This evening we “join in prayerful solidarity”, by placing a lit candle* in our windows as “a visible symbol of the light of life, Jesus Christ, the source of hope in this life.” As we do so we pray:
For all that is good in life, thank you,
For the love of family and friends, thank you,
For the kindness of good neighbour and Samaritan stranger, thank you.
May those who are vulnerable, hungry or homeless,
experience support,
May those who are sick, know healing,
May those who are anxious or bereaved, sense comfort.
Bless and guide political leaders and decision-makers, with wisdom,
Bless and guide health workers and key workers, with strength and well-being,
Bless and guide each one of us, as we adapt to a new way of living.
And may the light shining from our windows,
across road and wynd, glen and ben, kyle and isle,
be reflected in our hearts and hands and hopes.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Returning to God.
Holy One, make speed to save us: O God, come quickly to help us.
Glory to God, Source of all being, Eternal Word and Holy Spirit;*
as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever. Amen.
Sundays: From Psalm 31 In te, Domine, speravi.
In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; *
deliver me in your righteousness.
Incline your ear to me; * make haste to deliver me.
Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe, *
for you are my crag and my stronghold; for the sake of your name, *
lead me and guide me.
Take me out of the net that they have secretly set for me, *
for you are my tow-er of strength.
Into your hands I commend my spirit, *
for you have redeemed me, O Lord, O God of truth.
I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy; *
for you have seen my affliction; you know my distress.
You have not shut me up in the power of the enemy; *
you have set my feet in an open place.
Love the Lord, all you who worship God; *
the Lord protects the faithful,
but repays to the full those who act haughtily.
Be strong and let your heart take courage, * all you who wait for the Lord.
CLOSING: FROM MATTHEW 5
Blessed are the poor in spirit,* for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,* for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,* for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,*
for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,* for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,* for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,*
for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,*
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Reading: John 12:1–8
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’ (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.’
MAGNIFICAT
1 My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,*
my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour;
2 for he has looked with favour on his lowly servant;*
from this day all generations will call me blessed.
3 The Almighty has done great things for me* and holy is his name.
4 He has mercy on those who fear him* in every generation.
5 He has shown the strength of his arm;*
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
6 He has cast down the mighty from their thrones*
and has lifted up the lowly.
7 He has filled the hungry with good things,*
and the rich he has sent away empty.
8 He has come to the help of his servant Israel,*
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
9 the promise he made to our forebears,*
to Abraham and his children for ever.
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.
PRAYERS
We have betrayed our humanity by thinking of others or ourselves as destined for dust rather than for glory.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
We have not brought the light of transfiguration into dark places.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
We have not listened to the wisdom of the divinely human One, transfigured on the mountain.
Lord, have mercy upon us
Father God,
You sent Your son, Jesus Christ, to be the Light of our World,
Through this act of Love, You brought us into a living fellowship with You,
Now we kneel before You in humility,
We lay at your feet the troubles of the world
and all that burdens our own hearts and minds,
In the knowledge and certainty that you care
and will comfort and guide us and give us rest.
LOVING LORD. HEAR OUR PRAYERS
Father God, we pray for the world as it battles the corona virus pandemic. We pray that Governments the world over work together to make wise decisions. We pray for all in the caring professions, and those trying to keep services running, give them courage and protection. We pray for those seeking cures, inspire and deepen their knowledge and understanding. We pray for the old and the lonely, bring them loving neighbours, help and kindness. We pray for all those fearful of a future without employment or an income, may the support that they need be given to them. We pray for all who are afraid. May we all be blessed with Your courage and feel comforted. We pray for all who are sick, we ask that You wrap your loving arms around them and hold them in Your warm embrace that they may be healed. May we all encourage each other, with love, kindness and compassion. As we travel this difficult path, all the world together, Bless us all Dearest Lord, with Your strength, Your courage and Your Heavenly protection. LOVING LORD. IN YOU WE TRUST.
Father God, we pray for all those places in the world where conflict and cruelty know no limits. We pray for leaders, rulers and those in positions of power, whose actions and decisions affect the lives of so many. May those leaders practice wisdom, forgiveness, mercy and love. We pray that You may bring relief to those trapped in turmoil, Protect the vulnerable, provide shelter for the displaced and homeless, comfort the suffering, heal the sick, Empower with Your strength and courage the peacemakers and those who bring relief to the afflicted.
LOVING LORD.
BE THE SHINING LIGHT IN THEIR WORLD.
Father God, We pray for our ailing planet as it fights the ravages of climate change. Ice melting, seas rising, temperatures soaring, land ravaged with flood or fire, wildlife struggling for survival, waste polluting land and seas. We pray that people everywhere are filled with the desire to commit to changing our ways, to allow repair and healing of our world.
LOVING LORD. HELP US TO SAVE YOUR CREATION
Father God, we remember with great affection those we have loved and lost throughout the years. We are comforted knowing that they have eternal rest with You. We pray for those who have lost loved ones. May You hold them close to your heart and comfort them, may they know Your peace. LOVING LORD. LEAD US OUT OF THE DARK TIMES OF OUR LIVES.
Father God, We pray for Your Church around the world, as it enters such uncertain times. We ask You to bless Ann our Bishop, Lynsay our Rector and all who work for love of Your Kingdom. As weekly services of worship and prayer are cancelled, we pray that with no buildings or boundaries or timetables to hold us back, our faith will go before us as a light shining into the world. That acts of love, compassion, generosity and thoughtfulness will abound and that through all our actions the world will learn and feel and come to understand the joy and blessing of You in their lives.
LOVING LORD. ALLOW US TO SHARE YOUR LOVE
Father God, We pray for each other, ourselves and our communities.
We pray for Elizabeth our Queen, Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh and all their family. We lift-up to You our friends and families and those whom we hold dear in our own hearts. In this time of fear and uncertainty we are comforted knowing that You are with us, the true source of all that is good; our light and our salvation. May our hearts stay steadfast, trusting In You.
Now we pour out our love and praise to You, living God. May we know contentment and peace. As a child that lies quietly in its Mothers arms. So may our hearts be quiet within us. Trusting in You Lord. Now and forever. AMEN
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.
Do not bring us to the time of trial, but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.
Almighty God,
grant that we, who are weighed down by our sins,
may be relieved and encouraged by your grace;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
With you, Risen Christ, we go forward from one discovery to another. As we try to find out what you want from us, our life opens up to the Holy Spirit. And the Spirit comes to bring to fulfilment in us things we did not even dare hope for. Amen.
Lord God almighty, come and dispel the darkness from our hearts, that in the radiance of your brightness we may know you, the only unfading light, glorious in all eternity. Amen.
The God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing: through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Compiled with Materials from: SEC Daily Prayer; Intercessions by Fay Booth; Jim Cotter, Lectionary Resources; Taizé A prayer for each day; GS2016 Pointed Liturgical Psalter 2016 04 08; Chris Thorpe, Touching the Sacred.
* Please take all necessary fire precautions when using a lit candle. Ensure you remain with the lit candle at all times, and do not leave it to burn if you leave the room. Ensure there are no fabrics or materials such as curtains near the candle.
St Ternans Banchory 