Sign of the Cross

Greeting 

Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ,
be with you all.

Option A

Introduction and Act of Penitence

As we gather to celebrate the memory of Jesus,
we are challenged to reflect on this passage from today's gospel:
"If you are bringing your offering to the altar
and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go;
first be reconciled to your brother or sister,
and then come back and offer your gift."

Let us reflect on these words for a moment. (pause)

Now let us confess our sins to God and to one another as we say:

I confess to almighty God……

 

Option B

Introduction

As people called to the one Law of Love, let us pause for a few moments and ask ourselves the question: In my life…. in my acts of worship… do I pay more attention to the love of LAW than to the Law of LOVE? (pause)

Litany of Praise

Lord Jesus, you showed us many times that it is only the spirit of the law that gives life.
Lord, have mercy.

As God, you revealed the perfection of the law in the one law of love.
Christ, have mercy.

As Savior, you summed up the essence of the law when you said that love of God and the love of neighbor are one.
Lord, have mercy.

Opening Prayer

ALL-SEEING God,
you alone know our inmost thoughts.

Purify our desire,
calm our anger,
and reconcile us to one another;
then will our worship at your altar render you perfect praise.

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

Credo

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

P        We come before God asking that his wisdom may be in us to guide us in all that we think and say and do.

             With confidence we pray:

CM     Lord, hear our prayer. (Please repeat)

1. For those who make and enforce our laws: (pause)
that they may be guided by the wisdom that comes from God. We pray:

2. For all whose religion is merely an observance of rules and regulations; (pause)
may the Holy Spirit renew them so that they will find in God's laws a life-giving source of inspiration and hope. We pray:

3. For us all gathered here today; (pause)
that we may be a people committed to the truth, striving for that honesty and authentic living that Jesus expects from those who would follow him. We pray:

4. For all who have died recently (especially N.).
May they see what no eye has seen, no ear has heard and no human heart conceived; may they enjoy all the blessings that God has prepared for those who love him. We pray:

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

P      God of wisdom,
        help us to keep our thoughts clean,
        our desires pure,
        our words true,
        and our deeds kind.
        We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN

Prayer over the Gifts

Lord, look upon the face of Christ, your Son,
who gave himself up as a ransom for all,
so that from the rising of the sun to its setting
your name may be great among the nations
and one sacrifice may be offered to your glory.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. AMEN.

Invitation to the Lord’s Prayer

With trust in God's daily care for us we now pray:
Our Father ...

Deliver us Lord

Deliver us, Lord, from every evil,
and grant us today
the peace that comes from being forgiven.
When in moments of weakness we have turned away from you,
let the memories of your kindness
be stronger than our feelings of guilt.
Help us to prepare with joy and hope
for the full coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Prayer for Peace

Lord Jesus Christ,
you summed up the whole law and the prophets
in two great commandments….
that we should love God and love one another.
Lord, touch our hearts
so that we may be people who are able to love,
and enjoy the peace and unity of your kingdom
where you love for ever and ever.

The peace of the Lord be always with you.

Exchange of Peace
Blessed are those who make peace:
they shall be called sons and daughters of God.
Let us now share that peace with one another.

Optional Prayer to accompany the ‘Breaking of Bread’

P      May this bread broken,
        and cup poured,
        link us together in charity and peace
        so that we may be living signs of the Lord's kingdom.

A     LAMB OF GOD.....

Invitation to Communion

"What no one ever saw or heard,
is the very thing God has prepared for those who love him".
Blessed are we who have been invited
to the meal that God has prepared for us.
Lord, I am not worthy…

Prayer after Communion

Good and generous God,
today we have been guests of Jesus, your Son.
Help us to be to those around us
his helping hand,
his smile of welcome,
his voice of encouragement and pardon,
and his face of hope and love.
Grant all this through the same Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Solemn Blessing

May you rejoice in things no eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no human heart conceived. AMEN.

May you receive all that God has prepared
for those who love him. AMEN.

May you find a deeper understanding of God's love for you
and may this give you a greater freedom in his service. AMEN.

And may God bless you always,
+ Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. AMEN.

Dismissal      

As disciples eager to share with others
the blessedness of God's kingdom,
go in peace to love and serve the Lord.