This is a form of prayer you might find helpful to use on Sunday Morning, perhaps at the time you would usually be in Church.  Remember that others in their own homes will be joining with you.  If a household are praying together one person may act as leader and the others join in the sections in bold type. If you're on your own, read all these words aloud. The lines in red type are to help guide you. 

Opening Words

Before you begin you may wish to light a candle, make sure you are sitting comfortably and take a few deep breaths to still yourself. 

Alleluia! Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed! Alleluia! 

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers of Penitence

Take a moment to reflect on your life and our need of God's compassion and mercy.

We have lived by our own strength,
and not by the power of your resurrection. 
In your mercy, forgive us. 
Lord, hear us and help us.

We have lived by the light of our own eyes,
as faithless and not believing. 
In your mercy, forgive us. 
Lord, hear us and help us.

We have lived for this world alone,
and doubted our home in heaven. 
In your mercy, forgive us. 
Lord, hear us and help us.

May the God of love bring us back to himself,
forgive us our sins,
and assure us of his eternal love
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Collect

You might like to pause for a moment and consider if there is one thing in particular for which you would to pray, or for which you would like to give thanks, and offer it to God.

Almighty God, who through your only–begotten Son Jesus Christ have overcome death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: grant that, as by your grace going before us you put into our minds good desires, so by your continual help we may bring them to good effect; through Jesus Christ our risen Lord. Amen.

Readings

Psalm 31.1–5,15–16

In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
deliver me in your righteousness.

Incline your ear to me;
make haste to deliver me.

Be my strong rock, a fortress to save me,
for you are my rock and my stronghold;
guide me, and lead me for your name’s sake.

Take me out of the net
that they have laid secretly for me,
for you are my strength.

Into your hands I commend my spirit,
for you have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.

‘My times are in your hand;
deliver me from the hand of my enemies,
and from those who persecute me.

'Make your face to shine upon your servant,
and save me for your mercy’s sake.’

The Gospel according to St John 14.1-14

‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’

Philip said to him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.

This is the Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you, O Christ!

Reflection

Prayer

Spend a few moments praying for the people you know and love, the needs of the world and for an end to the current Pandemic.

You may like to pray:

On this Fifth Sunday of Easter

Risen Christ, your wounds declare your love for the world and the wonder of your risen life: give us compassion and courage to risk ourselves for those we serve, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

For peace

In the world at this time there is so much fear, many have had their lives and livelihoods destroyed; many grieve for loved ones who have died; many are still sick - or fear becoming so: may they all know your strength and peace, loving God - be for them a rock and a stronghold. Amen.

For the earth

We thank you for the precious waters of the earth, from the mirror stillness of a lake to the turbulence of a mighty flood, from their crystal clarity to their murky depths. Help us to remember that water is the essence of life itself and that, through the waters of baptism, we rise to new life in union with Christ.  Amen. 

From our Prayer Cycle this week

pray for all residents of Beanley Place, Duxfield Road and Goswick Avenue.

For the sick

Jacqueline Pearson, David Bowers, The Philips Family, Mandy, Dr Sangeetha, Dr Anita, Jones, Geoson, Dr Gupta, Eric Wright, Alan Trotter, Wilma Doig, Doreen Richardson, Maureen Harper and Dorothy Graham.

For those who have died recently

David Barker and Stephen Saxon

For those whose year's mind is this week 

Elizabeth Robson, Kevin Wiggins, Bill Wilson, Joyce Marr, Roy Baxter, Ethel Pretswell, Elizabeth Waugh, Frederick Liversidge, David Robson, Lily Hatchley, Elizabeth Blair

The Lord's Prayer

You might like to end your prayers with the Lord's Prayer  

The Conclusion

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
be with us all evermore. Amen.

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

Wishing you peace and all good in this Eastertide!