Praying Together 2021

77 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 Matthias was elected apostle to replace Judas after the ascension of Jesus. Let us pray that we may be joyful in faith. (pause ) God our Creator, through the prayers of Saint Matthias, may we be happy believing in Jesus and share our faith with all we meet. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark 16:15-16, 19-20 Jesus told his disciples: “Go and preach the good news to everyone in the world. Anyone who believes me and is baptised will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned.” After the Lord Jesus had said these things to the disciples, he was taken back up to heaven where he sat down at the right side of God. Then the disciples left and preached everywhere. 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 the strength to share our faith with others: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For peace and harmony among all Australians: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For families awaiting their baby’s baptism: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For children growing in the love of God: (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 love of God guide our minds. 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. “Anyone who believes me and is baptised will be saved.” Friday St Matthias 14 May 2021