Opening Scripture
7 Come quickly, Lord, and answer me,
for my depression deepens.
Don’t turn away from me,
or I will die.
8 Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,
for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk,
for I give myself to you.
9 Rescue me from my enemies, Lord;
I run to you to hide me.
10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward
on a firm footing.
11 For the glory of your name, O Lord, preserve my life.
Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress.
12 In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies
and destroy all my foes,
for I am your servant.
Psalm 143:7-12 NIV
Songs:
Communion
Ideas for Prayer
Father God, as we think on the topic of love today, we pray that you would give a heart of compassion and love to each one of us as we endeavour to live as your people in the world.
We pray for the world today:
- We pray for countries who are still battling the peak of the coronavirus pandemic. We think of Brazil, India, the USA and many more.
- We pray for the hospitality sector after 67% of people polled said they didn’t plan to go to a restaurant for months.
- We pray for children as the summer holiday begins. May teachers have the time they need this summer to feel fully prepared for the return of all pupils next term.
- We pray for the pupils who have been cut off from friends and the usual routine of school life for many months. We pray for their mental wellbeing and for their return to school life in September.
- We pray for those who will not be able to return to their jobs, either now or when the furlough scheme ends in October. We pray that they may find new work quickly and will be able to make ends meet.
Lord, for us as a Church we echo the words of Psalm 143, quoted as the opening scripture for today,
Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward
on a firm footing. (Psalm 143:10 NIV)
We pray that in all we do, you might give us a confidence that is both founded in you and is derived from you.
Hear our prayers today we ask. In Jesus name. Amen.
Reflective Song:
Thank you to our pianist, Gill, for the reflective song, below. She writes,
“This song reflects on days gone by before the pandemic, when we used to sing our worship songs together, longing for the day when God will restore our land and heal our nation. Longing for the day we can hug our loved ones once more.”
Like a drop of rain
Reading and Sermon
Song:
The Blessing (1 John 3:1 NIV)
“See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!” May God bless you this day and always. Amen.