Prayers etc for January 3rd |
Readings |
||||||||||||||||||||
Isaiah
60:1-6 Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Ephesians 3:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12 |
God's light is shining A prayer for the King Good news for all Visitors from the east |
Hymns |
from Rejoice and Sing | |||||||||||||||||||
127 182 185 187 190 191 201 265 574 575 650 |
Hail to the Lord's anointed How brightly beams the morning star Wise men seeking Jesus Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness Let earth and heaven combine Songs of thankfulness and praise O sing a song of Bethlehem I cannot tell Go forth and tell God of mercy God of grace God with humanity made one |
Call to worship
A new year has come HAPPY NEW YEAR! or (based on Ephesians 1:11-14 - reading for Christmas 2)
All things are done according to God's plan |
Prayers |
||||||||||||||||||
Prayer of approach (based on Isaiah 60:1-6)
Let us rise up and shine like the sun!
Let us draw near and shine like the sun!
Let us draw near and shine like the sun! |
||||||||||||||||||
Prayer of confession O God, we are aware that we do not always act as we should. We do not behave as people who have received the best gift of all. We look as if all we had for Christmas was some stale nuts and socks with a hole in. We act with spite and suspicion as if we feel other people had the things we want. 'How was Christmas?' people ask. 'S'allright' we reply. Where is the love, where is the joy of Christmas in our hearts and voices? We act as if we begin the new year, hungover with all the burdens of the past, not filled with hope for the future.
We are truly sorry and ask to be forgiven.
Prayers of Intercession
Heavenly Father, sometimes the world seems so dark,
Jesus our King, your rule is one of justice, peace and righteousness,
Jesus our King, your rule is one of overflowing generosity and bounty.
Jesus our King, your rule is one of care for the needy and neglected
Jesus our King, your rule is one of glory and blessing
Jesus our King, shine your light into our hearts
We pray, in your name, O Christ our Lord and King |