This short act of worship has been prepared for you to use if you are unable to attend church. If you are well enough why not spend a few moments with God, knowing that other people are sharing this act of worship with you
Opening Prayer
As we come to worship you might like to have a time of silence and light a candle.
Then pray: Holy and Loving God I come to worship you, as I do I remember that I am a part of your church in my community and in the world, and I take comfort from the fact that I am not alone.
Come by your Holy Spirit and help me to worship you in spirit and in truth.
Amen
Hymn:
Breathe on me, Breath of God
fill me with life anew,
that I may love what thou dost love,
and do what thou wouldst do.
Breathe on me, Breath of God,
until my heart is pure;
until with thee I will one will,
to do and to endure.
Breathe on me, Breath of God,
till I am wholly thine;
until this earthly part of me
glows with thy fire divine.
Breathe on me, Breath of God:
so shall I never die,
but live with thee the perfect life
of thine eternity.
Sing/ Read /pray /proclaim the words
Let us pray together
Holy and Loving God, all life comes from you, and in you all things hold together.
As we remember this, we pause to give you thanks and Praise.
As we remember this, we are reminded that you hold the end from the beginning, and that nothing is too large or too small for you.
As we remember this, remind us that as all things are held, so we are held by you, in love.
Help us in our anxious thoughts.
Help us in our day to day lives.
Help us in this time of deep uncertainty.
We acknowledge that at times we are selfish, at times we do not seek you first.
But we know that you are always faithful, merciful, gracious, and forgiving.
(Silence)
We receive your mercy and forgiveness faithfulness and grace.
In the name of Christ.
Amen
Today’s Reading from the Old Testament
Ezekiel 37: 1-14
Today’s Gospel Reading:
John 11: 1-45
Time to Reflect
Todays readings are full of hope, reminding us that the resurrection is real, and new life is possible.
Take time to read the gospel passage slowly and prayerfully again.
Is there a word or a passage that stands out to you?
Pause to spend time with that word/ passage.
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you?
If Jesus were stood before you what would you like to ask him?
Take a time to sit quietly
A time of prayer
Let’s pray
Holy and Loving God we pray for your world, for the leaders who are making difficult decisions as every day brings new changes and challenges.
Lord of all, Lord for all
Hear our prayer
We pray for our nation, that decisions might be made with wisdom and care for the benefit of all.
Lord of all, Lord for all
Hear our prayer
We pray for our town/ city/ village. For all who live here that your peace might reign and that your perfect love might settle our fears.
Lord of all, Lord for all
Hear our prayer
We pray for frontline workers, Drs, nurses, carers, shop workers, refuse collectors, postal workers.
Lord of all, Lord for all
Hear our prayer
We pray for our loved ones, those we know who may be ill, those who are struggling, those who are confused and conflicted… (you might like to name names here)
Lord of all, Lord for all
Hear our prayer
And finally we pray for ourselves, you know what is on our hearts and minds, and so we offer that to you (again you might like to name your own prayers and concerns)
Lord of all, Lord for all
Hear our prayer
AMEN
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father ……
Hymn:
- Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty,
Hold me with Thy pow’rful hand.
Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven,
Feed me till I want no more;
Feed me till I want no more. - Open now the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing stream doth flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliv’rer, strong Deliv’rer,
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield;
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield. - When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of death and hell’s Destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan’s side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises,
I will ever give to Thee;
I will ever give to Thee.
A prayer of blessing
May you know the deep peace of the God who knows and perfectly loves you.
May take the yoke of Jesus upon you, knowing that he bears your load with you.
May you know the indwelling Spirit bringing you wisdom and peace.
Amen
Original Materials by Rev. Sally Coleman
In order to prevent an overload of resources and to keep the quality of the Connexional offer at its highest level we are working in collaboration with
Wesley's Chapel London – who will livestream from the chapel (the Minister lives on the premises)
Swan Bank Methodist Church in Burslem, this worship will be studio based – with strict distancing rules being followed
Revd Andy Fishburne broadcasting “At home” from the Isle of Man
Methodist Central Hall, Westminster from a virtual studio – with the worship facilitated by the team from their homes
All the links can be found at:Here