Praying Together 2021

106 Gather Light a candle as a sign of God’s presence and sit quietly. Ring a bell or chime to start the prayer. The Lord be with you! And with your spirit. COLLECT Today is the birthday of Saint John the Baptist who prepared the way for the coming of Christ by baptising him in the Jordan River. Let us pray that we will recognise Christ. (pause) O God, in the midst of our ordinary world help us to see the face of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 1:13-16 The angel said to Zechariah: "Don't be afraid! God has heard your prayers. Your wife Elizabeth will have a son, and you must name him John. His birth will make you very happy, and many people will be glad. Your son will be a great servant of the Lord. John will lead many people in Israel to turn back to the Lord their God.” The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. RESPONSE John the Baptist had a special job in helping people to get ready for Jesus. He baptised people with water, but he told them that Jesus would soon come to baptise them with God’s Holy Spirit. Watch the short video called “God’s Story: John the Baptist” b y The Crossroads Kids’ Club. It tells the story of John the Baptist and why he was important in God’s plan. DISMISSAL May God’s word strengthen our hearts. Amen. May God bless us in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Ring the bell or chime to signal the end of the prayer. Extinguish the candle. “ Your wife Elizabeth will have a son, and you must name him John.” Thursday The Nativity of John the Baptist 24 June 2021