Collect for Trinity 8
Romans 8: 26-39
Matthew 13: 31-33, 44-45
A gardener. A cook. A ‘Detectorist’. A merchant. Stories (parables) that help our understanding of the Kingdom of God. Jesus is using real world examples and, though at first we would think that objects in the story are unrelated to each other, they are not. The common element is that small things – acting out our belief in our small corner – lead to great things. We are told about the mustard seed, and learn that no matter how small our actions, when we offer ourselves as servants, bringing comfort to the poor, the lonely, the ill, the oppressed, sufferers of injustice, people who are different, we are one step further to the Kingdom, come.
We are to be yeast – very small amounts needed, and invisible in the bread, but without that yeast the bread won’t rise. A small act of kindness in Jesus’ name, brings a ray of light in an angry world.
The treasure is there – it just needs to be found. We search for truth, and realise that Jesus is the truth; the way; and the life. But we don’t find God – He finds us, and we simply have to welcome Him. And when we do, we joyously leave our old life and its values behind, and become the new creation He offers.
A sermon might end there with a challenge: however small, being a seed; however unrewarded or unrecognised, being yeast; to accept Jesus into our lives forsaking the world, in the knowledge that from tiny acorns, a great oak grows. Essentially, to love as we are commanded.
But we also need to realise that to ignore our call to act is not just indifference, but actually dangerous. The Covid-19 virus was small, but killed hundreds of thousands. To fail to love, even in small ways, is to allow evil to flourish
Let us pray
Jesus said ‘Listen! I am standing at the door and knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you, and you with me’. (Revelation 3:20)
As we turn to you O Lord, let our worship be a new beginning – cleanse us with your mercy – draw us deeper into your love and accept our offering of praise and prayer. We offer our prayers on behalf of a troubled world. Through your son, our brother and our Saviour. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Loving Father, help us when burdens weigh heavily – renew us with your streams of living water, so that we might serve you with our whole hearts. In the strength of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
We give thanks for your goodness – for our lives so rich in your blessings; for the beauty of the earth and the changing seasons, for the wonders of nature that remind us of your majesty. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We thank you for the gift of life – every day providing so many opportunities to serve you -to shine as light in the darkness and to follow the example, set by Jesus, of obedience in our service to others. Forgive us when we let you down, when we are thoughtless or selfish and when we forget to love and serve others.
Help us when we need direction or when we face difficult choices and decisions. Thank you for our families and friends and help us serve others in the communities we represent.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
A prayer of St Augustine of Hippo (354-430)
Almighty God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in you. Grant us purity of heart and strength of purpose, that no selfish passion may hinder us from knowing your will, and no weakness hinder us from doing it; but that in your light we may see light and in your service find our perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Go in peace, to love and praise the Lord and all His creation, giving thanks for the blessings of tomorrow – and the day after, then the day after that, and all your days. In the name of Christ. Amen
Previous Posts
Praying Together 22nd February 2026
If we are to appreciate the gentleness of a lamb, we need to know its opposite. If we are to understand what safety is, we need also to experience the possibility of danger.
Praying Together 15th February 2026
Perhaps, when we pray, we need to remember it is the Jesus on the Mountain to whom we address our prayers, the one whose face shines like the sun and transfigures our faces as we radiate in His light.
Praying Together February 8th 2026
Is Jesus suggesting, not to eat and drink? And is he saying we should not wear clothes but go naked?
How unrealistic is this, and how depressing – we need to eat and drink, and we need clothing.
Praying Together February 1st 2026
Christ’s words are given to all His people in the face of the difficulties we ourselves face in life. We claim them and are assured of Blessing. And that is all we need.
Praying Together January 25th 2026
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Praying Together 18th January 2026
In prayer, we ask: Who is God calling to come and use their specific individual gifts to continue to build His Kingdom in the future?
His reply is clear.
“You”, He says.
Praying Together 11 January 2026
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.
Praying Together 21st December 2025
Joseph’s example is one of love, human reaction, vocation and ultimate obedience to his Creator. So we rightly celebrate both Mary and Joseph as the chosen parents of the Christ-child. But we must also remember that they were ordinary people with human emotions who lived extraordinary lives.
Praying Together December 7th 2025
By your grace we have the gift of the Scriptures. With the help your grace, may we listen deeply to what you want to say to each one of us. May we know your gifts of endurance, encouragement and hope, so that not only our lips but also our lives may be a song in praise of your mercy.
Praying Together November 30th November 2025
The significance of the Themes and Candles we light during the Advent Season.
Praying Together 23rd November 2025
We celebrate the beginning of the story in Advent – but before we do, it is equally important to celebrate the final act of Coronation. The Gospel proclaims that Jesus is King.
Praying Together 16th November 2025
In ways, the Christian Journey is like a race – a Marathon, not a sprint. The key is endurance, Jesus says. There will be mountains to climb, tears and heartache in the depths of your soul, and it will sometimes feel like it’s impossible to carry on. But the world will continue, and end only in God’s good time.