Suggested Pattern of Bible Readings
It is important to read a balanced diet of Scripture. You may wish to use Bible reading notes supplied by organisations such as BRF or the Bible Society. A few like to work through a book of the Bible with the aid of a commentary, although this needs lots of time! Common Worship Prayer during the Day offers this simple scheme…
Any day in Advent: Psalm 51,1-10; Luke 15,7
Alternatively you could use the following cycle over the season…
Sunday
|
Psalm 51,11-end
Romans 6,3-5 |
Monday
|
Psalm 3
Joel 2,12-14 |
Tuesday
|
Psalm 6
I Corinthians 9,24-end |
Wednesday
|
Psalm 11
Romans 7,21-25a |
Thursday
|
Psalm 12
Isaiah 58,6-9a |
Friday
|
Psalm 32
Matthew 6,1-4 |
Saturday
|
Psalm 61
Luke 10,38-end |
Note:
• The use of the word “end” means the reading finishes at the end of the chapter.
• The suffix “a” after a verse number denotes that the first part of that verse only should be read
The readings for next Sunday appear on the notice sheet. You could use these on Saturday to prepare for worship the next day.
Prayer during the Day : Lent
Preparation
Say quietly to yourself…
Have mercy on me, O God, in your great goodness:
according to the abundance of your compassion blot out my offences. Psalm 51,1
Praise
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.
The Word of God
A Psalm followed by a Bible reading – see the back page of this leaflet.
Response
Silent reflection ending with these words:
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Prayers of Intercession
Prayers may include these concerns
• Those preparing for baptism and confirmation
• Those serving through leadership
• Those looking for forgiveness
• Those misled by the false gods of the present age
• All who are hungry
• Other themes from this week’s notice sheet.
The Collect from this week’s notice sheet or the following prayer is said
Teach us, good Lord, to serve you as you deserve;
to give and not to count the cost;
to fight and not to heed the wounds;
to toil and not to seek for rest;
to labour and not to seek for any reward,
save that of knowing that we do your will. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer is said
The Conclusion
May God bless us and show us compassion and mercy.
Amen.
Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, material from which is included in this leaflet, is copyright © The Archbishop’s Council 2000, 2005.
Making the Most of your Prayer Time
The more we pray together as a church family at home as well as in church the healthier we will be in our faith and more able to serve God faithfully in our lives. If you are not used to having an organised prayer time at home the following pointers may help you.
Find the right time of day when you can allow yourself plenty of time and when you are least likely to be disturbed. Make it a rule of your life to spend that time each day, or whenever you can. God is never too busy to listen and is delighted when you want to speak. It’s up to you to make the time!
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Be comfortable. You don’t have to kneel – unless you want to!
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Find your places in your Bible in advance so you feel organised. It helps to keep you calm and receptive.
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Still yourself before you begin. Get your breathing pattern into a relaxed state.
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There is no need to pray aloud, though some people find it helpful to speak the words softly.
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The headings in the Prayers section are only suggestions. You may wish to develop your own pattern. The cycles of prayer used in church are provided with this booklet. You may even like to write your own cycle, perhaps to pray for your own family and friends.
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Like any relationship ours with God is a two-way street. We all need silence if we are to listen to God. A minute or two after the Response and at the end of the Prayers of Intercessions are good times to do this.
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If you are worried about distractions keep a pen and notepad near to you so you can write down those concerns that break into your thoughts and come back to them later.
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Never stop learning about how to pray better and never be discouraged by feelings of failure – we all have those! God loves us anyway!