Circuit Service – 12th May 2024 – Rev Rosemary Mutopo
ST ALBANS AND WELWYN CIRCUIT SERVICE FOR 12 MAY 2024
PREPARED BY REV ROSEMARY MUTOPO
Call To Worship: Psalm 1
Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers;
their delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season,
their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.
The wicked are not so,
they are like chaff that the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
or the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
From The New Revised Standard Versio
Hymn STF 28 Jesus calls us here to meet him
Opening Prayers/ adoration and confession
Gracious and Loving God, we come before you with hearts filled with awe and reverence as we reflect on the depth of Jesus’ love for you, his disciples and us. We thank you for the relationship between father and son and the beautiful bond you share, perfect unity and love! We praise you for the glory Jesus revealed to us which shines forth from his life, teachings, and ultimate sacrifice on the cross. In him, we see a glimpse of your infinite love and mercy, poured out for all humanity.
We lift our voices in adoration, declaring your greatness and majesty, for you alone are worthy of all honour and praise. As we meditate on the words of Jesus, we are reminded of your eternal plan of salvation, fulfilled through him. We thank You for the gift of your Son, who came into the world to bring us into communion with you. May our lives reflect his love and grace, shining brightly for all to see.
Merciful and Compassionate God, as we contemplate Jesus Christ’s words, we are humbled by the depth of his love and the purity of his heart. He prayed for us, his disciples, knowing that, in this world, we would face trials and temptations. Yet, we confess that we have often failed to live up to the calling he has placed upon our lives. Forgive us, O Lord, for the times when we have allowed fear and doubt to overshadow our faith. Forgive us for our lack of unity and love towards one another, for the times when we have failed to bear witness to your truth in the world. We acknowledge our need for your grace and mercy, as we seek to be transformed by your Spirit. Help us, Father, to walk in the footsteps of your son, Jesus Christ, who prayed for our sanctification and protection. May his example inspire us to live lives of holiness and obedience, surrendered to your will. Grant us the courage to stand firm in the face of adversity, trusting in your unfailing love to sustain us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
STF 611 Brother, sister, let me serve you
Reading: Please read John 17:6-19
Reflection
The reading from the gospel of John takes us back to the scene of the Last Supper. Jesus reaffirms the union between himself and his father while emphasising the need for Christians to be united within themselves. In a world marred by division, conflict, and hostility, the idea of unity may seem insubstantial yet as followers of Christ, we are called to embody a different reality—a reality rooted in the earnest unity that Jesus prayed for.
In this passage, we witness Jesus lifting his voice in prayer to the Father, expressing his desire for unity among his disciples. He acknowledges that they belong to the Father and have been entrusted to him. Jesus does not only pray for his immediate disciples but also for all who would come to believe in him through their message. His prayer reveals the intimate bond between himself, the Father, and those who belong to him.
Jesus’ prayer underlines the fundamental truth that unity originates from the divine relationship shared within the Godhead. Unity among believers is not merely a human venture but a reflection of the unity found within the Triune God. As recipients of Jesus’ prayer, we are invited into a community marked by unity, love, and mutual belonging.
While Jesus prays for unity, he also acknowledges the reality of the world’s opposition to it. He recognises the presence of forces that seek to divide and scatter his followers. Jesus understands the temptations and trials his disciples will face, yet he prays for their protection and sanctification amid adversity.
We are reminded that pursuing unity is not without challenges; we live in a world marked by sin and brokenness that seeks to undermine our unity in Christ, Jesus. Divisive attitudes, misunderstandings, and conflicts can threaten the unity of the body of Christ. Despite these challenges, Jesus’ prayer assures us of his constant presence and intercession on our behalf, empowering us to overcome the forces of disunity.
In the final part of his prayer, Jesus emphasises the role of truth in fostering unity among His disciples. He prays for their sanctification through the truth of God’s Word, affirming its power to set them apart for God’s purposes. Jesus sends his disciples into the world, just as he was sent by the Father, on a mission to proclaim the truth and bear witness to his love.
Unity is grounded in the truth of God’s word, which transforms and unites believers as they align themselves with his will. The sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit enables believers to live by God’s truth, empowering them to overcome division and embrace unity. As Christ’s ambassadors, we are called to embody his love and truth, serving as instruments of reconciliation and unity in a divided world.
As we reflect on Jesus’ prayer for unity, may we be reminded of our calling to live as a united community in him. Let us strive to cultivate relationships marked by love, humility, and mutual respect, bearing witness to the transformative power of Christ’s love in our midst. May the Holy Spirit empower us to overcome division and work towards the realisation of Jesus’ prayer which is still as important to us today as it was to the disciples then. May we all strive to be one in Jesus and the Father. Amen.
STF 518 Father, hear the prayer we offer
Prayers for others and the world (Intercessions)
God of grace, hear our words and pleas as we pray for this world in turmoil. We pray for unity among all who believe in you, just as Jesus prayed for his disciples. Help us to set aside our differences and come together in love, sharing the bond of faith that unites us. Lord, shield us from the influence of the evil one, as Jesus prayed for his disciples. Guard our hearts and minds against temptation and deliver us from all forms of spiritual attack. Heavenly Father, sanctify us by your truth, as Jesus prayed for his disciples. Grant us a deeper understanding of your word and empower us to live lives that are pleasing to you. Merciful Saviour, just as Jesus commissioned his disciples to go into the world, we pray for the strength and courage to fulfil our mission. Equip us with your Spirit to, bear witness to your love and truth in every aspect of our lives. Protect us from the hostilities of the world, as Jesus prayed for his disciples. Grant us resilience in the face of persecution and enable us to respond to opposition with grace and humility. May your love dwell richly within us, as Jesus prayed for his disciples. Help us to love one another deeply and sacrificially, reflecting the unity and love of the triune God.
Holy Spirit, consecrate us for the service of your kingdom. Use us as instruments of your peace and agents of reconciliation in a broken world. Heavenly Father, fill us with the joy of Christ. May our lives be a testimony to the transforming power of your grace, drawing others into a relationship with you. Lord, we ask for your protection from the schemes of the evil one. Guard us against deception and strengthen us to, stand firm in the face of adversity and, continually abide in your presence. May we find our true fulfilment and purpose in knowing you, and making you known to others. May these prayers echo the desires of our hearts as we seek to follow Jesus and live out his teachings in our daily lives. Amen.
We bring all our prayers together as we say the Lord’s Prayer… AMEN.
STF 689 Summoned by the God who made us
Benediction
Lord, make us one with you. As Christ has loved and prayed for us, we remain in peace, proclaiming Christ’s loving words to all we meet. We know that Christ is with us in all that we do. Amen.
