ST ALBANS AND WELWYN CIRCUIT SERVICE FOR 23 JUNE 2024
PREPARED BY REV ROSEMARY MUTOPO
Call to Worship
Come, let us gather in the presence of our God, who turns our sorrows into joy and our trials into testimonies.
We come with hearts open to forgiveness, ready to receive God’s grace.
Just as Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, inviting reconciliation and restoration, let us embrace the spirit of forgiveness and unity.
We come to worship the God who brings healing from hurt and hope from despair.
God’s divine plan transforms even what was meant for harm for good. Let us trust in His providence and mercy.
We come to give thanks and praise to the One who holds our lives in His hands as we celebrate God’s unfailing love and commit ourselves to walk in His grace. Amen
Hymn STF 51 Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father
Opening Prayers
Gracious God, in your presence, we lift our voices in praise and worship, reminding us of your unfailing love and faithfulness. May our worship today bring us closer to you and one another, fostering a community rooted in grace and understanding. We adore you for your faithfulness, for your promises that never fail, and for the peace that comes from knowing that you are always with us. We confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed. Forgive us for our selfishness, our pride, and our lack of faith. Forgive us for the times we have hurt others by our actions or our inaction. Grant us the wisdom to see your purpose in our trials and the grace to forgive those who have wronged us. Help us to embrace the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation in our own lives. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Please read Genesis 45:1-20
Hymn STF 613 God, how can we forgive when bonds of love are torn?
Reflection
Joseph’s story of revealing his identity to his brothers in Genesis 45:1-20 is a profound narrative of forgiveness, reconciliation, and divine providence. This narrative marks a crucial moment where the long arc of Joseph’s suffering and his brothers’ guilt find a resolution through grace and compassion.
Having risen to a position of great power in Egypt, Joseph stands before the very brothers who betrayed him. The emotional weight of this scene is palpable as Joseph, unable to contain his emotions, reveals his true identity. His initial reaction is one of overwhelming emotion, as he weeps loudly, so much so that the Egyptians and Pharaoh’s household hear it. This demonstrates the depth of Joseph’s feelings—years of pain, separation, and longing culminate in this moment.
The response of Joseph’s brothers is one of shock and fear. They are stunned into silence, unable to fathom that the powerful Egyptian official before them is their brother whom they sold into slavery. Their fear is evident, as they likely anticipate retribution for their past misdeeds. However, Joseph’s response is unexpected and deeply moving. Rather than seeking revenge, he reassures them, inviting them to come closer and understand that their actions, though intended for harm, were used by God for a greater purpose. Joseph’s perspective on his suffering is a remarkable testament to his faith. He sees his journey not as a series of unfortunate events, but as part of God’s divine plan to preserve life during the famine. This understanding allows Joseph to forgive his brothers wholeheartedly. He speaks kindly to them, encouraging them not to be distressed or angry with themselves, for God sent him ahead to ensure their survival.
This act of forgiveness is profound. It highlights the transformative power of viewing life through the lens of divine providence. Joseph’s ability to forgive is rooted in his recognition that God can bring good out of evil, a perspective that can inspire us to trust in God’s plan even amid our trials and sufferings. Joseph’s invitation to his family to come to Egypt and live under his care further extends his grace. He promises them provision and safety during the remaining years of famine. This gesture not only secures their physical well-being but also restores familial bonds that had been broken. It is a powerful example of how forgiveness can lead to reconciliation and restoration.
In reflecting on this passage, we are reminded of the importance of forgiveness in our own lives. Joseph’s story encourages us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and recognize the potential for God to use even our hardships for a greater purpose. It challenges us to extend grace to those who have wronged us, trusting that forgiveness can lead to healing and renewal.
Moreover, Joseph’s narrative invites us to consider how our own actions and responses can be part of a larger divine story. His faith and forgiveness set a standard for us to emulate, inspiring us to act with compassion and understanding, even in the face of betrayal and hurt. As we meditate on this scripture, let us seek to embody the same spirit of forgiveness and trust in God’s providence, allowing it to shape our interactions and relationships with all God’s people. Like Joseph, may we as we look back over our lives remember not just what others did to us but what the Lord has done. Amen.
Prayers of intercession
Loving and merciful God, as we reflect on the story of Joseph and his brothers, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude and humility. We bring our prayers of intercession, seeking your guidance, mercy, and blessings for our lives and the world around us.
Lord, of all hopefulness, hear our prayer.
Just as Joseph forgave his brothers and sought reconciliation, we pray for the grace to forgive those who have wronged us and to seek peace in our relationships. Help us to be agents of your love and reconciliation in a world that desperately needs it.
Lord, of all hopefulness, hear our prayer.
We pray for families who are divided and struggling with conflict. May they find the strength and courage to seek forgiveness and reconciliation, just as Joseph’s family did. Bring healing and restoration to broken relationships and homes.
Lord, of all hopefulness, hear our prayer.
For those who are suffering from the consequences of past actions, whether their own or those of others, we ask for your mercy and redemption. Turn their pain into purpose and their trials into testimonies of your grace.
Lord, of all hopefulness, hear our prayer.
We lift up those in positions of power and authority. May they, like Joseph, use their influence for the good of others, promoting justice, compassion, and provision for those in need. Guide them to make decisions that reflect your will and bring about positive change.
Lord, of all hopefulness, hear our prayer.
For those who are experiencing famine, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, we ask for your provision and sustenance. May they find hope and strength in your promise to provide, and may we, as your people, be instruments of your generosity and care.
Lord, of all hopefulness, hear our prayer.
We pray for our church community, that we may be a place of refuge, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Help us to support one another in times of need and to celebrate together in times of joy, always reflecting your love and grace.
Lord, of all hopefulness, hear our prayer.
For those who are lost and seeking direction, may they find their way in you. Guide their steps and lead them to the fulfilment of your plans for their lives, just as you guided Joseph through his journey.
Lord, of all hopefulness, hear our prayer.
Lastly, we pray for ourselves. Help us to trust in your divine providence, even when we do not understand our circumstances. Give us the faith to believe that you are working all things together for our good and your glory. We offer these prayers in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, who taught us to trust in your love and to seek your will in all things. Amen.
We bring all our prayers together as we say the Lord’s Prayer… AMEN.
Hymn STF 470 Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided,
Benediction
May the Lord, who brought Joseph and his brothers to a place of forgiveness and reconciliation, bless you with a heart full of grace and compassion. May you find peace in the assurance that God’s divine plan is at work in your life, turning trials into triumphs. As you go forth, may you carry the spirit of unity and love, bringing healing and hope to those around you.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, go in peace. Amen.