Lord, direct our thoughts, and teach us to pray. Lift up our hearts to worship you in spirit and in truth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

‘For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken.’ (Psalm 62:1-2)

Hymn: All my hope on God is founded...

Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Hebrews 9:24-28

In life and death we are with the Lord. Let us turn to the Lord, who is full of compassion and mercy, and ask that he will forgive us our sins and extend his healing love upon our broken world: Most merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we confess that we have sinned in thought, word and deed. We have not loved you with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. In your mercy forgive what we have been, help us to amend what we are, and direct what we shall be; that we may do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God. Amen.

May the God of love bring us back to himself, forgive us our sins, and assure us of his eternal love in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for the day: Lord of the nations, Saviour and judge of all: remove from human hearts all bitterness and hate, grant to those who have died in war your mercy and forgiveness and bring us all to the peace of your eternal Kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who suffered and died, and now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Mark 1:14-20

Please see the message from the minister.

Let us join in prayer, asking for God’s loving presence to be known to everyone:

We pray for the Church throughout the world, that God’s love will be revealed through us;

We pray for the world, for compassion and loving kindness to grow in people’s hearts so that all will flourish, and conflict, poverty and injustice will cease;

We pray for our friends, families and neighbours, that our relationships will thrive;

We pray for people who are sick or suffering, that they will know God’s healing presence;

We pray for the departed, and that all who mourn will receive comfort.

Let us pray for the coming of God’s kingdom in the prayer that Jesus taught us:

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.

Hymn: Eternal Father, strong to save...

May the love of our Lord Jesus draw us to himself, the power of the Lord Jesus strengthen us in his service, the joy of the Lord Jesus fill our hearts: and may the blessing of God Almighty who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit rest upon us and remain with us always.

Let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord, in the name of Christ. Amen.