Praying Together 2021

147 Gather Light a candle as a sign of God’s presence and sit quietly. Ring a bell or chime to start the prayer. The love of God be with you! And with your spirit. COLLECT We celebrate the work of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux whose leadership and learning was admired by all. Let us pray for greater knowledge of God. (pause ) God of all wisdom, may we, like Saint Bernard, fill our lives with love for others. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 6:63-64, 67-69 Jesus said to his disciples: “The Spirit is the one who gives life! Human strength can do nothing. The words that I have spoken to you are from that life-giving Spirit. But some of you refuse to have faith in me.” Jesus then asked his twelve disciples if they were going to leave him. Simon Peter answered, “Lord, there is no one else that we can go to! Your words give eternal life. We have faith in you, and we are sure that you are God’s Holy One.” The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. RESPONSE Confident that God hears our prayers, let us pray for the needs of the world. For the leaders of the Church: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For those who don’t know where to go for help: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For hearts that call to God in prayer: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For those who share their faith with others: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For the prayers in our hearts today: (pause while students offer their prayers aloud) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. DISMISSAL May the peace of Christ guide our way. 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. “Lord, there is no one else that we can go to!” Friday St Bernard 20 August 2021