Ordinary Time – Trinity7

These next weeks and months have the grand title of Ordinary Time. This simply means that we are not on one of the two great liturgical journeys (Advent – Christmas – Epiphany and Lent – Holy Week – Easter). It allows for coming off the lectionary if that is local tradition. Instead might come surprises like outdoor services or a preaching series on a particular topic or Bible Book which during the liturgical journeys, time does not allow. 


Theme: The rhythm of rushing and resting

Gathering and Opening Prayers

Hymn

A call to worship and a gathering prayer

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Come away…and rest a while.’
Come into the Lord’s presence now,
away from the burdens and stresses of life.
Come with open arms,
and receive the rest that Jesus offers –
to restore our souls,
and equip us for whatever comes next.

O God, you are our shepherd.
Your care and compassion
were shown in the life of Jesus.
We ask that, this very day,
we may experience the rest you offer,
the peace that can restore and revive us
and enable us to live the promised abundant life.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.

The Collect for Trinity7

Generous God
you give us gifts and make us grow:
though our faith is small as a mustard seed
make it grow to your glory
and the flourishing of your kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Hymn


Gathering around the Word

Bible Reading: Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

The disciples meet with Jesus and share with him all they have done and seen since he sent them out in mission. Jesus responds by offering time for quiet and rest. However, the crowd continue to seek Jesus for teaching and healing.

Achieving a healthy balance between having compassion and concern for others and maintaining appropriate self-care is a lifelong struggle for many people. Learning the importance of this balance and receiving encouragement in working at it is vitally important.

Bible Reflections:

Bible Discussion:

  • How do you maintain a healthy balance between rushing and resting?
  • What part does God play in achieving that balance?

A prayerful reflection suitable for children

We know that when Jesus lived on earth, he was very busy.
He must have felt tired, too.
He often wanted to be alone to pray.
Our lives are often very busy too.
We need times of silence as well.

Dear God,
help us to be still and quiet,
just for a few moments,
to think about you.
(Keep a time of silence. At the end, all say together)
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.

cf Ephesians 3


Gathering in Prayer

Prayers of Intercession

Lord, your compassion for the crowds that swamped you was ever present. Compassionate Lord, we bring before you now our brothers and sisters around the world.  And just now, this exact moment of time, very locally we pray for all who have lost lives and loved ones, livelihoods and homes, in the floods that persist. For all victims, for all who need your compassion, anywhere in the world.

Lord of all righteousness and peace,
we pray for a dissolving of hatred
and a renewal of compassion and unity.

Lord, you took your disciples away from the crowds to rest and find refreshment. But it was not always easy, because the crowds followed and made demands on your time. We pray for your church today: for all ministers, worship leaders, youth workers, councils and all those you have given the responsibility of leadership to. We ask that you enable them and us each to find or regain a healthy balance amid the rhythm of life’s rushing and resting.

Lord of all righteousness and peace,
we pray for a dissolving of hatred
and a renewal of compassion and unity.

We pray for the bereaved. And all those who are sick, in mind, body or soul. For all those burnt out by rushing here and there caring for others without giving thought for their own selfcare. We pray for all those anxiously awaiting long overdue operations or medical treatments. And all those who are having to find new rhythms of life at this time due to suffering long Covid.

Lord of all righteousness and peace,
we pray for a dissolving of hatred
and a renewal of compassion and unity.

We lift before you all those in our communities who are finding life transitions difficult and daunting. Refugees settling in new places. Young adults leaving care and forging their own life. Children preparing to leave the familiar surroundings of one school to join a new or bigger school after the holidays. Those leaving and looking forward to college or venturing into the rhythm and challenges of the workplace.

Lord of all righteousness and peace,
we pray for a dissolving of hatred
and a renewal of compassion and unity.
  Amen.

and from our bishops….

Compassionate God, source of all comfort,
we pray for those whose lives have been devastated by rain and flood.
Comfort the bereaved and bring healing to those who are traumatised.
Give strength and compassion to those who bring relief and aid.
In the power of your Spirit we pray for the rebuilding of physical communities,  and for a shared sense of solidarity and trust in your goodness known through human kindness.
We pray in the name of our Saviour Jesus Christ,  Amen. 

The Our Father

We join with others of the St Catherine’s family across the globe
in our preferred form or language.

Our Father…… 
Amen.


The Sending Out

A sending out prayer

O God, in Scripture
we read that you rested on the seventh day –
after all the busyness and work of creation;
and we read of Jesus’ desire for his disciples to rest.
As your followers, your disciples, now,
and as we return to our busy lives,
may we know the rest you offer
every day of this week.
Amen. 

Hymn

A Blessing

Organ Voluntary