Sunday 30th May 2021
This short act of worship has been prepared for you to use whilst we are unable to use Methodist Church premises. We invite you to spend a few moments with God, knowing that other people are sharing this act of worship with you.
Call to Worship
Be still, and know that God is with you.
The God who caused creation to burst into being in all its complexity and simpilicity.
The Christ who entered life, and embraced its boundaries, finding a straight path through.
The Holy Spirit whose activity enlivened and equipped, and opened possibilities.
God who is three in one and one in three is with you, and all who join with you in worship right now without you knowing who they are.
Be at peace, for as you welcome God’s presence, all of you is cherished.
Hymn StF 11: Holy, Holy, Holy
Sing/ Read /pray /proclaim the words or listen to it here
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee:
holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty,
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
who wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.
Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,
though the sinful human eye thy glory may not see,
only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
perfect in power, in love, and purity.
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea;
holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty,
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
Reginald Heber (1783-1826) (alt.)
Based on Revelation 4:8-11
Let us pray together
Loving Creator, the source of life and love, we praise you for the beauty of this day, and thank you for the good things we enjoy.
Jesus, Messiah, we praise you for your courage and kindness in living your life and dying your death for all humankind. We are blessed by your rising from death to life, opening the way for us to follow you.
Holy Spirit of God, you reveal to us the things of God, open our hearts to Love, and shower upon us gifts which build up our brothers and sisters in Christ in peace and joy.
Holy God, amazing Trinity, as you gave yourself to heal us, help us to offer ourselves to you anew today, for you welcome and embrace all who respond in love to you. Amen.
Readings Isaiah 6: 1-9 John 3: 1-17
Time to Reflect
There are times when we enjoy a mystery – it’s fun to work out the answer and we feel good if we can get there by our own effort.
But for the same reason, we find the mysteries we face in life more difficult; because our efforts to understand them can be frustrated.
Why is it that we have the health we have, and not that of others?
Why is it that we have the wealth we have and not that of others?
Why do some people suffer, and not others?
Why do some go hungry? Why must some travel far from home to find almost-safety?
What is the purpose of my life at this point in time? And why do I find this difficult if it’s meant to be?
Why do so many people of the same faith disagree? Why do some people of faith try to force it on others?
Why is love so difficult to discern sometimes?
Your own mysteries may be very different to these. We listen for God, but do not hear. We look, but do not see. Like the people of Isaiah’s generation, we get things wrong.
“The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes.”
Jesus explains that no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above. We cannot perceive them as God does in this life; we have to be ready to receive fresh perceptions from the light of a love which came, not to condemn, but to save the world:
Including you: Including your mysteries.
Take a time to sit quietly
A time of prayer
Holy God,
We listen for your voice, but we don’t always understand. Help us to find the humility to accept that mystery, and to let you reveal your purposes in your own time; to trust you through every moment of each day, and leave our questions with you.
We wonder about our world, thanking you for the vaccines and medical help received by so many, and praying for any who are still frightened or disadvantaged.
We wonder about those who lead us, and ask you to speak into hearts and minds, to guide them in your ways of mercy and justice.
We wonder about those who are hurting, and ask you to be close to them on our behalf; to enfold them in love, to comfort them with your peace, and to offer to them moments of joy and happiness even as they travel through their valleys of shadow.
We hold before you the thoughts which come into our minds as we wait on you; as we listen, trying to hear, and look, trying to see.
“Lord, grant the courage to change the things which can be changed; the serenity to accept the things which can’t, but simply are; and the wisdom to know the difference.” Amen.
Based on a prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father ……
Hymn: Listen to: StF 451 Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Youtube.com/watch/watch?v=idQ1n3cdgfo
or sing a verse of a hymn that comes to mind
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord,
open the eyes of my heart;
I want to see you, I want to see you.
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord,
open the eyes of my heart;
I want to see you, I want to see you.
To see you high and lifted up,
shining in the light of your glory.
Pour out your power and love;
as we sing holy, holy, holy.
Refrain
To see you high ...
Holy, holy, holy,
holy, holy, holy,
holy, holy, holy,
I want to see you.
Paul Baloche
A prayer of blessing
May God the Faith, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit remain with you always, in all the glory of mystery, until we see him face to face. Amen.
Original Materials by V. Phillips
All Hymns reproduced under CCLi 1144191.
Local Churches please insert CCCLi No here 3382 / 761
We are grateful to all the Ministers and Local Preachers from around the Connexion who have contributed to Worship at Home. This resource is administrated by Ministries: Vocations and Worship in the Connexional Team. We aim to continue to provide these resources until the end of August 2021.