Home Prayers for Sunday March 29th 2020 – Morning Prayers by Candlelight
(If possible, some of us may be able to do this service at home Sunday morning, beginning at 10:30am. I will be doing this, and hopefully many of us will be lighting our candles and saying our prayers together, even though apart. We are always the church together, wherever we are!)
(If available, pick a space in your home that is peaceful and quiet. Perhaps if there is a table, place a candle in the centre of it and light it. Allow yourself a few moments to become centered, and ready for prayer)
(For the rest of this prayer service, you may say it out loud in its entirety, or read it prayerfully in silence, or divide it up if you have someone else to share this with, reading back-and-forth to one another. There are no leader parts, anyone can do any part they would like)
Opening Prayers
God is our light and our salvation, and in God’s presence we light one candle, signifying unity among us. May its flame remind us of the light and life in every living being around the world in this moment. We are connected. As it burns, so may our passion burn to be people of compassion in every circumstance this day may bring. We are connected. May this light remind us of the beauty of God’s truth, which is love. We are connected. May our hearts be open to the light of the Spirit within each of us, as we seek to be the hearts and hands of love, here on earth. We are connected.
Lord, in your mercy, let there be light.
O God, you command a light to shine out of darkness. Shine in our hearts that we may be as lights in the world reflecting the love of Jesus in our lives.
God is light and in God there is no darkness.
Jesus said, “And if I am lifted up, I will draw the whole world to myself.”
We will take up our cross and follow him.
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you,
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
Almighty God, by the suffering of your Son you have brought hope to the whole world. Help us in our trials and be the strength humanity, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Readings:
Ezekiel 37: 1-14
Psalm 130
Romans 8: 6-11
John 11: 1-45
Prayers of intercession
Holy One, you call us to be the Body of Christ here, now, in this moment. So, let us give voice to our concerns for all of creation, saying: God of consolation and compassion, breathe new life into dry bones and weary souls.
God of consolation and compassion, breathe new life into dry bones and weary souls.
For all who would seek to follow Jesus that we would know the power of his enlivening spirit entering into the dry bones of our routines, our indifference, carelessness and faithlessness and bringing us new life, energy and commitment.
God of consolation and compassion, breathe new life into dry bones and weary souls.
For the church, that it would be open to the power of your life-giving Spirit, a
source of joy, hope and peace to the world. As buildings remain closed and congregations cannot meet, may we learn to be your hands and feet right now, wherever we are, safely feeding each other, healing each other, looking out for each other, being your instruments in an ailing world.
God of consolation and compassion, breathe new life into dry bones and weary souls.
For all who hold power and authority in this world that they would become instruments of life and healing, and hope for a better future.
We give thanks for governments that understand how terribly the world has been affected over these past few days and weeks by the COVID-19 pandemic; that understand how it is impacting all of our lives and that have worked to bring hope to their people.
We pray for all in the world who suffer from the darkness of oppression and the threat of violence, injustice, ignorance and death that they might know light and life.
God of consolation and compassion, breathe new life into dry bones and weary souls.
For all who sing their songs of promise to a hurting world. Whether they be heart songs from balcony or roof top; lights in windows in the darkness of night; online groups searching out need and providing help; shared on-line music performances from concert halls to sun rooms – by professionals or rank amateurs; or, shared expressions of prayers and solace. In times when we are anxious and afraid, these actions remind us that we are infinitely connected to you, O Holy One, and to each other. May we continue to grow and find ways to share love, joy and hope on this world.
God of consolation and compassion, breathe new life into dry bones and weary souls.
For all who are in any kind of need: for those who are dying, for those who are grieving and for those whose burdens are too deep for words. We pray for those impacted by travel bans, those unable to get home, those unable to connect with loved ones, those who are getting treatment for this virus and those who cannot get a hospital bed. And, we grieve with all who have lost loved ones to this virus.
We give grateful thanks for the healers on each and every continent, in every town and city, in every place. May they know our love and support as they navigate their way through new things in new ways. And, we give grateful thanks for all who will reach out in loving concern and compassion to bring help and consolation to others in these times of deep darkness.
God of consolation and compassion, breathe new life into dry bones and weary souls.
Sisters and brothers, Jesus comforted the grieving sisters, Marth and Mary,
and called Lazarus forth from the grave. As we open the dry bones of our
lives to your healing and life-giving Spirit, may we too know forgiveness and
thankfulness, wisdom and great joy in our lives.
Amen
The Lord’s Prayer (Maori version, New Zealand)
Eternal Spirit,
Earth-maker, Pain bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe;
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world;
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings;
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trial too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,
now and forever. Amen.
Parting Prayer
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
Let us be compassionate in our poverty.
Blessed are those who mourn,
Let us grieve together and comfort one another.
Blessed are the gentle,
Let us bring gentleness to every word, touch and thought.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for what is right,
Let our lives be centred on truth, justice and peace.
Blessed are the merciful,
Let us choose mercy always.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
Let us be people of the heart.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
Let our lives and choices be a legacy of peace.
Guide us, O God as people who know we are intended by you. Change our perceptions, fill us with compassion, and remind us throughout this day that we are connected to every being, seen and unseen, in the beautiful, life giving complexity of Your web of life. In the morning we seek you. Through the day we turn to you. In the night we rest in you. Grant us your peace.
Amen.
Note: this service is based on the BAS service of Home Prayers, adapted for use with no designated leader. It was rewritten to reflect inclusive language, with inclusions from the New Zealand Prayer Book, and additional prayers written by the Rev’d Mark Pretty. The prayers of intercession were composed by Gerry Punke, for the 5th Sunday of Lent.