You were a man of suffering
acquainted with grief,
loved and despised in equal measure.
You understand humanity,
know our failings,
love us despite the people that we are.
When we, like Peter, deny you
by word or action,
forgive us.
When we, like Judas, are tempted
to follow a different path,
forgive us.
When we, like those in the crowd
allow you to be crucified,
forgive us.
Bring us to the foot of the Cross
to stand next to the one who,
looking into your eyes declared
‘Surely this is the Son of God’
Amen.

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.
Amen.
Augustine of Hippo

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves,
and there is no truth in us. But if we confess our sins

to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right:
he will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing
1 John 1:8-9

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.
You are compassionate beyond comparison,
loving beyond imagination,
and faithful beyond our betrayal.
Just as the psalmist declares, “our sin is ever before us.”
We, too, admit our transgressions:
we have become stained with wrongdoing,
sacrificing the goodness of your love for the demise of this world.
We have abandoned your law,
caring less for your creation and more for our own ambition.
Wash us clean, God of mercies, and deliver us from bloodshed.
Help us to hear your voice calling us back,
remind us of your love bringing us home,
and renew our spirits that we might believe the covenant again.
For the sake of Jesus Christ, we pray in our hearts…

God of healing,
God of wholeness,
we bring our brokenness,
our sinfulness,
our fears
and despair,
and lay them at your feet.

God of healing,
God of wholeness,
we hold out hearts and hands,
minds and souls
to feel your touch,
and know the peace
that only you can bring.

God of healing,
God of wholeness,
this precious moment
in your presence and power
grant us faith and confidence
that here broken lives
are made whole.

This is the day that the Lord has made.
This is the day when he can be found.
God of all, breath of life,
Living water, Saviour, friend.
Come as the hungry, feed on his Word
Come as the thirsty, drink of his Love
Come as the faithful, worship the Lord.

To know you, Lord
what more could we desire?
To know your love
Hear your call
Feel your touch
Understand your suffering

Follow where you have walked
Into resurrection life.

To know you, Lord
what more could we desire?
To run the race
Eyes focused
Spirit filled
Stumbling but rising up
Heading toward the glorious light
of resurrection life.

The path we walk
is often strewn
with distractions
causing us to stumble.
Teach us your way, O Lord,
Help us follow your footsteps.
The path we walk
is often chosen
with little regard
of the final destination.
Teach us your way, O God,
Help us follow your footsteps.
The path we walk
is often clouded
with lack of faith
and indecision.
Teach us your way, O God,
Help us follow your footsteps.

Forgive us, gracious God, when we tire of the journey
and wander from the path; when our heart is set not on the goal
toward which you point but toward a distant shore that offers a temporary comfort.

Forgive us when the light that once shone
within our soul is dimmed; when first love is not focused on Saviour,
but on the satisfaction of self, which leads to a different destination.

Forgive
Restore
Re-focus
Revive

Re-ignite the flame within.
That we might illuminate the way toward which so many seek to travel.
Through Jesus Christ we ask this. Amen.

My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the
humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One
has done great things for me – holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from
generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who
are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up
the humble. He has filled th hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped
his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he
said to our fathers.
Luke 1:46-55