Abstract
The Prayer of the Day is designed to be used as either the opening collect, or within the prayers of intercession.
Proper 13B, Sunday 1st August
Opening Prayer:
We come before you, Gracious God, offering hearts and minds distracted by worry, hands and feet more eager for work and pleasure than for worship, tongues more practised in sharing gossip than sharing the gospel. Yet, we come, because we know that you call us anyway, and for this we give you thanks. By your Spirit, quieten our restlessness; by your Word, nourish us; through your love, renew your image in us; in your mercy, accept the worship we offer, and help us to love you more, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Prayer of the day:
Like those who first heard Jesus, and followed him across Lake Galilee, we too want to work for you and your kingdom, O God. Like them, we cannot be sure of our true motives—whether for your glory, or our satisfaction—but you know us completely, and so we ask that you would help us to trust in your faithfulness. Show us how to encourage one another, to grow in faith and in love for you. Help us to discern the skills and resources you have given to each of us, so we learn to use your gifts for the good of all, that our faith would mature and strengthen, revealing your loving purpose in everything we say and do. We ask in Jesus' name.
Charge and blessing:
Go out into the world, confident of the hope to which you are called, united in the bond of peace, ready and willing to serve and to grow. And the blessing of God eternal, Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, be with us and all whom God loves, today and forever.
Let us go in peace, to love and serve the Lord
Proper 14B, Sunday 8th August
Call to worship:
Come, let us praise the Living God;
Though we may be weary, God is with us;
Magnify God's name in all the earth;
Prayer of the day:
Nourish us, Lord, with your true and living bread, food for the mind as well as for the body. Open our hearts to receive your teaching. May those who like to analyse and understand before we act, not be made hesitant by your mystery, but emboldened by an ever-deepening awareness of your active presence in our lives. Give to those of us who think philosophy is not necessary, the courage to explore our faith, and to search the scriptures, so that we learn to recognise and name your working in the world. Feed us, O God, with the richness of eternal truth in Jesus Christ, for we ask it in his name.
Charge and blessing:
Go out, remembering that you are marked and sealed for redemption; speak the truth of Christ to everyone you meet; build each other up in faith and unity. May the peace of God be with you, and the Holy Spirit be your guide.
Let us go in peace, to love and serve the Lord
Proper 15B, Sunday 15th August
Call to worship:
The Holy One calls us;
Seek the Lord's face;
Glorify the Lord with me.
Prayer of the day:
Gracious God, you are our life and our salvation; you are wonderful and mysterious. When you call, help us to respond in joyful obedience, in faith and confidence, in gratitude and hope. You came into our human life in Jesus; he shared our experiences of welcome and rejection. May we welcome strangers and neighbours alike into our lives, looking always for Christ's image in each person. When we are confident, and when we grumble; when we can see the way ahead, and when we are baffled and confused by questions and doubts, let your Holy Spirit guide us, and may we come to new awareness of your presence in this community, and in the world you loved into being. We ask his for your love's sake.
Charge and blessing:
Leave this time of worship with your hearts filled with thanks and praise to God. Seek the wisdom of God, as you follow the way of Christ. Live in love and peace with everyone you meet, and serve Christ in one another.
Let us go in peace, to love and serve the Lord
Proper 16B, Sunday 22nd August
Call to worship:
Glorify the Lord with me!
Praise God with songs of joy and thanksgiving;
Blessed be God forever;
Prayer of the day:
O God, you are our life, our hope, our wonderful redeemer. Energise your people; inspire and strengthen us to live for you alone. Nourish us by Christ's teaching and example, that we too may sustain the weary, and bring hope to the despairing. You give our lives purpose; therefore, make plain your way for this congregation, and every member of Christ's body in this place. We ask this in Jesus' name.
Charge and blessing:
God is our life, and Christ calls us to bring that life to the world. Go from this place, and speak the truth of divine justice and peace, which our neighbours and nation so need to hear. Receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, confident that we have all we need to do the work to which we are called.
Let us go in peace, to love and serve the Lord
Proper 17B, Sunday 29th August
Call to worship:
God has caused Christ's name to be celebrated in all generations;
Give praise always to the One who has made all things well.
Celebrate our God, with all who love him, on earth and in heaven.
Prayer of the day:
Holy God, you have loved us into being, and have compassion on us in our weakness. Help us always to respect the needs of those the world rejects or dimisses. Teach us how to love you, in loving one another; and guide us in your path of freedom, truthful living, and gentleness of spirit. Give us courage to hold on to your promises, when others criticise our actions and attitudes unjustly; and bring us finally to your Kingdom of peace. All this we ask for your love's sake.
Charge and blessing:
Go into your daily lives, inspired and strengthened by the Holy Spirit. Open your hearts to the wisdom of God, especially when it comes through unlikely channels. Be imitators of Christ Jesus, and never forget his law of love.
Let us go in peace, to love and serve the Lord