The people remain standing and the presiding minister says: Sisters and brothers in Christ, let us again accept our place within this covenant which God has made with us and with all who are called to be Christs disciples. This means that, by the help of the Holy Spirit, we accept Gods purpose for us, and the call to love and serve God in all our life and work. Christ has many services to be done: some are easy, others are difficult; some bring honour, others bring reproach; some are suitable to our natural inclinations and material interests, others are contrary to both; in some we may please Christ and please ourselves; in others we cannot please Christ except by denying ourselves. Yet the power to do all these things is given to us in Christ, who strengthens us. Therefore let us make this covenant of God our own. Let us give ourselves to him, trusting in his promises and relying on his grace. Eternal God, in your faithful and enduring love you call us to share in your gracious covenant in Jesus Christ. In obedience we hear and accept your commands; in love we seek to do your perfect will; with joy we offer ourselves anew to you. We are no longer our own but yours. I am no longer my own but yours. Your will, not mine, be done in all things, wherever you may place me, in all that I do and in all that I may endure; when there is work for me and when there is none; when I am troubled and when I am at peace. Your will be done when I am valued and when I am disregarded; when I find fulfilment and when it is lacking; when I have all things, and when I have nothing. I willingly offer all I have and am to serve you, as and where you choose. Glorious and blessèd God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are mine and I am yours. May it be so for ever. Let this covenant now made on earth be fulfilled in heaven. Amen. Silence, all seated As we have entered this covenant not for ourselves alone, but as Gods servants and witnesses, let us pray for the Church and for the world. Loving God, hear us as we pray for your holy catholic Church: make us all one, that the world may believe. Inspire and lead all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world: establish justice and peace among all people. Have compassion on all who suffer from any sickness, grief or trouble: deliver them from their distress. We praise you for all your saints who have entered your eternal glory: bring us all to share in your heavenly kingdom. Let us pray in silence for our own needs and for those of others . . . Silence Lord our God, you have helped us by your grace to make these prayers, and you have promised through Christ our Lord that when two or three agree in his name you will grant what they ask. Answer now your servants prayers according to their needs; in this world grant that we may truly know you, and in the world to come graciously give us eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Posted on: Sat, 01 Feb 2014 12:35:40 +0000
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