Morning Services 2013

The pattern for daily services

O God, open my lips,
and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

I pray to you, O God:
you hear my voice in the morning;

Early in the day I offer my prayer
and wait for your answer.

As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,
so may we reflect the light of your presence to all whom we will meet this day,
Amen. (Note 1)

A Psalm (leader and congregation reading alternate verses)(note 2)

A Bible reading

Short reflection

Hymn (Note 3)

Prayers and Lord's Prayer

Benediction

Note 1: This short introduction above was used at all sea-day service after Easter. It helped provide a measure of continuity day by day.

Note 2: Hymn & Psalms and Singing the Faith (Methodist hymn books)and doubtless other books as well have many of the Psalms and some canticles set out in this way. Usually, only part of a psalm was read.

Note 3: I have given only the first line of hymns, partly because of space, and partly because some require a copyright licence to reproduce them. More details of the hymns used are here.

Readings, hymns and prayers for sea-day morning services at Eastertide 2013.
Prayers are linked to these readings but could be used in other settings.

DatePsalmReadingHymnAuthorTune
Monday 1 April98John 20: 1-18Woman, weeping in the gardenDaniel DamonGott will's machen 87 87
Prayer
When everything was dark, and it seemed that the sun would never shine again, your love broke through.
Your love was too strong, too wide, too deep for death to hold.
The sparks cast by your love dance and spread and burst forth with resurrection light.
Help us to grasp resurrection;
to understand its power, to see its force at work in our world, overturning evil empires, changing the hatred within us,
moving the world slowly, forcefully, bending us towards love and truth.
At this time of great gladness, empower us to be your ambassadors, proclaiming good news -
good news in our homes and workplaces, good news amongst friends and colleagues, good news here on board the Black Watch and in places we visit.
Help us to be that good news, walking softly on this good earth, caring gently for all people, living hopefully into your kingdom.
We think of all who are grieving, of the sick and dying, of places in the world that are torn by war and bloodshed, of everyone who finds just living to be a daily struggle.
In this world of broken hopes and dreams, we catch sight of your kingdom come in the reign of your Christ, who lives in us forever.
So give grace to us, our families and friends, and to all our neighbours, that we may serve Christ in one another, and love as he loves us.
God, all this is our desire;
God, hear our prayer.


DatePsalmReadingHymnAuthorTune
Tuesday 2 April93John 14: 15-31Every new morningCarol DixonBunessan 5 5 5 4 D
Prayer
God, with faces touched by the light of a new day, and hearts warmed by our prayers and praises, we come before you to pray for the needs of our world.
Risen Christ, when darkness overwhelms us, may your dawn beckon.
When fear paralyses us, may your touch release us.
When grief torments us, may your peace enfold us.
When memories haunt us, may your presence heal us.
When justice fails us, may your anger ignite us.
When apathy stagnates us, may your challenge renew us.
When courage leaves us, may your spirit inspire us.
When despair grips us, may your hope restore us.
If Christ be truly risen, let us live resurrection so that all who meet us shall know that Christ is risen indeed!
Christ is risen! Alleluia!

God did not say,
"You shall not be tempted;
you shall not be travailed;
you shall not be afflicted."
But God said, "You shall not be overcome." (Julian of Norwich)

The quiet strength of Christ,
the humble power of God,
and the pervasive light of the Spirit,
is yours, today and always.
Thanks be to God.



DatePsalmReadingHymnAuthorTune
Wednesday 3 April96John 16: 1-15Christ at the centreAlan GauntEllers 10.10.10.10
Prayer
Gracious God, hear our prayers:

for hope for those who feel hopeless...
for healing for those who need healing...
for jobs for those who are jobless...
for community for those who feel lonely...
for peace for those whose lives are filled with conflict...
for understanding for those seeking to be understood...

for comfort for those who grieve...
for food for those who hunger...
for shelter for those who are homeless...
for clean water for those whose waters are contaminated...
for rain for those who live in drought...
for a time of drying for those who are facing too much rain.

for freedom for those who live under dictatorships...
for wisdom for our leaders...
for spiritual growth and health for our churches...
for your Kingdom to reign here on earth.
Amen.



DatePsalmReadingHymnAuthorTune
Friday 5 April145John 14: 1-14Almighty Father, great must be your powerDavid MowbrayHerongate LM
Prayer
Generous God, for the abundance of your blessings day by day and year by year,
we give you our thanks.
For the simple pleasures of life: meeting new people, for health and strength to appreciate the wonder of life,
we give you our thanks.
for houses that become homes, for homes that offer hospitality, for the warmth and fun of friendship, for people who take us as we are and are patient with our moods,
we give you our thanks.
for the air that gives the breath of life, the sun that warms us, and good food that keeps us strong, for friends new and old, for all that makes it good to live,
we give you our thanks.
So we thank you, generous God, and may our thanks move beyond words to transform us into thankful folk, faithful folk, seeing folk, folk who see need and see the need to act, folk who love to live and live to love, folk who serve you by serving others.
Amen



DatePsalmReadingHymnAuthorTune
Saturday 6 April147John 15: 1-11As the vine is to the branchesFred KaanOttawa 87 87 77
Prayer
Jesus prayed that his followers may all be one. We join our prayers with his.
I am the vine and you are the branches. Abide in me as I abide in you.

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in me as I abide in you.

Love one another as I have loved you. Abide in me as I abide in you.
For all the blessings of this life, we give thanks to you, Creator God.

We pray for families, friends, colleagues, neighbours, and strangers who nurture us, that the love of God may grow within.

May your love, your Word, bind us into Christ, the true Vine.
May your love be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.

We pray for the leaders of nations and peoples, that they may lead with strong hearts, gentle hands and generous spirits, with compassion and mercy, with wisdom and grace.
May your love be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.

We pray for those who live in fear, those who worry about employment, bills, food and health, and struggle just to find dignity in life. May your grace bring peace and safety to all people, one to another.
May your love be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.

We pray for those who suffer from any illness or dis-ease of mind, body, or spirit. Restore them, and all those we carry in our hearts, to wholeness of life - a healing that only you, O God, can bring.
May your love be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.

We pray for solace for those who mourn. Console those who grieve. May your grace surround us like a mantle upon our heads, a shawl upon our shoulders, a hand, to hold our hand.
May your love be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.

Christ sends us forth: 'Keep my commandments, abide in my love.'
We will go forth in peace and justice!

'Love one another, go forth to serve.'
We will go forth in love!

'Share in my mission, bear fruit that will last.'
We will go forth rejoicing as your disciples!



DatePsalmReadingHymnAuthorTune
Monday 8 April51Luke 3: 1-14Hear us, O GodMichael ForsterSlane 10 11 11 12
Prayer
In a cynical and despairing world, O God,
give us a quietly prophetic voice to proclaim your hope.
In a violent and angry world, O God,
give us a quietly prophetic voice to proclaim your peace.
In a dismissive and disinterested world, O God,
give us a quietly prophetic voice to proclaim your compassion.
In a lonely and inhospitable world, O God,
give us a quietly prophetic voice to proclaim your love.
In a grieving and weeping world, O God,
give us a quietly prophetic voice to proclaim your joy.
May we be so captivated by your hope, O God, that we cannot help but live out the message of your reign which is always coming into our world;
And may our quietly prophetic lives, be channels of your restoring grace wherever we may go. Amen.



DatePsalmReadingHymnAuthorTune
Tuesday 9 April15Luke 3: 15-22To Jesus, wet with Jordan's wavesBrian WrenBreslau LM
Prayer
The Lord shall give us the blessings of strength and peace.
Beloved of God, let us pray:

Walk with us through the waters, O God;
walk with us through the fire.
O God, you have blessed us to be members of your world-wide Church.
Strengthen the unity of all Christian people, serving you wherever they find themselves.
Silence
Walk with us through the waters, O God;
walk with us through the fire.
Break down the walls of division in our cities and our nation.
Bring us together as one human family - formed and made by your loving purpose.
Silence
Walk with us through the waters, O God;
walk with us through the fire.
Heal and comfort your cherished children, O God. Be with those in need in their trials. May they know that they are precious in your sight.
Silence
Walk with us through the waters, O God;
walk with us through the fire.



DatePsalmReadingHymnAuthorTune
Wednesday 10 April47Mark 3: 13-19Lord, you chose your first disciplesChristopher IdleAlleluia (Wesley) 87 87 D
Prayer
Holy and Gracious God, we give you thanks for the gift of life, for the gift of your Christ, for the gift of your Spirit.
We thank you calling us to discipleship, for welcoming us into your purposes, for inviting us to be witnesses of good news, for calling us to our community of faith.
Work through human events to show your presence and purpose, work through each of us as we seek to respond to your call to serve.
Lead us through the trials, the suffering and sorrow, the challenges and struggles, the tired times and dark places.
Mend us as needed, bend us as necessary, that we may be your new creation, in body, mind and spirit.
Lead us with grace, with love, with peace. Fill us with hope, with patience, with stamina.
Transform us to grow, to understand, to see. Transform us, transform your church, transform your world, that all may become new and whole.
And in wholeness, may we be the hands and heart of Christ.
Amen.


DatePsalmReadingHymnAuthorTune
Wednesday 17 April86John 17: 1-11Lord God, as once againCaryl MicklemLittle Cornard 66 66 88
Prayer
We praise you O God, our creator, for the blessing of our many cultures, ethnicities and languages.
We thank you for the times that our many church traditions have kept our communities strong and active.
Teach us to celebrate our different identities and to learn from them.
How wonderful it is for God's people to live together in harmony!
As we walk together, send your Spirit to strengthen our resolve and deepen our conversations, to realise Jesus' prayer that we should be one.
Through our lives and by our prayers, your kingdom come.
As we walk towards freedom, raise the unity of the Churches to be a sign of hope in situations of discrimination and injustice.
Through our lives and by our prayers, your kingdom come.
As we walk as friends of Jesus, enlarge and deepen our fellowship and friendship with each other and with those who are marginalised.
As we walk the way of Jesus, grant us courage to overcome cultural prejudices that hinder us from recognising the presence of God in each other.
How wonderful it would be if all God's people - of every race, colour, creed and language - were to live together in harmony!
Through our lives and by our prayers, your kingdom come.


DatePsalmReadingHymnAuthorTune
Thursday 18 April145Mark 3: 1-6Wounded world that cries for healingShirley Erena MurrayOde to Joy 87 87 D
Prayer
The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
God of love, hear the cry of those who yearn for love; fractured families, broken homes, neglected, unwanted, alone...
God of love, hear our prayer
God of justice hear the cry of those who yearn for justice; persecuted and oppressed, exploited, ill-treated, broken...
God of justice, hear our prayer
God of peace hear the cry of those who yearn for peace; in battle zones and broken states, frightened, fearful, anxious...
God of peace, hear our prayer
God of healing hear the cry of those who yearn for healing; physical and spiritual, hurting, weakened, depressed...
God of healing, hear our prayer
God of mercy Hear the cry of those who yearn for mercy; convicted, in need of your grace, contrite, humble, bowed down...
God of mercy, hear our prayer
I love God, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.
Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.


DatePsalmReadingHymnAuthorTune
Friday 19 April37Luke 6:27-38Gentle God, when we are drivenShirley Erena MurrayOttawa 87 87 77
Prayer
Gracious God, Bless those who are peacemakers from all creeds and cultures - all who bring no other agenda than to see neighbour and stranger live together as one community
Bless us as peacemakers, strengthen and bless us.

Bless those who are comforters - shoulders to cry on, willing ears to listen, a present help in times of despair and hopelessness
Bless us as comforters, strengthen and bless us.

Bless those who are healers of physical injury and deeper hurts, whose touch brings relief from trauma and pain, who bring compassion.
Bless us as healers, strengthen and bless us.


DatePsalmReadingHymnAuthorTune
Saturday 20 April16Mark 4:35-41Grant us the courage, gracious GodJean HollowayHorsley CM
Prayer
God, there are times when we feel a mountain of fear inside.
Sometimes life is overwhelming and we feel overcome by anxiety and doubt.
We may even be worrying about things back home, and there's nothing we can do.
And God says,
"Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid."
Peter and his friends were terrified of the unknown, the unfamiliar.
When facing new challenges, unexpected and unwanted change, we are fearful of what may be expected of us.
And God says,
"Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid."
There are time when we have doubts - doubt that good will overcome evil, that peace will take the place of hatred, that your love will actually transform our sad, broken world.
And God says,
"Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid."


DatePsalmReadingHymnAuthorTune
Tuesday 23 April105Luke 5:17-26Committed to ChristFred KaanHanover 10 10 11 11
Prayer
God of every land and nation, you have created all people and you dwell among us by your Spirit.
Listen to the cries of those who pray to you, and grant that, as we proclaim the greatness of your name, all people will come to know the power of love at work in the world.

Give us grace to recognise your love wherever it is found and by whomsoever it is offered. Help us to grasp a wider understanding of how your love is shown across all peoples, whether or not they know your name or know where the love in their hearts comes from.

So bring healing, we pray, to all wounded people, whether wounds of body, mind or spirit; make whole all that is broken amongst our relationships; encourage us to search for what is good and true, and shed light into every dark corner of our lives.

Anoint us with your Spirit, that we may be alert and mindful of your gracious will to save, and may persevere in bringing into the orbit of your love and power all that is broken and in need of healing.
Through Christ we pray.
Amen.


DatePsalmReadingHymnAuthorTune
Wednesday 24 April19Luke 9:10-17Christ on whom the Spirit restedDavid MowbrayMichael 87 87 337
Prayer
God says,
"Come, you who hear my call.
Come, you who don't hear my voice.
Come, you who search for a name for the sacred within you.
Come, you who have got used to religion and miss out on faith.
Come - and I'll turn your lives upside down!"

So we have come, from life's highways and by-ways, with all kinds of baggage,
knowing what we're used to and what makes us comfortable.
God, help us to be ready to be surprised by life and love.
May we hear your voice in the stillness of the night or in the clatter of the day.
May we follow you ever more closely, and may we love as you love.
May the fruits of our lives be food for the hungry, bread clothing, shelter, fire, water, Word.
May we love as you love.
God of justice, remove the barriers of our lives that keep us from one another,
barriers we construct based on skin colour, religion, or gender.
May we hear you in others, and follow in the way of Jesus.
May we love as you love.
Loving God, take from us this day our fears, our worries and distractions;
through any trials and turbulence make us steady, your hands holding strong the fragile and weak.
May we love as you love.


DatePsalmReadingHymnAuthorTune
Thursday 25 April30Luke 5:33-39Church of the living ChristShirley Erena MurrayHarewood CM
Prayer
For all that has been - Thanks!
For all that is to come - YES!

(Dag Hammarskjöld)

God, you never vary in your loving faithfulness, yet you never weary of making all things new.
Guide us in these changing times.
Preserve us from being ruled by anxiety about the future, or by nostalgia for the past.
Help us to realise that our fascination with our cherished traditions may display our insecurity of faith in you -
that our reluctance to engage with what is new and unfamiliar may reveal our fear of what, to us, is unknown.
Keep us from relying on the past, from looking over our shoulder at the 'good old days' and praying that they will come back.
By your unbound Spirit of Truth, liberate us to search for and to seize fresh opportunities, new directions,
following the lead of our Saviour Christ, who is the same yesterday, today and forever!
For your love's sake.
Amen!


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