“Mine eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. ”
COLLECT: Saving God, whose Son Jesus was presented in the temple and was acclaimed the glory of Israel and the light of the nations: grant that in him we may be presented to you and in the world may reflect his glory; who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God now and for. Amen.
Archbishop Hosam, Anglican Archbishop of Jerusalem : “I ask those within the Anglican Communion and all of Christendom to join with us in offering the following prayer”.
Almighty and Everlasting God: our days are in your hands; we lift up all those in the Holy Land who are victims of violence and injustice, that you might empower your Church to bring healing to the wounded, relief to the suffering, and comfort to those who mourn; we pray also that you would soften the hearts of all those involved in the recent conflicts, that they would be led to work for justice and lasting peace in the land where your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ first came to bring hope and abundant life to all people; these things we ask in his Holy Name. Amen.
Archbishop Hosam, Anglican Archbishop of Jerusalem
A Prayer for Ukraine: God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen
Archbishop Justin Welby: Archbishop of Canterbury
Archbishop Stephen Cottrell: Archbishop of York.
Today’s Bible Reading
Old Testament Reading : Isaiah 61:10 - 62:3
Psalm: 148 (page 3378 A.B.P.A.)
New Testament Reading: Galatians 4: 4-7
Gospel: Luke 2: 22-40
Prayers
For The World: God our refuge and strength, you have bound humanity together in a common life: help the people of this world, in the midst of present conflicts, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, to listen for your voice amid competing claims, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect. We continue to pray for the war between Russia and Ukraine, and for the war between Palestine and Israel. We pray for other conflicts between nations that goes unreported. Take away prejudice, cruelty and revenge. Grant that barriers which divide may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease.
Our Country: We give thanks for this land and the diversity of its peoples. Grant that we may so honour one another that we all may be enriched by our common heritage and freed from despair, poverty and exclusion.
World Wide Anglican Community: We pray for those in communion with The Church of England and the Archbishop of Canterbury. For all Anglican and Episcopal communities around the world. For their spiritual leaders, bishops, clergy and laity.
The Anglican Church of Australia: For all Dioceses around Australia. For Archbishop Geoff Smith - Primate, all Archbishops, bishops, clergy and laity.
Our Diocese: for the parishes within our Diocese, We pray for those nominators of parishes that are vacant, that they may find clergy for their parishes.
Our Diocesan Schools and Colleges: We pray for all Diocesan Schools, St. Francis College and St. John’s College at University of Qld. We pray for principals, academic deans, administration staff, teachers, lecturers, school students, formation and non-audit students, university students, and all their families.
Defence Force Anglicans: for all Chaplains in the various Defence Services. For chaplains on home soil at present and for chaplains on overseas deployment and separated from their loved ones at this time.
Other Denominations: We pray for all Christian denominations and those of other faiths within our community; for all ministers of religion and leaders of other faiths and their congregations.
Within Our Community: As the community prepares to celebrate the New Year we pray that all may be kept safe from the dangers of the celebrations. We pray for those who will be working though this night to safeguard our community.
Our Parish: We pray for our parish as we prepare for the new year ahead. For the blessings we may receive, the challenges we will be faced with and for all members of this parish.
Those Seeking Healing: Anita, Iris, Kevin, Narelle, Michael.
For those who seek God’s healing Spirit of body, soul and/or mind.
Those Mourning: For those who mourn the death of loved ones at this time.
Departed:
Years Minds: Rosalie Bonner (31/08) Raymond Clark (01/18)
Next Week’s Bible Readings
The Epiphany of Our Lord
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 60: 1-6
Psalm 72: 1-7, 10-14 (page 294 A.B.P.A.)
New Testament Reading: Ephesians 3: 1-12
Gospel: Matthew 2: 1-12