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 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 
   He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters; 
   he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
   for his name’s sake. 

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
   I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
   your rod and your staff—
   they comfort me. 

You prepare a table before me
   in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
   my cup overflows. 
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
   all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
   my whole life long.

A Song of Solomon

[Song of Songs 8.6-7]

Set me as a seal upon your heart,

as a seal upon your arm;

for love is strong as death,

passion fierce as the grave.

Its flashes are flashes of fire, a raging flame.

Many waters cannot quench love,

neither can the floods drown it.

If all the wealth of our house were offered for love

it would be utterly scorned.

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

Matthew 26.31-32

 Then Jesus said to them, ‘You will all become deserters because of me this night; for it is written,
“I will strike the shepherd,
   and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” 
But after I am raised up, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.’

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':

Lord of all life,

we thank you for the integrity and diversity of all living creatures.

Enlarge within us a sense of fellowship with our brothers and sisters,

the animals with whom we share the earth

and who love the sweetness of life.

Grant us compassion in our dealings

with all creatures great and small.

 

… 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