Watch:
Liturgy:
If you’re doing this in a group:
First of all please refer to and follow all instructions for gathering in a heathy way in this time
Prepare communion in an appropriately safe manner prior to commencing, preferably some bread and juice/wine
Find one or two people who are willing to read aloud. Or perhaps give each person a section.
If you have someone who is willing to facilitate musical worship have them prepare, or use this Spotify playlist
Suggested songs: Kia kaha; It is well with my soul (chorus); I exalt thee
If you’re doing this by yourself:
Prepare yourself some communion to take, preferably some bread and juice/wine
Still say these prayers aloud as an expression of trust that God really is in the room with you, not just ‘up there’
Prepare yourself for the readings with your Bible and this Spotify playlist to reflect to
Some final preparation:
Liturgy is best practiced slowly
Light a candle if you struggle to concentrate, this is to come back to when your mind wanders as a symbol of Jesus who is the light of the world
Embrace the silence and stillness that is in new abundance in our lives
Allow for space between prayers, between lines
Be blessed as you gather and place yourself before our God
Opening sentences
(Said aloud by leader)
Almighty God,
we praise you for all you have done.
Help us with all that you want us to do.
Come Holy Creator,
and rebuild the city of Auckland
so that we do not labour in vain without you.
Come Holy Saviour,
and heal all that is broken
in our lives and in our streets.
Come, Holy Spirit,
and strengthen us with the energy and willingness
to serve our city to your honour and glory.
Amen
Expressions of faith
(Said aloud by leader, and together for last line of each sentence)
Lord, You have always given
bread for the coming day;
and though I am poor,
today I believe.
Lord, You have always given
strength for the coming day;
and though I am weak,
today I believe.
Lord, You have always given
peace for the coming day;
and though of anxious heart,
today I believe.
Lord, You have always kept
me safe in trials;
and now, tried as I am,
today I believe.
Lord, You have always marked
the road for the coming day;
and though it may be hidden,
today I believe.
Lord, You have always lightened
this darkness of mine;
and though the night is here,
today I believe.
Lord, You have always spoken
when time was ripe;
and though you be silent now,
today I believe.
Worship/Scripture readings
(Read aloud, and if you have someone who is willing to facilitate musical worship feel free to substitute the Psalm for a time of sung worship)
Psalm 121
Old Testament Numbers 16:45-48
New Testament Hebrews 10:19-25
Weekly meditation
(Read aloud by one person)
The church’s absence, its literal emptying, can function as a symbol of its trust in God’s ability to meet us regardless of the location. The church remains the church whether gathered or scattered. It might also indirectly remind us of the gift of gathering that we too often take for granted.
It is possible that, strangely enough, the absence of the gathered church will be a great testimony to the presence of God in our care for our neighbours.
(Pause here for a time of reflection on how God might be using you in this time)
Prayers for others
(A free time for group intersession and prayer for our community, our land and our world)
Prayer of St Francis (A sending out)
(Read aloud by everyone)
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
Communion
(Distribute the elements so that everyone has them in hand, then leader reads aloud)
This is the table,
not of the Church but
of Jesus Christ.
It is made ready for
those who love God
and who want to love
God more.
So come, you who
have much faith and
you who have little,
You who have been
here often and you
who have not been for
a long time or ever
before,
You who have tried to
follow and all of us
who have failed.
These are the gifts
of God for the People
of God.
Come, not because the
Church invites you;
It is Christ who
invites you to be
known and fed here.
(Take and be still)
Blessing/ Benediction
(Declared aloud by leader)
Let nothing disturb thee,
nothing affright thee;
all things are passing,
God never changeth!
Patient endurance attaineth to all things;
who God possesseth
in nothing is wanting;
alone God sufficeth.