Praying Together 30th July 2023

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