Worshipping at Home 24th July 2022
Home Worshipping 

Trinity 6 - 24th July 2022 

The First Hymn
Welcome!

Have you ever been in a place that feels sacred? It might be a large cathedral, a small chapel, a hilltop or a garden. Our senses become alert to an atmosphere that is strangely other-worldly. One of the feelings we experience in a sacred place is that of not being alone. There is a mystical presence. We acknowledge this in our acts of worship when we say: The Lord is here. His spirit is with us.


Psalm 24
The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers. Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully. They will receive blessing from the Lord, and vindication from the God of their salvation. Such is the company of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. 

Acclamation

The love of God
has been poured into our hearts
through the Holy Spirit 
who has been given to us.
We dwell in him and he in us.
Give thanks to the Lord 
and call upon his name.
Make known his deeds 
amongst the peoples.

The Collect Prayer

Merciful God, 
you have prepared for those who love you 
such good things as pass our understanding: 
pour into our hearts such love toward you 
that we, loving you in all things and above all things, 
may obtain your promises, 
which exceed all that we can desire; 
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, 
who is alive and reigns with you, 
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sharing the Peace

We are the Family of God;
In the one Spirit we were all baptised
into one body.
Let us then pursue all that makes for peace
and builds up our common life.

(At this point please think of others
and in your heart send them
the message: Peace be with you.)

Bible Reading

Luke 11: 1-13 (Jesus’ teaching on prayer.)

 

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’


He said to them, ‘When you pray, say: ‘“Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.”’


Then Jesus said to them, ‘Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, “Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.” And suppose the one inside answers, “Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.” I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.

‘So I say to you: ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.


‘Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’

Thought for the Day

We teach it to our children, we repeat it throughout our lives, and most probably it will be said at our funeral – the Lord’s Prayer is a universal source of inspiration and comfort. I have been in international gatherings where this prayer has been recited simultaneously in many languages. I do, however, wish that I had heard it the way Jesus first delivered it. For most of my life I have imagined a pastoral scene in which Jesus teaches his disciples the Lord’s Prayer in a deep and comforting tone. Whichever way we read, or hear, it, it has to reflect Jesus’ character and core teaching. 

This makes me wonder whether I have been too soft in my understanding of this prayer. 
A strong theme throughout Jesus’ ministry was his confrontation with those who abused their power, whether in the home, community, palace or temple. Anticipating his work, Mary sang ‘He has brought down the mighty from their seats, and has lifted up the lowly’. 

In the Lord’s Prayer Jesus calls God ‘Our Father’, reminding every household that God’s rules should be our house rules. Jesus looks to God for our daily bread, challenging the Roman Governor who used the distribution of bread as a means to winning over the restless poor. Jesus opens up the possibility of being forgiven based on the way we treat others rather than relying on religious ritual. The Lord’s Prayer is heart-warming in its familiarity, but it is also radical. It is humbling as well as uplifting; it is challenging as well as comforting; it has an urgency about it; it slows us down, as well as inspiring us to action. Thank you, Jesus. What a perfect prayer!

Let us Pray

Father in heaven, in your goodness you pour out on your people all that they need, and satisfy those who are faithful in prayer. Make us bold in asking, thankful in receiving, tireless in seeking, and joyful in finding, that we may always proclaim your coming kingdom and do your will on earth as in heaven. Amen.

In our prayers, Lord, we remember the needs of family and friends, as well as the need of strangers…who are also our brothers and sisters. We pray that strengthened and equipped by the Holy Spirit we may be channels of generous care towards others. Lord God, may we so love you in word and action that your Kingdom may advance on earth and bring glory to your name. Amen. 

(Based on the prayer of Teresa of Avila) Lord God, help us not to be disturbed or frightened – to remember that everything passes, but God stays, and the one who patiently waits upon God, lacks nothing. Help us, Lord, to know that you, alone, are enough. Lord God, we lift our thinking, raise it up to heaven; as we wait upon you, may nothing anguish us or disturb. You, Lord, are enough – all that we need and desire. Amen.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

(Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.)
The Blessing

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always.

Amen.

 The Second Hymn

If you have any thoughts, questions or concerns, please contact us

Henley in Arden The incumbent/priest in charge John Ganjavi
telephone 01564 792570 or email Incumbent / Priest in charge

For a full list of church contact details please click here
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I believe if you keep your faith, you keep your trust, you keep the right attitude, if you're grateful, you'll see God open up new doors.
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