Sunday 17 January 2021

Third Sunday of the Epiphany Theme: God, strengthen us by your Spirit and make us worthy of our calling. Collect: Heavenly Father, by your grace alone you accepted us and called us to your service: strengthen us by your Spirit and make us worthy of our calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen. Gospel: John 1: 43-51 A PRAYER FOR HEALING AS THE CORONA VIRUS ENTERS ITS SECOND WAVE Loving God, as this corona virus enters a next and very dangerous phase in our country, we lift to you those who have contracted this dreaded disease. We pray for all who display symptoms especially those who have seriously ill and fighting for their lives. Surround them with your loving presence and pour out your healing upon them. Comfort families who have lost a Loved One to the virus. Guide Undertakers and Clergy who have to assist families with arrangements for funerals. Give wisdom and insight to researchers, scientists, National Covid Councils and Governments, not least our own Government and President trying their best to give guidance and support to our nation at this critical time. Gracious Spirit, inspire everyone in our communities to be sensible and responsible in stemming the spread of the virus. Drive away fear and anxiety and teach us how to love and respect one another, despite the inability to touch, hold, kiss or embrace. O God, give us strong faith to believe that you stand alongside us in times of sickness, suffering and distress. Breathe your healing Spirit over us all. We ask these things in the healing name of Jesus our Lord and Saviour. Amen COMMISSION & BLESSING Go now. Listen for the voice of the Lord and follow wherever it leads. Do not be dominated by anything. Allow no room within yourselves for deceit, but offer yourselves as a temple for the Holy Spirit. And may God be with you and speak through you; May Christ Jesus be one with you and raise you to life; And may the Holy Spirit dwell within you and make you holy. We go in peace to love and serve the Lord, In the name of Christ. Amen.