Thy Kingdom Come - Ascension to Pentecost
Opening
We ask for God to give us help as we join in prayer with Christians around the world, that his love, made known to us in Jesus, may be known everywhere.
When we are in need, when we are in trouble, in our lives Let Thy Kingdom Come
When we are celebrating, when we are joyful, in our lives Let Thy Kingdom Come
In darkness and light, in stormy seasons and serene silences, in our lives Let Thy Kingdom Come
A Prayer of Eric Milner-White (1884-1963)
Look graciously upon us, O Holy Spirit, and give us, for our hallowing, thoughts that pass into prayer, prayers that pass into love, and love that passes into life with you for ever.
Readings:
Luke 17:20-21 NRSV The Coming of the Kingdom
20 Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; 21 nor will they say, “Look, here it is!” or “There it is!” For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.’
Luke 18:16-17 NRSV
16 But Jesus called for them and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 17 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’
Prayers are offered freely concluding with the Prayer for Thy Kingdom Come and the Lord’s Prayer:
We pray for the coming of the Spirit, that our friends may come to know Jesus, and that we may be effective witnesses of his love for us.
Loving Father, in the face of Jesus Christ your light and glory have blazed forth. Send your Holy Spirit that I may share with my friends and family the life of your Son and your love for all. Strengthen me as a witness to that love as I pledge to pray for them, for your name’s sake. Amen.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is on heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Draw your Church together, O God, into one great company of disciples, together following our Lord Jesus Christ into every walk of life, together serving him in his mission to the world, and together witnessing to his love on every continent and island.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Lord. Amen.
The blessing of the King of Kings be yours to rule over your soul
The blessing of the Gracious Father be yours to sustain you in love
The blessing of the Life Breathing Spirit be yours
to make you bold to pray
Let Your Kingdom Come! Amen
