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 61

Hear my cry, O God;
   listen to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I call to you,
   when my heart is faint.

Lead me to the rock
   that is higher than I;
for you are my refuge,
   a strong tower against the enemy.

Let me abide in your tent for ever,
   find refuge under the shelter of your wings.
For you, O God, have heard my vows;
   you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

Prolong the life of the king;
   may his years endure to all generations!
May he be enthroned for ever before God;
   appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!
So I will always sing praises to your name,
   as I pay my vows day after day.

A Song of the Redeemer

[ Isaiah 63.1-3a, 7-9]

Who is this that comes from Edom,

coming from Bozrah, his garments stained crimson?

Who is this, in glorious apparel,

marching in the greatness of his strength?

‘It is I, who announce that right has won the day.

It is I,’ says the Lord, ‘for I am mighty to save.’

Why are your robes all red, O Lord,

and your garments like theirs who tread the winepress?

‘I have trodden the winepress alone

and from the peoples no one was with me.’

I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord,

the praises of the Most High.

All that God has done for us in his mercy,

by his many acts of love.

For God said, ‘Surely, they are my people,

my children who will not deal falsely,’

and he became their Saviour in all their distress.

So God saved us by his love and pity;

he lifted us up and carried us through all the days of old.

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 9.9

Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion!
   Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem!
Lo, your king comes to you;
   triumphant and victorious is he,
humble and riding on a donkey,
   on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

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