Church@Home
For your prayers this week
24-30 May
· Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. From the Peace Prayer of St Francis
· For our Diocesan Mission and Society Team led by Nick Ralph
· For our local businesses and industry
· For Court Lane Junior School
· For residents of Hardy Road and Havant Road
· For those who are ill
· For those who have died recently including Robin Sweetman
· Anniversaries: Eric Baker, Jessie Barrow, Marion Bulleyment and Beth Rees
24-30 May
· Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. From the Peace Prayer of St Francis
· For our Diocesan Mission and Society Team led by Nick Ralph
· For our local businesses and industry
· For Court Lane Junior School
· For residents of Hardy Road and Havant Road
· For those who are ill
· For those who have died recently including Robin Sweetman
· Anniversaries: Eric Baker, Jessie Barrow, Marion Bulleyment and Beth Rees
Churches Together in Cosham - Wednesday Prayers
Wednesday prayer, 27/5/20 - Facing the unknown
So we are now between Ascension Day and Pentecost. This was another in-between time for the disciples, another time of waiting. Jesus had told them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Father to send the Holy Spirit. He had promised that they would receive new power to enable them to tell everyone about Jesus in Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria and everywhere in the world! What on earth could this mean? How could a small group of Jewish men and women possibly take on a task like that? No wonder they stood staring up into the sky in bewilderment!
On their return to Jerusalem they all met together to pray but they still had no idea what the future might hold. However they did know it would be very different from the past. Jesus was no longer with them physically, and although he had told them about the Holy Spirit they had little understanding of what the presence of the Holy Spirit would mean. If they recalled Jesus’ teaching recorded in John 14-16 they would know that the Holy Spirit would reveal truth to them (John 14:17 and 16: 13). They would also know that the Holy Spirit would reveal to the world the truth about sin, and God’s justice and judgement (John 16:8-11), and be aware that the Holy Spirit would be enabling them to share this message with the world (John 15:26-27).
We now find ourselves facing a future full of unknowns. We have been promised that the current lockdown will gradually be lifted and new freedoms will be available to us soon. But when we step outside of our own front doors and return to the shops and workplaces that are gradually reopening, and when children begin to return to school next week, what will we find? We know it will be very different from what we knew before. The relaxed hustle and bustle, the handshakes and hugs that we are used to will be replaced by a new world of sanitisation and social distancing. What will it feel like to live in this new world? And what will our task be as God’s people? What is Jesus calling us to do and how will the Holy Spirit empower us to do it?
In the “old world” it was easy to go along to church week by week, to participate in worship, listen to preaching and receive communion. Even as lockdown eases some of these things are unlikely to be possible for quite a long time. During the last few weeks when we have been confined to our own homes we have had to learn to take responsibility for our own spiritual life and growth, for our own discipleship. Perhaps this has been a preparation time for taking on more responsibility for how we should follow Christ going forward. During this 10 day period of prayer that many of us are observing between Ascension and Pentecost, when we pray especially “Thy Kingdom Come”, let’s take the opportunity to look forward and ask God how he wants us to act in the new world that is coming. Let’s ask God for the power of the Holy Spirit, to seek and proclaim truth, to recognise what is wrong in our own lives and acknowledge the ways that we have colluded in the practices of the culture around us which have contributed to the current crisis, and the injustices in our society and the wider world that it has brought to light. How can we act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God as we step forward into the unknown?
Bishop Nick Baines wrote in his blog this week: We don’t know what the future will look like for our society, our economy, our politics, our church. But, we do know that we are called to be creative, bold and adventurous. Will we make mistakes, misunderstand the calling, head in the wrong direction at the wrong time? Probably. But, Jesus in the gospels shows little surprise when his friends mess it up. What we can’t do is just go back to the fishing grounds of the old certainties. https://nickbaines.wordpress.com/
Let’s pray today for courage as we gradually step out of our current “bubble” and for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to lead us forward.
“When the Counsellor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. And you also must testify…..” (John 15:26-7)
Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long. (Psalm 25: 4-5)
We can give thanks today for the steadily falling death rates in the UK - no deaths at all were reported in Northern Ireland on Monday - and also for some progress in finding effective treatments. One anti-viral drug has now shown some positive results and doctors are optimistic about a treatment being trialled using blood plasma from recovered Covid patients. Thanks be to God.
Even as the virus is on the wane we continue to pray for people who are still falling ill and those being treated in hospital. We pray for all those carrying out research programmes seeking effective treatments and thank God for the expertise and hard work of the scientists and medical staff involved.
We are aware of the need for an effective test, track, trace and isolate programme to support the gradual lifting of the lockdown, so we pray for all those who have the task of developing and staffing this, with the many logistical challenges involved. We pray that people will follow the guidelines to prevent a second wave of infection.
Lord of life - in your mercy, hear us.
Some prayers focusing on truth:
Where is truth Lord?
What can we believe?
Politicians pass the blame
The press are sidelined
Who will tell us straight Lord?
What can we be sure of?
We turn to you Lord
Knowing that you are the only sure truth
We ask you to shine your light
Shine it in to the darkest corner
Teach us to seek truth
To act justly
To love gently
And to be merciful.
(https://www.prayersforlockdown.co.uk/truth from the website "An Ordinary Office" which shares prayers with people who have disabilities and learning difficulties. For an illustrated version of this prayer, follow the link.)
Let’s pray that we will not become cynical and cease believing that there is no truth to be found and known. May our desire to know the truth send us back to God’s word and give us the courage to examine our own lives in the light of it. Lord we long to see our world transformed by your truth.
Lord, in your mercy - hear our prayer
Let’s pray for people of integrity in public life and positions of leadership in our own country and across the world. We are distressed at the lack of transparency in the leadership of many nations today. We pray for God to raise up leaders who have the courage to admit when they don’t know the answers and the honesty to acknowledge when they have got things wrong.
Lord, in your mercy - hear our prayer
The Micah Global website draws our attention to the importance of ethical journalism: ‘Around the world ethical investigative journalism is one of the pillars of society, being the 'fifth estate' that exposes corruption, injustice and crises. Many of these men and women risk their lives to share the truth with society. Often their families are at risk too. Journalists are murdered for the stand they take against injustice in many parts of the world today. Ethical media that stands for truth and justice is key to societal transformation, but is often under threat.’
Under the pressures of the coronavirus crisis many countries are clamping down on free investigation and governments are seeking to control sources of information. “Whistleblowers” are being blamed and sources of dissent shut down. Necessary restrictions to control the coronavirus can easily be extended by authoritarian governments of any political persuasion to limit other freedoms, including free speech, freedom of worship and freedom of the press.
‘God, we pray for good journalists around the world today. We thank you for those people who have chosen to use their skill with courage, to address issues that break your heart and are wrong in society today. Thank you for those who have laid down their lives for the betterment of society. We pray protection over all journalists who are under threat today and pray for continued courage and strength for each of them as they do what they are called to today.’
Amen
While we have been absorbed by the coronavirus crisis, communities in other parts of the world have continued to experience other calamities and disasters, including a major cyclone which recently hit Bangladesh and India. We pray for them:
God of refuge,
protect our sisters and brothers in Bangladesh and India,
tossed far from their homes by Cyclone Amphan.
Some afraid to evacuate for fear of a pandemic disease,
surrounded by catastrophe and debris.
Comfort them as they journey and where they stay.
Your love knows no distance, O God be near your children in peril.
Set them on their way to safety, let them find your help.
Awaken in our hearts a love that reaches out –
a love that shelters neighbours from the storm,
a love that lays the foundations for recovery,
a love that perseveres.
We pray for their protection to you,
our God who never gives up.
In Jesus name, Amen
(The above prayer comes from Christian Aid)
Let’s ask God for the courage to step out into the unknown future trusting that he will lead us. If we are fearful we can ask for his presence and reassurance. We pray that God will inspire us as we move forward in worship and service in the days ahead. We ask for help to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, even if that comes to us in surprising ways and leads us into unexpected paths.
God, when we sit at the edge of hope and uncertainty, fill our hearts with your peace which surpasses all understanding. ( Sojourners’ ‘prayer of the day’ on Tuesday)
Let’s join together in the “Thy Kingdom Come” prayer :
Almighty God, your ascended Son has sent us into the world to preach the good news of your kingdom: inspire us with your Spirit and fill our hearts with the fire of your love, that all who hear your Word may be drawn to you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
To listen to:
Traditional: Spirit of God, unseen as the wind - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGiCOx1obNg
Contemporary: Come Holy Spirit, Martin Smith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYPBCfZr7nc
To watch: Cosham Baptist Church had a day of prayer last Saturday and church members recorded short videos on various prayer topics. Nicki used her artistic gifts to help us pray for those who have suffered financially as a result of the coronavirus crisis. You can watch her video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT4eAEG5oPI
To participate in: Portsmouth Diocesan Pentecost Service – Sunday 31 May, 7.00pm‘Churches from around the Diocese will round off Thy Kingdom Come in style, with a 'Songs of Praise' style service led by Bishop Christopher. It will feature worship, prayers and readings led by churches across the diocese. There's also a chance to see video footage of the amazing work that has been going on in our churches during the lockdown, as we give thanks to God for opportunities to serve others during the coronavirus pandemic.’
The service will be available on the Diocese of Portsmouth’s YouTube Channel at 7.00pm on 31 May.
So we are now between Ascension Day and Pentecost. This was another in-between time for the disciples, another time of waiting. Jesus had told them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Father to send the Holy Spirit. He had promised that they would receive new power to enable them to tell everyone about Jesus in Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria and everywhere in the world! What on earth could this mean? How could a small group of Jewish men and women possibly take on a task like that? No wonder they stood staring up into the sky in bewilderment!
On their return to Jerusalem they all met together to pray but they still had no idea what the future might hold. However they did know it would be very different from the past. Jesus was no longer with them physically, and although he had told them about the Holy Spirit they had little understanding of what the presence of the Holy Spirit would mean. If they recalled Jesus’ teaching recorded in John 14-16 they would know that the Holy Spirit would reveal truth to them (John 14:17 and 16: 13). They would also know that the Holy Spirit would reveal to the world the truth about sin, and God’s justice and judgement (John 16:8-11), and be aware that the Holy Spirit would be enabling them to share this message with the world (John 15:26-27).
We now find ourselves facing a future full of unknowns. We have been promised that the current lockdown will gradually be lifted and new freedoms will be available to us soon. But when we step outside of our own front doors and return to the shops and workplaces that are gradually reopening, and when children begin to return to school next week, what will we find? We know it will be very different from what we knew before. The relaxed hustle and bustle, the handshakes and hugs that we are used to will be replaced by a new world of sanitisation and social distancing. What will it feel like to live in this new world? And what will our task be as God’s people? What is Jesus calling us to do and how will the Holy Spirit empower us to do it?
In the “old world” it was easy to go along to church week by week, to participate in worship, listen to preaching and receive communion. Even as lockdown eases some of these things are unlikely to be possible for quite a long time. During the last few weeks when we have been confined to our own homes we have had to learn to take responsibility for our own spiritual life and growth, for our own discipleship. Perhaps this has been a preparation time for taking on more responsibility for how we should follow Christ going forward. During this 10 day period of prayer that many of us are observing between Ascension and Pentecost, when we pray especially “Thy Kingdom Come”, let’s take the opportunity to look forward and ask God how he wants us to act in the new world that is coming. Let’s ask God for the power of the Holy Spirit, to seek and proclaim truth, to recognise what is wrong in our own lives and acknowledge the ways that we have colluded in the practices of the culture around us which have contributed to the current crisis, and the injustices in our society and the wider world that it has brought to light. How can we act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God as we step forward into the unknown?
Bishop Nick Baines wrote in his blog this week: We don’t know what the future will look like for our society, our economy, our politics, our church. But, we do know that we are called to be creative, bold and adventurous. Will we make mistakes, misunderstand the calling, head in the wrong direction at the wrong time? Probably. But, Jesus in the gospels shows little surprise when his friends mess it up. What we can’t do is just go back to the fishing grounds of the old certainties. https://nickbaines.wordpress.com/
Let’s pray today for courage as we gradually step out of our current “bubble” and for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to lead us forward.
“When the Counsellor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. And you also must testify…..” (John 15:26-7)
Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long. (Psalm 25: 4-5)
We can give thanks today for the steadily falling death rates in the UK - no deaths at all were reported in Northern Ireland on Monday - and also for some progress in finding effective treatments. One anti-viral drug has now shown some positive results and doctors are optimistic about a treatment being trialled using blood plasma from recovered Covid patients. Thanks be to God.
Even as the virus is on the wane we continue to pray for people who are still falling ill and those being treated in hospital. We pray for all those carrying out research programmes seeking effective treatments and thank God for the expertise and hard work of the scientists and medical staff involved.
We are aware of the need for an effective test, track, trace and isolate programme to support the gradual lifting of the lockdown, so we pray for all those who have the task of developing and staffing this, with the many logistical challenges involved. We pray that people will follow the guidelines to prevent a second wave of infection.
Lord of life - in your mercy, hear us.
Some prayers focusing on truth:
Where is truth Lord?
What can we believe?
Politicians pass the blame
The press are sidelined
Who will tell us straight Lord?
What can we be sure of?
We turn to you Lord
Knowing that you are the only sure truth
We ask you to shine your light
Shine it in to the darkest corner
Teach us to seek truth
To act justly
To love gently
And to be merciful.
(https://www.prayersforlockdown.co.uk/truth from the website "An Ordinary Office" which shares prayers with people who have disabilities and learning difficulties. For an illustrated version of this prayer, follow the link.)
Let’s pray that we will not become cynical and cease believing that there is no truth to be found and known. May our desire to know the truth send us back to God’s word and give us the courage to examine our own lives in the light of it. Lord we long to see our world transformed by your truth.
Lord, in your mercy - hear our prayer
Let’s pray for people of integrity in public life and positions of leadership in our own country and across the world. We are distressed at the lack of transparency in the leadership of many nations today. We pray for God to raise up leaders who have the courage to admit when they don’t know the answers and the honesty to acknowledge when they have got things wrong.
Lord, in your mercy - hear our prayer
The Micah Global website draws our attention to the importance of ethical journalism: ‘Around the world ethical investigative journalism is one of the pillars of society, being the 'fifth estate' that exposes corruption, injustice and crises. Many of these men and women risk their lives to share the truth with society. Often their families are at risk too. Journalists are murdered for the stand they take against injustice in many parts of the world today. Ethical media that stands for truth and justice is key to societal transformation, but is often under threat.’
Under the pressures of the coronavirus crisis many countries are clamping down on free investigation and governments are seeking to control sources of information. “Whistleblowers” are being blamed and sources of dissent shut down. Necessary restrictions to control the coronavirus can easily be extended by authoritarian governments of any political persuasion to limit other freedoms, including free speech, freedom of worship and freedom of the press.
‘God, we pray for good journalists around the world today. We thank you for those people who have chosen to use their skill with courage, to address issues that break your heart and are wrong in society today. Thank you for those who have laid down their lives for the betterment of society. We pray protection over all journalists who are under threat today and pray for continued courage and strength for each of them as they do what they are called to today.’
Amen
While we have been absorbed by the coronavirus crisis, communities in other parts of the world have continued to experience other calamities and disasters, including a major cyclone which recently hit Bangladesh and India. We pray for them:
God of refuge,
protect our sisters and brothers in Bangladesh and India,
tossed far from their homes by Cyclone Amphan.
Some afraid to evacuate for fear of a pandemic disease,
surrounded by catastrophe and debris.
Comfort them as they journey and where they stay.
Your love knows no distance, O God be near your children in peril.
Set them on their way to safety, let them find your help.
Awaken in our hearts a love that reaches out –
a love that shelters neighbours from the storm,
a love that lays the foundations for recovery,
a love that perseveres.
We pray for their protection to you,
our God who never gives up.
In Jesus name, Amen
(The above prayer comes from Christian Aid)
Let’s ask God for the courage to step out into the unknown future trusting that he will lead us. If we are fearful we can ask for his presence and reassurance. We pray that God will inspire us as we move forward in worship and service in the days ahead. We ask for help to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, even if that comes to us in surprising ways and leads us into unexpected paths.
God, when we sit at the edge of hope and uncertainty, fill our hearts with your peace which surpasses all understanding. ( Sojourners’ ‘prayer of the day’ on Tuesday)
Let’s join together in the “Thy Kingdom Come” prayer :
Almighty God, your ascended Son has sent us into the world to preach the good news of your kingdom: inspire us with your Spirit and fill our hearts with the fire of your love, that all who hear your Word may be drawn to you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
To listen to:
Traditional: Spirit of God, unseen as the wind - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGiCOx1obNg
Contemporary: Come Holy Spirit, Martin Smith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYPBCfZr7nc
To watch: Cosham Baptist Church had a day of prayer last Saturday and church members recorded short videos on various prayer topics. Nicki used her artistic gifts to help us pray for those who have suffered financially as a result of the coronavirus crisis. You can watch her video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT4eAEG5oPI
To participate in: Portsmouth Diocesan Pentecost Service – Sunday 31 May, 7.00pm‘Churches from around the Diocese will round off Thy Kingdom Come in style, with a 'Songs of Praise' style service led by Bishop Christopher. It will feature worship, prayers and readings led by churches across the diocese. There's also a chance to see video footage of the amazing work that has been going on in our churches during the lockdown, as we give thanks to God for opportunities to serve others during the coronavirus pandemic.’
The service will be available on the Diocese of Portsmouth’s YouTube Channel at 7.00pm on 31 May.
The Church of England has prepared written materials to enable and encourage you to worship at home. Have a look HERE and HERE
Time to Pray |
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Time to Pray presents everything you need for Prayer During the Day, with variations according to the day of the week and the season of the Church’s year.
The app is compatible with smartphones and tablets (iPhone/iPad iOS 9.0+ and Android 5.1.1+).
You can use Prayer During the Day on its own, as your sole act of prayer and praise, or you can use it alongside Night Prayer – also provided here – in a pattern of prayer at the beginning and end of the day.
Download instructions for IOS and Android are HERE
Don't have or use a smartphone or tablet? You can still listen to Prayer During the Day and Night Prayer on the web page HERE. Just scroll down the page to find the audio content or try HERE
The app is compatible with smartphones and tablets (iPhone/iPad iOS 9.0+ and Android 5.1.1+).
You can use Prayer During the Day on its own, as your sole act of prayer and praise, or you can use it alongside Night Prayer – also provided here – in a pattern of prayer at the beginning and end of the day.
- Access Prayer During the Day, together with full text of psalms and short readings from Common Worship: Time to Pray.
- Follow a simple pattern of daily prayer that varies according to the season and day of the week.
- Access Night Prayer, together with guidance on sustaining a pattern of regular prayer.
Download instructions for IOS and Android are HERE
Don't have or use a smartphone or tablet? You can still listen to Prayer During the Day and Night Prayer on the web page HERE. Just scroll down the page to find the audio content or try HERE
Socially Distant – poems, prayers and postures for the socially distant
by Tim Watson, Leesland Pioneer Minister
This is a uplifting, challenging and deeply helpful collection from Tim at a time when many of us don’t know what is going on. The book contains some new poetry, original morning and evening prayer routines for the self-isolated or socially distant, a section of personal and prayers for others. The book then concludes with postures – things like “at the window” and “under the kitchen sink.” In this new world where the inside of our houses is so familiar, this is excellent. The collection is free to download here: https://proost.co.uk/free-stuff/socially-distant-by-tim-watson
This is a uplifting, challenging and deeply helpful collection from Tim at a time when many of us don’t know what is going on. The book contains some new poetry, original morning and evening prayer routines for the self-isolated or socially distant, a section of personal and prayers for others. The book then concludes with postures – things like “at the window” and “under the kitchen sink.” In this new world where the inside of our houses is so familiar, this is excellent. The collection is free to download here: https://proost.co.uk/free-stuff/socially-distant-by-tim-watson
