COLLECT
Risen Christ,
your wounds declare your love for the world
and the wonder of your risen life:
give us compassion and courage
to risk ourselves for those we serve,
to the glory of God the Father.
READINGS
ACTS 11.1-18 – Peter’s Report to the Church at Jerusalem
11Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. 2So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, 3saying, ‘Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?’ 4Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying, 5‘I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. There was something like a large sheet coming down from heaven, being lowered by its four corners; and it came close to me. 6As I looked at it closely I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air. 7I also heard a voice saying to me, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat.” 8But I replied, “By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.” 9But a second time the voice answered from heaven, “What God has made clean, you must not call profane.” 10This happened three times; then everything was pulled up again to heaven. 11At that very moment three men, sent to me from Caesarea, arrived at the house where we were. 12The Spirit told me to go with them and not to make a distinction between them and us. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. 13He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, “Send to Joppa and bring Simon, who is called Peter; 14he will give you a message by which you and your entire household will be saved.” 15And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning. 16And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, “John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 17If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?’ 18When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, ‘Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.’
JOHN 13.31-35
The New Commandment
31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. 33Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, “Where I am going, you cannot come.” 34I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’
PRAYERS
Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise (Ps48). Thank you, Lord, that you are a great God whose ways are higher than our ways and whose thoughts higher than our thoughts, yet full of love and compassion for each one of us. You created us in your own image and care for about each one of us.
As the Assisted Dying Bill continues its passage through Parliament, pray that MPs will recognise and uphold the sanctity of life and have discernment and wisdom as to how to vote.
This week is Christian Aid week, so pray this prayer for Christian Aid and many other charities that make a difference to people’s lives. Lord, we pray for those whose hope overflows into action. We give thanks for all those giving, acting and praying this Christian Aid Week. May each of us seek to serve our global neighbours. Help us to see the value of our loving service, whether we make cups of coffee, shake collection buckets, step out on sponsored walks, or offer support in other ways. Make us your witnesses, proclaiming your kingdom.
We remember especially Paul and Lis. We remember too in our prayers the families of Joan Baylis, Pam Ford and Ann Smith.
We remember especially Paul and Lis.
We remember too in our prayers the families of Joan Baylis, Pam Ford and Ann Smith.
Lord in Your Mercy hear our prayers. Amen
MORNING PRAYER BY ZOOM As churches, we meet for prayer every morning, Monday through Friday, from 8.30 am on Zoom. You can join by clicking the link on the welcome page on our website: www.revsrural.com.