Tempted to slide back into mud: vigil/service outline

Tempted to slide back into mud: vigil/service outline

The pilgrims gather outside the building, carrying candles, torches, and/or other appropriate symbols. The rest of the congregation wait inside. The leader invites the pilgrims to process inside with the following words:

I was glad when they said to me

Let us go to the house of the Lord

Now our feet are standing

Within your gates, O Jerusalem

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

May they prosper who love you

From Psalm 122, adapted by Christopher Irvine

In response, all sing ‘Christ, be our light’. A large candle or lampstand is brought in and placed in a prominent position.

Let us be aware of God’s presence … (Silence)

Opening prayer

Jesus says, “I am the Way for you” And so we come to follow Christ

Jesus says, “I am the Truth for you” And so we come to dwell in the light

Jesus says, “I am the Life for you”

And so we come, leaving behind all else to which we cling

Scripture readings: Psalm 91, Luke 4:16–21

Reflection

This can take one of several forms: a homily, a person speaking from experience about living in poverty, a selection of poems or readings from elsewhere in this book, or the following discussion points may be used to enable the congregation to reflect on the reading.

What ‘Good News’ does this scripture reading bring to our world today?

How do we hear these words in the light of our concrete reality?

We may find that our basic assumptions about the message of the gospel are challenged by the reality of people’s lives.

How are the churches ‘Good News’ to people living in poverty?

How can the churches receive the contribution and gifts that all people bring?

How can we enable everyone to play a full part in the life of our churches?

Can we talk to a person living with poverty about their experience?

Can we be open to their words of ‘Good News’ to us?

Can we allow ourselves to be challenged by these questions?

(Silence)

Intercessions

To be read slowly by single voices against a constant background of ‘O Lord, hear my prayer’, quietly sung

For the people who live in this place … For people without work … For people struggling to make ends meet …

For people who are sick in body, mind or spirit … For people trapped by debt … For people who are isolated within our community …

Closing prayer

Look at your hands, see the touch and the tenderness,

God’s own for the world

Look at your feet, see the path and the direction,

God’s own for the world

Look at your heart, see the fire and the love,

God’s own for the world

Look at the cross, see God’s Son and our Saviour,

God’s own for the world

This is God’s world

And we will serve God in it

May God bless you, may God keep you always, And lead your lives with love.

Amen

1999 Church Action on Poverty team