ST ALBANS AND WELWYN CIRCUIT SERVICE FOR 21st APRIL 2024
ST ALBANS AND WELWYN CIRCUIT SERVICE FOR 21st APRIL 2024
PREPARED BY REV ROSEMARY MUTOPO
Call To Worship (Inspired by Psalm 23 and John 10)
The Lord is our Shepherd; we shall lack nothing.
We come before the Shepherd of our souls, ready to receive his grace and mercy.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, knows each of his sheep by name. He calls us to follow him and find abundant life.
We respond to the voice of our Shepherd, trusting in his guidance and provision.
Let us worship the Lord with joy and gratitude, for he laid down his life for us, that we may have eternal life.
We lift our voices in praise to the Good Shepherd, who leads us beside still waters and restores our souls.
As we worship, may we be reminded of the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us, so that we may have life in all its fullness.
We come before the Shepherd of our salvation, offering our hearts and lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. Amen.
Hymn STF 342 All hail the power of Jesu’s name!
Opening Prayers/ adoration and confession
Gracious and loving God, we come in your presence today, drawn by the voice of our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. As we reflect on his word, may our hearts be open to receive the depth of his love and the truth of his teachings. Guide us, O Lord, as we worship you in spirit and in truth. Gracious and merciful God, on this fourth Sunday of Easter we come before you with hearts overflowing with gratitude and adoration. We praise you for the gift of Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd, who leads us with love and compassion. As you have called us by name, we rejoice in the knowledge that we belong to you. As we worship you, may our songs of praise resound, lifting high the name of our Saviour and King. In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Loving Shepherd, we confess that we have not always followed your voice with obedience and trust. At times, we have strayed from your paths, seeking our own desires instead of your will. We have neglected to listen for your voice amidst the noise of the world, and we have failed to recognize your presence in our midst. Forgive us, Lord, for our waywardness and lack of faith. Help us to turn back to you with repentant hearts, ready to receive your forgiveness and guidance. Lead us, O Shepherd of our souls, onto the path of righteousness, that we may dwell in your house forever. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
STF 479 The King of love my shepherd is
Reading: John 10:11-18 (The Good Shepherd)
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away–and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So, there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”
Reflection
On this Good Shepherd Sunday, Jesus declares, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Jesus uses the metaphor of a shepherd to describe his relationship with his followers. Jesus portrays himself as the shepherd who cares deeply for his sheep and is willing to lay down his life for their sake.
This imagery not only emphasizes Jesus’ sacrificial love but also underscores his intimate knowledge of each individual within his flock. Jesus reveals the depth of his love for us by comparing himself to a shepherd willing to give everything, even his life, for the sake of his sheep. This sacrificial love epitomises Christ’s mission on earth—to redeem humanity from sin and offer eternal life.
As the Good Shepherd, Jesus contrasts himself with hired hands who do not have the same level of commitment or care for the sheep. He emphasises the intimate relationship between himself and his followers, akin to the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep. Unlike the hired hands who flee in the face of danger, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, remains steadfast and courageous, willing to confront and overcome any threat and danger to his flock.
Jesus highlights the depth of his love and dedication by stating that he knows his sheep and they know him, just as the Father knows him and he knows the Father. This mutual knowledge implies a profound intimacy and connection between Jesus and his followers. It signifies a relationship based on trust, love, understanding and unity. It assures us of Jesus’ unwavering commitment to our well-being and his constant presence in our lives. In addition, Jesus speaks of his authority to lay down his life and take it up again, referring to his impending crucifixion and resurrection. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus demonstrated his power over death and his ultimate victory over sin and evil thereby fulfilling God’s plan for the redemption of humanity.
As we reflect on today’s readings, we are reminded of our Good Shepherd; Jesus Christ’s exceptional love and sacrifice. How he demonstrated the depth of his love and the extent of his commitment to our salvation by his willingness to lay down his life for us. Let us respond to his love with gratitude, trust, selfless love, obedience and service knowing that we are eternally secure in the Good Shepherd’s care. Amen.
STF 481 The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want
Prayers for others and the world (Intercessions)
Merciful and caring God, on this fourth Sunday of Easter, we lift our prayers for others and the world before you, trusting in your unfailing love and compassion. Lord, we pray for your Church around the world, that she may be strengthened and renewed by the power of your Spirit. Grant wisdom to our leaders, courage to our ministers, and unity among all believers. May we, as your people, faithfully proclaim the message of salvation and embody the love of Christ in all we do.
God of mercy, we lift the nations of the world to you. Heal the wounds of division and strife, and guide our leaders in the pursuit of justice and peace. We pray for an end to violence, oppression, and injustice, and the flourishing of all communities. Grant wisdom to those in positions of authority, that they may govern with integrity and compassion.
Compassionate Saviour, we pray for all who are suffering in body, mind, or spirit. Comfort those who are grieving the loss of loved ones, heal the sick and provide for the needs of the vulnerable. Grant strength to the weary, hope to the despairing, and peace to the anxious. May your presence be felt amid their pain, bringing healing and restoration.
Shepherd of our souls, we pray for those who have wandered away from your fold. Seek out the lost, O Lord, and bring them back into your loving embrace. Open their hearts to receive your grace and forgiveness, so that they may experience the joy of salvation and the abundant life found in you.
Gracious God, we bring before you our own needs and concerns. Grant us the wisdom to discern your will, the courage to follow where you lead, and the faith to trust in your unfailing goodness. Fill us afresh with your Spirit, that we may be empowered to live as faithful disciples of Christ, bearing witness to your love and grace in all we do. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd, we humbly pray. Amen.
We bring all our prayers together as we say the Lord’s Prayer… AMEN.
STF 503 Love divine, all loves excelling,
Benediction
As sheep of the Good Shepherd, may you follow his voice with trust and obedience, and may you reflect his love and compassion in all you say and do. May you find rest in the green pastures of his presence, courage in the face of adversity, and hope in the promise of eternal life. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you now and forevermore. Amen
