Greeting 

Blessed be the Lord
who brings 'abundant joy and great rejoicing' to his people!
May the light of God's salvation shine on you
and remain with you always.

Introduction & Litany of Praise

In complete darkness any glimmer of light, no matter how faint,
is welcome. It somehow reassures us. Christ, the Light of the World,
completely dispels the darkness of sin and calls us, like the apostles
in today's Gospel, to follow him and spread the light to others.
(pause)

Lord Jesus, you bring light to those in darkness:
Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you call us each day to follow you:
Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you pray that we all may be one:
Lord, have mercy.

Gloria

Opening Prayer

God of all the nations,
the splendor of your glory
dispels the darkness around us,
for in Christ we see clearly the signs of your kingdom.
We have heard his call inviting us to follow,
and to embrace the challenges of the gospel.
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.

Liturgy of the Word

Homily

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

P        With Christ's light shining on us,
           let us bring our needs into the presence of God:

             With confidence we pray:

CM     Let the light of Christ shine on us. (Please repeat)

1. For Christians: (pause)
   that the divisions among us may be healed by the pursuit
   of truth and the practice of charity. We pray:
   
2. For all peoples who live in darkness: (pause)
   that through the good example of others they may see the light of faith.
   We pray:
   
3. For those who are living under the darkness of grief: (pause)
   that the light of Christ's comfort may shine on them.
   We pray:
4. May we "put out into the deep", proclaim the liberating message
   of the Gospel and bring men and women to the Light of Christ.
   We pray:
5. As we celebrate National Bible Week, may we commit
   ourselves to read, live, share and celebrate the Word of God
   - the Foundation for Unity and Transformation.
   We pray:
   

[The Presider may add a Petition that is local / relevant]

P      Loving God, may the radiance of your glory light up our hearts,
        and bring us safely through the shadows of this world
        until we reach our homeland of everlasting light.
        We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Prayer over the Gifts

Creator of life and love,
look with favor on the gifts of your people.
As we celebrate the memorial of the Lord's passion,
we pray that his cross will be for us
a radiant sign of salvation.
All this we ask through Christ our Lord. AMEN

Invitation to the Lord’s Prayer

[Today we have heard how Jesus called his first disciples.]
Let us say together the prayer he taught
to those who followed him: Our Father ...

Deliver us Lord

Deliver us, Lord,
from the darkness of sin and evil,
and reveal to us the peace and light
that comes from Christ your Son.
Remove from our hearts all fear and anxiety
as we prepare in joy
for the coming among us of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Prayer for Peace

Lord, Jesus Christ,
on the evening before you died, you prayed:
"As you, Father are in me,
and I am in you,
may they also be one in us."

"Look not on the many divisions among us,
but help us to be united
in the same mind and the same purpose"
so that we can enjoy the peace of your kingdom
where you live for ever and ever.

Exchange of Peace
The Reign of God is close at hand,
so let us offer one another a sign of peace.

Optional Prayer to accompany the ‘Breaking of Bread’

P      It takes many grains of wheat to make this bread.
        It is one yet many.
        To live as a community
        we must be one though many.
        And so in the breaking and sharing
        we recognize the presence of the Lord Jesus
        making us one:
A     LAMB OF GOD.....

Invitation to Communion

This is the Lamb of God
who calls us to the banquet of his love.
Blessed are we who follow him,
for we will have the light of life.

Lord, I am not worthy…

Communion Reflection (Optional)

[The Presider may wish to read this Prayer while seated at his Chair]

Lord, make me an instrument of your love.

Where the darkness of loneliness reigns
let me bring the light of friendship.

Where the darkness of bitterness reigns
let me bring the light of forgiveness.

Where the darkness of hurt reigns
let me bring the light of healing.

Where the darkness of sadness reigns
let me bring the light of joy.

Where the darkness of doubt reigns
let me bring the light of faith.

Where the darkness of despair reigns
let me bring the light of hope.

Where the darkness of hatred reigns
let me bring the light of love. Amen.

Post Communion Prayer

Lord God,
you have enlightened us with the word,
and strengthened us with food for the journey.
United in the bond of his love
may we follow Jesus,
be a light to others
and join him in the task of caring for others.
All this we ask in the power of his name. AMEN.

Solemn Blessing

May the love of the Father enfold you. AMEN.

May the wisdom of the Son enlighten you. AMEN.

And may the fire of the Holy Spirit inflame you. AMEN.

And may the blessing of our loving God,
+ the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
come down upon you and remain with you for ever.  AMEN.

Dismissal      

Our celebration is ended.
Walk in the light of Christ.

[Led by the Choir, the Assembly sings, 'Walk, walk in the Light']