This is an opportunity to pause in the middle of our day and we're particularly asked to do this in the nine days between the feast of Jesus' Ascension into Heaven, and in preparation for the festival of Pentecost. And we remember the coming of the Holy Spirit to the first disciples in Jerusalem, and we ask for a fresh sense of God's power and love for us in this time and place.
Today's prayers are led by Revd Canon Rachel Wood.
Introduction
Psalm 46
1 God is our refuge and strength, ♦
a very present help in trouble;
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, ♦
and though the mountains tremble in the heart of the sea;
3 Though the waters rage and swell, ♦
and though the mountains quake at the towering seas.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, ♦
the holy place of the dwelling of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her;
therefore shall she not be removed; ♦
God shall help her at the break of day.
6 The nations are in uproar and the kingdoms are shaken, ♦
but God utters his voice and the earth shall melt away.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us; ♦
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
8 Come and behold the works of the Lord, ♦
what destruction he has wrought upon the earth.
9 He makes wars to cease in all the world; ♦
he shatters the bow and snaps the spear
and burns the chariots in the fire.
10 ‘Be still, and know that I am God; ♦
I will be exalted among the nations;
I will be exalted in the earth.’
11 The Lord of hosts is with us; ♦
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Glory to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning is now
and shall be for ever. Amen.
Short Bible Reading
I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female slaves, in those days, I will pour out my spirit.
Joel 2.28,29
[silence]
Prayers
We are guided in praying for ourselves and those around us, ending with this prayer:
Almighty God, your ascended Son has sent us into the world
to preach the good news of your kingdom:
inspire us with your Spirit and fill our hearts with the fire of your love,
that all who hear your Word may be drawn to you, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
As our Saviour taught us, so we pray
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.
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.
Conclusion
May the grace of the Holy Spirit enlighten our
hearts and minds.
Amen.
Thank you for praying with us. Join us again tomorrow at midday.