Prayers of intercession:
Lord, we are your disciples:
make us one in you.
We pray for those whom you have called to service far from their homes – doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers, and many more…
We are your disciples:
make us one in you.
We pray for those who serve you in the church – those who in normal times clean, make coffee and wash up, arrange flowers, offer a welcome, and many more…
We are your disciples:
make us one in you.
We pray for those who serve you by telling your story – those who in normal times teach, lead bible studies, speak at meetings, preach the gospel, and many more…
We are your disciples:
make us one in you.
We pray for those who engage in a ministry of prayer across our diocese – spiritual directors, group leaders, prayer network coordinators, and many more…
We are your disciples:
make us one in you.
We pray for own discipleship, that we may face our challenges with courage.
We are your disciples:
make us one in you.
May our united discipleship further your work and help to establish your promised kingdom.
In your name, we pray.
Amen.
Collect for Trinity2:
Faithful Creator whose mercy never fails: deepen our faithfulness to you and to your living Word, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Affirmation of Faith:
We believe in God the Father
From whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.
We believe in God the Son
Who lives in our hearts through faith and fills us with his love.
We believe in God the Holy Spirit
Who strengthens us with power from on high.
We believe in one God
Father, Son and Holy Spirit. based on Ephesians 3
A sending out prayer
May you have discernment to see whom to serve.
May you have wisdom to know how to serve.
May you have strength to serve as a faithful disciple of the Lord
Jesus Christ. Amen.
Closing Hymn: CP582 Take up thy cross, the Saviour said
Organ Voluntary: