Sunday March 22, Fourth Sunday in Lent
How to use this service.
We invite you to walk through this service in much the same way you would at church. If you are able, pause at 10 am on Sunday morning and use this service, knowing that others in the community are doing so at the same time. Perhaps you want to call a fellow parishioner and leave the phone on speaker so you can say the service together. Say the various prayers and readings out loud (if you can), pause to let the words settle in your mind and heart. Listen to the music or sing along if you want to. After you are finished, perhaps a phone call with someone to discuss what caught your attention, or just to catch up with each other. Remember to pour a cup of coffee first - virtual coffee hour!
Know that we, your priests, are holding you in prayer, as we too worship through this service. Be attentive to the ways in which God becomes present to you, even as you worship on your own.
Sunday, March 22, Fourth Sunday in Lent
Opening Sentences
Lord, open our lips, and our mouths shall proclaim your praise.
O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever, Amen.
(or…Glory to the Creator, the Redeemer and the Sustainer; as it was when it all began, as it is now, and as it will always be. Amen)
Opening Hymn
Thou Whose Almighty Word Link to Hymn
Collect Prayer (1)
Ever-present God, even as you are present with us this day, we yearn to feel your presence in our midst each and every day of our lives. Speak to us the words of grace. Reveal yourself with the power of your love. Flow over us with the presence of your Holy Spirit. Help us know the glory of your love and experience the wonder of your grace. In the name of your love, we pray. Amen
The Readings
1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41
Online Link: Sunday Readings, March 22, 2020
Reflection - see file attachment below
Hymn
The Lord is My Shepherd Link to Hymn
Prayers of the People - see file attachment below
The Lord’s Prayer
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. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.
Prayer for the Gifts (1)
(though we cannot gather together, there are many gifts we are grateful for - those that are offered for the continuing ministry of the church through these exceptional times, and for the gifts we have received from each other like a phone call, the prayers of others, someone picking up our groceries - and so we give thanks)
Living God, through these gifts we now bring, help our world live.
Loving God, through these gifts we now bring, help our world love.
Nourish others as you have nourished us, with your steadfast presence and your healing grace. Amen
Closing Hymn
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise Link to Hymn
Dismissal
May the Lord bless us and keep us. May the Lord make his face to shine upon us and be gracious to us. May the Lord look upon us with favour and grant us peace. Amen
Resources for the Service:
(1) From “The Abingdon Worship Annual, 2020”