Praying Together 2021

96 Gather Light a candle as a sign of God’s presence and sit quietly. Ring a bell or chime to start the prayer. The love of God be with you! And with your spirit. COLLECT Let us pray for the faith to recognise God’s presence in our world. (pause) Generous God, help us to cherish the gifts you have given us And to share these blessings with others. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark 4:26-34 Jesus said: “What is God’s kingdom like? What story can I use to explain it? It is like what happens when a mustard seed is planted in the ground. It is the smallest seed in all the world. But once it is planted, it grows larger than any garden plant. It even puts out branches that are big enough for birds to nest in its shade.” Jesus used many other stories when he spoke to the people, and he taught them as much as they could understand. He did not tell them anything without using stories. But when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. RESPONSE In communion with all creation, let us pray for the needs of the world. For gardeners who plant trees: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For rain in places where there is drought: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For authors who write stories for us: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For wisdom to understand the stories Jesus told: (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 God’s wisdom guide 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. “It is like what happens when a mustard seed is planted in the ground.” Thursday Week 10 Ordinary Time 10 June 2021