Theme: ‘Why do you stand looking into heaven ?’
Preparation
Opening
Opening Hymn: CP167 Hail the day that sees him rise
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
Psalm 93
Response: Alleluia! Surrexit Christus, Alleluia! Alleluia! Cantate Domino, Alleluia!
Extraordinary things are in the most ordinary places if we are prepared to see them, but if it is only the sensational that we seek, we shall be disappointed.
Audio reflection: based on Acts 1
Reflection:
- What did Jesus teach his apostles about their future work before he ascended ?
- Does this still apply to you and me today ?
- Does the ‘Ascension’ make any difference to how you live your life ?
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
Let us pray for the world
to which Jesus called us to go,
preaching repentance and the forgiveness of sins:
Risen and ascended Christ
in whom the scriptures are fulfilled,
you called your disciples to be your witnesses in all the world.
Help us to declare the good news of your love to our generation,
proclaiming repentance and your gift of forgiveness.
Fill us and all your Church with your Holy Spirit
and make us worthy to stand before you in your heavenly kingdom.
Equip us to work in your service,
and build your kingdom on earth.
Amid the conflicts of the present age,
the injustice of war, and individual acts of terror,
help us to live your peace.
Grant us the will to use the gifts we have,
and announce your coming kingdom,
as we glorify your name.
Equip us to work in your service,
and build your kingdom on earth.
May the people among whom we live
grow in the knowledge of you.
Bless, we pray, those who are sick or distressed,
and each one who mourns.
Grant them your comfort and hope,
and strengthen us to serve them even in these days of social distancing.
Equip us to work in your service,
and build your kingdom on earth.
Lead us in humility, gentleness and patience
as we lift our eyes to you, O Christ.
Help us to be patient with one another.
May we glorify your name
and come at last to your heavenly kingdom,
where the faithful disciples of every age
will gather at your throne.
Equip us to work in your service,
and build your kingdom on earth.
Hear the prayers that we offer
and guide each footstep as we follow you. Amen.
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: CP398 Christ triumphant, ever reigning
Organ Voluntary: