Prayers - Sunday 15 February

6th Sunday of the Epiphany/Te Rātapu Tuaono o He Wā Noa

Taken from/inspired by Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Sirach 15:15-20, Psalm 119:1-8, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37, and the ANZPB.

Bidding: [We] will obey your decrees;
Response: do not…forsake [us].

[based on Psalm 119:8]

…choose life, so that you and your children may live  and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

[Deuteronomy 30:19b-20]

Let us pray.

Jesus, you said that, …if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you,  leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
[Matthew 5:23-24]

Reconcile us to on another, Lord;
rebuild our communities in your image.

[silence]

Bidding: We will obey your decrees;
        Response: do not forsake us.

…neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.  The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.  For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.
[1 Corinthians 3:7-9]

We pray for your church.
Draw us into your work;
Enliven us with your Spirit
[silence]

Bidding: We will obey your decrees;
        Response: do not forsake us.

 …great is the wisdom of the Lord;
    he is mighty in power and sees everything;
his eyes are on those who fear him,
    and he knows every deed of man.
He has not commanded any one to be ungodly,
    and he has not given any one permission to sin.
[Sirach 15:18-20]

We live in the hope of your Kingdom
and long to see your justice in the world;
come quickly, Lord.

[silence]

Bidding: We will obey your decrees;
        Response: do not forsake us.

God of Israel old and new, write in our hearts the lesson of your law; prepare our minds to receive the gospel made visible in your Son Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Amen.