SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER WELCOME TO YOUR CHURCH Together

SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER WELCOME TO YOUR CHURCH Together: Growing, Caring, Sharing in God’s Love

WELCOME TO OUR SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER AFTER ASCENSION DAY. This Power. Point presentation will give you all you need to celebrate at home this service. For the Song/Hymn, just click on the titles, and the weblink will open it directly in your computer. Watch the video in full screen, then come back to this presentation. You have the choice between a modern song or a traditional hymn. The Psalm can be read by two people or two groups of people if you want. You may start by lighting a candle now.

(Time of quiet to be in presence of the Lord)

Lord, your throne has been established from of old. All You are from everlasting. Alleluia!

HYMN/SONGS Traditional Hymn: ‘The Lord ascendeth up on high’ Modern Song: ‘Glory is yours’

Blessed are you, Lord of heaven and earth. All to you be glory and praise for ever!

From the darkness of death, you have raised your Christ. All to the right hand of your majesty on high.

The pioneer of our faith, his passion accomplished: All has opened for us the way to heaven and sends on us the promised Spirit.

May we be ready to follow the Way: All and so be brought to the glory of his presence where songs of triumph for ever sound.

Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: All Blessed be God for ever!

The night has passed, and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind.

All As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and for ever. Amen.

THE WORD OF GOD Living and Powerful

PSALM (Good News Version) Psalm 104. 27 -35

27 All depend on you to give them food when they need it. 28 You give it to them, and they eat it; you provide food, and they are satisfied.

29 When you turn away, they are afraid; when you take away your breath, they die and go back to the dust from which they came. 30 But when you give them breath, they are created; you give new life to the earth.

31 May the glory of the LORD last forever! May the LORD be happy with what he has made! 32 He looks at the earth, and it trembles; he touches the mountains, and they pour out smoke.

33 I will sing to the LORD all my life; as long as I live I will sing praises to my God. 34 May he be pleased with my song, for my gladness comes from him.

35 May sinners be destroyed from the earth; may the wicked be no more.

Praise the LORD, my soul! Praise the LORD!

Glory to the Father, by the Son, in the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever. Amen.

Creator God, send your Holy Spirit to renew this living world, that the whole creation, in its groaning and striving, may know your loving purpose and come to reflect your glory; in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

NT READING (News International Reader Version)

18 Christ suffered once for sins. The one who did what is right suffered for those who don’t do right. He suffered to bring you to God. His body was put to death. But the Holy Spirit brought him back to life (…) 22 He has gone into heaven. He is at God’s right hand. Angels, authorities and powers are under his control. (1 Peter 3. 18, 22)

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your people: All and kindle in us the fire of your love. All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God and fellow-heirs with Christ: All Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your people.

Renew the face of your creation, Lord, pouring on us the gifts of your Spirit: All and kindle in us the fire of your love. For the creation waits with eager longing for the glorious liberty of the children of God: All Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your people, and kindle in us the fire of your love.

PRAYERS FOR THE WORLD (Present to the Lord all your prayers, for yourself, your loved ones, and the whole world)

That we may be receptive to the gifts God pours upon us, and use them for His glory and the building up of the Body of Christ.

‘Thy Kingdom Come’ prayer: that our 5 may be led by the Holy Spirit to understand the cost of God’s love for them in Christ, that this great sacrifice would lead them to repentance.

(We offer ourselves to the Lord)

All Risen, ascended Lord, as we rejoice at your triumph, fill your Church on earth with power and compassion, that all who are estranged by sin may find forgiveness and know your peace, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER Looking for the coming of the Kingdom, as our Saviour taught us, so we pray with confidence:

(Modern Version) Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be your name; Your kingdom come; Your will be done; on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen. (Traditional Version) Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

HYMN/SONGS Trad. Hymn: ‘Breathe on me, Breath of God’ Modern Song: ‘Holy Spirit, have your way’

SENDING OUT May Christ who has opened the kingdom of heaven, bring us to reign with him in glory: All Amen.

Let us bless the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia: All Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.

Some material in the service is © The Archbishops’ Council 2000, 2002, 2006