We thank you for the morning Light
We offer our praise to you
Open our hearts and our minds
To your Spirit
Song “The Spirit lives to set us free”
Prayer for Gods help
Loving God
We get it wrong
So work in us
And realign us
So that we may know
Your joy, your peace, your shalom
The Lord’s Prayer in your own language
Reading Acts 6v1-7
6 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews[a] among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
Prayers
We pray for people and situations we are concerned about including the lockdown easing, key workers, the ongoing lack of PPE in hospitals, care homes and everywhere, and protection for BME people, for vulnerable people, care for those who are alone and those suffering with depression and ensuring food is reaching the vulnerable.
Ending with…May we not fail them Amen
Song “Peace like a river”
Closing Responses
When we are despairing and see no way ahead
Roll back the stone!
When we are frightened and fear for our life
Roll back the stone!
When we are hungry, thirsty and need shelter
Roll back the stone!
When we need a miracle to change our lives
Roll back the stone!
With thanks to © Iona Community adapted
