Praying Together 2021

89 Gather Light a candle as a sign of God’s presence and sit quietly. Ring a bell or chime to start the prayer. May the God of peace and grace be with you! And with your spirit. COLLECT Saint Justin was born while some of Jesus’ twelve apostles were still alive. He was very good at explaining Jesus’ teaching for people. Let us pray that we will know how to talk about Jesus. (pause) Make us wise, O God, in our understanding and bold in our speaking. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the second letter of St Paul to Timothy 4:1-2 When Christ Jesus comes as king, he will be the judge of everyone, whether they are living or dead. So with God and Christ as witnesses, I command you to preach God’s message. Do it willingly, even if it is not the popular thing to do. You must correct people and point out their sins. But also cheer them up, and when you instruct them, always be patient. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. RESPONSE Gathered this day in the love of God, let us pray for the needs of the world. For the strength to do what is right: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For cheerful hearts that brighten someone’s day: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For those who preach God’s message: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For teachers in our schools and universities: (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 Christ inspire us. 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. “Do it willingly, even if it is not the popular thing to do.” Tuesday St Justin 1 June 2021