Time of the Church 12

Song

Psalm

O Lord, you search me and you know me,
you know my resting and my rising,
you discern my purpose from afar.

You mark when I walk or lie down,
all my ways lie open to you.
Before ever a word is on my tongue
you know it, Lord, through and through.

Behind and before you besiege me,
your hand ever laid upon me.
Too wonderful for me, this knowledge,
too high, beyond my reach.

O where can I go from your spirit,
or where can I flee from your face?
If I climb the heavens, you are there.
If I lie in the grave, you are there.

If I take the wings of the dawn
and dwell at the sea’s furthest end,
even there your hand would lead me,
your right hand would hold me fast.

If I say: “Let the darkness hide me
and the light around me be night,”
even darkness is not dark for you
and the night is as clear as the day.

Reading

See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

or

Jesus said, “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

Song

Silence

Intercessions

Risen Christ, you fill our lives with your compassion so that we may always seek you.

Risen Christ, you know our longing: lead us on the path of eternity.

Risen Christ, we pray to you for those who are just beginning to know you.

Risen Christ, we pray to you for those who cannot believe: your love is always offered.

Risen Christ, you are the support of those who encounter difficulties and discouragement: lead us on the path of eternity.

Risen Christ, we pray to you for those who have been victims of violence and humiliation: come to heal their wounds.

Risen Christ, you guide us by your Spirit: gather all the nations into your Kingdom.

Our Father

Prayer

Jesus our joy, by your continual presence within us, you lead us to give our life. Even if we forget you your love remains, and you send your Holy Spirit upon us.

or

Bless us, Christ Jesus; you show us where to find rest for our hearts.

Songs