PRAISE

Christ was obedient, even unto death.

Come, let us worship.

Give praise to the Father almighty,

to his Son, Jesus Christ, the Lord,

to the Spirit who dwells in our hearts,

both now and for ever. Amen.

We adore you, Christ, and we bless you,

because by your cross you have redeemed the world.

     words of gratitude and adoration may be said here

Strengthen us to take up our cross every day

and follow you in the way that leads to eternal life.

Blessed be God for ever!

    REFLECTION  

    The following psalm[s], and scripture song, are said:

Psalm 57

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
   for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
   until the destroying storms pass by. 
I cry to God Most High,
   to God who fulfils his purpose for me. 
He will send from heaven and save me,
   he will put to shame those who trample on me.
God will send forth his steadfast love and his faithfulness. 

I lie down among lions
   that greedily devour human prey;
their teeth are spears and arrows,
   their tongues sharp swords. 

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.
   Let your glory be over all the earth. 

They set a net for my steps;
   my soul was bowed down.
They dug a pit in my path,
   but they have fallen into it themselves.
My heart is steadfast, O God,
   my heart is steadfast.
I will sing and make melody. 
   Awake, my soul!
Awake, O harp and lyre!
   I will awake the dawn. 
I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
   I will sing praises to you among the nations. 
For your steadfast love is as high as the heavens;
   your faithfulness extends to the clouds. 

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.
   Let your glory be over all the earth.

A Song of Christ the Servant

[1 Peter 2.21-25]

Christ suffered for you,

leaving you an example

that you should following his steps.

He committed no sin,

no guile was found on his lips,

when he was reviled

he did not revile in turn.

When he suffered, he did not threaten,

but he trusted in God who judges justly.

Christ himself bore our sins

in his body on the tree,

that we might die to sin

and live to righteousness.

By his wounds you have been healed:

for you were straying like sheep

but have now returned

to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.

Give praise to the Father almighty,

to his Son, Jesus Christ, the Lord,

to the Spirit who dwells in our hearts,

both now and for ever. Amen.

    A short reading from the Bible

Zechariah 12.10

 And I will pour out a spirit of compassion and supplication on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that, when they look on the one whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn.

A time for reflection on the word of God …

… concluding with this responsory:

When I am lifted up from the earth,

I will draw all people to myself.

For this reason I have come to this hour.

I will draw all people to myself.

                                                John 12.32,37

    CANTICLE OF THE SEASON

     PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING

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.

a time for personal prayer and intercession …

… you may include this 'prayer for the earth':

God, we give you thanks

for the gift of life from the dust of the ground,

and for the new life that rises from the dust of death.

As all things hold together in Christ,

who died on the cross and rose to new life,

may we and all creation

be released from decay and renewed in his image.

 

… then sum up your prayers with these responses:

Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance:

govern and uphold them now and always.

Day by day we bless you:

we praise your name for ever.

Keep us today, Lord, from all sin:

have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.

Lord, show us your love and mercy:

for we have put our trust in you.

In you, Lord, is our hope:

let us never be put to shame.

    IN CONCLUSION