Candle Lighting
Today we light the Christ Candle
in honour of the One who brings light to the world.
Lord, bring light to all who are in places of darkness.
Today we light the Christ Candle
in honour of the One who gives abundant life.
Lord, restore all who live in fear and in need.
Today we light the Christ Candle
in honour of the One who redeems the world.
Lord, deliver the world from evil, and us from complacency.
Today we light the Christ Candle
in honour of the One who revealed the Father
and sent the Spirit to be our guide and constant companion.
Today may our worship be pleasing to the Triune God. Amen.
Call to worship
If we had ears to hear, we would know how the stones cry out your praise, the stars sing of your splendour and the whole expanding cosmos tells of your glory.
So let us listen, and let us join in worship, remembering today our servant king, our humble Christ, our blessed redeemer.
Let our lips praise you.
Let our lives praise you.
Let our whole lives praise you, God of peace and healing.
A story for the child in us all
The gospel reading for today
Listen to the reading in the audio clip below, and just let it wash over you – no questions to consider in the first listen.
Questions for Reflection and Conversation
Listen to the reading again, and this time, consider the first question, which is always this:
- What word or phrase stood out for you today? What word or phrase resonated with you? (you do not have to know why)
Give yourself a minute or so to let the word or phrase rise to your awareness then listen to the reading again, considering this:
- What am I aware of in my life where this word or phrase may have a connection? Here are some good places to look: what am I holding on to; what am I fearful of; what am I concerned over; what am I challenged by; what am I puzzling over; what is hurting me; what am I fussing with/angry about…
Give yourself longer as you prayerfully consider this question and invite the holy spirit to guide you and bring to light where God is speaking into your life through the scriptures. You might want to jot down some thoughts here if you find that helpful.
Listen one more time as you consider these last questions:
- What might God be inviting you to here? How do you want to respond to God’s invitation?
Offer your reflections and your responses to God in prayer.
Prayers of the people
You can use the prayer prompts below as a springboard for your own prayers – there is a lot for us to give thanks for and much suffering for us to share in. We join together with people praying all over our world.
Come, servant king,
hold our hands and teach us the way of peace, so we may learn to be children of peace, bringers and makers of peace in our family, our neighbourhood, our world.
For now, though, there are many who are lonely, afraid and despairing – thirsty for hope, for love and connection. Come to them with the grace they desperately need, and may we be alert to the needs we can answer in your name.
There are many experiencing physical hardship, hungry for relief and security. Come to them with the assurance they desperately need, and may we be alert to the needs we can answer in your name.
There are many who are shackled by hatred, prejudice and vengeance, filling themselves with anger against the painful emptiness locked within. Come to them with the liberation they desperately need, and may we be alert to the needs we can answer in your name.
We too, as your church, need saving from everything that dulls and distracts us from following you deeper into grace.
Where we are sleepwalking, awaken us.
Where we are comfortable, unsettle us.
Where we are closed minded, hard hearted or prideful show us the doorway into spacious grace and humble obedience to the will of Love.
We each have someone or some ones we are especially concerned for – we take a moment and remember them now.
We offer you our prayers in the name of the One who walks beside us and holds our hand. Amen.
Blessing
As you cast your palms and cloaks, your hopes and dreams before Christ the servant king, may you find joy within you.
As you lay down your lives before Christ the humble king, may your days be a pathway to holy reverence for all life and your hearts an open door to love.
So go out into the world to love and to serve in the name of Christ. Amen.
