Document
Opening prayer
Loving Creator, we gaze in wonder at the splendour of your creation.
Help us to learn from your generosity how to share our bread with the hungry
and how to prepare a banquet for all peoples from the resources you give.
You provide so rich a feast, so that all may share in it. Amen.
Psalmody
O, sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvelous things.
O, sing to the Lord
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
with the lyre and the sound of melody.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.
O, sing to the Lord
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
the world and those who live in it.
Let the floods clap their hands;
let the hills sing together for joy.
O, sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvelous things. (Psalm 98)
Hymn: Let all who are thirsty come
Word from Matthew 17:22-27
As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised.” And they were greatly distressed.
When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?” He said, “Yes, he does.” And when he came home, Jesus spoke of it first, asking, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?” When Peter said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the children are free. However, so that we do not give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me.”
One: Word of God, Word of life.
Many: Thanks be to God.
Silent reflection
Prayers
Let us bring the needs of the church, the world, and all in need, to God’s loving care.
One: Today, we remember the churches and people in the Caribbean. Thanks be to you, O God, for the resilience, love and witness of the indigenous communities who have suffered centuries of oppression and for the church, and civil society leaders who have spoken out and acted on behalf of the poor and marginalised, risking their lives and often being martyred.
Many: God of mercy, hear our prayer.
One: Bring peace, O God, and an end to violence. Guide the rulers and governments to be accountable to the people and their welfare. We pray for comfort and healing for the families and loved ones of those who have been killed or disappeared, and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
Many: God of mercy, hear our prayer.
One: Open ways, O God, for improved economic life and trade policies in these countries so that people are not exploited and can pursue livelihoods rather than migrating elsewhere for work. Inspire them to strive for peace and justice, that all your children may dwell secure, free of war and injustice.
Many: God of mercy, hear our prayer.
One: Hear the cries of the world’s hungry and suffering. Give us the will to reorder our lives, that all may have their rightful share of food, medical care, and shelter. Continue to bless the lives of the farmers who make possible the production of food that your bountiful land gives us. Help them to get their rightful share of profit, and so have the necessities of a life of dignity. We pray for all victims of violence and injustice in our world today. May justice, reconciliation and hope become possible in the midst of hate and hurt.
Many: God of mercy, hear our prayer.
One: In the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic, hear our cries for healing for all who are sick and for their families. We also pray, O God, for the physical, mental and spiritual health of all people for whom the effects of COVID-19 - has been prolonged, striking terribly, causing pain, mourning, sadness, anguish, despair, violence and depression. We pray that you will give us your power to become facilitating agents to bring words of comfort and healing to every person in need.
Many: God of mercy, hear our prayer.
One: Protect our colleagues in World Service country program and their families as they minister in areas, which expose them to heightened risk. Sustain and encourage them and all our member churches in their ongoing work.
Many: God of mercy, hear our prayer.
One: Sustain those among us who need your healing touch. Make the sick whole (brief silence), give hope to the dying (brief silence), comfort those who mourn (brief silence). Uphold all who suffer in body or mind, not only those we know and love but also those known only to you, that they may know the peace and joy of your supporting care.
Many: God of mercy, hear our prayer.
One: Sovereign God, raise your throne in our hearts that with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we can say: we will not other gods. Strengthen us so that we may always give you what is yours, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Many: God of mercy, hear our prayer.
One: O God, in your loving purpose answer our prayers and fulfil our hopes. In all things for which we pray, give us the will to seek to bring them about, for the sake of Jesus Christ.
The Lord’s Prayer (in our many languages)
Our Father in heaven …
Prayer of commitment
One: May we always be hungry for righteousness;
Many: overcome injustices that brings about hunger!
One: May we always be hungry for peace;
Many: overcome insecurity, suffering and displacement!
One: May we always yearn to care for each other and the environment;
Many: so that the earth will remain abundant for all creation! Amen.
Blessing
One: Let us bless the Lord.
Many: Thanks be to God.
The Lord bless us and direct our days and our deeds in peace. Amen.
One: Go in peace and serve the Lord
All: Thanks be to God
