Praying Together 2021

7 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 protector. ( pause) God of the universe, we praise your power. God of kindness, we invoke your blessing. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah 43:1-3, 5 Descendants of Jacob, I, the Lord, created you and formed your nation. Israel, don’t be afraid. I have rescued you. I have called you by name; now you belong to me. When you cross deep rivers, I will be with you, and you won’t drown. When you walk through fire, you won’t be burned or scorched by the flames. I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, the God who saves you. Don’t be afraid! I am with you. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. RESPONSE What are you afraid of? Next time you are feeling scared, remember that Jesus will always be with you and that you belong to him. For the next minute , listen to some quiet music and try to calm your breathing. Repeat the words ‘Do not be afraid’ as you continue to breathe slowly. DISMISSAL May the peace of God remain with us today. 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. “Don’t be afraid! I am with you.” Wednesday Week 4 Ordinary Time 3 February 2021