Sunday 13 February 2022 | Developing healthy communication

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany COLLECT Holy and righteous God, you set before us life and death: grant us grace in the face of many temptations to seek the mind of Christ and choose eternal life for Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Loving Lord, We thank you for your love so freely given to us all. We pray for families around the world. Bless the work of the Mothers' Union as we seek to share your love through the encouragement, strengthening and support of marriage and family life. Empowered by your Spirit, may we be united in prayer and worship, and in love and service reach out as your hands across the world. In Jesus' name. Amen READING the Holy scriptures Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Proverbs 12:18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 17:27 Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Proverbs 18:13 If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame GOSPEL according to Luke 6: 17-26 20 Then he looked up at his disciples and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 "Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. "Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. 22 "Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. 23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. 24 "But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. 25 "Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. "Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. 26 "Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets." Prayer for Protection Visit our homes and families, O Lord, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy; let your holy angels dwell with us to preserve us in peace; and let your blessing be upon us always; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BENEDICTION Go now, with your trust in the Lord. Do not be influenced by the ways of sinners and cynics, but delight in the Lord’s teaching and study it night and day. Rejoice in your union with Christ even when people reject you for it. The Blessing And the blessing of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you always. Amen COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go in peace with courage, to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.