Praying Together 2021

38 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 Let us pray to God our Father as adopted children. (pause) Loving Father, make us worthy members of your family so that we will share the inheritance you have promised in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 12:24-26 Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you for certain that a grain of wheat that falls on the ground will never be more than one grain unless it dies. But if it dies, it will produce lots of wheat. If you love your life, you will lose it. If you give it up in this world, you will be given eternal life. If you serve me, you must go with me. My servants will be with me wherever I am. If you serve me, my Father will honour you.” The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. RESPONSE Trusting in God’s love for all, let us pray for the needs of the world. For those who must face life alone: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For the sick and those who care for them: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For courage to follow Jesus: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For the strength to live out the gospel: (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 bless us and protect us and bring us to eternal life. Amen. 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. “If you serve me, my Father will honour you.” Thursday Week 4 Lent 18 March 2021