In the liturgical calendar of the Anglican Church of Canada the Feast of Michael and All Angels takes precedence over the Ordinary Sunday after Pentecost.

Proper Prayers for Michael & All Angels

The Book of Alternative Services

Genesis 28.10-17; Psalm 103.19-22; Revelation 12.7-12; John 1.47-51

Evangelical Lutheran Worship

Daniel 10.10-14; 12.1-3; Psalm 103.1-5, 20-22 (NRSV); Revelation 12.7-12; Luke 10.17-20

Collect of the Day

Eternal God, you have ordained and constituted in a wonderful order the ministries of angels and mortals.  Grant that as your holy angels stand before you in heaven, so at your command they may help and defend us here on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.  [1]

or

O God, rich in mercy, you look with compassion on this troubled world.  Feed us with your grace, and grant us the treasure that comes only form you, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [2]

or

God of Jacob, in whose grace heaven is moved to touch the earth:  give us courage to name the powers that war against your compassion for all creation and to carry your message of peace that looses the shackles of our dreams; through Jesus Christ, who defeated death for ever.  Amen.  [3]

or

God who created all things, seen and unseen, make us messengers of your compassion, so that with Michael and the hosts of heaven we may end ancient conflicts and pave the way for justice, kindness and humility; through Christ, the firstborn of creation.  Amen.   [3]

Prayer over the Gifts

God of glory, as you have appointed angels to minister in your presence, so may all our worship bring you worthy praise.  We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord..  Amen.  [1]

or

Holy God, gracious and merciful, you bring forth food from the earth and nourish your whole creation.  Turn our hearts toward those who hunger in any way, so that all may know your care; and prepare us now to feast on the bread of life, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

God of all creation, all you have made is good, and your love endures forever.  You bring forth bread from the earth and fruit from the vine.  Nourish us with these gifts, so that we might for the world signs of your gracious presence in Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

Blessed are you, O God, maker of all things.  Through your goodness you have blessed us with these gifts:  our selves, our time and our possessions.  Use us, and what we have gathered, in feeding the world with your love, through the one who gave himself for us, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

God of mercy and grace, the eyes of all wait upon you,  and you open your hand in blessing.  Fill us with good things at your table, so that we may come to the help of all in need, through Jesus Christ, our redeemer and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

Merciful God, as grains of wheat scattered upon the hills were gathered together to become one bread, so let your church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into your kingdom, for yours is the glory through Jesus Christ, now and for ever.  Amen.  [3]

Preface

Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; we give you thanks and praise, because, in the mystery you disclose to us, you reveal your glory as the glory of your Son and the Holy Spirit:  three persons equal in majesty, undivided in splendour, yet one Lord, one God, ever to be adored in your everlasting glory.  Therefore with all the company of heaven we raise our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.  [1]

or

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Saviour Jesus Christ; who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.  And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn. [2a]

Prayer after Communion

Eternal God, you have fed us with the bread of angels.  May we who come under their protection, like them give you continual service and praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [1]

or

We give you thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us through the healing power of this gift of life.  In your mercy, strengthen us through this gift, in faith toward you and in fervent love toward one another; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

O God, we give you thanks that you have set before us this feast, the body and blood of your Son.  By your Spirit strengthen us to serve all in need and to give ourselves away as bread for the hungry, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

God of abundance, with this bread of life and cup of salvation you have united us with Christ, making us one with all your people.  Now send us forth in the power of your Spirit, so that we may proclaim your redeeming love to the world and continue forever in the risen life of Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

Gracious God, in this meal you have drawn us to your heart, and nourished us at your table with food and drink, the body and blood of Christ.  Now send us forth to be your people in the world, and to proclaim your truth this day and evermore, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

O God, our life, our strength, our food, we give you thanks for sustaining us with the body and blood of your Son.  By your Holy Spirit, enliven us to be his body in the world, so that more and more we will give you praise and serve your earth and its many peoples, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

Notes

[1]       The Book of Alternative Services 1985

[2]       Evangelical Lutheran Worship 2006

[2a]      Evangelical Lutheran Worship:  Leaders Desk Edition 2006

[3]       Alternative Collects for Years A, B & C of the RCL and Seasonal Prayers over the Gifts and after Communion 2019

[4]       Opening Prayers:  Collects in Contemporary Language 1997

[5]       Prayers for an Inclusive Church 2009

[6]       Revised Common Lectionary Prayers 2002

N.B.  Text in italics are possible alternatives suggested by the Ven. Richard Geoffrey Leggett, Ph.D.

Proper Prayers for Pentecost 16 (RCL Proper 26C, 29 September 2019)

In the Anglican Church of Canada the feast of Saint Michael and All Angels takes precedence over the Ordinary Sunday.  However, for those traditions that will not be keeping the Feast, here are my suggested proper prayers.

Proper Prayers for RCL Proper 26C

RCL Complementary Series

Amos 6.1a, 4-7; Psalm 146; 1 Timothy 6.6-19; Luke 16.91-31

RCL Semi-continuous Series

Jeremiah 32.1-3a, 6-15; Psalm 91.1-6, 14-16 (BAS & NRSV); 1 Timothy 6.6-19; Luke 16.91-31

Collect of the Day

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered by your Holy Spirit into one, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.  [1]

or

O God, rich in mercy, you look with compassion on this troubled world.  Feed us with your grace, and grant us the treasure that comes only form you, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [2]

or

God of Abraham, Moses and the prophets, your covenant binds us as sisters and brothers:  help us to overcome the scandal of poverty and the chasm of indifference, so that we may recognize you in the wounded poor; through Jesus Christ, the Builder of Bridges.  Amen.  [3]

or

Holy God, you reach out in love through Jesus Christ to save us.  Unchain us from our desire for wealth and power, so that we may release others from prisons of poverty, hunger and oppression.  Amen.  [3]

or

O God of justice, hear our cry and save us.  Make us heed your word to the prophets; rouse us to the demand of the gospel and impel us to carry it out.  We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.  Amen.  [4]

or

God Eternal, you inspired Jeremiah to buy a piece of land when no one could see a future in it  Grant us such commitment to the future of your people, that you will always have workers for your vineyard and harvesters for your fields; through Jesus the Christ.  Amen.  [6]

Prayer over the Gifts

Eternal God, in Jesus Christ we behold your glory.  Receive the offering of your people gathered before you, and open our hearts and mouths to praise your great salvation, the same Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [1]

or

Holy God, gracious and merciful, you bring forth food from the earth and nourish your whole creation.  Turn our hearts toward those who hunger in any way, so that all may know your care; and prepare us now to feast on the bread of life, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

God of all creation, all you have made is good, and your love endures forever.  You bring forth bread from the earth and fruit from the vine.  Nourish us with these gifts, so that we might for the world signs of your gracious presence in Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

Blessed are you, O God, maker of all things.  Through your goodness you have blessed us with these gifts:  our selves, our time and our possessions.  Use us, and what we have gathered, in feeding the world with your love, through the one who gave himself for us, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

God of mercy and grace, the eyes of all wait upon you,  and you open your hand in blessing.  Fill us with good things at your table, so that we may come to the help of all in need, through Jesus Christ, our redeemer and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

Merciful God, as grains of wheat scattered upon the hills were gathered together to become one bread, so let your church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into your kingdom, for yours is the glory through Jesus Christ, now and for ever.  Amen.  [3]

Preface

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Saviour Jesus Christ; who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.  And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn. [2a]

or

Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; you are the source of light and life for all your creation, you made us in your own image, and call us to new life in Jesus Christ our Saviour.  Therefore we praise you, joining our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.  [1]

or

Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; we give you thanks and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord, who on this first day of the week overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.  In our unending joy we echo on earth the song of the angels in heaven as we raise our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.  [1]

or

Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; by water and the Holy Spirit you have made us a holy people in Jesus Christ our Lord; you renew that mystery in bread and wine and nourish us, to show forth your glory in all the world.  Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the holy people who have served you in every age, we raise our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.  [1]

Prayer after Communion

Father in heaven/Creator of all, strengthen the unity of your Church, so that we who have been fed with holy things may fulfil your will in the world.  We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord..  Amen.  [1]

or

We give you thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us through the healing power of this gift of life.  In your mercy, strengthen us through this gift, in faith toward you and in fervent love toward one another; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

O God, we give you thanks that you have set before us this feast, the body and blood of your Son.  By your Spirit strengthen us to serve all in need and to give ourselves away as bread for the hungry, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

God of abundance, with this bread of life and cup of salvation you have united us with Christ, making us one with all your people.  Now send us forth in the power of your Spirit, so that we may proclaim your redeeming love to the world and continue forever in the risen life of Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

Gracious God, in this meal you have drawn us to your heart, and nourished us at your table with food and drink, the body and blood of Christ.  Now send us forth to be your people in the world, and to proclaim your truth this day and evermore, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

O God, our life, our strength, our food, we give you thanks for sustaining us with the body and blood of your Son.  By your Holy Spirit, enliven us to be his body in the world, so that more and more we will give you praise and serve your earth and its many peoples, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

Notes

[1]       The Book of Alternative Services 1985

[2]       Evangelical Lutheran Worship 2006

[2a]      Evangelical Lutheran Worship:  Leaders Desk Edition 2006

[3]       Alternative Collects for Years A, B & C of the RCL and Seasonal Prayers over the Gifts and after Communion 2019

[4]       Opening Prayers:  Collects in Contemporary Language 1997

[5]       Prayers for an Inclusive Church 2009

[6]       Revised Common Lectionary Prayers 2002

N.B.  Text in italics are possible alternatives suggested by the Ven. Richard Geoffrey Leggett, Ph.D.

Proper Prayers for Pentecost 15 (RCL Proper 25C, 22 September 2019)

Proper Prayers for RCL Proper 25C

RCL Complementary Series

Amos 8.4-7; Psalm 113; 1 Timothy 2.1-7; Luke 16.1-13

RCL Semi-continuous Series

Jeremiah 8.18-9.1; Psalm 79.1-9 (NRSV & BAS); 1 Timothy 2.1-7; Luke 16.1-13

Collect of the Day

Almighty God, you have created the heavens and the earth, and ourselves in your image. Teach us to discern your hand in all your works and to serve you with reverence and thanksgiving; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.  [1]

or

God among us, we gather in the name of your Son to learn love for one another.  Keep our feet from evil paths.  Turn our minds to your wisdom and our hearts to the grace revealed in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [2]

or

O God, you are rich in love for your people: show us the treasure that endures and, when we are tempted by greed, call us back into your service and entrust us with the wealth that never fails.  We ask this through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen.

or

O God, anoint us with the healing Spirit of consolation and joy, so that we may rejoice in the richness of your love and be faithful stewards of your many gifts.  Amen.

or

God our Saviour, you call us into your service.  Make us wise and resourceful:  children of the light who continue your work in this world with untiring concern for integrity and justice.  We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.  Amen. [4]

or

God of unexpected judgement, finding grace in the devious and compromised:  free us from the certainty of having you in our grip that a better wealth may flow through our open hands; through Jesus Christ, the Currency of Life.  Amen.  [5]

Prayer over the Gifts

God of power, the glory of your works fills us with wonder and awe.  Accept our offering this day, and help us to live in peace and harmony with all your creation, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [1]

or

Holy God, gracious and merciful, you bring forth food from the earth and nourish your whole creation.  Turn our hearts toward those who hunger in any way, so that all may know your care; and prepare us now to feast on the bread of life, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

God of all creation, all you have made is good, and your love endures forever.  You bring forth bread from the earth and fruit from the vine.  Nourish us with these gifts, so that we might for the world signs of your gracious presence in Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

Blessed are you, O God, maker of all things.  Through your goodness you have blessed us with these gifts:  our selves, our time and our possessions.  Use us, and what we have gathered, in feeding the world with your love, through the one who gave himself for us, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

God of mercy and grace, the eyes of all wait upon you,  and you open your hand in blessing.  Fill us with good things at your table, so that we may come to the help of all in need, through Jesus Christ, our redeemer and Lord.  Amen. [3]

or

Merciful God, as grains of wheat scattered upon the hills were gathered together to become one bread, so let your church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into your kingdom, for yours is the glory through Jesus Christ, now and for ever.  Amen. [3]

Preface

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Saviour Jesus Christ; who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.  And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn. [2a]

or

Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; you are the source of light and life for all your creation, you made us in your own image, and call us to new life in Jesus Christ our Saviour.  Therefore we praise you, joining our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.  [1]

or

Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; we give you thanks and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord, who on this first day of the week overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.  In our unending joy we echo on earth the song of the angels in heaven as we raise our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.  [1]

or

Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; by water and the Holy Spirit you have made us a holy people in Jesus Christ our Lord; you renew that mystery in bread and wine and nourish us, to show forth your glory in all the world. Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the holy people who have served you in every age, we raise our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.  [1]

Prayer after Communion

Ruler of the universe, all creation yearns for its fulfilment in your Son.  May we who have shared in holy things grow into maturity in him.  This we ask in the name of the same Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [1]

or

We give you thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us through the healing power of this gift of life.  In your mercy, strengthen us through this gift, in faith toward you and in fervent love toward one another; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. [3]

or

O God, we give you thanks that you have set before us this feast, the body and blood of your Son.  By your Spirit strengthen us to serve all in need and to give ourselves away as bread for the hungry, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

God of abundance, with this bread of life and cup of salvation you have united us with Christ, making us one with all your people.  Now send us forth in the power of your Spirit, so that we may proclaim your redeeming love to the world and continue forever in the risen life of Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

Gracious God, in this meal you have drawn us to your heart, and nourished us at your table with food and drink, the body and blood of Christ.  Now send us forth to be your people in the world, and to proclaim your truth this day and evermore, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

O God, our life, our strength, our food, we give you thanks for sustaining us with the body and blood of your Son.  By your Holy Spirit, enliven us to be his body in the world, so that more and more we will giveyou praise and serve your earth and its many peoples, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

Notes

[1]       The Book of Alternative Services1985

[2]       Evangelical Lutheran Worship2006

[2a]      Evangelical Lutheran Worship:  Leaders Desk Edition2006

[3]       Alternative Collects for Years A, B & C of the RCL and Seasonal Prayers over the Gifts and after Communion2019

[4]       Opening Prayers:  Collects in Contemporary Language1997

[5]       Prayers for an Inclusive Church2009

[6]       Revised Common Lectionary Prayers2002

N.B. Text in italics are possible alternatives suggested by the Ven. Richard Geoffrey Leggett, Ph.D.

The World Right Side Round

A World Right Side Round

Reflections on Luke 15.1-10

RCL Proper 24C

15 September 2019

Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral

New Westminster BC

Click here to listen to the Sermon as preached at the 10.00 Eucharist on Sunday the 15th.

Luke 15.1-10

            ^15.1Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to [Jesus].  ²And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

            ³So he told them this parable:  ⁴“Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it?  ⁵When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices.  ⁶And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’  ⁷Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

            ⁸“Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?  ⁹When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbours, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’  ¹⁰Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Sometimes the needs of the few outweigh the needs of the many.

            I have been a Star Trekfan ever since the days of the original television program in the turbulent days of the mid-1960’s.  Star Trekdid more than entertain us.  The show’s writers dared to take on race relations, the nuclear arms race and even explore the light and the shadow that lies within each and every human being.

            When the first Star Trekmovies appears a decade or so after the last television episode, many of my contemporaries rejoiced to renew our youth.  At the end of the second film, The Wrath of Khan, Spock sacrifices his life to save the crew of the Enterprise. As he is dying, he tells his friend, Captain Kirk, that ‘the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few’.

            The next two films revolve around the story of how Kirk and his loyal crew sacrifice their futures to find and save Spock when it appears that he has been resurrected from the dead.  When, in the fourth film, Spock asks Kirk why they have done this, Kirk says to him, ‘Sometimes the needs of the one outweigh the needs of the many.’

There must be another way.

            Now I have no reason to believe that the writers of these movies had today’s gospel in mind, although there were and are many people of faith within the science fiction community.  But here we have it, the reversal of the utilitarian concept that has flourished within human society for millennia and within Western culture since the Industrial Revolution.  We tend to think and to act on the principle that the needs of the majority trump the needs of a minority or minorities.

            It’s true that in liberal democracies such as ours we do our best to protect the rights of minorities and individuals.  But if we are honest with ourselves, there are moments when we lose our patience and think to ourselves, ‘Oh, just get over it and get with the program.’

            When a criminal is released because of some procedural error, I know that I groan a bit.  When the rights of a trans-national corporation to make a profit and impose economic hardships on local working people are defended by courts and governments, I cringe and lament.  When communities and families are drawn into conflict over pipelines, indigenous rights and the national interest, my mind shuts down in frustration over what has become a ‘zero sum’ game where there are only winners and losers.  There must be another way.

God’s long-term plan leaves no one behind.

            As I read our first reading from Exodus, I could understand God’s point of view as well as the view of the People of Israel.  God has brought this people of little political significance from out the grasp of the most powerful nation in the region.  God has sent plagues, drowned armies and provided food and water through extraordinary means.  God is about to make an eternal covenant with them and they are busy making for themselves an idol.  No wonder God wants to start over.

            The people have been wandering through the desert for what seems to them to be a long time.  Even miraculous food and water grow a bit tiresome when they’re the only things on the menu.  If the God of Moses can’t do better than this for them, then perhaps one of the old gods will take up the slack.

            Before God can act, Moses steps in.  He reminds God that God is playing the long game and there will surely be a few hiccups along the way.  After all that God has done, perhaps there is some other way to move forward without destroying the whole people.  I hear Moses saying, ‘True, they’ve been foolish, but let’s not lose sight of what you’re trying to accomplish.  The needs of the plan can surely outweigh the indiscretions of a tired people.’

            Jesus is also playing the long game.  Common sense would tell us that spending our efforts on trying to recover small losses isn’t a good use of resources.  But in the long game that is the coming of God’s reign of justice and peace, there are no expendable people, no redundant people, no one to be left behind. Even Jesus’ critics are worth some time in the hopes that they will come around to what God is doing in the ministry of Jesus.

            In the long game that God has invited us to play, we regularly face decisions about balancing the needs of the many and the needs of the few --- even the needs of the one.  If we lose sight of the truth that we are in this for the long haul, then we can lose patience, compassion and even hope, and enter into a 50% plus one, winner take all, frame of mind.  I dare say that it’s a soul-destroying, life-draining way to look at the world. There is another way.

The world right side round.

            I believe that the gospel describes the world as God intends it as a community in which the needs of the few --- even the needs of the one --- cannot be sacrificed on an altar of expediency.  As the Apostle Paul writes elsewhere, the body cannot be whole if any part suffers.  We are mutually interdependent upon one another and all of us, regardless of what we believe, where we live, what language we speak, what culture nourishes us, need to remember this strand of DNA embedded in the hearts, minds and souls of all God’s children.

            In the election campaign that is now upon us, we shall hear the leaders of our political parties make promises and propose policies that they believe will speak to the majority of Canadians.  As disciples of Christ we are called to listen closely to how our leaders speak about silent and sometimes invisible minorities --- if they speak of them at all.  And if our leaders are silent, we dare not remain so ourselves.  In the long game we are playing with and for God, no one is expendable.  To many of our neighbours this may seem like a world turned upside down.  But to God and to those who seek to be faithful to the covenants made with our ancestors, both Jew and Christian, it is the world the right side round.

Proper Prayers for the 14th Sunday after Pentecost (RCL Proper 24C, 15 September 2019)

Proper Prayers for RCL Proper 24C

RCL Complementary Series

Exodus 32.7-14; Psalm 51.1-10 (BAS 51.1-11); 1 Timothy 1.12-17; Luke 15.1-10

RCL Semi-continuous Series

Jeremiah 4.11-12, 22-28; Psalm 14; 1 Timothy 1.12-17; Luke 15.1-10

Collect of the Day

Almighty God, you call your Church to witness that in Christ we are reconciled to you.  Help us so to proclaim the good news of your love, that all who hear it may turn to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.  [1]

or

O God, overflowing with mercy and compassion, you lead back to yourself all those who go astray.  Preserve your people in your loving care, that/so that we may reject whatever is contrary to you and may follow all things that sustain our life in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen. [2]

or

God of the dirtied hands, the wandering feet:  you seek out the lost before they ever turn to you.  Take us with you into the abandoned places to find a new community outside our fortress walls; through Jesus Christ, the Searching One.  Amen. [3]

or

Merciful God, you seek us in the hidden places of our ignorance and in the forgotten corners of our despair.  Gather us into your loving embrace, and pour upon us your wise and holy Spirit, so that we may become faithful servants in whom you rejoice with all the company of heaven.  Amen.  [3]

or

Undaunted you seek the lost, O God, exultant you bring home the found.  Touch our hearts with grateful wonder at the tenderness of your forbearing love.  Grant us delight in the mercy that has found us and bring all to rejoice at the feast of forgiveness.  We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.  Amen.  [4]

or

Persistently forgiving God, we are a stiff-necked and stubborn people who try your patience; yet, instead of giving us up for lost, you seek us out until we return to you.  Break our willfulness and bring us back from our wanderings; bend our pride and create in us pure and faithful hearts, which rejoice in your forgiveness made known through Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray.  Amen.  [6]

Prayer over the Gifts

Holy God, accept all we offer you this day.  May we who are reconciled at this table bring wholeness to our broken world. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.  Amen.  [1]

or

Holy God, gracious and merciful, you bring forth food from the earth and nourish your whole creation.  Turn our hearts toward those who hunger in any way, so that all may know your care; and prepare us now to feast on the bread of life, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

God of all creation, all you have made is good, and your love endures forever.  You bring forth bread from the earth and fruit from the vine.  Nourish us with these gifts, so that we might for the world signs of your gracious presence in Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

Blessed are you, O God, maker of all things.  Through your goodness you have blessed us with these gifts:  our selves, our time and our possessions.  Use us, and what we have gathered, in feeding the world with your love, through the one who gave himself for us, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

God of mercy and grace, the eyes of all wait upon you,  and you open your hand in blessing.  Fill us with good things at your table, so that we may come to the help of all in need, through Jesus Christ, our redeemer and Lord.  Amen. [3]

or

Merciful God, as grains of wheat scattered upon the hills were gathered together to become one bread, so let your church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into your kingdom, for yours is the glory through Jesus Christ, now and for ever.  Amen.  [3]

Preface

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Saviour Jesus Christ; who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.  And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn. [2a]

or

Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; you are the source of light and life for all your creation, you made us in your own image, and call us to new life in Jesus Christ our Saviour.  Therefore we praise you, joining our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.  [1]

or

Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; we give you thanks and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord, who on this first day of the week overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.  In our unending joy we echo on earth the song of the angels in heaven as we raise our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.  [1]

or

Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; by water and the Holy Spirit you have made us a holy people in Jesus Christ our Lord; you renew that mystery in bread and wine and nourish us, to show forth your glory in all the world. Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the holy people who have served you in every age, we raise our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.  [1]

Prayer after Communion

God of peace, in this eucharist we have been reconciled to you and to our neighbours. May we who have been nourished by holy things always have the courage to forgive.  We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.  Amen. [1]

or

We give you thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us through the healing power of this gift of life.  In your mercy, strengthen us through this gift, in faith toward you and in fervent love toward one another; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. [3]

or

O God, we give you thanks that you have set before us this feast, the body and blood of your Son.  By your Spirit strengthen us to serve all in need and to give ourselves away as bread for the hungry, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

God of abundance, with this bread of life and cup of salvation you have united us with Christ, making us one with all your people.  Now send us forth in the power of your Spirit, so that we may proclaim your redeeming love to the world and continue forever in the risen life of Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

Gracious God, in this meal you have drawn us to your heart, and nourished us at your table with food and drink, the body and blood of Christ.  Now send us forth to be your people in the world, and to proclaim your truth this day and evermore, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

O God, our life, our strength, our food, we give you thanks for sustaining us with the body and blood of your Son.  By your Holy Spirit, enliven us to be his body in the world, so that more and more we will giveyou praise and serve your earth and its many peoples, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.  Amen.  [3]

Notes

[1]       The Book of Alternative Services 1985

[2]       Evangelical Lutheran Worship 2006

[2a]      Evangelical Lutheran Worship:  Leaders Desk Edition 2006

[3]       Alternative Collects for Years A, B & C of the RCL and Seasonal Prayers over the Gifts and after Communion 2019

[4]       Opening Prayers:  Collects in Contemporary Language 1997

[5]       Prayers for an Inclusive Church 2009

[6]       Revised Common Lectionary Prayers 2002

N.B. Text in italics are possible alternatives suggested by the Ven. Richard Geoffrey Leggett, Ph.D.