INTRODUCTION
A slightly different format this morning, as it is such a special weekend, I thought I would duplicate what we are doing in church. As we do not have a priest so no Holy Communion today, I thought I’d share the same service. As it is a family service the sermon and prayers may be different. We have lots going on in the coming weeks including the Spring Fair on the 13th may in the day school. Everyone is welcome and I hope to see many of you there. The rotary are supporting us with the duck race again and tickets are available from church – the first prize is a whopping £1,000!!
Apologies but I changed this week’s reading to God’s choosing of King David even though he was the younger brother, to remind us of Paul’s instruction that God choose our leaders and we will be enacting this out at St. Maxentius with the children this morning.
The reflection is by myself and the also the intercessions although they are adapted from the Church of England website for this weekend.
Take care and God Bless
Jan B.
PRAYER OF PREPARATION
Alleluia. Christ is risen
He is risen indeed, Alleluia
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ;
He has given us new life and hope by raising Jesus from the dead.
Alleluia. Christ is risen.
He is risen indeed. Alleluia
We have come together in the name of Christ to offer our praise and thanksgiving, to seek forgiveness of sins, to hear and receive God’s holy word, and to pray for the needs of the world.
We also gather this day to pray for our king, that, both now and always, God may grant him wisdom and grace for his ministry among us.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, may we, with Charles our King, give ourselves to the service of God and others, that our communities may flourish and be places of trust and friendship
O God make speed to save us
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Blessed are you, Lord Jesus, for as you were sent by the Father, so you send us. Equip Charles our King and all your people with the gifts to fulfil our calling, that we may love as you loved, serve as you served, and willingly follow wherever you lead.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed be God forever.
PRAYER OF FORGIVENESS
Let us say sorry to God for the things we have done wrong or the things we should have done and didn’t do them. The times we were hurtful or unkind or when we forgot to care for the world or other people. When we say sorry to God and we mean it he promise to forgive us.
My God, for love of you I want to hate and stop all the things I have done wrong or that have displeased you. I am sorry and promise to try and do better. I ask that you help me to be a good person and worthy to be called one of your children. Have mercy on us all and help me to do this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
THE GLORIA
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us. You are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
THE COLLECT
Everlasting God, we pray for our new King. Bless his reign and the life of our nation. Help us to work together so that truth and justice,harmony and fairness flourish among us; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
BIBLE READING
1 SAMUEL 16. 7-13
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t look at how handsome Eliab is. Don’t look at how tall he is. I have not chosen him. God does not see the same way people see. People look at the outside of the person, but the Lord looks at the heart”.
Then Jesse called Abinadab and told him to pass by Samuel. But Samuel said, “The Lord has not chosen this man either.” Then Jesse had Shammah pass by. But Samuel said. “No, the Lord has not chosen this one.” Jesse had seven of his sons pass by Samuel. But Samuel said to him, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.”
Then he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”
Jesse answered, “I still have the youngest son. He is out taking care of the sheep. “
Samuel said. “Send for him. We will not sit down to eat until he arrives.”
So Jesse sent and had his youngest son brought in. He was a fine boy, tanned and handsome.
The Lord said to Samuel, “Go. Appoint him. He is the chosen one.”
So Samuel took the container of olive oil. Then he poured oil on Jesse’s youngest son to appoint him in front of his brothers. From that day on, the Lord’s spirit entered David with power.
This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
REFLECTION
It was difficult trying to balance a respect for both God and King Charles in putting together a service for today. The coronation is such a historic milestone in our earthly lives, so I took advice and changed the reading for today to the story of King David in the Old Testament.
Paul tells us in his letters that we should always obey the law as God has chosen our leaders and put them in power and to break the law is wrong. We have however seen leaders come into office and make a hash of it in modern day times and might question their reasoning for some decisions, some let the power go to their heads and some crumble under the pressure. Others fulfil their calling and do a great job.
David was renowned to be a very good king, he was chosen to succeed King Jesse despite having seven older brothers. God spoke to Samuel and pointed out that David was the chosen one. He was anointed as heir to the throne and throughout the bible we are told that the Messiah will be from the house of David and of Jesse’s line. So it was crucial he became King, the Holy Spirit worked within him and he became a very trusted and intelligent leader
David sounds to be a popular choice, perhaps not with his brothers but after having a down to earth job of caring for the sheep, had all the attributes of the Good Shepherd that we heard of last week. Our late Queen was a committed Christian and served both God and country to the best of her ability, she was well respected and had a knack of showing love for all people. Our new King has been instructed and groomed into this calling the whole of his life and now it is his time. Our prayers are for God’s guidance and support that he may bring the monarchy into this modern age and be able to fulfil his duties to God and his country and it’s dependants. We pray for him now and in the future and remember Paul’s words that he was also chosen by God
Amen
Jan B.
THE CREED
Christ died for our sins. In accordance with the scriptures;
He was buried;
He was raised to life on the third day in accordance to the scriptures;
Afterwards he appeared to his followers, and to the apostles;
This we have received and this we believe. Amen.
INTERCESSIONS
Here we pray for the church, for the world, those in need and those who have died, you can follow your own prayers or these below on today’s theme.
Almighty God, you reign over all things in wisdom, power, and love. Hear our prayers which we offer in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For Charles our King, that you may pour upon him abundant gifts to help him fulfil the promises made at his coronation:
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
That he will have the grace, wisdom, and strength to live a life of service to you and to his people:
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For Camilla the Queen Consort, William Prince of Wales, the Princess of Wales, and all the Royal Family; that they may love and support the King as he bears the burden of his office:
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For the building up of the Church under its Supreme Governor, for the building up of all Christian people, and for mutual understanding and fellowship between all people of faith:
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For this United Kingdom, for His Majesty’s other Realms and Territories, for the whole Commonwealth of Nations, for their governments and ministers, and for all who are called to public service, that they will seek justice, mercy, and peace:
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For the peace of the world, for the welfare of all people, for those who care for others and for the environment, and for all in need: Especially today Rev Peter Reiss, Thomas Causton, Stanley Schofield, Sue Roberts, Colin Roberts, Stephen Haslam and Joe Gande
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord we remember those who have died in the faith of Christ, especially Julian Roscoe and those who have their anniversaries this week. George Standish, Percy L. Wood and Thomas Dyke. May our love and prayers support those who walk that journey today.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. 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.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory
For ever and ever. Amen.
THE BLESSING
God grant to the living grace, to the departed rest, to the church. King, the commonwealth and all people, unity peace and concord, and to us and all of God’s servants, life everlasting; And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be among us and remain with us always. Amen.
