Praying Together 2021

2 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 peace of God be with you! And with your spirit. COLLECT As we begin the new school year, let us pray that all school students may learn to seek God in all people and all events. (pause ) God of new beginnings, may this year which we dedicate to you, bring us closer to you and to each other. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the first letter of St John 2:29 - 3:1 Beloved: You know that everyone who does right is a child of God. Think how much the Father loves us. He loves us so much that he lets us be called his children, as we truly are. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. RESPONSE In the light of this new day, let us pray for the needs of the world. For children growing in the love of God: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For harmony and peace among all Australians: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For the strength to do what is right: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For those who are sad or lonely today: (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 God 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. “He lets us be called his children, as we truly are.” Wednesday Week 3 Ordinary Time 27 January 2021