COLLECT
Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life:
raise us, who trust in him,
from the death of sin to the life of righteousness,
that we may seek those things which are above,
where he reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
READINGS
Acts 2.42-end
42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Life among the Believers
43 Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. 44All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
John 10.1-10
Jesus the Good Shepherd
10‘Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.’ 6Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
7 So again Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. 9I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
PRAYERS
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the joy of Easter and all that your saving grace and forgiveness means for your world. We pray for leaders involved in the worlds many conflicts, encouraging them to listen to you and each other, to find ways through your grace, that will bring lasting peace, reconciliation and understanding. Protect those working to bring peace and give those who are suffering violence and injustice strength, hope, reassurance, healing, anxiety, and inner peace.
We put into your hands all churches preparing for their APCM, asking their church leaders, PCC members and all those who seek to do you will, wisdom and sensitivity, so by listening to you, fulfil your way for their parishes. Give them unity of purpose enabling your churches to be shining lights, to grow, showing your love, care and saving power in the communities they serve.
We pray for all the children within our Benefice, thank you for each and every one. Give your blessing and direction to all those involved in Open the Book and prayer spaces in our schools, as well as our Messy Church services. Sow seeds that will grow as the children grow, so that they may come to know and love you as their friend and saviour.
We also remember those who especially need our prayers. Please pray for Janet’s recovery.
Lord in Your Mercy: Hear our Prayers.
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 from the welcome page on our website: www.revsrural.com or hit the link below.