Praying Together 2021

43 Week 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 Today we remember God’s announcement to Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus. Through Mary’s openness to God, the world received Jesus our Saviour. (pause ) Loving God, like Mary, may we say ‘yes’ to your will and so welcome our Saviour to the waiting world. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 1:26-32, 38 God sent the angel Gabriel to the town of Nazareth in Galilee with a message for a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to Joseph from the family of King David. The angel greeted Mary and said, “You are truly blessed! The Lord is with you.” Mary was confused by the angel’s words and wondered what they meant. Then the angel told Mary, “Don’t be afraid! God is pleased with you and you are going to have a son. His name will be Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of God Most High.” Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant! Let it happen as you have said.” And the angel left her. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. RESPONSE Let us now pray The Hail Mary together. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Younger children may prefer to watch a shor t guided prayer on the Hail Mary. DISMISSAL May God’s motherly love surround us. 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. “I am the Lord’s servant! Let it happen as you have said.” Thursday Annunciation of the Lord 25 March 2021