Praying Together 2021

160 Gather Light a candle as a sign of God’s presence and sit quietly. Ring a bell or chime to start the prayer. May the love and peace of God be with you! And with your spirit. COLLECT Today we celebrate the birthday of Mary. Let us be glad for the mother of Jesus. (pause) God, our Saviour, thank you for giving us the Virgin Mary who agreed to be the mother of your Son. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 2:41-43, 45-49 Every year Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem for Passover. And when Jesus was twelve years old, they all went there as usual for the celebration. After Passover his parents left, but they did not know that Jesus had stayed on in the city. When they could not find him with their relatives and friends, they went back to Jerusalem and started looking for him there. Three days later they found Jesus sitting in the temple, listening to the teachers and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was surprised at how much he knew and at the answers he gave. His mother said, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been very worried, and we have been searching for you!" Jesus answered, "Why did you have to look for me? Didn't you know that I would be in my Father's house?" The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. RESPONSE Gathered as members of God’s family, with Mary as our mother, let us pray for the world. For those who are travelling in our country: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For those who are worried or anxious: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For students who are trying to learn new things: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For enthusiasm to hear God’s word: (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 God’s care keep us from all harm. 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. “Didn't you know that I would be in my Father's house?” Wednesday The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary 8 September 2021