Holy Trinity & St Saviour's Worship & Prayer At Home

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WORSHIP & PRAYER AT HOME

Prayer & worship resources for those who are unable to meet together

Holy Trinity, Knaphill with St Saviour’s Church, Brookwood


CONTENTS Contents

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A reflective service: for worship in isolation

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How to find a bible reading

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Bible readings and prayers for Sundays An Order for the Office of Compline

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Various prayers

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Worship Music

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Prayer on TV, Radio and the Internet

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Alternative Way to Dig Deep into Scripture

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A REFLECTIVE SERVICE:

for worship in isolation You may wish to light a candle in the middle of the room and/or hold a small cross in your hand. If you are can you might want to put some soft background worship music on that inspires you. Alternatively rest in quiet.

We come from scattered lives to meet with God. Let us recognise God’s presence with us now. Keep a short silence, still your heart. As God’s people we have gathered; Let us worship God now together, Across the miles yet joined Let us pray. Come, Holy Spirit,

fill the hearts of your faithful people, and kindle in us the fire of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. In the light of Jesus, let us examine ourselves and confess our sins. Keep a short silence, leave your sins at the cross

Confession Father, we have sinned against heaven and against you. We are not worthy to be called your children. We turn to you again, have mercy on us, bring us back to yourself as those who once were dead but now have life through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Absolution May the Father forgive us by the death of the Son, and strengthen us to live in the power of The Spirit all our days. Amen. Find the bible reading for today on the church website or the Church of England website or use the readings for our Sunday services listed at the back of this book. 3


We affirm our faith in Jesus Christ the Son of God: Though he was divine, he did not cling to equality with God, but made himself nothing. Taking the form of a slave, he was born in human likeness. He humbled himself and was obedient to death, even the death of the cross. Therefore, God has raised him on high, and given him the name above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, and every voice proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. cf Philippians 2.6-11 We intercede for others in the quiet of our hearts. Lord, meet us in the silence And hear our prayer. Silence for prayer is kept: Pray for yourself in your isolation, that God would sit with you

Pray for others in their loneliness Pray for our country Pray for the world

The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done;

on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Silence is kept

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Faithful God, may we who share in this time of worship Glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, Our salvation and hope, who reigns as Lord now and forever. Fill us, Good Lord with your Spirit of love; And as you have fed us with your presence, so, make us one in heart and mind, In Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen. Let us bless the Lord Thanks be to God. “For God has said, ‘I will not leave you or forsake you’ so we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear’.” (Hebrews 13:5-6) “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8) Please God, we ask that we can meet together in church again, soon. Amen

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HOW TO FIND A BIBLE READING Check the index in your bible to find out if it numbers all the pages consecutively, or starts again for the New Testament. Before Easter the first Reading is from the Old Testament. After Easter all but the Psalms are from the New Testament. Look at the name of the book that you need to find. Numbers before the name of the book are part of the name (to distinguish between multiple books with the same name e.g. 1 & 2 Samuel). Use the index to find which page the book you are looking for starts on and turn to that page. The first number after the name of the book (before the dot) is the chapter number. Most bibles use a large print number in the text at the beginning of each chapter. Many also write the book name and chapters on that page at the top of each page to help you find your way around (This is especially helpful in the longer books). Turn over the pages until you find the start of the chapter you are looking for. The numbers after the dot are the verse numbers, which are indicated by small numbers in the text often raised above the line of the text to stop them interrupting the flow of reading. Once you’ve found the chapter, look for the verses that you need to start and end at. A comma means skip a section, a or b means first or last sentence of the verse. Examples: Straight forward 1 Samuel 16.1-13 Book= 1st book of Samuel (in the Old Testament)

Chapter =16 Verses 1-13 More complicated 1 Peter 4.12-14; 5.6-11 Book= 1st letter of Peter (in the New Testament) Chapter 4 verses12-14 then skip a chunk and re-start at chapter 5 verses 5 and 6. Acts 2.14a,36-41 Book= Acts of the Apostles (in the New Testament) Chapter 2 Verse 14a- means the first sentence of verse 14, then skip a section and restart at verse 36 and read until verse 41. Don’t worry if you don’t find exactly the right passage- St Paul assure us that “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” so whatever you read will help you to grow closer to God. 6


BIBLE READINGS & PRAYERS FOR SUNDAY Sun 22 Mar 2020 The Fourth Sunday of Lent 1 Samuel 16.1-13; Ephesians; 5.8-14; Psalm 23 John 9.1-41 TALK READINGS: Matthew 22: 34-37 / Romans 12:12-13 Merciful Lord, you know our struggle to serve you: when sin spoils our lives and overshadows our hearts, come to our aid and turn us back to you again; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Sun 29 Mar 2020 The Fifth Sunday of Lent Ezekiel 37.1-14; Romans 8.6-11; Psalm 130; John 11.1-45 Gracious Father, you gave up your Son out of love for the world: lead us to ponder the mysteries of his passion, that we may know eternal peace through the shedding of our Saviour’s blood, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Sun 5 Apr 2020 Palm Sunday Isaiah 50.4-9a; Philippians 2.5-11; Psalm 31.9-16; Matthew 26.14 – 27.66 TALK READINGS: Psalm 118.1-2,19-29* / John 12:12-19 True and humble king, hailed by the crowd as Messiah: grant us the faith to know you and love you, that we may be found beside you on the way of the cross, which is the path of glory. Amen Sun 12 Apr 2020 Easter Day Acts 10.34-43; Colossians 3.1-4; Psalm 118.1-2,14-24; Matthew 28.1-10 TALK READINGS : EASTER: HIS GRAVEJeremiah 31.1-6; John 19:38-20:18

God of glory, by the raising of your Son you have broken the chains of death and hell: fill your Church with faith and hope; for a new day has dawned and the way to life stands open in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen Sun 19 Apr 2020 The Second Sunday of Easter Acts 2.14a,22-32; 1 Peter 1.3-9; TALK READINGS : EASTER: HIS BREATH

Psalm 16; John 20:19-31

Risen Christ, for whom no door is locked, no entrance barred: open the doors of our hearts, that we may seek the good of others and walk the joyful road of sacrifice and peace, to the praise of God the Father. Amen

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Sun 26 Apr 2020 The Third Sunday of Easter Acts 2.14a,36-41; Psalm 116.1-3,10-17 TALK READINGS: Luke 24:13-35; 1 Peter 1:17-23 Risen Christ, you filled your disciples with boldness and fresh hope: strengthen us to proclaim your risen life and fill us with your peace, to the glory of God the Father. Amen NB: The talk readings for May will come out later. The readings below are from the lectionary and can help you in worship if you are unable to access the talk online. Sun 3 May 2020 The Fourth Sunday of Easter Acts 2.42-47; 1 Peter 2.19-25; Psalm 23; John 10.1-10 Risen Christ, faithful shepherd of your Father’s sheep: teach us to hear your voice and to follow your command, that all your people may be gathered into one flock, to the glory of God the Father. Amen Sun 10 May 2020 The Fifth Sunday of Easter Acts 7.55-60; 1 Peter 2.2-10; Psalm 31.1-5,15-16; John 14.1-14 Risen Christ, your wounds declare your love for the world and the wonder of your risen life: give us compassion and courage to risk ourselves for those we serve, to the glory of God the Father. Amen Sun 17 May 2020 The Sixth Sunday of Easter Acts 17.22-31; Psalm 66.7-18; 1 Peter 3.13-22; John 14.15-21 Risen Christ, by the lakeside you renewed your call to your disciples: help your Church to obey your command and draw the nations to the fire of your love, to the glory of God the

Father. Amen Sun 24 May 2020 Sunday after Ascension Day Acts 1.6-14; 1 Peter 4.12-14; 5.6-11; Psalm 68.1-10,32-35 | John 17.1-11 Risen, ascended Lord, as we rejoice at your triumph, fill your Church on earth with power and compassion, that all who are estranged by sin may find forgiveness and know your peace, to the glory of God the Father. Amen Sun 31 May 2020 Day of Pentecost Acts 2.1-21; 1 Corinthians 12.3b-13; Psalm 104.26-36,37b; John 20.19-23 Holy Spirit, sent by the Father, ignite in us your holy fire; strengthen your children with the gift of faith, revive your Church with the breath of love, and renew the face of the earth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

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WORSHIP AT HOME If it is not possible for people to worship together, the various Church of England apps for Daily Prayer and Reflections are a wonderful resource and unite us in prayer. Alongside them, we have crafted two simple acts of worship, particularly geared to those who are isolated or housebound, or who are unable to attend church.

MORNING PRAYER You may wish to light a candle and have some reflective music playing in the background. The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. God is close to those who trust in

him. Nahum 1.7

Opening Sentences O Lord, open our lips and our mouth shall proclaim your praise. The night has passed, and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind. Pause for reflection as you offer the day to God. As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and for ever. Amen.

Bible Reading You may wish to say Psalm 23 or another psalm here, such as Psalm 16 or Psalm 139. Psalm 23 1 The Lord is my shepherd; therefore can I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters. 3 He shall refresh my soul and guide me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

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4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; you have anointed my head with oil

and my cup shall be full. 6 Surely goodness and loving mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord 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. You may wish to use the weekly pattern of short readings given below, or choose a passage of your own. Sunday Morning But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour. Isaiah 43.1-3a Monday Morning ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare

a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 10

John 14.1-6


Tuesday Morning Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4.8-9 Wednesday Morning

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3.16,17

Thursday Morning You are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling-place for God.

Ephesians 2.19-22

Friday Morning Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Romans 19.9-12 Saturday Morning He said to his disciples, ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Luke 12.22-31

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Prayers Almighty and everlasting God, we thank you that you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day. Keep us from falling into sin or running into danger; order us in all our doings and guide us to do always what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy in this time of uncertainty and distress. Sustain and support the anxious and fearful, and lift up all who are brought low;

that we may rejoice in your comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

The 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. 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. (or) Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen.

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NIGHT PRAYER The office of Night prayer comes from an ancient practice of daily prayers by Christian monastic communities. It is a good way to end the day in quiet contemplation and reflection upon the past day before commending oneself to God and a peaceful night’s sleep. The office should be said before going to bed in a quiet and calm way; a candle may be lit and you might like to sing a simple hymn or play some simple quiet reflective music. The Lord Almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen. Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth. A period of silence for reflection on the past day may follow. Save us, O Lord, while waking, and guard us while sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep may rest in peace.

Confession Most merciful God, we confess to you, before the whole company of heaven and one another, that we have sinned in thought, word and deed

and in what we have failed to do. Forgive us our sins, heal us by your Spirit and raise us to new life in Christ. Amen.

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Bible Reading You may wish to say here the psalm given below, or Psalm 27, or another chosen psalm.

Psalm 91 1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High and abides under the shadow of the Almighty, 2 Shall say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my stronghold, my God, in whom I put my trust.’

3 For he shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He shall cover you with his wings and you shall be safe under his feathers; his faithfulness shall be your shield and buckler. 5 You shall not be afraid of any terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day; 6 Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the sickness that destroys at noonday.

7 Though a thousand fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, yet it shall not come near you. 8 Your eyes have only to behold to see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because you have made the Lord your refuge and the Most High your stronghold, 10 There shall no evil happen to you, neither shall any plague come near your tent. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. 12 They shall bear you in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone. 13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot. 14 Because they have set their love upon me, therefore will I deliver them; I will lift them up, because they know my name. 15 They will call upon me and I will answer them; I am with them in trouble, I will deliver them and bring them to honour. 16 With long life will I satisfy them and show them my salvation.

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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. You may wish to use one of the following short readings or choose a passage of your own.

Sunday Evening You, O Lord, are in the midst of us, and we are called by your name; leave us not, O Lord our God. Jeremiah 14.9 Monday Evening Thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength. Isaiah 30.15 Tuesday Evening Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11.28-end Wednesday Evening Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5.6,7

Thursday Evening Jesus said, ‘I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!’

John 16.33

Friday Evening God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. 1 Thessalonians 5.9,10 Saturday Evening Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’

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John 8.12


Prayers Prayers of intercession and thanksgivings may be offered here. Merciful God, we entrust to your unfailing and tender care this night those who are ill or in pain, knowing that whenever danger threatens your everlasting arms are there to hold us safe. Comfort and heal them, and restore them to health and strength; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the silent hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting world, may rest upon your eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Visit this place, O Lord, we pray, and drive far from it the snares of the enemy; may your holy angels dwell with us in peace, and may your blessing be always upon us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Silence may be kept.

The 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. 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. (or) Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us

from evil. Amen. In peace we will lie down and sleep; for you alone, Lord, make us dwell in safety. Abide with us, Lord Jesus, for the night is at hand and the day is now past. As the night watch looks for the morning, so do we look for you, O Christ. The Lord bless us and watch over us; the Lord make his face shine upon us and be gracious to us; the Lord look kindly on us and give us peace. Amen.

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VARIOUS PRAYERS Prayers on rising: We give you heart felt thanks for the rest of the past night and for the gift of a new day, with its opportunities for pleasing you. Grant that we may so pass its hours in the perfect freedom of your service, that at eventide we may again give thanks unto you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O Lord Christ, help us to maintain ourselves in simplicity and in joy, the joy of the merciful, the joy of brotherly/sisterly love. Grant that, renouncing henceforth all thought of looking back, and joyful with infinite gratitude, we may never fear to precede the dawn to praise and bless and sing to Christ our Lord. -Based on the Rule of TaizĂŠ O God, forasmuch as without you we are not able to please you; Mercifully grant, that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. -BCP

Prayers before bed: Visit this place, O Lord, we pray, and drive far from it all the snares of the enemy; may your holy angels dwell with us and guard us in peace, and may your blessing be always upon us; though Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. -Common Worship

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, give rest to the weary, sustain the dying, calm the suffering, and pity the distressed; all for your love’s sake, O Christ our Redeemer. -after St. Augustine of Hippo Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, creator of the changes of day and night, giving rest to the weary, renewing the strength of those who are spent, bestowing upon us occasions of song in the evening. As you have protected us in the day that is past, so be with us in the coming night; keep us from every sin, every evil, and every fear; for you

are our light and salvation, and the strength of our life. To you be glory for endless ages. Amen. -Lancelot Andrewes

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Grace before a meal: Bless, O Lord, this food for our use and us in your service and keep us ever mindful of the needs of others; for Christ’s sake. Amen

-Traditional

Prayers of penitence: My God, for love of you I desire to hate and forsake all sins by which I have ever displeased you; and I resolve by the help of your grace to commit them no more; and to avoid all opportunities of sin. Help me to do this, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

-Common Worship Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. [Repeat x3] -The Jesus Prayer

Holy God, Holy and mighty, Holy and immortal: Have mercy on us.

-The Trisagion

Prayers before worship: O Lord our God grant us grace to desire you with our whole heart: that desiring you, we may seek and find you; and finding you we may love you; and loving you we may hate those sins from which you have redeemed us; for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.

-St. Anselm

Almighty God, unto whom all hearts be open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

For all those affected by Coronavirus Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy. Sustain and support the anxious, be with those who care for the sick, and lift up all who are brought low; that we may find comfort

knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Merciful God, we entrust to your unfailing and tender care, those who are ill or in pain,

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-BCP


knowing that whenever danger threatens your everlasting arms are there to hold us safe. Comfort and heal them, and restore them to health and strength; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

For those in isolation God of compassion,

be close to those who are ill, afraid or in isolation. In their loneliness, be their consolation; in their anxiety, be their hope; in their darkness, be their light; through him who suffered alone on the cross, but reigns with you in glory,Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For hospital staff and medical researchers Gracious God, give skill, sympathy and resilience to all who are caring for the sick, and your wisdom to those searching for a cure. Strengthen them with your Spirit, that through their work many will be restored to health; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers for when you can't get to church Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your disciples, ‘I am with you always’. Be with me today, as I offer myself to you.

Hear my prayers for others and for myself, and keep me in your care. Amen.

Prayer Amid an Epidemic Jesus Christ, you traveled through towns and villages “curing every disease and illness.” At your command, the sick were made well. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love. Heal those who are sick with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care. Heal us from our fear, which prevents nations from working together and neighbors from helping one another. Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders. Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow. Be with those who have died from the virus. May they be at rest with you in your eternal peace. Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. May they know your peace. Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and 19


help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. May they know your protection and peace. Be with the leaders of all nations. Give them the foresight to act with charity and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. Give them the wisdom to invest in long-term solutions that will help prepare for or prevent future outbreaks. May they know your peace, as they work together to achieve it on earth. Whether we are home or abroad, surrounded by many people suffering from this illness or only a few, Jesus Christ, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare. In place of our anxiety, give us your peace. Jesus Christ, heal us. Kerry Weber

WORSHIP MUSIC Please do continue to use music and worship songs to help you in your worship experience and times of ‘rest’. You may want to insert worship songs/hymns into your worship pattern. For many this would be easy as you are familiar with navigating your way around online resources for worship selecting appropriate songs. Please continue to do this and gather as

households as you can. But if you are anything like me you may struggle to remember the name of song we use at church. So to help we are in the process of putting together a Spotify play list online of a number of our songs selected by the worship leads, as well as a list of songs to help you select on your own music library. When using songs in worship the best tip is to select all the songs you want to use, maybe 3 or 4 and have them lined up ready to play as and when you need them. This means you are not fiddling around on your phone or system while you are worshipping.

RESOURCES ON TV, RADIO & THE INTERNET Television programmes 

Songs of Praise Sundays at 1.15pm on BBC 1

Radio programmes 

Prayer for the Day daily at 5.43am on Radio 4

Sunday Worship Sundays at 8.10am on Radio 4

Daily Service Monday to Friday at 9.45am on Radio 4 Longwave and DAB (The Daily Service is available on a Radio 4 DAB side channel which is automatically made available about a minute before the programme begins.)

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Lent Talks Wednesdays at 8.45pm on Radio 4


Internet resources 

Church of England daily prayer https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-andworship/join-us-daily-prayer

Audio daily prayer https://pray-as-you-go.org

The Bishop of Guildofrd Lent Challenge https://www.cofeguildford.org.uk/about/bishops-and-senior-staff/lent

Liturgy and Prayer resources from the Church of England https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-liturgy-and-prayerresources

https://www.24-7prayer.com

The Archbishops video Bible Studies https://www.facebook.com/pg/archbishopofcanterbury/videos/?ref=page_internal

Bible App for Kids https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app-for-kids/

Bible Lens transforms your everyday photos into profound, Biblically-based artistic shareable images. Bible Lens lets you take a picture or select one you already have. It detects not only objects in your photo, but more importantly, the Biblical themes of

the moment that photo captured... and then suggests Bible verses to match! https://www.youversion.com/bible-lens/ 

Alpha: take it online or explore other options https://www.alpha.org/alphaonline/?fbclid=IwAR3JVlE8IdHoGPCZERFnQnpfE91qdoo31sV_Xdx2YVayx2wfSyZH 6NplZ-I

Podcasts: There are lots of great podcasts out there. There will be many available on the organisations website and podcast apps. Try, HTB, St Martin in the Fields, Trent Vineyard, or just use some of your favourites.

Why not WhatsApp with your home group or use the web tool Zoom to connect with others https://zoom.us/

Other Apps to help worship 

Lectio 365

The Ignation Pray-as -you- go App https://pray-as-you-go.org/

Use the Church of England website to find different apps to help worship https://www.chpublishing.co.uk/apps These include Thy Kingdom Come, Time To Pray, Reflections on the Psalms, and others.

Of course you can always read that book you bought at the last Christian event but haven’t got round to yet.

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ALTERNATIVE WAY TO DIG DEEP INTO SCRIPTURE While we cannot meet together and receive teaching and fellowship, this is can be an opportunity to grow in receiving from scripture through our own personal times with the Lord.

Of course please continue to use your own personal study guides that have encouraged you over the years. However, if you don’t have anything to hand or your guides run out, maybe try something new. Below is an ancient way of meditating on scripture called Lectio Divina. Please have a look and try it out and let the Lord speak to you.

WHAT IS LECTIO DIVINA? Lectio Divina is a contemplative way of reading the Bible. It dates back to the early centuries of the Christian Church and was established as a monastic practice by Benedict in the 6th century. It is a way of praying the scriptures that leads us deeper into God’s Word. We slow down. We read a short passage more than once. We chew it over slowly and carefully. We savour it. Scripture begins to speak to us in a new way. It speaks to us personally, and aids that union we have with God through Christ who is himself the Living Word. Thomas Cramner in his Homily on Scripture ended it with an exhortation to read it in this way: “Let us ruminate, and, as it were, chew the cud, that we may have the sweet juice, spiritual

effect, marrow, honey, kernel, taste, comfort and consolation of them.” Fr Christopher Jamison, former Abbot of Worth Abbey in Sussex, England in his book Finding Sanctuary writes of three key features of lectio: •

The first is that “the text is seen as a gift to be received, not a problem to be dissected..... let the text come to you.”

The second is that the lectio tradition “teaches us that in order to receive what the text has to offer we must read slowly.”

The third is that lectio is “a way of prayer. Before reading pray that God will speak to you through the text. During reading, allow the reading to evolve into meditation and then into prayer and finally contemplation. When the reading is concluded, keep some phrase in mind and repeat tit throughout the day so that prayerful reading becomes prayerful living.”

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So, lectio is not Bible study or even an alternative to Bible study but something radically different. The practice understands Scripture as a meeting place for a personal encounter with the Living God. It is a practice we come to with the desire to be changed at all sorts of levels. It operates very much on the emotional rather than the purely cerebral level. It is perhaps hearty rather than heady. Through it we allow ourselves to be formed in the likeness of Christ; it is about formation rather than instruction. When undertaken in a group setting lectiois about listening to the experience of others and

how that might inform your experience. It is never about pushing a particular view and is certainly not competitive. Rev Lindsay Yates, Chaplin at Westcott House, Cambridge, England encourages the use of lectio among those training for ordained ministry. Meeting together to engage in group lectio enables ordinands to learn a practice which can enhance their own personal prayer time and relationship with God. We take it in turns to lead the sessions and so it also equips them with the skill to lead such prayer groups as they go out into parish ministry. She has found it useful to stress the following with people before attempting group lectio:

It is an ancient method of Praying with Scripture.

It is based on the belief that Christ is truly present in Scripture and that the reading of Scripture allows God to speak to us.

It is a receptive way of praying.

It is related to Biblical interpretation and Biblical scholarship can help us with it but when we engage in lectio we are not concerned primarily with ascertaining theological or doctrinal truths but listening to what God is saying to us through the text.

It is not a discussion and no one comments on what another person shares.•Group lectio involves an invitation to share but sharing is not compulsory.

In group lectio we listen to what is shared in the belief that God communicates with us through what others might say.

HOW TO ENTER INTO LECTIO DIVINA There are a variety of ways you can enter into Lectio Divina we offer two. ONE This Is a set of instructions adapted from ‘Reflections for Daily Prayer Advent 2012 to Eve of Advent 2013’ (CHP 2012 Pgs. 6 & 7) by Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford, England. •

Make sure you are sitting comfortably.

Breathe slowly and deeply.

Ask God to speak to you through the passage that you are about to read.

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This is a way of praying that starts with our silence. We often make the mistake of thinking prayer is about what we say to God. It is actually the other way round. God wants to speak to us. He will do this through the Scriptures. So don’t worry about what to say. Don’t worry if nothing jumps out at you at first. God is patient. He will wait for the opportunity to get in. He will give you a word and lead you to understand its meaning for you today. First reading of the passage: Listen As you read the passage listen for a word or phrase that attracts you. Allow it to arise from the

passage as if it is God’s word for you today. Sit in silence repeating the word or phrase in your head.Then say the word or phrase aloud. Second reading of the passage: Ponder As you read the passage again ask how this word or phrase speaks to your life and why it has connected with you. Ponder it carefully. Don’t worry if you get distracted –it may be part of your response to offer it to God. Sit in silence and then frame a single sentence that begins to say aloud what this word or phrase says to you.

Third reading of the passage: Pray As you read the passage for the last time ask what Christ is calling from you. What is it that you need to do or consider or relinquish or take on as a result of what God is saying to you in this word or phrase? In the silence that follows the reading pray for the grace of the Spirit to plant this word in your heart. If you are in a group talk for a few minutes and pray with each other. If you are on your own speak your prayer to God either aloud or in the silence of your heart. If there is time, you may even want to read the passage a fourth time, and then end with the same silence before God with which you began. TWO This is a simple approach used in a group situation at the 2008 Lambeth Conference as part of the daily engagement with Scripture suggested this approach. Opening Prayer

O Blessed Lord, who caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them that we may embrace and hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

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1.One individual reads the passage slowly. 2.Each person identifies the word of phrase that catches their attention (1 minute) 3.Each shares the word or phrase around the group (3-5 minutes, no discussion) 4.Another person reads the passage slowly (From another translation, if possible) 5.Each person identifies where this passage touches their life today (1 minute) 6.Each shares (3-5 minutes, no discussion) 7.Passage is read a third time (Another reader and translation if possible. Or even another language)

8.Each person names or writes: “From what I’ve heard and shared, what do I believe God wants me to do or be? Is God inviting me to change in any way? (5 minutes) 9.Each shares their answer (5-10 minutes, no discussion) 10.Each prays for the person on their right, naming what was shared in other steps. (5 minutes) Close with the Lord’s Prayer and silence. If you are wondering what Scriptures to use, then why not start with a Gospel, maybe Mark and work through the life of Jesus. Then if you want to move to the book of Acts. Of course, the choice is yours, and as you get more confident work into the Old Testament maybe the book of Psalms.

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