Praying Together 2021

68 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. Alleluia! And with your spirit. Alleluia! COLLECT Jesus called Saints Philip and James to be apostles. Today we remember their share in the ministry of Jesus. Let us pray for those who carry on this work today. (pause ) O God, through the prayers of Philip and James bless our bishops in their work and make us all bold witnesses of your word. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the letter of St James 2:14-17 My friends, what good is it to say you have faith, when you don’t do anything to show that you really do have faith? Can that kind of faith save you? If you know someone who doesn’t have any clothes or food, you shouldn’t just say, “I hope all goes well for you. I hope you will be warm and have plenty to eat.” What good is it to say this, unless you do something to help? Faith that doesn’t lead us to do good deeds is all alone and dead! The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. RESPONSE Rejoicing in the presence of God, 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 those who are cold or hungry: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For the generosity to help those in need: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For strong faith that leads to good deeds: (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 joy of the Spirit fill our lives. Alleluia! Alleluia! 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. “What good is it to say this, unless you do something to help?” Monday Sts Philip and James 3 May 2021