24.04.2020
Resources for Sunday 26 April, the Third Sunday of Easter
Welcome to this week’s Sunday Resources. Where there are two or more praying together, it is suggested that before commencing you decide on who will lead which parts of the service. Please note that words in bold indicate the responses and refrains at various parts of the service and words otherwise said together as a group. In today’s service, the parts to be allocated are: 1. A person to lead the Preparation Section, the Affirmation of Faith and the Dismissal. 2. A person to read or sing the Psalm and Hymns. 3. A person to read the Scriptures. 4. A person to lead the Prayers. Where there are less than four people present, roles may be combined. You can find below the full text of the service.
MORNING PRAYER FOR USE ON SUNDAY – 26 APRIL 2020
The THIRD Sunday OF EASTER
The Gathering of God’s People
THE GREETING
Christ is risen!
The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!
INTRODUCTION
We have come together
in the name of Christ
to offer our praise and thanksgiving,
to hear and receive God’s holy word,
to seek the forgiveness of our sins,
and to pray for the needs of the world,
that by the power of the Holy Spirit
we may give ourselves to the service of God.
O Lord, open our lips,
and our mouth will proclaim your praise.
Let us worship the Lord.
All praise to his name.
Blessed are you, Lord God of our salvation,
to you be praise and glory for ever.
As once you ransomed your people from Egypt
and led them to freedom in the promised land,
so now you have delivered us from the dominion of darkness
and brought us into the kingdom of your risen Son.
May we, the first fruits of your new creation,
rejoice in this new day you have made,
and praise you for your mighty acts.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed be God for ever.
Hymn of Praise: CH102 “Name of all majesty”
Listen to and sing along with this hymn at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COLt5pFH8Kk
Name of all majesty,
fathomless mystery,
King of the ages
by angels adored;
power and authority,
splendour and dignity,
bow to his mastery,
Jesus is Lord!
Child of our destiny,
God from eternity,
love of the Father
on sinners outpoured;
see now what God has done
sending his only Son,
Christ the belovèd One,
Jesus is Lord!
Saviour of Calvary,
costliest victory,
darkness defeated
and Eden restored;
born as a man to die,
nailed to a cross on high,
cold in the grave to lie,
Jesus is Lord!
Source of all sovereignty,
light, immortality,
life everlasting
and heaven assured;
so with the ransomed, we
praise him eternally,
Christ in his majesty,
Jesus is Lord!
Timothy Dudley–Smith (b.1926)
PENITENCE
Christ died to sin once for all, and now he lives to God. Romans 6: 10
Let us renew our resolve to have done with all that is evil
and confess our sins in penitence and faith.
O God, our loving Father in heaven,
we confess that we have sinned against you;
we have broken your commandments;
we have often been selfish,
and we have not loved you as we should.
For these, and all our sins, forgive us, we pray:
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
May the God of love
bring us back to himself,
forgive us our sins,
and assure us of his eternal love
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SENTENCES OF SCRIPTURE
Your word is a lantern to my feet
and a light upon our path. cf Psalm 119:105
O Lord, your word is everlasting:
it stands firm for ever in the heavens. cf Psalm 119: 89
Let us then receive the word of the Lord:
so may the light of your presence shine into our hearts.
Proclaiming and Receiving the Word
The reading below may be read, or an audio version listened to at:
https://www.biblica.com/bible/niv/acts/2/
‘Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.’
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’
Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call.’
With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’ Those who accepted his message were baptised, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
After the reading silence may be kept.
The Psalm: Psalm 116
Listen to and sing along with this psalm at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79sThR6MT_I
1 I am well pleased : that the Lord hath heard the voice of my prayer.
2 That he hath inclined his ear unto me : therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
3 The snares of death compassed me round about : and the pains of hell gat hold upon me.
4 I found trouble and heaviness, and I called upon the Name of the Lord : O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous : yea, our God is merciful.
6 The Lord preserveth the simple : I was in misery and he helped me.
7 Turn again then unto thy rest, O my soul : for the Lord hath rewarded thee.
8 And why? thou hast delivered my soul from death : mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
9 I will walk before the Lord : in the land of the living.
10 I believed, and therefore will I speak; but I was sore troubled : I said in my haste, All men are liars.
11 What reward shall I give unto the Lord : for all the benefits that he hath done unto me?
12 I will receive the cup of salvation : and call upon the Name of the Lord.
13 I will pay my vows now in the presence of all his people : right dear in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
14 Behold, O Lord, how that I am thy servant : I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid; thou hast broken my bonds in sunder.
15 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving : and will call upon the Name of the Lord.
16 I will pay my vows unto the Lord, in the sight of all his people : in the courts of the Lord’s house, even in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise the Lord.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning; is now, and ever shall be; world without end. Amen.
The Second Reading: 1 Peter 1: 17–23
The reading below may be read, or an audio version listened to at:
https://www.biblica.com/bible/niv/1-peter/1/
Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
After the reading silence may be kept.
Hymn before the Gospel: Thanks & Praise 6“All I once held dear”
Listen to and sing along with this hymn at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxpPIa-BskY
All I once held dear, built my life upon,
all this world reveres, and wars to own;
all I once thought gain I have counted loss
spent and worthless now compared to this
Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You
there is no greater thing
You’re my all, You’re the best
you’re my joy, my righteousness
and I love You Lord.
Now my heart’s desire is to know You more,
to be found in you and know as yours;
to possess by faith what I could not earn,
all–surpassing gift of righteousness:
Oh, to know the power of your risen life,
and to know you in your sufferings;
to become like you in your death, my Lord
so with You to live and never die.
Graham Kendrick (b. 1950)
The reading below may be read, or an audio version listened to at:
https://www.biblica.com/bible/niv/luke/24/
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognising him.
He asked them, ‘What are you discussing together as you walk along?’
They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, ‘Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?’
‘What things?’ he asked.
‘About Jesus of Nazareth,’ they replied. ‘He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.’
He said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going further. But they urged him strongly, ‘Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.’ So he went in to stay with them.
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognised him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’
They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, ‘It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.’ Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognised by them when he broke the bread.
After the reading silence may be kept.
THE SERMON
Revd William Olhausen has prepared a sermon podcast which you may listen to at:
https://www.dublinandglendaloughsermons.com/sermons/location-location-location-philip-mckinley-5nwsl
COLLECT OF THE WORD
O God,
your Son made himself known in the breaking of bread:
open the eyes of our faith,
that we may see him in his redeeming work:
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Response to God’s Word
THE APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Hymn of Faith: CH608 “Be still and know that I am God”
Listen to and sing along with this hymn at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtflAXHh-jk
Be still and know that I am God
Be still and know that I am God
Be still and know that I am God
I am the Lord that healeth thee,
I am the Lord that healeth thee,
I am the Lord that healeth thee.
In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust,
In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust,
In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust.
Anon.
v.1 based on Psalm 46: 10
v. 2 based on Matthew 8: 7
v. 3 based on Psalm 31: 1
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
In joy and hope let us pray to the Father.
That our risen Saviour may fill us [and …]
with the joy of his glorious and life–giving resurrection …
we pray to the Father.
Hear our prayer.
That isolated and persecuted churches
may find fresh strength in the good news of Easter …
we pray to the Father.
Hear our prayer.
That God may grant us humility
to be subject to one another in Christian love …
we pray to the Father.
Hear our prayer.
That he may help us provide for those
who lack food, work or shelter …
we pray to the Father.
Hear our prayer.
That, by his power, war and famine may cease
through all the world …
we pray to the Father.
Hear our prayer.
That he may reveal the light of his presence
to the sick, the weak and the dying,
to comfort and strengthen them …
we pray to the Father.
Hear our prayer.
That, according to his promises,
all who have died in the faith of the resurrection
may be raised on the last day …
we pray to the Father.
Hear our prayer.
That he may send the fire of the Holy Spirit
upon his people,
so that we may bear faithful witness
to his resurrection,
we pray to the Father.
Hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father,
you have delivered us from the power of darkness
and brought us into the kingdom of your Son:
grant that, as his death has recalled us to life,
so his continual presence in us
may raise us to eternal joy;
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
who in your great mercy gladdened the disciples
with the sight of the risen Lord:
Give us such knowledge of his presence with us,
that we may be strengthened
and sustained by his risen life
and serve you continually in righteousness and truth;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYERS ABOUT THE CURRENT CRISIS
Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy
in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Amen.
Gracious God,
give skill, sympathy and resilience
to all who are caring for the sick,
and your wisdom to those searching for a cure.
Strengthen them with your Spirit,
that through their work many will be restored to health;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
OTHER PRAYERS
………………………
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Gathering our prayers and praises into one, we pray:
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.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
Closing Hymn:CH595 “Safe in the shadow of the Lord”
Listen to and sing along with this hymn at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPBbpYlgN9c
Safe in the shadow of the Lord,
beneath his hand and power,
I trust in him,
I trust in him,
my fortress and my tower.
My hope is set on God alone,
though Satan spreads his snare,
I trust in him,
I trust in him,
to keep me in his care.
From fears and phantoms of the night,
from foes about my way,
I trust in him,
I trust in him,
by darkness as by day.
His holy angels keep my feet
secure from every stone;
I trust in him,
I trust in him,
and unafraid go on.
Strong in the everlasting Name,
and in my Father’s care,
I trust in him,
I trust in him,
who hears and answers prayer.
Safe in the shadow of the Lord,
possessed by love divine,
I trust in him,
I trust in him,
and meet his love with mine.
Timothy Dudley–Smith (b.1926)
based on Psalm 91
Going out as God’s People
A THANKSGIVING
Let us give thanks to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
For the love of our Father,
the maker of all, the giver of all good things,
let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
For Jesus Christ our Saviour,
who lived and worked among us,
let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
For his suffering and death on the cross
and his resurrection to new life,
let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
For his rule over all things
and his presence in the world,
let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
For the Holy Spirit, the giver of life,
who teaches us and guides us,
let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
For the grace of the Spirit in the work of the Church
and the life of the world,
let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
THE DISMISSAL
Let us say together:
Be with us Lord,
as we go out into the world.
May the lips that have sung your praise
always speak the truth;
may the ears which have heard your Word
listen only to what is good
and may our lives as well as our worship
be always pleasing in your sight,
for the glory of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
BLESSING
The almighty and merciful Lord,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
bless us and keep us.
Amen.
We go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen.
Other Resources are:
1. The text of today’s service may be downloaded here.
2. Due to the current public health situation, Christ Church Cathedral remains closed to the public until further notice. It continues to hold Ireland, our healthcare workers, our leaders, those suffering from coronavirus, and the world in its prayers.
The Dean will conduct daily prayer via webcam Monday–Friday:
Morning Prayer 10.00
Evening Prayer 17.00
Would you like to send in a prayer? Prayers may be emailed to abigail@christchurch.ie and as many as can be will be included in the daily prayers.
The webcam may be accessed at:
https://christchurchcathedral.ie/worship/video-stream-1/
3. Many local parishes are providing online resources via YouTube, Facebook and video conferencing. Details may be found on this website here.
4. Canon Patrick Comerford has produced a blog commenting on the Easter Day readings which may be found at:
https://cmelimerick.blogspot.com/2020/04/readings-hymns-and-sermon-ideas-for_20.html
5. Fr Kieran O’Mahony, a former ecumenical Canon of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin also produces a weekly written commentary and an audio of his notes. This may be found at:
https://www.tarsus.ie/resources/PDF-2020/Easter-3A20.pdf and
https://soundcloud.com/user-679942596/easter3a20