Call to Worship
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again we say rejoice.
Rejoice when all is going well. Again we say rejoice.
Rejoice when storm clouds gather. Again we say rejoice.
Rejoice in good times and bad. Again we say rejoice.
Rejoice for the Lord is with you. Again we say rejoice.
Rejoice for the Lord brings comfort and help. Again we say rejoice.
Rejoice for the peace of God surrounds you. Again we say rejoice.
Amen.
Prayer of Adoration
God, you are our shepherd.
The shepherd looks after the sheep.
He is with them day and night.
He makes sure they have enough to eat and drink, and a shady resting place.
Where he leads, they follow, so he walks on paths that are safe.
He protects them from all kinds of danger.
God, we praise you that you are like that shepherd and that you care for us in the same way.
Amen.
Prayer of intercession.
We bring our prayers for those in our community, particularly any known to us, who are lost in life, and have no sense of direction or purpose. Help them to know the way forward.
· For those who are weary and burdened with anxiety, perhaps because of a work situation, or through caring for young children or elderly parents. Grant them a breathing space, some time each day to be able to receive your rest.
· For those who walk in the valley of deep darkness, through serious illness, depression, or unemployment. May your comfort ease their pain and bring a ray of light and hope.
· For those who are terminally ill, and for all who watch with them – loved ones, hospital and hospice staff, chaplains and clergy. Take away all fear and enable them to know your presence and your peace.
We pray for specific places in the world where there is want and hardship:
· Places where drought has parched the grass and dried up the streams and herdsmen have had to watch their flocks perish,
· Places where typhoon or hurricane has flooded fertile land and polluted the water supply
· Places where whole populations have had to flee their homes because of the ravages of war
· Places where brutal dictatorships are causing distress and disharmony amongst their people
· Places where human carelessness or greed have caused so many of these problems, through deforestation and global warming.
We pray, compassionate God, that together in our world, we may combine our resources to help those in such desperate need, and that you will work in our hearts and minds that the vision of the Psalmist for the flock of Israel, may become the reality for all.
Amen.
Please read Psalm 23
Reflection
This well-known psalm reminds us that we lack nothing. We have plenty, even when we fear that we’re deprived. We have enough time, enough patience, enough stamina, enough love, and enough graces because God is our leader and protector. Even when we fear we will run out, we have access to all that we need. Abundance is part of being Christian. That’s what makes it easier to give away our time, treasure, and talents. We have faith that the Shepherd will take care of every need; even if we get lost, the Shepherd will come looking for us and restore us. We lack nothing that is necessary to living a full life.
Closing Prayer
Loving God, please help us always to stay close to you, following your path for our lives always.
In good times and hard, in celebration and bereavement, may we always know your comfort and strength.
Amen.
Suggested Listening
This is the day www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGNwBZ73Z4A
This is the day, this is the day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cccJhMVFrLs
The Lord’s my shepherd (Townend) www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN4tPkX0MG0
