Sign of the Cross

Greeting  

From God the Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ,
peace and love be with you. (Eph. 6:23)

Introduction and Litany of Praise

When the apostles got caught in a storm they turned
to Jesus for help. From time to time we get caught in the storms of life.
We turn to the Lord and trust that he will guide us in times of trouble. (pause)

Lord Jesus, you bring us peace of mind and forginess of our sins:
Lord, have mercy.

You calm our fears by your comforting presence:
Christ, have mercy.

You protect us from all harm when we put our trust in you:
Lord, have mercy.

Opening Prayer

Option A
In the beginning, O God,
your word subdued the chaos;
in the fullness of time
you sent Jesus, your Son,
to confront selfishness and sin
and bring forth a new creation.
By that same power,
transform all our fear
into faith and awe in your saving presence.

We make our prayer 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.

Option B
God of the storm,
at creation's dawn
you set the bounds of the sea
and stilled the raging of its waves.

God of the calm,
in Jesus the Teacher
you rebuked the wind
and set the sea at rest.
Calm our fears now.
Stir up our faith,
that we may gladly lend our hands
to your work of making the whole creation new!

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        The apostles cried out to the Lord in their trouble and he rescued them.
           Let us now bring our needs before the Lord,
           confident that he will hear our prayers too.

             With confidence we pray:

CM     Lord, hear our prayer. (Please repeat)

1. For the Church: (pause)
   that we may not lose heart when storms
   of dissension or persecution blow up.
   We pray:
   
2. That nations battered by the raging storms
   of conflict and war may soon come
   to rejoice again in the calm of peace.
   We pray:
   
3. For sailors, fishermen and all those
   who earn a living from the sea: (pause)
   that they may be preserved from every danger.
   We pray:
4. For those who suffer mental anguish or depression: (pause)
   that just as Jesus calmed the storm
   he will soothe their wounds and give them peace.
   We pray:

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

P     All-powerful God,
       in the midst of life's storms
       may we experience the calming presence of your Son
       and find peace and tranquility in your service.
       We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Prayer over the Gifts

Compassionate Father,
in these signs of bread and wine
your Son Jesus comes among us.
Grant that he may comfort us when we are afraid,
listen to us when we call to him.
For he is our Lord for ever and ever. AMEN.

Invitation to the Lord’s Prayer

Option A
For the coming of God's kingdom with its promise
of healing and peace, let us pray as Jesus taught the first disciples:
Our Father ...

Option B
With trust in God, our Protector in times of danger,
we pray with Jesus:
Our Father ...

Deliver us Lord  

Deliver us, Lord, from every evil,
and grant to us in our day
the peace which your risen Son brought to his apostles
in their hour of need.
In your mercy help us overcome our fears and doubts
as we prepare for the coming in glory
of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Prayer for Peace

Lord Jesus Christ,
when a storm threatened to sink the disciples' boat, you said:
"Why are you frightened, men of little faith?"
Then you spoke to the wind and sea,
and there came a great calm.
Lord, calm the storms of anger and hatred that divide nations
so that we may enjoy the peace and unity of your kingdom
where you live for ever and ever. AMEN

Exchange of Peace
Let us call down God's blessing on each other
by offering a sign of Christ's peace.

Optional Prayer to accompany the ‘Breaking of Bread’

P      Our Father gives us the bread from heaven
        and the saving cup brimming with new life.
        May this bread broken and wine poured
        renew our commitment to be faithful to God
        so that we can be living signs of his kingdom.

A     LAMB OF GOD.....

Invitation to Communion

This is the holy gift of God for the holy people of God.
Draw near with awe and faith, with praise and thanksgiving.
Lord, I am not worthy…

Prayer after Communion   

God, our Protector in time of danger,
you have refreshed us in this holy meal
in which Jesus has given us strength and hope.
May we reach out to one another
and be a source of comfort to all who doubt your presence.
We make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Solemn Blessing

May God protect you from all harm. AMEN.

May Christ fill you with his love and lead you safely to his Kingdom. AMEN.

May the Spirit of the living God fill you with trust and confidence. AMEN.

And may our loving God bless you,
+ the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. AMEN.

Dismissal     

Option A
Our celebration is ended.
Go… and may the joy of the Lord be your strength.
Thanks be to God.

Option B
As disciples of the kingdom, urged on by the love of Christ,
go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.