United Benefice of Altham and Clayton-le-Moors

Sixth Sunday of Easter

 

 

This service is live in church, but it will be streamed so if you are unable to attend you can view it online. Now most of the words will also appear when you view the service on line so it will be easier to follow the service.

However, below are the day’s readings as there will not appear on screen.

 

First  Reading: Revelations 21:10, 22 – 22:05

He then carried me away in the Spirit^[a] to a great and high mountain and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, ¹¹ arrayed with God’s glory. Her radiance was like a very precious stone, like a jasper stone, bright as crystal. ¹² The city had a massive high wall, with 12 gates. Twelve angels were at the gates; the names of the 12 tribes of Israel’s sons were inscribed on the gates. ¹³ There were three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west. ¹⁴ The city wall had 12 foundations, and the 12 names of the Lamb’s 12 apostles were on the foundations

 I did not see a sanctuary in it, because the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its sanctuary.

Then he showed me the river^[a] of living water, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb² down the middle of the broad street of the city. The tree of life^[b] was on both sides of the river, bearing 12 kinds of fruit, producing its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree are for healing the nations, ³ and there will no longer be any curse.The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city,^[c] and His slaves will serve Him. ⁴ They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. ⁵ Night will no longer exist,and people will not need lamplight or sunlight, because the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever.

 

Second Reading John 14: 23 – 29

Jesus answered, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. ²⁴ The one who doesn’t love Me will not keep My words. The word that you hear is not Mine but is from the Father who sent Me.

²⁵ “I have spoken these things to you while I remain with you.²⁶ But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit—the Father will send Him in My name—will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.

²⁷ “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful. ²⁸ You have heard Me tell you, ‘I am going away and I am coming to you.’ If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. ²⁹ I have told you now before it happens so that when it does happen you may believe.

 

Intercessions

Faithful and loving God, as a shepherd cares for his sheep, so you love and care for us. We come to this house of prayer to sing your praises, to hear your holy word spoken and to ask for your forgiveness of our sins. Fill our hearts with your gracious love, that our lives may tell of your glory in Jesus Christ our risen Lord.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

 

We pray for our church and all who serve in its daily life of ministry; we think of Toby and Claire, and of Victor as he prepares to join us in the summer. We give thanks for those who serve on the PCC and remembering our Church Wardens Linda and David.

Loving God, as a mother embraces her children, you draw us into your fold of love. As the Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, you hold all creation in your ever-loving arms. Fill our hearts with love for you, that loving you we may serve you.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

We pray for the ongoing situation in the Ukraine. Lord Jesus Christ you gave yourself through death on the cross for our salvation, raise all who have fallen through violence and warfare. Give to the grieving hearts the comfort of your love; heel the divisions that divide and destroy and grant piece to build anew.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

We are now in the throes of parties to celebrate the Queens Platinum Jubilee – 70 years of loving service; I, myself, have been to three parties this week! King of Kings and Lord of Lords hear our prayers for Elizabeth our queen and all who serve in the government of this country. Bless her in those she meets, and the authority committed to her charge. May she be an instrument of your peace and justice and a beacon of ‘hope’ to the world; through Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

We bring into your holy presence any known to us who are ill and just name them before you in the quietness of our hearts. Grant that doctors and nurses can soon make them well, and may they know your loving presence is with them.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

We pray for those whose life is saddened by the death of a relative or friend; Lord be with them in their time of loss and may they have peace in their hearts through knowing a loving Saviour, Jesus Christ Our Lord.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

 

Sanctify O Lord our hearts and minds and inspire our praise, as we celebrate this sacrament of your loving presence among us, that we may be transformed in your heavenly Glory.

Merciful father….

Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.