Today the Church celebrates St John of the Cross, priest and doctor of the church, during advent.
advent
Oh God, make speed to save us.
Oh Lord, make haste to help us.
You, O God, are the well of life.
When we look to you, we shall see the light.
Psalm 138
I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.
Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.
Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
Glory to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now
and shall be for ever. Amen
Scripture Readings
First Reading
Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
Ephesians 1:8-10
Second Reading
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 8:12-12
Prayers for advent
From the rising of the sun to its setting, let us pray to the Lord
Let us pray for the people of God in all the world – that they may worhsip in spirit and in truth
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Let us pray to the Lord that the Church Universal may discover again that unity which is the Father's will.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Please remember in your prayers today, – for the worldwide anglican communion
The Episcopal Church in Jerusalem & The Middle East
Please remember in your prayers for the diocese
Benefice - Whiteshill, Randwick
Benefice - Stroud St Lawrence, Uplands & Slad
Benefice - Stroud Holy Trinity
Benefice - Frampton, Arlingham, Saul, Fretherne, Framlode
Please remember in your prayers for our benefice
Eileen Smith, Betty Nash
Bridge Men and Lock Keepters, River Pilots
Purton
Let us pray to the Lord
that the nations of the earth may seek after the ways that make for peace.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Let us pray to the Lord
that the whole creation, groaning in travail, may be set free to enjoy the glorious liberty of the children of God.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Let us pray to the Lord
that all who with Christ have entered the shadow of death may rest in peace and rise in glory.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Let us commend the world to the mercy and protection of God, bcasue Christ has shown the way.
Please remember in your prayers today, – for the worldwide anglican communion
The Episcopal Church in Jerusalem & The Middle East
Please remember in your prayers for the diocese
Benefice - Whiteshill, Randwick
Benefice - Stroud St Lawrence, Uplands & Slad
Benefice - Stroud Holy Trinity
Benefice - Frampton, Arlingham, Saul, Fretherne, Framlode
Please remember in your prayers for our benefice
Eileen Smith, Betty Nash
Bridge Men and Lock Keepters, River Pilots
Purton
Please pray for our friends with us.
Collect for advent inspired by Gregory the Great, 604
O, good Jesus, Word of the Father and the brightness of his glory, whom angels desire to behold:
teach me to do your will so that, guided by your Holy Spirit, I may come to that blessed city of everlasting day, where all are one in heart and mind, where there is safety and eternal peace, happiness and delight, where you live with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Amen
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into tempation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever.
Amen
Conclusion
May the light of Christ, our Lord, shine in all our hearts.
Amen
Let us bless the Lord.
Amen