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.

Proper Prayers for the Second Sunday in Lent (RCL Lent 2C, 17 March 2019

Proper Prayers for the Second Sunday of Lent (RCL Lent 2C)

Genesis 15.1-12, 17-18; Psalm 27; Philippians 3.17-4.1; Luke 13.31-35

Collect of the Day

Almighty God, whose Son was revealed in majesty before he suffered death upon the cross, give us faith to perceive his glory, so that being strengthened by his grace we may be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.  [1]

or

God of the covenant, in the mystery of the cross you promise everlasting life to the world.  Gather all peoples into your arms, and shelter us with your mercy, so that we may rejoice in the life we share in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.  [2]

or

Brooding Spirit, beneath your wings there is creation and life:  accompany us on the difficult path with the disappeared, the broken and the fearful, so that we find the way to the city of our peace where we are all accepted as your beloved; through the cross of Jesus Christ, our only Lord.  Amen.  [3]

or

Hope beyond all human hope, you promised Abraham and Sarah descendants as numerous as the stars.  You promise light and salvation in the midst of darkness and despair, and redemption to a world that will not listen.  Gather us in tenderness and open our ears to your word, so that we may live faithfully and confidently in your promises.  We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.  [3]

or

God of the covenant, your presence fills us with awe, your word gives us unshakable hope. Fix in our hearts the image of your Son in glory, so that, sustained on the path of discipleship, we may pass over with him to newness of life.  Grant this through Christ, our deliverance and hope, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, holy and mighty God for ever and ever. Amen.  [4]

Prayer over the Gifts

God of wisdom, may the light of the eternal Word, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, guide us to your glory. We ask this in his name.  Amen. [1]

or

God our provider, you have not fed with bread alone, but with words of grace and life.  Bless us and these your gifts, which we receive from your bounty, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [2]

Proper Preface of Lent

Blessed are you gracious God, creator of heaven and earth, because you bid your faithful people to cleanse their hearts and to prepare with joy for the paschal feast; that reborn through the waters of baptism and renewed in the eucharistic mystery, we may be more fervent in prayer and more generous in the works of love.  Therefore we raise our voices to you in praise 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 was tempted in every way, yet did not sin.  By his grace we are able to triumph over every evil, and to live no longer for ourselves alone, but for him who died for us and rose again.  Therefore with angels and archangels and all who have served you in every age, 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 SaviourJesus Christ. You call your people to cleanse their hearts and prepare with joy for the paschal feast, that renewed in the gift of baptism, we may come to the fullness of your grace.  And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and joy their unending hymn:

Prayer after Communion

Creator of heaven and earth, we thank you for these holy mysteries, which bring us now a share in the life to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [1]

or

Compassionate God, you have fed us with the bread of heaven.  Sustain us in our Lenten pilgrimage:  may our fasting be hunger for justice; our alms, a making of peace; and our prayer, the song of grateful hearts, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. Amen.  [2]

Prayer over the People 

In place of the blessing an ancient Lenten tradition is the Prayer over the People.  

Keep this your family, Lord, with your never-failing mercy, so that relying solely on the help of your heavenly grace, they may be upheld by your divine protection; through Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [7]

 

Sources

[1]       The Book of Alternative Services 1985

[2]       Evangelical Lutheran Worship 2006

[3]       Trial Use Collects for Years A, B & C and Seasonal Prayers over the Gifts and after Communion 2016

[4]       Opening Prayers:  Collects in Contemporary Language 1997, 1999, 2001

[5]       Prayers for an Inclusive Church 2009

[6]       Revised Common Lectionary Prayers 2002

[7]       The Book of Occasional Services 2003

N.B.  When a word or phrase appears is italicized in a liturgical text, it is an alteration made by the Ven. Richard Geoffrey Leggett to the original text.

An Ordo for Lent 2019

Here is the Lenten Ordo for Holy Trinity Cathedral.  I hope that it stimulates your own thinking about the worship of your own congregations.

LENTEN ORDO 2019

The Gathering of the Community

The Hymns and Readings for the Service are found in the Bulletin.  The Congregation recites or sings the text printed in bold font.

Prelude

Processional Hymn

Greeting

Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins,

the God of our salvation,

who bears all our burdens

and whose mercy endures for ever.

Let us pray for the forgiveness of our sins.

Have mercy upon us, most merciful God,

in your compassion, forgive us our sins,

known and unknown,

things done and left undone;

and so uphold us by your Spirit

that we may live and serve you in newness of life,

to the honour and glory of your name;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

May the God of love and power 

forgive you and free you from your sins,

heal and strengthen you by the Holy Spirit

and raise you to new life in Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Trisagion[1]

Holy God, holy and mighty,

holy immortal one, have mercy upon us.

Holy God, holy and mighty,

holy immortal one, have mercy upon us.

Holy God, holy and mighty,

holy immortal one, have mercy upon us.

The Collect of the Day

Presider

Let us pray.

After a brief silence the Presider prays the Collect of the Day.

The Proclamation of the Word of God

The First Reading

Before the Reading

A reading from . . . 

After the Reading

Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.

Thanks be to God.

The Psalm of the Day

The Psalm Response is printed in the Bulletin.

The Second Reading

Before the Reading

A reading from . . . 

After the Reading

Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.

Thanks be to God.

Gradual Hymn

The Gospel

Before the Gospel

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to . . . 

Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

After the Gospel

The Gospel of Christ.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Sermon

After the Sermon there will be a period of silence for reflection.

The Apostles’ Creed

Let us confess the faith of our baptism, as we say,

I believe in God,

the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit

and born of the Virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again.

He ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again

to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting.  Amen.

The Prayers of the People

Intercessions, Thanksgivings and Petitions

A member of the Community leads us in our intercessions, thanksgivings and petitions.  You may stand, sit or kneel as is your custom for prayer.

The Exchange of the Peace

May the peace of Christ be with you.

And also with you.

The Holy Communion

Offertory Hymn

The Prayer over the Gifts

Presider

Let us pray.

The Presider then offers a prayer over the gifts we bring before God this day.

The Thanksgiving at the Table

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is right to give you thanks and praise, O Lord, our God, sustainer of the universe, you are worthy of glory and praise.

Glory to you for ever and ever. [2]

At your command all things came to be:  the vast expanse of interstellar space,  galaxies, suns, the planets in their courses, and this fragile earth, our island home; by your will they were created and have their being.

Glory to you for ever and ever.

From the primal elements you brought forth the human race, and blessed us with memory, reason, and skill; you made us the stewards of creation.

Glory to you for ever and ever.

But we turn against you, and betray your trust; and we turn against one another.  Again and again you call us to return.  Through the prophets and sages you reveal your righteous law.  In the fullness of time you sent your Son, born of a woman, to be our Saviour.  He was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities.  By his death he opened to us the way of freedom and peace.

Glory to you for ever and ever.

Therefore we praise you, joining with the heavenly chorus, with prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and with those in every generation who have looked to you in hope, to proclaim with them your glory, in their unending hymn:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, 

God of power and might, 

heaven and earth are full of your glory.  

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.  

Hosanna in the highest. [3]

Blessed are you, Lord our God, for sending us Jesus, the Christ, who on the night he was handed over to suffering and death, took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread, gave it to his friends, and said, “Take this, and eat it:  this is my body which is given for you.  Do this for the remembrance of me.”

In the same way, after supper, he took the cup of wine; he gave you thanks, and said, “Drink this, all of you:  this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sins.  Whenever you drink it,  do this for the remembrance of me.”

Glory to you for ever and ever.

Gracious God, we recall the death of your Son Jesus Christ, we proclaim his resurrection and ascension, and we look with expectation for his coming as Lord of all the nations.  We who have been redeemed by him, and made a new people by water and the Spirit, now bring you these gifts.

Send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon this offering of your Church, so that we who eat and drink at this holy table may share the divine life of Christ our Lord.

Glory to you for ever and ever.

Pour out your Spirit upon the whole earth and make it your new creation.  Gather your Church together from the ends of the earth into your kingdom, where peace and justice are revealed, so that we, with all your people, of every language, race, and nation, may share the banquet you have promised; through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, all honour and glory are yours, Creator of all.

Glory to you for ever and ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer[4]

As our Saviour taught us, let us pray,

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.

Save us from the time of trial,

and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power,

and the glory are yours,

now and for ever.  Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread

We break this bread,

communion in Christ’s body once broken.

Let your church be the wheat 

which bears its fruit in dying.

If we have died with Christ,

we shall live with him;

if we hold firm,

we shall reign with him.

The table of the Lord is now made ready for those who want to draw near to God in love.  Come whether you have great faith or little.  Come whether you have been here long or for a short while.  Come whether you have tried to follow and stumbled or have just begun the journey.  Come, because it is Christ who bids you welcome, for these are the gifts of God for the people of God.

Thanks be to God.

Agnus Dei[5]

Jesus, Lamb of God,

have mercy on us.

Jesus, bearer of our sins,

have mercy on us.

Jesus, redeemer, redeemer of the world,

give us your peace, give us your peace.

vTo receive Communion, please come forward as directed by the ushers.

vTo receive either the bread or the wine alone is to receive the fullness of God’s gift offered in Communion.

vTo receive a Blessing rather than Communion, come forward and cross your arms over your chest

The Communion of the Community

The Sending Forth of the Community

The Prayer after Communion

Presider

All your works praise you, O Lord.

And your faithful servants bless you.

Gracious God,

we thank you for feeding us

with the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ.

May we, who share his body, live his risen life;

we, who drink his cup, bring life to others;

we, whom the Spirit lights, give light to the world.

Keep us firm in the hope you have set before us,

so that we and all your children shall be free,

and the whole earth live to praise your name;

through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Announcements

Prayer over the People

In keeping with an ancient tradition the Presider offers a Prayer over the People proper to the day.

Recessional Hymn

Dismissal

The Deacon sends us forth to participate in God’s mission in our communities.  We respond by saying,

Thanks be to God.

Postlude

After the Dismissal you may listen quietly to the Postlude or go directly to the Hall to share in the Coffee Hour.

We ask that there be no applause after the Postlude in order to hold this space in quite for those who wish to pray for a while.

---

[1]Sung to Common Praise#707

[2]Responses sung to music printed in BAS at page 923

[3]Sanctus sung to Common Praise#726

[4]Sung to Common Praise#744

[5]Sung to Common Praise#747