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Sentences, Prayers
and Readings for the
Church’s Year

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(Jump to Seasons and Sundays, Other Feasts & Holy Days, Saints Days & Other Special Days, The Readings for Holy Communion - Three Year Series)

Concerning Sentences, Prayers and Readings for the Church’s Year

The minister chooses one or more of the Collects set down for the Day for use in the service, and selects the Sentence, Psalms, and Set Readings either from pages 550-690 or according to the Three Year Series on pages 691-723.

At the end of a Collect, when needed, the minister may add


Hear this prayer for your love’s sake. Amen.


Or Praise to you our God; you answer prayer. Amen.


Or when the prayer is addressed to God

This we ask through Christ our Mediator / Saviour /
Redeemer / Lord. Amen.


Or when the prayer is addressed to God and ends with words
referring to Jesus Christ

Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever. Amen.

Seasons and Sundays

(Jump to Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Pentecost, Sundays after Pentecost)

The Season of Advent


The First Sunday of Advent

The coming of the Lord

Sentence

To you Lord I lift up my soul; my God I have put my trust in you; you are God my Saviour; for you have I waited all the day long. Psalm 25:1,4

Collects

God of hope,
when Christ your Son appears
may he not find us asleep or idle,
but active in his service and ready.

Come, O come Emmanuel,
you are the way, the truth and the life;
you are the true vine and the bread of life.
Come, living Saviour,
come to your world which waits for you.

Almighty God,
give us grace to cast off the works of darkness
and put on the armour of light,
now in the time of this mortal life,
in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility;
so that when he shall come again in his glorious majesty
we may rise to the life immortal;
through him who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.

Psalms 96;50

Readings

1

Isaiah 40:1-8

The way of the Lord

Romans 13:11-14

The night is far spent

Matthew 25:31-45

The Lord comes as judge

2

Amos 5:18-24

The day of the Lord

Revelation 1:4-8

Behold he is coming

Matthew 24:1-14

Signs of the end


The Second Sunday of Advent

The hope of Israel

Sentence

You are the Holy One enthroned on the praises of your people. Our ancestors trusted in you and you delivered them; they put their trust in you and were not disappointed. Psalm 22:3-5

Collects

Praise and honour to you, living God;
you chose the Hebrew people
and brought them step by step
to look for a redeemer, and hope for the Christ.
Give us grace to see our need
and recognise salvation when it comes.

God of Israel old and new,
write in our hearts the lessons of your law;
prepare our minds to receive the gospel
made visible in your Son Jesus Christ.

Living God, you called your people out of Egypt
and gave them the covenant;
prepare our hearts to hear your call,
so that we may receive with joy the gospel of your Son
and be your faithful people,
now and for ever.

Psalms 40:1-11;63

Readings

1

Isaiah 11:1-10

The messianic king

1 Peter 1:10-16

The hope of the prophets

Luke 4:14-30

Fulfilment of the prophecy

2

Isaiah 2:2-5

The coming reign of peace

Romans 9:30-10:4

The Law brought to an end

John 5:33-47

Moses wrote of me


The Third Sunday of Advent

The forerunner

Sentence

In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3

Collects

God for whom we wait and watch,
you sent John the Baptist
to prepare for the coming of your Son;
give us courage to speak the truth
even to the point of suffering.

Almighty God,
you sent your servant John the Baptist
to prepare the way for the coming of your Son;
grant that those who proclaim your word
may so guide our feet into the way of peace,
that we may stand with confidence before him
when he comes in his glorious kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Judge and our Redeemer.

Praise and honour to you living God for John the Baptist,
and for all those voices crying in the wilderness
who prepare your way.
May we listen when a prophet speaks your word, and obey.

Psalms 75;119:41-48

Readings

1

Malachi 3:1-5

The messenger of the covenant

1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Ministers and stewards

Matthew 11:2-19

More than a prophet

2

Malachi 4

I will send you Elijah

Acts 13:13-25

After me one is coming

John 3:22-30

Sent before him


The Fourth Sunday of Advent

A God near at hand

Sentence

You heavens above rain down righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up. Isaiah 45:8

Collects

God of all hope and joy,
open our hearts in welcome,
that your Son Jesus Christ at his coming may
find in us a dwelling prepared for himself;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.

Praise and honour to you living God;
your coming will be like a thief in the night,
like lightning flashing across the sky.
Grant that we may be ready,
and our hearts answer, Come Lord Jesus.

God faithful and true,
make us eager with expectation,
as we look for the fulfilment of your promise
in Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Psalms 89:1-36;94

Readings

1

Zechariah 2:10-13

Lo, I come

2 Peter 3:8-13

The coming day of God

Matthew 25:1-13

Prepared or unprepared

2

Isaiah 51:1-6

God’s coming victory

1 Thessalonians 5:12-24

Blameless at Christ’s coming

Matthew 3:1-12

Wheat and chaff

The Season of Christmas


The Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ Christmas

God with us

Sentence

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. John 1:14

Collects

AT MIDNIGHT

Son of God, light that shines in the dark,
child of joy and peace,
help us to come to you
and be born anew this holy night.

Almighty God,
you make us glad with the yearly festival
of the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ,
the light of the world;
grant that we,
who have known the revelation of that light on earth,
may see the radiance of your heavenly glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.

IN THE DAY

Welcome Jesus, our humble gentle Saviour,
welcome to Bethlehem,
where we have loved and fought
and longed for the peace
the world can never give.
We ask for your peace, your love, your gentleness,
and the courage to live that way.

Almighty God,
you gave your only-begotten Son
to take our nature upon him,
and be born of the Virgin Mary;
grant that we, who have been born again
and made your children by adoption and grace,
may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit;
through our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.

Son of God, Child of Mary,
born in the stable at Bethlehem,
be born again in us this day
that through us the world may know
the wonder of your love.

Psalms 19;85

Readings

AT MIDNIGHT

Micah 5:2-4

A ruler from Bethlehem

Titus 2:11-14

Grace for salvation

Luke 2:1-16

The birth of the Saviour

IN THE DAY

Isaiah 7:10-14

His name Emmanuel

Hebrews 1:1-9

God has spoken to us

John 1:1-14

The Word made flesh

Or

Isaiah 9:1-2,6-7

To us a child is born

Colossians 1:11-20

The image of the invisible God

Matthew 1:18-25

The birth of the Saviour


The First Sunday of Christmas

A new creation

Sentence

I will cause a righteous branch to spring forth for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. Then Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will dwell securely. Jeremiah 33:15,16

Collects

God in Trinity,
Creator, Saviour, Giver of life and truth,
reveal the possibilities within us,
that we may attain to the fulness of our humanity.

As we are glad, Creator God,
when the dawn reveals the world to us,
innocent and fresh,
so may we discover the infant in the manger,
and in delight be ready to start anew.

O God,
you wonderfully created
and yet more wonderfully restored
the dignity of human nature;
grant that we may share the divine life
of your Son Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.

Psalms 8;45

Readings

1

Jeremiah 31:31-34

A new covenant

Galatians 4:1-7

Adoption as children of God

Or

Ephesians 4:17-24

Created in God’s likeness

Luke 13:10-17

Christ brings freedom

2

Ezekiel 11:17-20

A new spirit

2 Corinthians 5:17-21

A new creation

Mark 2:18-22

New wineskins for new wine


The Second Sunday of Christmas

The children of God

Sentence

Jesus went down with his parents and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and the people. Luke 2:51,52

Collects

Eternal God giver of love and peace,
you call your children to live together as one family;
give us grace to learn your ways
and to do your will,
that we may bring justice and peace to all people,
in the name of Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit
one God now and for ever.

Heavenly Father, tender and compassionate,
create in us your family love so true and deep
that in this broken world
we may be a sign of unity.

Look on your family our God,
and teach us to care for one another,
for you are child and parent,
you alone are love’s source and secret.

Psalms 128;133

Readings

1

Isaiah 43:1-7

The return of the family

John 3:1-3

Children of God

Mark 3:31-35

The members of Christ’s
family

2

Jeremiah 31:7-9

Restoration of the family

Romans 8:27-39

First born among many
children

Matthew 2:19-23

Return from Egypt

The Season of the Epiphany


The Epiphany of our Lord Jesus Christ

Revelation to the Gentiles

Sentence

The Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight is coming, says the Lord of hosts. Malachi 3:1b

Collects

Jesus, as we travel far and fast,
lead our minds back to the wise men following your star,
and forward to the day
when all will see your shining light.

Jesus, light of the world,
let your bright star stand over the place
where the poor have to live;
lead our sages to wisdom and our rulers to reverence.

O God, by the leading of a star
you revealed your Son Jesus Christ to the gentiles;
grant that your Church may be a light to the nations,
so that the whole world may come to see
the splendour of your glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalms 72;96

Readings

1

Isaiah 60:1-6

Nations shall come to
your light

Romans 15:5-13

The hope of the gentiles

Matthew 2:1-12

Wise men from the east

2

Isaiah 49:5-7

Kings shall see and arise

Ephesians 3:1-12

To preach to the gentiles

Luke 13:22-30

From east and west


The Baptism of the Lord
The First Sunday of the Epiphany

Revelation at baptism

Sentence

My people, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant, I have chosen you and not rejected you.’ Isaiah 41:8,9

Collects

Almighty God,
you anointed Jesus at his baptism
with the Holy Spirit,
and revealed him as your beloved Son;
grant that we who are baptised into his name
may give up our lives to your service,
and be found worthy of our calling;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Open the heavens, Holy Spirit,
for us to see Jesus interceding for us;
may we be strengthened to share his baptism,
strengthened to share his cup,
and ready to serve him forever.

Holy Spirit,
as you drove Jesus into the wilderness,
when John baptised him and the heavens opened,
drive us to wrestle and reflect
so that we may fulfil our baptism,
and live your life of victory.

Psalms 2;36

Readings

1

Isaiah 42:1-7

God’s chosen one

Galatians 3:23-29

Baptised into Christ

Mark 1:1-15

The baptism of Jesus

2

Isaiah 61:1-4

Anointed by the Spirit

Acts 8:26-40

Philip baptises

John 1:26-42

The baptism of Jesus


The Second Sunday of the Epiphany*

Revelation in the childhood of Christ

Sentence

We call to mind your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple. As your name is great O God, so is your praise to the ends of the earth. Psalm 48:9,10

Collects

Jesus, your ways are not our ways.
You are the Jewish boy,
you are the questioning child the parents lost.
Make us willing to listen
and humble in what we believe is right.

Holy and eternal God,
your Son Jesus Christ has taught us
to learn from the simple trust of children;
give us pure hearts and steadfast faith
to worship you in spirit and in truth;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Jesus,
you saw the world through the eyes of a child.
Save us from the pride
that would refuse your command to live like you
in simplicity and joy.

Psalms 119:1-8;131

Readings

1

Exodus 2:1-10

The birth of Moses

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Strength and wisdom of God
in Christ

Luke 2:41-52

The child in the temple

2

1 Samuel 3:1-18

God’s word to a child

1 Corinthians 1:25-31

God chose what is weak

Matthew 18:1-14

The greatest in the kingdom

* When there are fewer than 9 Sundays after the Epiphany, the 6th, 5th, 4th, 3rd and 2nd are
omitted as far as necessary.

The Third Sunday of the Epiphany

Revelation in Galilee

Sentence

With awesome deeds you answer our prayers for deliverance, O God our Saviour; you that are the hope of all the ends of the earth, and of the far off seas. Psalm 65:5,6

Collects

God of all mercy,
your Son brought good news to the despairing,
freedom to the oppressed
and joy to the sad;
fill us with your Spirit,
that the people of our day may see in us his likeness
and glorify your name.

Jesus, our Redeemer,
give us your power to reveal and proclaim the good news,
so that wherever we may go
the sick may be healed, lepers embraced,
and the dead and dying given new life.

Almighty God,
your Son revealed in signs and wonders
the greatness of your saving love;
renew your people with your heavenly grace,
and in all our weakness
sustain us by your mighty power;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalms 65;111

Readings

1

Isaiah 52:7-10

Good tidings

Acts 10:34-43

Beginning from Galilee

John 2:1-11

The sign at Cana of Galilee

2

Kings 5:1-14

Sign of a prophet

Acts 3:1-10

Jesus Christ of Nazareth

John 4:46-54

The second sign in Galilee


The Fourth Sunday of the Epiphany

Revelation in transfiguration

Sentence

One thing I have asked of the Lord, which I long for: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on your beauty O Lord: and to seek you in your temple. Psalm 27:4,5

Collects

Jesus, your justice goes beyond the ancient law,
your wisdom embodies all prophetic insight;
make us glad to be yours,
and able to follow you to Jerusalem.

God of life and glory,
your Son was revealed in splendour
before he suffered death upon the cross;
grant that we, beholding his majesty,
may be strengthened to follow him
and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory;
for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.

God of glory,
you gave the vision of your Son
to those who watched on the mountain;
grant that by our glimpses of him
we may be changed into his glorious likeness.

Psalms 27;97

Readings

1

Exodus 24:12-18

Moses on the mountain

2 Peter 1:16-21

Eyewitnesses of
Christ’s majesty

Luke 9:28-36

The transfiguration

2

Exodus 34:29-35

Moses’ face shone

2 Corinthians 3:7-18

Beholding the glory
of the Lord

Mark 9:2-13

The transfiguration


The Fifth Sunday of the Epiphany

Revelation in Jerusalem

Sentence

You Lord will surely comfort your people. You will make their deserts like Eden, their wastelands like a garden. Joy and gladness will be found among them, thanksgiving and the sound of singing. Isaiah 51:3 (adapted)

Collects

Merciful God,
in Christ you make all things new;
transform the poverty of our nature
by the riches of your grace,
and in the renewal of our lives
make known your heavenly glory;
through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.

Jesus our Lord,
you have taught us that judgment begins at the house of God;
save us from our self-satisfaction, rigidity and corruption,
so that we may stand ready to do your will.

Jesus, when you call us to challenge authority,
help us to follow closely your example,
that we may be ready to suffer for the truth,
and to give whatever glory there may be to God.

Psalms 48;119:73-80

Readings

1

Jeremiah 4:11-18

A warning to Jerusalem

Hebrews 11:13-16

The city God has prepared

John 2:13-22

Jesus cleanses the temple

2

Jeremiah 26:1-16

A prophecy against Jerusalem

Romans 11:25-36

A hardening of Israel

John 11:45-57

The plot against Jesus

The Sixth Sunday of the Epiphany

The final revelation

Sentence

The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:14

Collects

Lord Jesus Christ,
before whose judgment seat we shall appear;
enable us to see ourselves as you see us,
to repent and to change,
and to be found worthy to bear your name.

Jesus, Saviour in storm,
when the waters of the deep are broken up,
when the landmarks are washed away or drowned,
come to us across the water.

Everloving God,
your Son was revealed that he might overcome evil
and make us heirs of eternal life;
grant that we who have this hope in us
may purify ourselves as he is pure,
that when he appears in power and great glory,
we may be made like him,
to the honour of your name;
for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.

Psalms 50;98

Readings

1

Hosea 2:16-23

The crown of love

Hebrews 4:9-16

The sabbath rest

Matthew 24:23-28

Christ revealed to all

2

Isaiah 41:8-14

Called from the ends
of the earth

Hebrews 2:9-18

Brought to glory

Mark 13:28-37

Alert for his coming


The Seventh Sunday of the Epiphany
Septuagesima

Creation

Sentence

O Lord how manifold are your works; in wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:25

Collects

God, you have made our world and seen that it is good;
grant to us, created to complete your work,
the bright, delightful vision that makes us care for what we do.

God of unchangeable power,
when you fashioned the world
the morning stars sang together
and the host of heaven shouted for joy;
open our eyes to the wonders of creation
and teach us to use all things for good,
to the honour of your glorious name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

You made us Lord, and we are yours;
grant that we may so use your gifts
that all your creatures may enjoy the harmony you planned.

Psalms 8;147

Readings

1

Genesis 8:15-22

The covenant with Noah

1 Timothy 4:1-6

Everything created by God
is good

John 5:1-19

My Father is working still

2

Genesis 1:26-31

We are made in God’s image

Revelation 21:1-7

All things made new

Mark 7:31-37

He has done everything well


The Eighth Sunday of the Epiphany
Sexagesima

Human frailty

Sentence

Be merciful to me O Lord, for I call to you all the day long; for you Lord are good and forgiving, and of great mercy to all who call upon you. Psalm 86:3,5

Collects

Have pity Father, on us your estranged and wilful children;
grant that we may know the things we ought to do
and have grace to do them;
through Jesus Christ, your Son.

Christ, you are the second Adam,
the first in a reborn humanity;
take from us our inborn greed and pride
and make us whole.

God of grace and goodness,
you know that by reason of our frailty we cannot but fail;
keep us always under your protection
and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalms 53;51

Readings

1

Genesis 3:1-8

Human disobedience

Romans 5:12-21

The first Adam and the second

Mark 7:14-23

Defilement from within

2

Genesis 3:8-19

The curse upon disobedience

Romans 8:1-8

Set free in Christ

John 8:31-47

A slave to sin


The Ninth Sunday of the Epiphany
Quinquagesima

The promise of redemption

Sentence

The ransomed of the Lord will return; everlasting joy will crown their heads; gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. Isaiah 51:11

Collects

Christ our Redeemer,
you have crushed the serpent’s head;
you have freed us from our sin;
rescue all your suffering world from the evil
that attracts us still.

God of compassion,
deepen and increase our love for you
so that we may leave behind the sins
from which you have redeemed us,
and serve you in perfect freedom.

Almighty God,
the Redeemer of all who trust in you;
give heed to the cry of your people,
deliver us from the bondage of sin
that we may serve you in perfect freedom
and rejoice in your unfailing love;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Psalms 115;20

Readings

1

Zechariah 8:1-8

A promise of deliverance

Titus 3:1-7

He saved us

Luke 19:1-10

Salvation to the house of
Zacchaeus

2

Jeremiah 32:36-41

I will bring them back

Romans 6:9-23

From death to life

Matthew 12:22-28

Satan’s power overthrown

The Season of Lent

Ash Wednesday
The First Day in Lent

Self denial

Sentence

Examine me O God and know my heart, test me and discover my thoughts, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23,24

Collects

Jesus, holy and strong,
by your fasting and temptation teach us self-denial;
control and discipline us,
that we may learn to obey.

Almighty and merciful God,
you hate nothing that you have made
and forgive the sins of all who are penitent;
create in us new and contrite hearts,
so that when we turn to you and confess our sins
we may receive your full and perfect forgiveness;
through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.

God of the desert, as we follow Jesus into the unknown,
may we recognise the tempter when he comes;
let it be your bread we eat,
your world we serve and you alone we worship.

Psalms 51;6

Readings

1

Isaiah 58:1-9a

True fasting

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Discipline of the body

Matthew 16:21-27

Follow me

2

Jonah 3

Acceptable fasting

James 1:19-27

Hearing and doing

Matthew 6:16-24

When you fast

The First Sunday in Lent

Temptation

Sentence

Lord be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning; our salvation in time of distress. Isaiah 33:2

Collects

Hear us, Jesus Christ, when we ask
for help to recognise temptation,
for honesty to face it,
for strength to resist it and the humility to give God the glory.

Almighty God,
your Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness;
give us grace to direct our lives in obedience to your Spirit;
and as you know our weakness
so may we know your power to save;
through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.

God, you know better than we
the temptations that will bring us down.
Grant that our love for you may protect us
from all foolish and corrupting desire.

Psalms 36;39

Readings

1

Ecclesiasticus 2:1-11

All subject to temptation

Or

Job 1:6-22

Job resists temptation

James 1:2-15

Enduring trial

Or

Galatians 6:1-10

Bear each other’s burdens

Matthew 26:36-46

A safeguard against temptation

2

Job 2:1-10

Job put to the test

Romans 7:15-25

The struggle against sin

Luke 4:1-15

The temptation of Jesus

The Second Sunday in Lent

Repentance

Sentence

Rend your hearts and not your garments; turn back to the Lord your God: who is gracious and compassionate, long-suffering and abounding in love. Joel 2:13

Collects

Almighty God,
give your people grace to withstand
the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil,
and with pure hearts and minds to follow you,
the only true God;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

God of the unexpected,
when we come to our senses like the prodigal son,
give us grace to repent and turn to you again;
for where else can we go?

Gentle Father,
show us our sins as they really are
so that we may truly renounce them
and know the depth and richness of your mercy.

Psalms 32;141

Readings

1

Ezekiel 18:20-24

If the wicked turn

1 John 1:5 - 2:2

Self-deceit in sin

Luke 15:11-32

The prodigal son

2

Job 42:1-6

The repentance of Job

Or

Isaiah 59:9-16

We long for God to save us

Acts 2:36-42

Preaching repentance

Matthew 21:23-32

A disobedient son repents

The Third Sunday in Lent

Forgiveness

Sentence

We have rebelled against the Lord our God who still shows mercy and forgiveness. Daniel 9:9

Collects

God of infinite mercy,
grant that we who know your pity
may rejoice in your forgiveness
and gladly forgive others
for the sake of Jesus Christ our Saviour.

God our light,
make your Church like a rainbow
shining and proclaiming to all the world
that the storm is at an end,
there is peace for those who seek it
and love for the forgiving.

Merciful God,
grant to your faithful people pardon and peace;
that we may be cleansed from all our sins
and serve you with a quiet mind;
through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.

Psalms 15;103

Readings

1

Genesis 50:15-21

Joseph forgives his brothers

Colossians 3:12-17

Forgive each other

Matthew 18:21-35

The unmerciful servant

2

Hosea 14:1-7

The healing of Israel

Colossians 2:6-15

Cancelling the bond

Or

1 Timothy 1:12-17

Christ Jesus came
to save sinners

Luke 6:27-38

The forgiving spirit

The Fourth Sunday in Lent

Refreshment

Sentence

They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat upon them, for the One who loves them will lead them and guide them beside the springs of water. Isaiah 49:10

Collects

Heavenly Father,
you see how your children hunger for food,
and fellowship, and faith.
Help us to meet one another’s needs of body, mind and spirit,
in the love of Christ our Saviour.

O God, giver of life and health,
your Son Jesus Christ has called us
to hunger and thirst to see right prevail;
refresh us with your grace
that we may not be weary of well-doing;
for the sake of him who meets all our needs,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.

God of the hungry,
make us hunger and thirst for the right,
till our thirst for justice has been satisfied
and hunger has gone from the earth.

Psalms 23;4

Readings

1

1 Kings 17:1-16

Food from God

Acts 11:19-30

Relief of the hungry

John 6:1-15

Feeding the multitude

2

Isaiah 55:1-7

Buy and eat without money

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

God loves a cheerful giver

John 6:24-35

Bread from heaven

The Fifth Sunday in Lent
Passion Sunday

The Cross

Sentence

Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow. Lamentations 1:12

Collects

Most merciful God,
by the passion of your Son Jesus Christ
you delivered us from the power of darkness;
grant that through faith in him who suffered on the cross
we may be found acceptable in your sight,
through our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Jesus crucified, despised and suffering,
you made yourself one with us.
Help us to follow you and bear the shame.

Jesus, they hung you on a cross
because you love sinners.
Save us from our self-righteousness
and from our contempt for those who differ from us.

Psalms 130;51

Readings

1

Numbers 21:5-9

The healing serpent

Or

Genesis 32:22-32

Jacob wrestles with God

Ephesians 2:11-18

Brought near through the
blood of Christ

John 3:11-21

The Son of man lifted up

2

Lamentations 3:19-33

Suffering in hope

Hebrews 13:7-16

Jesus also suffered

Luke 18:18-34

Going up to Jerusalem

The Sixth Sunday in Lent
Palm Sunday

The Cross

Sentence

Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest! Matthew 21:9

Collects

Jesus, when you rode into Jerusalem
the people waved palms
with shouts of acclamation.
Grant that when the shouting dies
we may still walk beside you even to a cross.

Almighty and everliving God,
in your tender love towards us
you sent your Son to take our nature upon him,
and to suffer death upon the cross;
grant that we may follow the example
of his great humility
and share in his glorious resurrection;
through him who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.

Lord Jesus,
acclaimed as king,
crucified as a criminal,
teach us to accept our sufferings and triumphs
for your glory alone.

The following may also be used every day during Holy Week.

Assist us mercifully, Lord God of our salvation,
to contemplate those mighty acts
by which you have given us life and immortality;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalms 118:19-26;22

Readings

1

Zechariah 9:9-10

Your King comes

Philippians 2:3-11

He emptied himself

Mark 11:1-11

The triumphal entry

Or

Luke 19:28-46

Or one of the accounts of the passion of Christ

Mark 15:1-39; Luke 23:1-49

2

Isaiah 62:6-7,10-12

Your salvation comes

Romans 5:1-11

Christ died for us

Matthew 21:1-13

Blessed is he who comes

Or

John 12:12-19

Or one of the accounts of the passion of Christ

Matthew 27:11-54; John 18:28 - 19:37

Holy Week
Monday in Holy Week

Cleansing of the temple

Sentence

My soul is thirsting for you O God, thirsting for the living God; when shall I come to appear in your presence? Psalm 42:2

Collects

Teach us, Jesus,
how to live and worship
without being worldly or greedy.
Drive from our lives what spoils them
and make us temples of the Spirit.

Jesus, you spoke with passion,
you acted without fear, and we remember.
Help us when we have to speak out,
to speak the truth
and without malice to speak.

Gracious and merciful God,
for our sake your Son became incarnate
and suffered death upon the cross;
purify our hearts and grant us zeal in your service;
through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.

Psalms 54;26

Readings

Isaiah 56:6-8

A house of prayer for
all nations

1 Corinthians 3:10-17

You are God’s temple

Mark 11:15-18

The temple cleansed

Tuesday in Holy Week

Teaching in the temple

Sentence

Listen to me, my people, and give ear to me, my nation; for a law shall go forth from me; and my justice for a light to the peoples. Isaiah 51:4

Collects

When all we are and everything we do
are called into question,
grant us dignity and direction,
grant us patience;
Jesus, be there then.

Gracious and merciful God,
for our sake your Son became incarnate
and suffered death upon the cross;
have mercy on all who have not known you
or who deny the faith of Christ crucified,
and take from us all hardness of heart
and contempt of your word;
for the sake of our Saviour Jesus Christ.

God,
you have made known your love
through Jesus’ life and words.
Help us to receive his teaching,
to find the fulness of that love
and bring its fragrance to others.

Psalms 31;88

Readings

Ezekiel 3:4-11

Rebellious house

Ephesians 4:25 - 5:2

He gave himself up for us

Luke 22:47-53

Daily in the temple

Wednesday in Holy Week

Anointing at Bethany

Sentence

Hear me, you that know what is right, the people in whose heart is my law; fear not those who reproach you, and be not dismayed at their insults. Isaiah 51:7

Collects

Gracious and merciful God,
for our sake your Son became incarnate
and suffered death upon the cross;
give us grace to choose him as master and king
who for us was crowned with thorns
and died in shame,
and now lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.

Jesus the anointed,
teach us to honour those who need our help,
and we shall give without condescension,
and receive with humility.

Jesus,
receive our love and worship.
Show us how to give you what we have,
for nothing is too big or small
for us to offer, or for you to use.

Psalms 43;23

Readings

Isaiah 50:4-9

A sufferer unafraid

2 Corinthians 2:14-17

Fragrance of Christ

Matthew 26:1-15

Anointing for burial

Maundy Thursday

The Last Supper

Sentence

We are to glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to us, and we to the world. Galatians 6:14 (adapted)

Collects

Gracious God,
we praise you for this sacrament,
the gift of your Son to his Church.
As we share this supper together
may we know his strength
and enter the fulness of his life and love.

Infinite, intimate God;
this night you kneel before your friends
and wash our feet.
Bound together in your love,
trembling, we drink your cup
and watch.

Gracious and merciful God,
in a wonderful sacrament you have given us
a memorial of the passion of your Son
Jesus Christ;
grant that we who receive these sacred mysteries
may grow up into him in all things
until we come to your eternal joy;
through our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Everlasting God,
your Son Jesus Christ girded himself with a towel
and washed his disciples’ feet;
grant us the will to be the servant of others
as he was servant of all,
who gave up his life and died for us,
yet lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.

Psalms 56;27

Readings

Exodus 12:1-14

The passover meal

1 Corinthians 11:23-29

The new covenant in my blood

1

Mark 14:12-31

The account of the last supper

Or

Luke 22:7-23

2

John 13:1-35

The account of the last supper

Or

Matthew 26:17-35

Good Friday

The crucifixion

Sentence

O my people, what have I done to you? In what have I wearied you? Answer me! For I redeemed you from the house of bondage, that you may know the saving acts of the Lord. Micah 6:3-5

Collects

Gracious and eternal God,
look with mercy on this your family
for which our Lord Jesus Christ was willing
to be betrayed into the hands of his adversaries
and to suffer death upon the cross;
and grant us to rejoice
in the benefits of his passion;
through him who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.

Lord Jesus Christ,
as we kneel at the foot of your cross,
help us to see and know your love for us,
so that we may place at your feet
all that we have and are.

Lord Jesus Christ,
crucified for us,
we kneel at the foot of your cross to watch with you.
Help us to see the cost of our forgiveness
so that we may be made new through your love.

Almighty and everlasting God,
by your Spirit the whole body of the Church
is governed and sanctified;
hear the prayers we offer
for all your faithful people,
that in the particular ministry
to which you have called us,
we may serve you in holiness and truth;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Crucified saviour, naked God,
you hang disgraced and powerless.
Grieving, we dare to hope,
as we wait at the cross
with your mother and your friend.

God of all the world
whose Son was born a Jew,
have mercy on your ancient people;
on all who have not known you
or deny the faith of Christ crucified.
Fetch us home to your fold
so that we become one flock
under one shepherd,
Jesus Christ our Lord.

Merciful God,
creator of all the peoples of the earth
and lover of every soul;
have compassion on all who do not know you,
let your gospel be preached with grace and power
to those who have not heard it,
turn the hearts of those who oppose it,
and bring home to your fold
all who have gone astray;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalms 22;40

Readings

1

Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12

Wounded for our
transgressions

Hebrews 10:4-18

The true sacrifice

Mark 15:6-41

The crucifixion

Or

Luke 23:13-49

Or the complete account of the passion may be read

Mark 14:32 - 15:41

Or

Luke 22:24 - 23:49

2

Genesis 22:1-18

The offering of Isaac

Hebrews 9:11-15,24-28

Redeemed by his blood

John 19:1-37

The crucifixion

Or

Matthew 27:15-56

Or the complete account of the passion may be read

John 18:1 - 19:37

Or

Matthew 26:36 - 27:56

Holy Saturday
Easter Eve

The grave

Sentence

When we were baptised into Christ Jesus, we were baptised into his death; so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:3,4

Collects

We remember, O God,
the grief of the disciples when Jesus died.
Lead us beyond our fear of death
to the joyful knowledge of eternal life
in him who lives for ever.

Eternal God, give us a sure and certain trust
for those who are with Christ.
When our loved ones come to die,
beyond our sorrow,
grant us confidence and hope.

Grant O God,
that we who are baptised into the death
of your Son Jesus Christ,
may continually die to sin
and be buried with him,
that through the grave and gate of death
we may pass to our joyful resurrection;
for his sake, who died and was buried
and rose again for us,
your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Psalms 30;142

Readings

Job 19:23-27a

Vindication after death

1 Peter 3:18-22

The spirits in prison

1

Mark 15:42-47

The burial of Jesus

Or

Luke 23:50-56

2

John 19:38-42

The burial of Jesus

Or

Matthew 27:57-66

The Season of Easter

Easter Eve

AT THE VIGIL

Collects

Lord of the passover,
you have lit this night with the radiance of Christ;
renew in us our baptism,
and bring us through the Red Sea waters
to the promised land.

Lord God,
you have made this night bright with the radiance of the risen Christ;
may we who have been raised with him in baptism
reflect the light of his glory,
and live with him for ever.

Easter Day

Christ is risen

Sentence

Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Alleluia! Luke 24:34; Revelation 1:6

Collects

Glorious Lord of Life,
we praise you,
that by the mighty resurrection of your Son,
you have delivered us from sin and death
and made your whole creation new;
grant that we who celebrate with joy
Christ’s rising from the dead,
may be raised from the death of sin
to the life of righteousness;
through him who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.

Jesus Christ our Saviour,
you have delivered us
from death and sin.
You have brought with the dawn
a new beginning and an empty tomb;
grant us strength and humility
to enter into life.

Living Christ, you are risen from the dead!
Love reigns!
You are life stronger than death;
raise our eyes to see you
as the new day dawns.

Almighty God,
through your Son Jesus Christ
you overcame death and opened to us
the gate of everlasting life;
grant us so to die daily to sin,
that we may evermore live with him
in the joy of his resurrection;
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit
one God now and for ever.

Psalms 16;113

Readings

1

Exodus 12:21-32

The Passover

Colossians 3:1-10

Risen with Christ

Mark 16:1-8

He is risen

Or

Luke 24:1-12

2

Exodus 14:21-31

Saved from the Egyptians

1 Corinthians 15:12-26

In Christ all made alive

John 20:1-18

He is risen

Or

Matthew28:1-10

Monday in Easter Week

Sentence

Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory? Alleluia. Luke 24:26

Collects
of Easter Day

Psalms 16:8-12;118:19-24

Readings

Deuteronomy 4:32-40

The Lord has done all this

Acts 3:11-16

God raised Jesus from death

John 21:1-14

It is the Lord

Tuesday in Easter Week

Sentence

Jesus showed himself to his disciples and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. Alleluia. Acts 1:3

Collects
of Easter Day

Psalms 33:13-21;105:1-8

Readings

Isaiah 42:8-13

The power of the Lord
revealed

Revelation 1:10-18

Alive for evermore

Mark 16:9-15,20

The risen Lord

The Second Sunday of Easter

Christ our victory

Sentence

Let us give thanks to the Father who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Alleluia! Colossians 1:12

Collects

Eternal Father,
through the resurrection of your Son,
help us to face the future
with courage and assurance,
knowing that nothing in death or life
can ever part us from your love.

Jesus, we believe you; all we heard is true.
You break the bread; we recognise you,
you are the fire that burns within us;
use us to light the world.

Almighty God,
by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ
you have broken the power of death
and brought life and immortality to light;
grant that we who have been raised with him
may triumph over all temptation
and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory;
through him who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.

Psalms 93;57

Readings

1

Zephaniah 3:14-20

Bringing Israel home in victory

1 John 5:1-12

The world overcome

Luke 24:13-35

Journey to Emmaus

2

Isaiah 25:1-8

God will swallow up death

1 Corinthians15:42-58

God gives us the victory

John 20:19-31

The risen Lord

The Third Sunday of Easter

Christ our shepherd

Sentence

In your constant love, O Lord, you have led the people whom you ransomed; you have guided them by your strength to your holy dwelling-place. Exodus 15:13

Collects

Good Shepherd of the sheep,
by whom the lost are sought
and guided into the fold;
feed us and we shall be satisfied,
heal us and we shall be whole,
and lead us that we may be with you,
with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

God of mercy, we are as Peter;
we lose our nerve
and deny you in the time of trial.
Calm our anxiety, heal our cowardice,
take away our shame, and make us free.

God of peace,
by the blood of the eternal covenant
you brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
that great shepherd of the sheep;
make us perfect in every good work,
and work in us that which is pleasing and good;
through Jesus Christ to whom be glory for ever and ever.

Psalms 23;100

Readings

1

Ezekiel 34:11-16

God the shepherd

1 Peter 2:18-25

Our shepherd and guardian

John 10:11-18

The good shepherd

2

Isaiah 40:9-11

He will feed his flock

Hebrews 13:16-21

Pastoral leadership

John 10:1-10e

He calls his own sheep by
name

The Forth Sunday of Easter

Christ our light

Sentence

Shine forth from your throne upon the cherubim; restore us O God; show us the light of your face and we shall be saved. Psalm 80:1,3

Collects

God, you are the first light
cutting through the void.
You are the final light
which we shall enjoy forever.
Help us to welcome the light and walk in it always.

We praise you, God,
that the light of Christ shines in our darkness
and is never overcome;
show us the way we must go to eternal day;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Almighty God,
you show to those who are in error
the light of your truth
that they may return into the way of righteousness;
may we and all who have been admitted
into the fellowship of Christ’s religion
reject those things which are contrary
to our profession
and follow all that is agreeable to it;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalms 27;80

Readings

1

Isaiah 60:18-20

The Lord our light

2 Corinthians 4:1-11

The light of Christ

John 9:1-11

The light of the world

2

Exodus 13:17-18,21-22

A pillar of fire

Ephesians 5:1-16

Christ shall give you light

John 8:12-20

The testimony of the light

The Fifth Sunday of Easter

Christ our prophet

Sentence

Jesus said, If you dwell within the revelation I have brought, you are indeed my disciples; you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31,32

Collects

Eternal God,
your Son Jesus Christ
is the way, the truth and the life for all creation;
grant us grace to walk in his way,
to rejoice in his truth,
and to share his risen life;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.

Word of God,
sharper than a two-edged sword,
penetrate our lives to expose our secrets
and the world’s secret sins;
open us to cleansing and to cure.

Living God,
for whom no door is closed,
no heart is locked,
draw us beyond our doubts,
till we see your Christ
and touch his wounds
where they bleed in others.

Psalms 119:9-16;87

Readings

1

Deuteronomy 18:15-19

A second Moses

Acts 3:17-26

A prophet like Moses

John 9:13-33

He is a prophet

2

Ezekiel 37:1-14

Life out of death

1 John 1:1-7

The life made manifest

Luke 7:11-17

A great prophet has arisen

The Sixth Sunday of Easter

Christ our high priest

Sentence

Without having seen Christ you love him; though you do not now see him you believe in him and rejoice with unutterable and exalted joy. 1 Peter 1:8

Collects

Holy God, you feed us
with earthly and with spiritual food.
Deathless, unalterable, you have chosen us,
sinful as we are,
to hear your word and to proclaim your truth.
Alleluia! Make us salt of the earth;
make us yeast in the loaf.

Almighty God,
your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
ever lives to make intercession for us;
have pity on our weakness,
and in your mercy give us those good things
which we are not worthy to ask,
except through his merits,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.

Christ our great high priest,
you understand our weakness;
you pray for us while we are sinners.
Help us, through you,
to find a new and living way to God.

Psalms 110;99

Readings

1

Genesis 14:14-16,18-20

A priestly king

Hebrews 4:14 - 5:10

A great high priest

John 17:1-19

Christ’s prayer for his disciples

2

Exodus 29:38-46

Sacrifice and priesthood

Hebrews 10:11-25

We have a great priest

John 14:1-14

The way, the truth, and the life

Ascension Day

Christ, risen, ascended, glorified

Sentence

Lift up your heads you gates! Lift yourselves up you everlasting doors! that the King of Glory may come in. Psalm 24:7

Collects

The heavens are open wide
since Jesus our brother, our Redeemer,
has entered through the veil.
We thank you for his new and living way,
by which we join the unnumbered millions
who are with you forever.

Eternal God,
by raising Jesus from the dead
you proclaimed his victory,
and by his ascension
you declared him king.
Lift up our hearts to heaven
that we may live and reign with him.

Eternal and gracious God,
we believe your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
to have ascended with triumph
into your kingdom in heaven;
may we also in heart and mind
ascend to where he is,
and with him continually dwell;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and forever.

Psalms 47;24

Readings

1

Daniel 7:13-14

Dominion and glory and
a kingdom

Ephesians 1:15-23

Seated at God’s right hand

Luke 24:44-53

He parted from them

2

2 Kings 2:1-12a

Elijah taken up into heaven

Acts 1:1-11

The ascension

Matthew 28:16-20

Authority in heaven
and earth

The Sunday after Ascension Day

Christ, sovereign over all

Sentence

Blessing and honour, glory and might, to the one who is seated on the throne and to the lamb for ever and ever! Revelation 5:13

Collects

Eternal God, the king of glory,
you have exalted your only Son
with great triumph to be Lord of all;
leave us not comfortless
but send your Holy Spirit to strengthen us
that we may labour for the coming of your kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Spirit,
one God now and for ever.

Jesus Christ, you left your disciples,
only that you might send the Holy Spirit
to be our advocate.
Grant us the Spirit of truth
to convince the world
that you are risen from the dead.

Eternal God,
you have given your Son authority
in heaven and in earth;
grant that we may never lose
the vision of his kingdom
but serve him with hope and joy.

Psalms 67;72

Readings

1

Ezekiel 43:1-5

The glory of the Lord

Revelation 5

Worthy is the Lamb

Matthew 28:16-20

All authority in heaven and earth

2

Jeremiah 23:5-8

He shall reign as king

Acts 7:52-60

Stephen’s vision

John 17:20-26

To see God’s glory

The Day of Pentecost
Whitsunday

The Spirit poured out

Sentence

The love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:5

Collects

Father,
you have filled your people with the Spirit
who rested first on your Son
and united us in your Church:
open the channels for your Spirit
that we may freely work together,
and your kingdom and your rule increase.

Almighty God,
you kindled this day the light of your Spirit
in the hearts of your faithful people;
may we by the same Spirit
have a right judgment in all things,
and evermore rejoice in your love and power;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.

Living God, eternal Holy Spirit,
let your bright intoxicating energy
which fired those first disciples
fall on us
to turn the world again.

Almighty God,
at the feast of Pentecost
you sent your Holy Spirit to the disciples,
filling them with joy and boldness
to preach the gospel;
send us out in the power of the same Spirit
to witness to your redeeming love
and draw all people to you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.

Psalms 29;48

Readings

1

Joel 2:23-29

The promise

Acts 2:1-12

Pentecost

John 14:15-29

The Paraclete

2

Ezekiel 36:23-28

I will put my Spirit within you

Galatians 5:16-26

The fruit of the Spirit

John 15:26 - 16:11

The Spirit of truth

The Season after Pentecost

(The first to 14th Sundays after Pentecost follow. Jump to the 15th to 27th Sundays starting on Page 624.)


Trinity Sunday
The First Sunday after Pentecost

The holy Trinity

Sentence

You O Lord reign for ever; your throne endures from generation to generation. Lamentations 5:19

Collects

God of unchangeable power,
you have revealed yourself
to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit;
keep us firm in this faith
that we may praise and bless your holy name;
for you are one God now and for ever.

Trinity of love,
maker of man and woman in your image,
help us to accept ourselves as we are,
and to know our need for each other.

Father,
you sent your Son to bring us truth
and your Spirit to make us holy;
open our hearts to exalt you,
open our lives to reveal you,
our one true God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Eternal and glorious God,
you dwell in a high and holy place,
yet draw us near in your beloved Son;
we humble ourselves before you
and pray that we may know your loving presence,
Creator, Redeemer, and Life-giver
our one true God for ever.

Psalms 97; 86

Readings

1

Isaiah 6:1-8

A vision of God

Revelation 4

The throne in heaven

John 16:12-15

Jesus speaks of his Father
and the Spirit

2

Deuteronomy 10:17 - 11:1

God of gods and Lord of lords

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Servants of the living God

John 4:5-26

Worship the Father in spirit
and in truth


The Second Sunday after Pentecost

God’s love for us

Sentence

You, O Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8

Collects

Abba God, we call you Father,
and your care for us
is motherly as well.
Protect our power to love and be loved,
and make us glad to be called your children,
one whānau in Christ.

Loving God,
in Jesus you gather us into your family;
confidently we call you Father;
may your Spirit bring us to share
the glorious liberty of your children.

Almighty God,
you have sent the Spirit of your Son into our hearts
and set us free from bondage to sin;
give us grace to dedicate our freedom to your service,
that we and all people may be brought
to the glorious liberty of the children of God;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalms 113; 92

Readings

1

Jeremiah 31:1-6

God’s constant love

Romans 8:9-17

Abba! Father

Matthew 7:7-14

Giver of all good things

2

Isaiah 45:9-12

The Creator likened to father
and mother

2 Corinthians 1:3-7

The Father of mercies

Matthew 11:25-30

My yoke is easy

The Third Sunday after Pentecost

God our strength and support

Sentence

There is none like the God of the upright, who rides on the heavens to help you and on the clouds in majesty. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.
Deuteronomy 33:26,27 (adapted)

Collects

God our friend, you never change,
you are always here.
When we are lonely or helpless
you watch over us.
Hear us,
be with us, as you were with your Son,
alone on his cross.

Mighty God,
strong, loving and wise,
help us to depend upon your goodness
and to place our trust in your Son.

God of unchangeable power,
our strength at all times;
guard us from all dangers
and support us in all difficulties
that we may live victoriously now and forever;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Psalms 121; 18:1-20

Readings

1

Isaiah 26:1-4,7-9

An everlasting rock

2 Thessalonians 2:13 - 3:5

The Lord is faithful

Matthew 6:25-34

Do not be anxious

2

Deuteronomy 8:11-18

Preservation in the wilderness

1 Peter 5:6-11

Cast all your anxieties on God

Matthew 14:22-36

Where is your faith?


The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

God’s righteousness

Sentence

Give due honour to God’s holy name, bring offerings and enter the courts of the Lord; for you O Lord are coming to judge the earth; with righteousness you will judge the world and the peoples with your truth.
Psalm 96:8,13

Collects

God of all power and might,
the author and giver of all good things,
graft in our hearts the love of your name,
increase in us true religion,
nourish in us all goodness,
and of your great mercy
keep us in the same;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Holy God,
before your face all sin must stand condemned;
help us to know our sins and to repent of them;
so may we find salvation in the cross
and mercy on the day of judgment.

Almighty God, you alone are our true judge,
for you know what we are,
you know what we should be,
and with you there is mercy.
Give us feeling for what is right;
set us on fire to see that right is done,

Psalms 76; 19

Readings

1

Isaiah 32:14-20

Righteousness and justice

Romans 10:1-10

The message of faith

Luke 18:9-14

True righteousness

2

Isaiah 51:4-8

God’s victory will be final

Romans 3:21-26

God’s righteousness shown

John 5:19-29

The judgment of the Son


The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

God’s call to us

Sentence

In Christ we have been given our share in the heritage, as was decreed in God’s design, whose purpose is everywhere at work.
Ephesians 1:11

Collects

Lord of the Church,
you have called us to witness in every nation.
May we do your work and bear your cross,
await your time and see your glory.

Call us to you, Jesus,
like Martha from her kitchen,
like Zacchaeus from the tree,
to hear and to do your will.

Almighty God,
you have called us to serve you,
yet without your grace
we are not able to please you;
mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit
may in all things direct and rule our hearts;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalms 50:1-15; 27

Readings

1

Jeremiah 1:4-10

The prophet’s call

1 Corinthians 1:26 - 2:5

God’s choice

Mark 1:14-22

Calling the apostles

2

Exodus 3:1-12

The call of Moses

2 Timothy 1:8-14

Called with a holy calling

Luke 5:27-35

Calling sinners to repentance


The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

God’s purpose

Sentence

O Lord my strength and my fortress, my refuge in time of distress; to you the nations will come from the ends of the earth, and they will know that your name is the Lord.
Jeremiah 16:19-21 (adapted)

Collects

Almighty and eternal God,
it is your will to bring the whole creation
into unity in Christ;
grant that your Church may faithfully proclaim
the good news
until all people are saved
and the earth is full of your glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Almighty God,
in your Son Jesus Christ
you have created a people for yourself;
make us willing to obey you,
till your purpose is accomplished
and the earth is full of your glory.

Praise to you, God, for all your work among us.
Yours is the vigour in creation,
yours is the impulse in our new discoveries.
Make us adventurous, yet reverent and hopeful
in all we do.

Psalms 67; 119:137-144

Readings

1

Deuteronomy 7:6-11

Holy to the Lord

Ephesians 1:3-14

God’s purpose in Christ

Matthew 5:13-20

The salt of the earth

2

Exodus 20:1-17

The ten commandments

Romans 13:8-10

Love fulfilling the Law

Luke 4:31-43

Sent for this purpose

The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

God’s work

Sentence

As the new heavens and the new earth which I am making shall endure in my sight, so shall your race and your name endure; all people shall come to bow down before me, says the Lord.
Isaiah 66:22,23

Collects

Make us glad, we pray you, gentle God,
to give each other your loving care;
make us happy to receive it.
May there daily grow within us
a generous, trusting spirit.

Merciful God,
you gave your only Son
to be both a sacrifice for sin
and an example of godly life;
help us gladly to receive
all that he has done for us
and follow in his footsteps;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

God, you are working still,
breaking down and building up;
open our eyes to discern your hands
so that we may take our place
as labourers together with you.

Psalms 117; 62

Readings

1

Isaiah 49:1-6

You are my servant

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Paul’s work

Matthew 20:1-16

Workers in the vineyard

2

Ezekiel 2:1-7

A prophet’s task

2 Corinthians 11:21b-29

Labours of an apostle

John 4:27-42

Accomplishing God’s work


The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

The Church, the body of Christ

Sentence

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my saving right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Collects

Creator God,
you have made us
not in one mould, but in many:
so deepen our unity in Christ
that we may rejoice in our diversity.

Almighty and everlasting God,
by your Spirit the whole body of the Church
is governed and sanctified;
hear the prayers we offer
for all your faithful people,
that in the ministry to which you have called us
we may serve you in holiness and truth;
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Christ of the new covenant,
give us the happiness to share,
with full measure, pressed down,
shaken together and running over,
all that you give us.

Psalms 87; 122

Readings

1

Exodus 19:1-6

A kingdom of priests

Romans 12:1-8

One body in Christ

John 15:1-11

The vine and the branches

2

Joshua 24:16-24

The people choose the Lord

1 Peter 2:1-9

A spiritual house

Matthew 16:13-19

I will build my Church


The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

The Holy Bible

Sentence

God chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all creation.

James 1:18

Collects

Almighty God,
your word is a lamp for our feet
and a light upon our path;
grant that by patient study of the Scriptures
we may follow more closely the way
that you set before us;

through Jesus Christ
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.

Lord Jesus,
as we search the Scriptures
patiently and reverently,
may we be led to you
the Word made flesh;
for you have the words of eternal life.

God of the living word,
give us the faith to receive your message,
the wisdom to know what it means,
and the courage to put it into practice.

Psalms 119:105-112; 119:89-96

Readings

1

Joshua 1:6-9

Heeding the book

2 Timothy 3:14 - 4:5

All Scripture inspired by God

Luke 20:27-40

Jesus’ use of Scripture

2

2 Kings 22:3-13

The book of the Law
rediscovered

Romans 15:1-6

Hope from Scripture

Luke 4:16-30

Jesus’ use of Scripture


The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

Holy Baptism

Sentence

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 36:26

Collects

Almighty Father,
grant that we your children
may never be ashamed
to confess the faith of Christ crucified,
but continue his faithful servants
to our lives’ end.

Come Holy Spirit, to all baptised in your name,
that we may turn to good
whatever lies ahead.
Give us passion, give us fire;
make us transform the world from what it is,
to what you have created it to be.

Eternal God,
you have given us one baptism
for the remission of sins;
grant that we who are born of water and the Spirit
and made members of Christ,
may be one in inward faith and outward service;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalms 23; 85

Readings

1

Ezekiel 47:1,2,6-12

Living water

Romans 6:3-14

New life in Christ

John 3:1-13

Born of water and the Spirit

2

Isaiah 44:1-5

Water on the thirsty land

1 Corinthians 12:1-13

Baptised by one Spirit
into one body

Matthew 3:13-17

The baptism of Jesus

The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Holy Communion

Sentence

I would feed you with the finest wheat-flour; and satisfy you with honey from the rock.

Psalm 81:16 (adapted)

Collects

Living host, call us together,
call us to eat and drink with you.
Grant that by your body and your blood
we may be drawn to each other
and to you.

Everloving God,
your Son Jesus Christ
gave himself as living bread
for the life of the world;
give us such a knowledge of his presence
that we may be strengthened
and sustained by his risen life
to serve you continually;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Father,
your Son gave his disciples a sign
by which to remember him
until he comes again;
as bread is broken and wine poured out
may our eyes be opened to know him,
Jesus our Lord.

Psalms 105:1-5, 38-44; 116

Readings

1

Exodus 16:11-18

Bread from heaven

1 Corinthians 10:1-17

Communion in and with Christ

John 6:35-51

The bread of life

2

Exodus 24:3-11

The blood of the covenant

1 Corinthians 11:23-29

The institution of the
Holy Communion

John 6:51-59

The flesh and blood of Christ


The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

Ministry

Sentence

To him who loves us and freed us from our sins with his life’s blood, who made of us a royal house to serve as the priests of his God and Father - to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 1:6

Collects

Almighty God,
by your grace alone
we are accepted and called to your service;
strengthen us by your Holy Spirit
and empower our calling;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Servant God, grant us opportunity,
give us willingness
to serve you day by day;
that what we do
and how we bear each other’s burdens,
may be our sacrifice to you.

Jesus, you took a towel
but Peter would have refused you;
make us eager to honour the ministry of others
and after your example to exercise our own.

Psalms 99; 132

Readings

1

Ezekiel 33:1-6

The watcher

Ephesians 4:1-13

Gifts of ministry

John 21:15-19

Feed my sheep

2

Numbers 11:24-29

Moses’ ministry shared

1 Corinthians 12:14-31a

One body, many parts

Luke 10:1-9

Harvest plentiful,
labourers few


The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

The gift of faith

Sentence

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord. They will be like trees planted by the waterside that do not fear when heat comes, and are not anxious in the year of drought. Jeremiah 17:7,8

Collects

Jesus, you turned death into life,
turned defeat into victory.
Grant that with your help
we may raise our expectations
and achieve what is yet impossible.

God, the strength of all who believe in you,
increase our faith and trust
in your Son Jesus Christ,
that in him we may live victoriously.

God of our forebears,
as your chosen servant Abraham
was given faith to obey your call
and go out into the unknown,
so may your Church be granted such faith
that we may follow you courageously
now and forever;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalms 91; 3

Readings

1

Genesis 12:1-9

Abraham’s faith

Ephesians 2:1-10

Saved by grace though faith

Luke 7:1-10

The centurion’s servant

2

Isaiah 40:25-31

Trust renews strength

Hebrews 11:32 - 12:2

People of faith

Mark 9:14-29

Healing the epileptic child


The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

The gift of hope

Sentence

We have waited eagerly for you O Lord; for you are our help and our shield; our hearts shall rejoice in you, because we have hoped in your holy name. Psalm 33:19,20

Collects

Eternal Father,
your Son Jesus Christ,
now exalted as Lord of all,
pours out his gifts on the Church;
grant us that unity which your Spirit gives,
keep us in the bond of peace,
and bring all creation to worship
before your throne;
for you live and reign
one God for ever and ever.

Almighty God,
give us such a vision of your purpose
and such an assurance of your love and power,
that we may ever hold fast the hope
which is in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Give us courage to hope, and to risk disappointment.
Teach us to pray expectantly,
and when our prayers seem to fail,
bring us to pray again and again;
for you are our God,
who acts and will act again.

Psalms 72; 46

Readings

1

Job 19:21-27a

Job’s hope in God

1 Peter 1:3-9

A living hope

John 11:17-27

Hope even in death

2

Jeremiah 31:15-20

Hope shall be rewarded

Romans 8:14-27

The hope of the creation

Luke 12:22-34

Fear not, little flock

The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

The gift of love

Sentence

I shall live through you O Lord and my children shall serve you; to a people as yet unborn they shall make known the saving deeds you have done. Psalm 22:30,31

Collects

Give us, we pray you, gentle God,
a mind forgetful of past injury,
a will to seek the good of others
and a heart of love.

Grant us, Jesus, that tender, indestructible love
which asks forgiveness for its executioners
and gives hope to the thief on the cross.
Keep us compassionate when the way is hard,
and gentle with those who oppose us.

Lord God,
you have taught us
that anything we do without love is worth nothing,
for whoever lives without love
is counted dead before you;
send your Holy Spirit,
and pour into our hearts
that most excellent gift of love,
the true bond of peace and of all virtues;
grant this for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ.

Psalms 116; 103

Readings

1

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Love the Lord your God

1 John 4:7-21

God is love

Luke 7:36-50

The woman who was a sinner

2

2 Samuel 23:13-17

A precious gift

1 John 3:11-24

The way of love

John 15:9-17

Abiding in love

The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

The gift of wisdom

Sentence

Satisfy us in the morning O Lord with your constant love. Teach us to know how few are our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom. Psalm 90:14,12

Collects

Almighty God,
fount of all wisdom, crown of all knowledge;
give us eyes to see
and minds to understand your marvellous works,
that we may know you through your handiwork
and use your creations to your glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

God of mercy,
you have blessed us beyond our dreams;
you have set before us promises and perils
beyond our understanding;
help us to struggle and pray
that the perils may be averted
and your promises fulfilled.

Save us, Lord,
from the worship of power or science.
Save us from making you in our image,
and keep us humble.

Psalms 111; 18:1-30

Readings

1

Proverbs 3:13-23

The blessings of wisdom

James 3:13-18

The two wisdoms

Matthew 7:21-29

The wise and the foolish
builder

2

Wisdom 9:1-12

A king’s prayer for wisdom

Or

1 Kings 3:4-15a

Colossians 1:24 - 2:7

The riches of assured
understanding

Matthew 25:14-30

The parable of the talents

The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

The fulfilment of life

Sentence

Happy are those whose helper is the God of Jacob; whose hope is in the Lord their God, who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them, who keeps a promise for ever. Psalm 146:5,6

Collects

Eternal God,
light of the minds that know you,
joy of the hearts that love you,
strength of the wills that serve you;
grant us so to know you that we may truly love you,
and so to love you that we may gladly serve you,
now and always.

We pray you, Jesus, take the old water,
our busy, conscientious lives,
and turn them into gospel wine,
that everyone may see your life
and thirst.

Merciful God,
you have prepared for those who love you
such good things as pass our understanding;
pour into our hearts such love towards you
that, loving you above all else,
we may obtain your promises,
which exceed all that we can desire;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalms 84; 20

Readings

1

Isaiah 65:17-25

New heavens and new earth

1 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Perfected at his coming

Matthew 5:1-12

The truly blessed

2

Isaiah 62:1-7

Jerusalem to be transformed

Revelation 21:22 - 22:5

The heavenly city

Mark 10:17-31

One thing necessary

The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Fear of the Lord

Sentence

You O Lord are in your holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before you. Habakkuk 2:20 (adapted)

Collects

Father,
imprint upon our hearts
that because we belong to you
no one can pluck us from your hand,
and because we fear you
we need fear no other.

Holy God, grant us the beginning of wisdom
and love to cast out every fear:
that we may grow more brave,
more ready to hear,
more ready to obey.

Holy God, holy and strong, holy and immortal,
keep us under the protection of your good providence,
and help us continually
to revere and love your holy name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalms 65; 96

Readings

1

Genesis 28:10-17

An awesome place

Hebrews 12:18-29

Worship with reverence
and awe

Mark 4:35-41

They were filled with awe

2

Job 28:20-28

The fear of the Lord is wisdom

1 Peter 1:13-21

Conduct yourselves with fear

Luke 5:1-11

He was astonished

The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Joy in the Lord

Sentence

You O Lord are my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in you and I am helped; therefore my heart dances for joy, and in my song I will praise you. Psalm 28:8

Collects

God of all delight, grant us that joy
which none can take from us,
of having a work to do,
a life to live;
that joy in believing
which will carry us through temptation,
anxiety and grief.

Father,
let us not serve you grudgingly like slaves,
but with the gladness of children
who delight in you
and rejoice in your work.

Almighty God,
for the joy that was set before him
your Son endured the cross,
and by his resurrection turned our sorrow into joy;
help us to rejoice in his power
that we may walk in his way with glad obedience;
through our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Psalms 100; 126

Readings

1

Isaiah 12

Joy in salvation

Hebrews 12:1-11

Joy set before him

John 16:16-24

Sorrow turned into joy

2

Isaiah 61:10-11

I will greatly rejoice

Philippians 4:1-9

Joy and peace

Luke 15:1-10

Joy in heaven

The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

Prayer in the Lord

Sentence

Through the abundance of your steadfast love, I will come into your house, and bow low in reverence toward your holy temple. Psalm 5:7

Collects

Almighty and merciful God,
more ready to hear than we to pray,
giving more than either we desire or deserve;
pour down upon us the abundance of your mercy,
forgive us those things
of which our conscience is afraid,
and give us those good things
which we are not worthy to ask,
except through your Son our Saviour
Jesus Christ.

Come, Holy Spirit, with the new fire;
when our prayer seems to fail,
when we hear no voice nor any answer,
rouse us and light our way.

All-seeing God,
teach us to be open with you about our needs,
to seek your support in our trials,
to admit before you our sins,
and to thank you for all your goodness.

Psalms 42; 121

Readings

1

1 Kings 18:30-39

A prayer of Elijah

Philippians 1:3-11

A prayer of Paul

Luke 11:1-13

Jesus on prayer

2

1 Kings 8:27-30

Solomon’s prayer

Colossians 1:1-14

A prayer of Paul

Matthew 6:5-15

Jesus on prayer

The Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost

Our lives

Sentence

Taste and see how gracious the Lord is; happy are those who find refuge in the Most High. Psalm 34:8

Collects

Holy and eternal God,
give us such trust in your sure purpose,
that we measure our lives
not by what we have done or failed to do,
but by our faithfulness to you.

Almighty God,
you have made us for yourself,
and our hearts are restless
till they find their rest in you;
so lead us by your Spirit
that in this life we may live to your glory
and in the life to come enjoy you for ever;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Your cross, Jesus, remains like a tree on a hill.
You show me where I am,
you take away my fear,
and set me on my course again;
help me to watch for you night and day.

Psalms 139:1-18; 81

Readings

1

Job 29:7-17

A model life

Philippians 3:3-14

Put no confidence in the flesh

Mark 10:35-45

You must be perfect

2

Genesis 13:1-12

A generous offer

Philippians 2:1-13

Do nothing from selfishness

Matthew 5:38-48

True greatness

The Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost

Our homes

Sentence

How good and pleasant a thing it is when God’s people live together in unity. Psalm 133:1

Collects

Gentle God,
grant that at home
where we are most truly ourselves,
where we are known at our best and worst,
we may learn to forgive and be forgiven.

God, the mother and father of us all,
you have created families and love of every kind.
Give us courage to listen to each other and to learn,
and grant us the gentle blessing
which a home can give.

Almighty and everloving God,
your Son Jesus Christ shared at Nazareth
the life of an earthly home;
grant that we and all your children
may live together in peace and joy,
until we come to that eternal home
which you have prepared for those that love you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalms 127; 128

Readings

1

Genesis 45:1-15

Family affection

Titus 2:1-10

An early Christian household

Mark 10:1-16

Marriage and children

Or

Luke 8:40-42,49b-56

Jesus’ compassion for a family

2

Deuteronomy 11:18-21

Family teaching

Ephesians 3:14-21

From the Father every family
is named

Luke 10:38-42

The home of Martha and Mary

The Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost

Our neighbours

Sentence

Arise O Lord God and lift up your hand; do not forget the poor in their need; the poor commit themselves to you; for you are the helper of the orphaned. Psalm 10:13,16

Collects

Almighty God,
you teach us in your word
that love is the fulfiling of the law:
grant that we may love you with all our heart
and our neighbours as ourselves;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Save us, Jesus, from hurrying away,
because we do not wish to help,
because we know not how to help,
because we dare not.
Inspire us to use our lives
serving one another.

Jesus Christ, you have taught us
that what we do to each other, we do to you;
make us quick to help and slow to hurt,
knowing that in our neighbour it is you
who receive our love or our neglect.

Psalms 15; 41

Readings

1

Leviticus 19:9-18

Love of neighbour

1 Corinthians 13

A hymn to love

Luke 10:25-37

Who is my neighbour?

2

Deuteronomy 22:1-4

Neighbourly conduct

1 John 2:1-11

Obedience and love

Luke 14:1-14

Expecting no return

Or

Luke 16:19-31

The rich man and Lazarus

The Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost*

Our country

Sentence

The Lord who dwells on high is exalted, and will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge. Isaiah 33:5,6

Collects

God of nations, help us to reflect and share
the goodness that surrounds us.
Help us to win justice for poor and rich alike,
and bring trust and friendship
to all our different races.

God of all the earth,
you have given us the heritage
of this good and fertile land;
grant that we may so respect and use it
that others may thank us
for what we leave to them.

God of nations,
you have given us a good land for our heritage;
inspire in the people of our country
a love of peace and a zeal for justice,
that we may use our liberty
in accordance with your will;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalms 72:1-14; 149

Readings

1

Deuteronomy 8:6-10

A good land

1 Peter 2:11-17

Respect for authority

Mark 12:13-17

The things of Caesar

2

Isaiah 5:1-7

God’s land is judged

Romans 13:1-7

Authority in the state

Mark 12:1-12

A treacherous nation

* The 24th to 27th Sunday after Pentecost are used each year as required.

The Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Our world

Sentence

From the rising of the sun to its setting my name is great among the nations, and in every place incense is offered to my name, and a pure offering; for my name is great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts. Malachi 1:11

Collects

Almighty God,
govern the hearts and minds of those in authority
and mercifully grant that the peoples of the world,
divided and torn apart by sin,
may be brought together
under the gentle rule of Christ.

Almighty and eternal God,
you have made of one blood all the nations of the earth
and will that they live together
in peace and harmony;
so order the course of this world
that all peoples may be brought together
under Christ’s most gentle rule;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Universal and unchanging God,
we are one, unalterably one,
with all the human race.
Grant that we who share Christ’s blood
may, through your unifying Spirit,
break down the walls that divide us.

Psalms 82; 16

Readings

1

Zechariah 8:20-23

Many nations seek God

Romans 10:9-17

Salvation for all who believe

John 12:20(27)-36

I will draw everyone to myself

2

Isaiah 19:21-25

Egypt and Assyria one
with Israel

Acts 17:22-31

From one,
God made every nation

Matthew 8:5-13

Many will come

The Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Things of eternal worth

Sentence

Your throne O Lord has stood firm from of old; from all eternity you are God. Mightier than the noise of great waters; mightier than the waves of the sea; so the Lord on high is mighty. Psalm 93:3,5

Collects

God, you have given us a lodging in this world
but not an abiding city.
Help us, as a pilgrim people, to endure hardness,
knowing that at the end of our journey
Christ has prepared a place for us.

Eternal God,
protector of all who put their trust in you,
without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy;
fill us with your mercy and your grace
that with you to rule and guide
we may so use the good things of this present life
that we do not neglect things of eternal worth;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Lord,
help us to see:
to see what is eternally good and true,
and having seen, to go on searching
until we come to the joys of heaven.

Psalms 9:1-10; 71

Readings

1

2 Kings 6:8-17

Armies visible and invisible

2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10

Things seen and unseen

Luke 16:1-13

No one can serve two masters

2

Isaiah 55:6-11

God’s ways and ours

Philippians 3:13b-21

Citizenship in heaven

John 15:18-25

Jesus and the world

The Twenty-seventh Sunday after Pentecost

The two ways

Sentence

What does the Lord who has showed you what is good require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Collects

Jesus our guide, we journey in faith to resurrection,
through failure, through success,
through whatever lies ahead;
for you are the way, and life.

Almighty God, you alone can bring order
to our unruly wills and affections;
give us grace to love what you command
and desire what you promise,
that in all the changes and chances
of this uncertain world,
our hearts may surely there be fixed
where true joys are to be found;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

God our ruler and guide,
when we come to the place where the road divides,
keep us true to the way of Christ,
alive to present opportunities,
and confident of eternal life.

Psalms 1; 112

Readings

1

Deuteronomy 30:11-20

Life or death

Philippians 2:12-18

Lights in a dark world

Luke 9:18-27

The way of the cross

2

Proverbs 4:10-19

The way of wisdom

Ephesians 5:15-20

Look carefully how you walk

Matthew 7:13-23

The easy way and the hard

Sunday before Advent

Preparedness

Sentence

But as for me, I keep watch for the Lord; I wait in hope for God my Saviour; my God will hear me. Micah 7:7 (adapted)

Collects

Keep your Church alert, Holy Spirit,
ready to hear when you are calling,
and when you challenge us.
Keep us hopeful, Holy Spirit,
knowing that Christ will come again.

Rouse our spirits, Lord Jesus,
that whenever you come to the door and knock
you may find us awake,
ready to admit and serve you.

Stir up, O Lord,
the wills of your faithful people
that, richly bearing the fruit of good works,
they may by you be richly rewarded;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Psalms 98; 70

Readings

1

Malachi 3:13-18

The Day is coming

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

The coming of the Lord

Luke 12:35-40

Waiting for the master

2

Isaiah 30:8-14

A people unprepared

1 Peter 4:7-19

The end at hand

Matthew 24:32-44

Watch, therefore

A New Zealand Prayer Book | He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa

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