Welcome and Introduction
Theme: The Potential of Prayer
Opening
Opening Hymn:
An Opening Prayer
All-glorious God,
whose Son Jesus called his disciples
to witness to him in all the earth,
guide and direct us
that we may also be your witnesses,
and stir us into action by your Holy Spirit in our lives,
for the sake of your people and to your greater glory. Amen.
Readings
John 17.6-19
Before his arrest, Jesus prays for his friends that they may be one as he is one with the Father. He asks that they may be protected in the uncertain times they face and made holy – i.e. set apart from the world’s unbelief – by the truth about who Jesus is.
The way in which Jesus prays helps us to understand the breadth and potential of prayer – not a formula of words, but an ongoing conversation and relationship with God/Jesus that helps to inform and shape everything that we are and everything that we do.
Reflection or Discussion:
- How does prayer help you in uncertain times?
- How would you describe the potential of prayer?
Poem:
Ascension Day
by Malcolm Guite
We saw his light break through the cloud of glory
Whilst we were rooted still in time and place,
As earth became a part of heaven’s story
And heaven opened to his human face.
We saw him go and yet we were not parted,
He took us with him to the heart of things,
The heart that broke for all the broken-hearted
Is whole and heaven-centred now, and sings;
Sings in the strength that rises out of weakness,
Sings through the clouds that veil him from our sight,
Whilst we ourselves become his clouds of witness
And sing the waning darkness into light;
His light in us, and ours in him concealed,
Which all creation waits to see revealed.
Choir Anthem: Jacob’s Ladder (traditional, arranged Simon Lindley)
Prayer
led by Howard Perry
Response: Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.
Collect for Ascension:
O God, whose glory veils you from our sight,
and in whom we lose our bearings,
help us to walk in Jesus’ footsteps,
and preach the gospel of forgiveness
among the peoples of the world.
Make us ready to receive your Holy Spirit
and to be heralds of your kingdom,
that our home may be in the heavens,
and all our hope in you,
one God for ever and ever. Amen.
An 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. Amen.
based on Ephesians 3
A Sending Out Prayer
May the God known of old in clouds of glory,
and the Christ who suffered and rose from the dead,
at one with the Spirit who guides and inspires us,
make us faithful witnesses to the truth;
and the blessing of God all-loving,
creator, redeemer, sustainer,
be with us all today and for evermore. Amen.
Dismissal
As we wait in silence
make us ready for your coming Spirit.
As we listen to your word
As we worship you in majesty
make us ready for your coming Spirit.
As we long for your refreshing
As we long for your renewing
make us ready for your coming Spirit.
As we long for your equipping
As we long for your empowering
make us ready for your coming Spirit.
Waiting expectantly for the promised Holy Spirit
go in the name of Christ. Alleluia Alleluia.
Thanks be to God. Alleluia Alleluia.
Closing Hymn:
Organ Voluntary: