Praying Together 2021

178 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 grace and peace of God be with you! And with your spirit. COLLECT Saint Francis of Assisi embraced poverty so that he could follow the crucified Christ more fully. Let us pray for simplicity of life. (pause) O God, you bless the poor in spirit. May we be detached from material things. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 14:25-27 Large crowds were walking along with Jesus, when he turned and said: “You cannot be my disciple, unless you love me more than you love your father and mother, your wife and children, and your brothers and sisters. You cannot come with me unless you love me more than you love your own life. You cannot be my disciple unless you carry your own cross and come with me.” The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. RESPONSE Because God lovingly cares for all creation we put the needs of the world into God’s hands. For hearts to love Jesus above all else: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For the strength to carry our cross each day: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For those who are poor in spirit: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For wisdom to value things we cannot see: (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 wisdom guide us. 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. “Carry your own cross and come with me.” Monday St Francis of Assisi 4 October 2021