This is a continuation of our sermon series on words form the cross. This is designed to be used with the service sheet email earlier but which is available here to download. The song link to YouTube versions of the songs. After viewing or singing along with the song the YouTube window may need closing to return to the rest of the service.
Opening prayer and confession.
Almighty God, you know our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you. We pray that as we rest in your Word this morning, we may know the peace that comes from your eternal presence.
Loving God, we confess before you our own sin, the sin of the Church and the sin of the world in which we share. We have not loved you with our whole being; we have not loved our neighbour as ourselves. In your mercy, forgive us and release us from the sins of the past. Remake us so that we walk in your ways; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Assurance of forgiveness
The Lord says, “If anyone wants to become my follower, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” May the God of all mercy forgive you all your sins, strengthen you in all goodness, and fill you anew in the power of his Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Song (follow text link below)
Bible reading and Sermon (follow text link below)
Watch Mark’s sermon on Matthew 27: 45-54. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Prayers of intercession
Loving God, just as Jesus knew what it was like to be utterly forsaken, we pray for the world at this time, especially for those who are alone and afraid. We pray for those who are unwell with the virus, for those treating them, for the government as it tries to contain the virus, and for everyone’s response, that we might all think of others at this time.
We pray for our family and friends whom we are unable to be with. Bless them with confidence in you.
We pray for our church community, scattered into our own homes. Yet we thank you that we are one in Christ Jesus, joined in partnership with each other by the power of the Holy Spirit. We look forward not only to that day when we will be able to gather for worship and church life, but we also look forward to that day when we gather in your presence, face to face in your eternal kingdom.
All these things we pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, and we pray the prayer which he taught us.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
on earth as in heaven
Give us today our daily bread
Forgive us our sins
As we forgive those
who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For the kingdom, the power
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.
Closing Song (follow text link below)
How deep is the fathers love for us.
Closing Prayer
Merciful Father, We thank you for your Son Jesus Christ, for his sacrificial death for our sake. Lead us by your Spirit as we walk in the light of his