Opening prayer: As we gather, God’s spirit is with us, thanks be to God.

Read: Matthew 24 v30-35

Prayer for the day: Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: help us so to hear them, to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them that, through patience, and the comfort of your holy word, we may embrace and for ever hold fast the hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

A word about the Bible, from Lucy: Today is Bible Sunday and our prayer for today reminds us that the Bible is there to help us learn about God. Today’s prayer calls us to hear, read and study the word of God so that we can learn about and live our lives in keeping with God’s word. Finally, our prayer affirms that if we live in line with God’s word that we are also holding onto the promise of eternal life in Jesus. So, what can you hope to find if you take the time and trouble to read the Bible? So far, I have learnt lots about God. For God is beyond anything I can think or imagine; and God is so gracious and loving and merciful; and God has plans, plans that God always succeeds in fulfilling; and God knows what is best for us and wants to do what is best for us. I have also realised that the Bible teaches everything I need to know in order to live a life that is pleasing to God and be ready when the time comes for all creation to be judged. So, with all this in mind, I commend the Bible to you. You will find it an amazing read that opens up all sorts of insights and experiences that draw us closer to God.

Closing prayer: May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen