daily office
An Office for the growth and renewal of the Church
This short office may be used at a set point during the day, by individuals or groups. It may also be used to open or close meetings or homegroups. Candles, pictures and music may be used to create a prayerful atmosphere. The office should be prayed slowly and thoughtfully, and people other than the leader may read the Scripture sentences.
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit . Amen .
REFLECTING ON OUR FAITH
These sentences from Scripture may be read by different voices:
I have come that you may have life, and have it in all its fullness. ( John 10:10)
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ( Matthew 11:28)
I am the resurrection and the life. ( John 11:25)
Friend, your sins are forgiven. ( Luke 5:20)
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. ( John 15:9)
Pause for quiet reflection.
In quietness we still our hearts and draw near to God in prayer. We come to God in thanksgiving for those people he has used to encourage and teach us in our Christian lives, those people who have shared their lives and the life of Christ and his kingdom with us.
Silence
Almighty God we thank you for the people you have brought into our lives that they may share with us your very self. We humbly thank you for the blessing their lives have been to us in bringing us to faith and leading us on in the life of your kingdom. We praise you through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
DECLARING OUR FAITH
In response to God's goodness and saving work in Christ Jesus we affirm our faith and trust in Him.
I believe and trust in God the Father who created all that is.
I believe and trust in his son Jesus Christ who redeemed humankind.
I believe and trust in his Holy Spirit who gives life to us and all the people of God.
I belive and trust in one God, Father Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
PRESSING ON IN FAITH
The scripture sentence for each day is read, and a period of silent reflection and prayer follows
Monday
This son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. So they began to celebrate. (Luke 15:24)
Tuesday
I tell you, there is great rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. (Luke 15:10
Wednesday
Jesus called the twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. (Matthew 10:1)
Thursday
I am the vine; you are the branches. Anyone who remains in me and I in them, will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
Friday
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem , and in all Judea and Samaria , and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
Silence
PRAYING IN FAITH
In quietness we still our hearts and draw near to God in prayer. We bring to God the communities of which we are a part, at home, in our streets, our work, social groups, and the church. We pray for the renewing of our church, that God would restore our fortunes and make us effective for his kingdom.
Silence (during which candles may be lit)
We pray, dear Lord, that your kingdom may come in the lives of all those we remember before you now.
Almighty God, give us opportunity to live the good news of your kingdom every day of our lives. Holy Spirit, calm our fears, equip our lives and inspire us to declare the wonders of Jesus, for his mighty name's sake. Amen .
Specific prayers may be offered, either aloud or silently .
Gathering our prayers and praises into one, we pray as our Saviour has 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.
The Diocesan Prayer:
Lord God, renew your Church and begin with me.
Heal our wounds, give us joy in our faith,
draw many to share your life,
and use us all in your service.
For Jesus Christ's sake, Lord of the Church,
make us the Church of the Lord. Amen.
Jesus said: All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always to the very end of the age. ( Matthew 28:18-20)
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Blessing, honour and glory be yours,
here and everywhere,
now and for ever. Amen.