Preparation
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God;
let your kindly spirit lead me on a level path.
(Psalm 143:10)
Praise
Come, my Way, my truth, my Life;
Such a Way, as gives us breath:
Such a Truth, as ends all strife:
And such a Life, as killeth death.
Come, my Light, my Feast, my Strength:
Such a Light, as shows a Feast:
Such a Feast, as mends in length:
Such a Strength, as makes his guest.
Come my Joy, my Love, my Heart:
Such a Joy, as none can move:
Such a Love, as none can part:
Such a Heart, as joys in Love.
(George Herbert)
The Word of God
On any Thursday:
Psalmody: Psalm 133
How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down on the collar of his robe.
It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.
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 reading: 1 Corinthinas 12:12-13
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
Response
Jesus said, I am the gate for the sheep.
I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
(John 10:7, 10b)
Prayer
Let us pray to God the Father,
who has reconciled all things to himself in Christ:
For peace among the nations,
that God may rid the world of violence
and let peoples grow in justice and harmony.
For those who serve in public office,
that they may work for the common good.
For Christian people everywhere,
that we may joyfully proclaim and live our faith in Jesus Christ.
For those who suffer from hunger, sickness or loneliness,
that the presence of Christ may bring them
health and wholeness.
Let us commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray,
to the mercy and protection of God.
Open prayer and a time of silence may follow
O gracious and holy Father,
give us wisdom to perceive you,
diligence to seek you,
patience to wait for you,
eyes to behold you,
a heart to meditate upon you,
and a life to proclaim you,
through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord..
Amen
(Benedict of Nursia)
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.
The Conclusion
May God kindle in us the fire of love.
Amen.
