The Season of Lent
Ash Wednesday
The First Day in Lent
Self denial
Sentence
Examine me O God and know my heart, test me and discover my thoughts, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23,24
Collects
Jesus, holy and strong,
by your fasting and temptation teach us self-denial;
control and discipline us,
that we may learn to obey.
Almighty and merciful God,
you hate nothing that you have made
and forgive the sins of all who are penitent;
create in us new and contrite hearts,
so that when we turn to you and confess our sins
we may receive your full and perfect forgiveness;
through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
God of the desert, as we follow Jesus into the unknown,
may we recognise the tempter when he comes;
let it be your bread we eat,
your world we serve and you alone we worship.
Psalms 51;6
Readings
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1 |
Isaiah 58:1-9a |
True fasting |
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1 Corinthians 9:24-27 |
Discipline of the body |
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Matthew 16:21-27 |
Follow me |
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2 |
Jonah 3 |
Acceptable fasting |
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James 1:19-27 |
Hearing and doing |
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Matthew 6:16-24 |
When you fast |
The First Sunday in Lent
Temptation
Sentence
Lord be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning; our salvation in time of distress. Isaiah 33:2
Collects
Hear us, Jesus Christ, when we ask
for help to recognise temptation,
for honesty to face it,
for strength to resist it and the humility to give God the glory.
Almighty God,
your Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness;
give us grace to direct our lives in obedience to your Spirit;
and as you know our weakness
so may we know your power to save;
through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
God, you know better than we
the temptations that will bring us down.
Grant that our love for you may protect us
from all foolish and corrupting desire.
Psalms 36;39
Readings
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1 |
Ecclesiasticus 2:1-11 |
All subject to temptation |
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Or |
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Job 1:6-22 |
Job resists temptation |
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James 1:2-15 |
Enduring trial |
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Or |
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Galatians 6:1-10 |
Bear each other’s burdens |
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Matthew 26:36-46 |
A safeguard against temptation |
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2 |
Job 2:1-10 |
Job put to the test |
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Romans 7:15-25 |
The struggle against sin |
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Luke 4:1-15 |
The temptation of Jesus |
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The Second Sunday in Lent
Repentance
Sentence
Rend your hearts and not your garments; turn back to the Lord your God: who is gracious and compassionate, long-suffering and abounding in love. Joel 2:13
Collects
Almighty God,
give your people grace to withstand
the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil,
and with pure hearts and minds to follow you,
the only true God;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
God of the unexpected,
when we come to our senses like the prodigal son,
give us grace to repent and turn to you again;
for where else can we go?
Gentle Father,
show us our sins as they really are
so that we may truly renounce them
and know the depth and richness of your mercy.
Psalms 32;141
Readings
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1 |
Ezekiel 18:20-24 |
If the wicked turn |
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1 John 1:5 - 2:2 |
Self-deceit in sin |
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Luke 15:11-32 |
The prodigal son |
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2 |
Job 42:1-6 |
The repentance of Job |
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Or |
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Isaiah 59:9-16 |
We long for God to save us |
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Acts 2:36-42 |
Preaching repentance |
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Matthew 21:23-32 |
A disobedient son repents |
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The Third Sunday in Lent
Forgiveness
Sentence
We have rebelled against the Lord our God who still shows mercy and forgiveness. Daniel 9:9
Collects
God of infinite mercy,
grant that we who know your pity
may rejoice in your forgiveness
and gladly forgive others
for the sake of Jesus Christ our Saviour.
God our light,
make your Church like a rainbow
shining and proclaiming to all the world
that the storm is at an end,
there is peace for those who seek it
and love for the forgiving.
Merciful God,
grant to your faithful people pardon and peace;
that we may be cleansed from all our sins
and serve you with a quiet mind;
through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
Psalms 15;103
Readings
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1 |
Genesis 50:15-21 |
Joseph forgives his brothers |
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Colossians 3:12-17 |
Forgive each other |
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Matthew 18:21-35 |
The unmerciful servant |
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2 |
Hosea 14:1-7 |
The healing of Israel |
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Colossians 2:6-15 |
Cancelling the bond |
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Or |
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1 Timothy 1:12-17 |
Christ Jesus came |
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Luke 6:27-38 |
The forgiving spirit |
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The Fourth Sunday in Lent
Refreshment
Sentence
They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat upon them, for the One who loves them will lead them and guide them beside the springs of water. Isaiah 49:10
Collects
Heavenly Father,
you see how your children hunger for food,
and fellowship, and faith.
Help us to meet one another’s needs of body, mind and spirit,
in the love of Christ our Saviour.
O God, giver of life and health,
your Son Jesus Christ has called us
to hunger and thirst to see right prevail;
refresh us with your grace
that we may not be weary of well-doing;
for the sake of him who meets all our needs,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
God of the hungry,
make us hunger and thirst for the right,
till our thirst for justice has been satisfied
and hunger has gone from the earth.
Psalms 23;4
Readings
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1 |
1 Kings 17:1-16 |
Food from God |
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Acts 11:19-30 |
Relief of the hungry |
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John 6:1-15 |
Feeding the multitude |
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2 |
Isaiah 55:1-7 |
Buy and eat without money |
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2 Corinthians 9:6-15 |
God loves a cheerful giver |
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John 6:24-35 |
Bread from heaven |
The Fifth Sunday in Lent
Passion Sunday
The Cross
Sentence
Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow. Lamentations 1:12
Collects
Most merciful God,
by the passion of your Son Jesus Christ
you delivered us from the power of darkness;
grant that through faith in him who suffered on the cross
we may be found acceptable in your sight,
through our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Jesus crucified, despised and suffering,
you made yourself one with us.
Help us to follow you and bear the shame.
Jesus, they hung you on a cross
because you love sinners.
Save us from our self-righteousness
and from our contempt for those who differ from us.
Psalms 130;51
Readings
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1 |
Numbers 21:5-9 |
The healing serpent |
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Or |
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Genesis 32:22-32 |
Jacob wrestles with God |
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Ephesians 2:11-18 |
Brought near through the |
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John 3:11-21 |
The Son of man lifted up |
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2 |
Lamentations 3:19-33 |
Suffering in hope |
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Hebrews 13:7-16 |
Jesus also suffered |
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Luke 18:18-34 |
Going up to Jerusalem |
The Sixth Sunday in Lent
Palm Sunday
The Cross
Sentence
Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest! Matthew 21:9
Collects
Jesus, when you rode into Jerusalem
the people waved palms
with shouts of acclamation.
Grant that when the shouting dies
we may still walk beside you even to a cross.
Almighty and everliving God,
in your tender love towards us
you sent your Son to take our nature upon him,
and to suffer death upon the cross;
grant that we may follow the example
of his great humility
and share in his glorious resurrection;
through him who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.
Lord Jesus,
acclaimed as king,
crucified as a criminal,
teach us to accept our sufferings and triumphs
for your glory alone.
The following may also be used every day during Holy Week.
Assist us mercifully, Lord God of our salvation,
to contemplate those mighty acts
by which you have given us life and immortality;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Psalms 118:19-26;22
Readings
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1 |
Zechariah 9:9-10 |
Your King comes |
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Philippians 2:3-11 |
He emptied himself |
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Mark 11:1-11 |
The triumphal entry |
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Or |
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Luke 19:28-46 |
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Or one of the accounts of the passion of Christ |
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Mark 15:1-39; Luke 23:1-49 |
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2 |
Isaiah 62:6-7,10-12 |
Your salvation comes |
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Romans 5:1-11 |
Christ died for us |
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Matthew 21:1-13 |
Blessed is he who comes |
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Or |
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John 12:12-19 |
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Or one of the accounts of the passion of Christ |
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Matthew 27:11-54; John 18:28 - 19:37 |
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Holy Week
Monday in Holy Week
Cleansing of the temple
Sentence
My soul is thirsting for you O God, thirsting for the living God; when shall I come to appear in your presence? Psalm 42:2
Collects
Teach us, Jesus,
how to live and worship
without being worldly or greedy.
Drive from our lives what spoils them
and make us temples of the Spirit.
Jesus, you spoke with passion,
you acted without fear, and we remember.
Help us when we have to speak out,
to speak the truth
and without malice to speak.
Gracious and merciful God,
for our sake your Son became incarnate
and suffered death upon the cross;
purify our hearts and grant us zeal in your service;
through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
Psalms 54;26
Readings
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Isaiah 56:6-8 |
A house of prayer for |
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1 Corinthians 3:10-17 |
You are God’s temple |
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Mark 11:15-18 |
The temple cleansed |
Tuesday in Holy Week
Teaching in the temple
Sentence
Listen to me, my people, and give ear to me, my nation; for a law shall go forth from me; and my justice for a light to the peoples. Isaiah 51:4
Collects
When all we are and everything we do
are called into question,
grant us dignity and direction,
grant us patience;
Jesus, be there then.
Gracious and merciful God,
for our sake your Son became incarnate
and suffered death upon the cross;
have mercy on all who have not known you
or who deny the faith of Christ crucified,
and take from us all hardness of heart
and contempt of your word;
for the sake of our Saviour Jesus Christ.
God,
you have made known your love
through Jesus’ life and words.
Help us to receive his teaching,
to find the fulness of that love
and bring its fragrance to others.
Psalms 31;88
Readings
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Ezekiel 3:4-11 |
Rebellious house |
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Ephesians 4:25 - 5:2 |
He gave himself up for us |
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Luke 22:47-53 |
Daily in the temple |
Wednesday in Holy Week
Anointing at Bethany
Sentence
Hear me, you that know what is right, the people in whose heart is my law; fear not those who reproach you, and be not dismayed at their insults. Isaiah 51:7
Collects
Gracious and merciful God,
for our sake your Son became incarnate
and suffered death upon the cross;
give us grace to choose him as master and king
who for us was crowned with thorns
and died in shame,
and now lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.
Jesus the anointed,
teach us to honour those who need our help,
and we shall give without condescension,
and receive with humility.
Jesus,
receive our love and worship.
Show us how to give you what we have,
for nothing is too big or small
for us to offer, or for you to use.
Psalms 43;23
Readings
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Isaiah 50:4-9 |
A sufferer unafraid |
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2 Corinthians 2:14-17 |
Fragrance of Christ |
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Matthew 26:1-15 |
Anointing for burial |
Maundy Thursday
The Last Supper
Sentence
We are to glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to us, and we to the world. Galatians 6:14 (adapted)
Collects
Gracious God,
we praise you for this sacrament,
the gift of your Son to his Church.
As we share this supper together
may we know his strength
and enter the fulness of his life and love.
Infinite, intimate God;
this night you kneel before your friends
and wash our feet.
Bound together in your love,
trembling, we drink your cup
and watch.
Gracious and merciful God,
in a wonderful sacrament you have given us
a memorial of the passion of your Son
Jesus Christ;
grant that we who receive these sacred mysteries
may grow up into him in all things
until we come to your eternal joy;
through our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Everlasting God,
your Son Jesus Christ girded himself with a towel
and washed his disciples’ feet;
grant us the will to be the servant of others
as he was servant of all,
who gave up his life and died for us,
yet lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.
Psalms 56;27
Readings
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Exodus 12:1-14 |
The passover meal |
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1 Corinthians 11:23-29 |
The new covenant in my blood |
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1 |
Mark 14:12-31 |
The account of the last supper |
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Or |
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Luke 22:7-23 |
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2 |
John 13:1-35 |
The account of the last supper |
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Or |
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Matthew 26:17-35 |
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Good Friday
The crucifixion
Sentence
O my people, what have I done to you? In what have I wearied you? Answer me! For I redeemed you from the house of bondage, that you may know the saving acts of the Lord. Micah 6:3-5
Collects
Gracious and eternal God,
look with mercy on this your family
for which our Lord Jesus Christ was willing
to be betrayed into the hands of his adversaries
and to suffer death upon the cross;
and grant us to rejoice
in the benefits of his passion;
through him who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.
Lord Jesus Christ,
as we kneel at the foot of your cross,
help us to see and know your love for us,
so that we may place at your feet
all that we have and are.
Lord Jesus Christ,
crucified for us,
we kneel at the foot of your cross to watch with you.
Help us to see the cost of our forgiveness
so that we may be made new through your love.
Almighty and everlasting God,
by your Spirit the whole body of the Church
is governed and sanctified;
hear the prayers we offer
for all your faithful people,
that in the particular ministry
to which you have called us,
we may serve you in holiness and truth;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Crucified saviour, naked God,
you hang disgraced and powerless.
Grieving, we dare to hope,
as we wait at the cross
with your mother and your friend.
God of all the world
whose Son was born a Jew,
have mercy on your ancient people;
on all who have not known you
or deny the faith of Christ crucified.
Fetch us home to your fold
so that we become one flock
under one shepherd,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Merciful God,
creator of all the peoples of the earth
and lover of every soul;
have compassion on all who do not know you,
let your gospel be preached with grace and power
to those who have not heard it,
turn the hearts of those who oppose it,
and bring home to your fold
all who have gone astray;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Psalms 22;40
Readings
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1 |
Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12 |
Wounded for our |
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Hebrews 10:4-18 |
The true sacrifice |
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Mark 15:6-41 |
The crucifixion |
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Or |
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Luke 23:13-49 |
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Or the complete account of the passion may be read |
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Mark 14:32 - 15:41 |
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Or |
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Luke 22:24 - 23:49 |
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2 |
Genesis 22:1-18 |
The offering of Isaac |
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Hebrews 9:11-15,24-28 |
Redeemed by his blood |
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John 19:1-37 |
The crucifixion |
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Or |
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Matthew 27:15-56 |
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Or the complete account of the passion may be read |
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John 18:1 - 19:37 |
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Or |
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Matthew 26:36 - 27:56 |
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Holy Saturday
Easter Eve
The grave
Sentence
When we were baptised into Christ Jesus, we were baptised into his death; so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:3,4
Collects
We remember, O God,
the grief of the disciples when Jesus died.
Lead us beyond our fear of death
to the joyful knowledge of eternal life
in him who lives for ever.
Eternal God, give us a sure and certain trust
for those who are with Christ.
When our loved ones come to die,
beyond our sorrow,
grant us confidence and hope.
Grant O God,
that we who are baptised into the death
of your Son Jesus Christ,
may continually die to sin
and be buried with him,
that through the grave and gate of death
we may pass to our joyful resurrection;
for his sake, who died and was buried
and rose again for us,
your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Psalms 30;142
Readings
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Job 19:23-27a |
Vindication after death |
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1 Peter 3:18-22 |
The spirits in prison |
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1 |
Mark 15:42-47 |
The burial of Jesus |
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Or |
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Luke 23:50-56 |
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2 |
John 19:38-42 |
The burial of Jesus |
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Or |
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Matthew 27:57-66 |
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The Season of Easter
Easter Eve
AT THE VIGIL
Collects
Lord of the passover,
you have lit this night with the radiance of Christ;
renew in us our baptism,
and bring us through the Red Sea waters
to the promised land.
Lord God,
you have made this night bright with the radiance of the risen Christ;
may we who have been raised with him in baptism
reflect the light of his glory,
and live with him for ever.
Easter Day
Christ is risen
Sentence
Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Alleluia! Luke 24:34; Revelation 1:6
Collects
Glorious Lord of Life,
we praise you,
that by the mighty resurrection of your Son,
you have delivered us from sin and death
and made your whole creation new;
grant that we who celebrate with joy
Christ’s rising from the dead,
may be raised from the death of sin
to the life of righteousness;
through him who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.
Jesus Christ our Saviour,
you have delivered us
from death and sin.
You have brought with the dawn
a new beginning and an empty tomb;
grant us strength and humility
to enter into life.
Living Christ, you are risen from the dead!
Love reigns!
You are life stronger than death;
raise our eyes to see you
as the new day dawns.
Almighty God,
through your Son Jesus Christ
you overcame death and opened to us
the gate of everlasting life;
grant us so to die daily to sin,
that we may evermore live with him
in the joy of his resurrection;
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit
one God now and for ever.
Psalms 16;113
Readings
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1 |
Exodus 12:21-32 |
The Passover |
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Colossians 3:1-10 |
Risen with Christ |
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Mark 16:1-8 |
He is risen |
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Or |
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Luke 24:1-12 |
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2 |
Exodus 14:21-31 |
Saved from the Egyptians |
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1 Corinthians 15:12-26 |
In Christ all made alive |
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John 20:1-18 |
He is risen |
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Or |
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Matthew28:1-10 |
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Monday in Easter Week
Sentence
Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory? Alleluia. Luke 24:26
Collects
of Easter Day
Psalms 16:8-12;118:19-24
Readings
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Deuteronomy 4:32-40 |
The Lord has done all this |
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Acts 3:11-16 |
God raised Jesus from death |
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John 21:1-14 |
It is the Lord |
Tuesday in Easter Week
Sentence
Jesus showed himself to his disciples and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. Alleluia. Acts 1:3
Collects
of Easter Day
Psalms 33:13-21;105:1-8
Readings
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Isaiah 42:8-13 |
The power of the Lord |
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Revelation 1:10-18 |
Alive for evermore |
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Mark 16:9-15,20 |
The risen Lord |
The Second Sunday of Easter
Christ our victory
Sentence
Let us give thanks to the Father who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Alleluia! Colossians 1:12
Collects
Eternal Father,
through the resurrection of your Son,
help us to face the future
with courage and assurance,
knowing that nothing in death or life
can ever part us from your love.
Jesus, we believe you; all we heard is true.
You break the bread; we recognise you,
you are the fire that burns within us;
use us to light the world.
Almighty God,
by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ
you have broken the power of death
and brought life and immortality to light;
grant that we who have been raised with him
may triumph over all temptation
and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory;
through him who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.
Psalms 93;57
Readings
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1 |
Zephaniah 3:14-20 |
Bringing Israel home in victory |
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1 John 5:1-12 |
The world overcome |
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Luke 24:13-35 |
Journey to Emmaus |
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2 |
Isaiah 25:1-8 |
God will swallow up death |
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1 Corinthians15:42-58 |
God gives us the victory |
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John 20:19-31 |
The risen Lord |
The Third Sunday of Easter
Christ our shepherd
Sentence
In your constant love, O Lord, you have led the people whom you ransomed; you have guided them by your strength to your holy dwelling-place. Exodus 15:13
Collects
Good Shepherd of the sheep,
by whom the lost are sought
and guided into the fold;
feed us and we shall be satisfied,
heal us and we shall be whole,
and lead us that we may be with you,
with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
God of mercy, we are as Peter;
we lose our nerve
and deny you in the time of trial.
Calm our anxiety, heal our cowardice,
take away our shame, and make us free.
God of peace,
by the blood of the eternal covenant
you brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
that great shepherd of the sheep;
make us perfect in every good work,
and work in us that which is pleasing and good;
through Jesus Christ to whom be glory for ever and ever.
Psalms 23;100
Readings
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1 |
Ezekiel 34:11-16 |
God the shepherd |
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1 Peter 2:18-25 |
Our shepherd and guardian |
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John 10:11-18 |
The good shepherd |
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2 |
Isaiah 40:9-11 |
He will feed his flock |
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Hebrews 13:16-21 |
Pastoral leadership |
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John 10:1-10e |
He calls his own sheep by |
The Forth Sunday of Easter
Christ our light
Sentence
Shine forth from your throne upon the cherubim; restore us O God; show us the light of your face and we shall be saved. Psalm 80:1,3
Collects
God, you are the first light
cutting through the void.
You are the final light
which we shall enjoy forever.
Help us to welcome the light and walk in it always.
We praise you, God,
that the light of Christ shines in our darkness
and is never overcome;
show us the way we must go to eternal day;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Almighty God,
you show to those who are in error
the light of your truth
that they may return into the way of righteousness;
may we and all who have been admitted
into the fellowship of Christ’s religion
reject those things which are contrary
to our profession
and follow all that is agreeable to it;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Psalms 27;80
Readings
|
1 |
Isaiah 60:18-20 |
The Lord our light |
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2 Corinthians 4:1-11 |
The light of Christ |
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John 9:1-11 |
The light of the world |
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2 |
Exodus 13:17-18,21-22 |
A pillar of fire |
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Ephesians 5:1-16 |
Christ shall give you light |
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John 8:12-20 |
The testimony of the light |
The Fifth Sunday of Easter
Christ our prophet
Sentence
Jesus said, If you dwell within the revelation I have brought, you are indeed my disciples; you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31,32
Collects
Eternal God,
your Son Jesus Christ
is the way, the truth and the life for all creation;
grant us grace to walk in his way,
to rejoice in his truth,
and to share his risen life;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.
Word of God,
sharper than a two-edged sword,
penetrate our lives to expose our secrets
and the world’s secret sins;
open us to cleansing and to cure.
Living God,
for whom no door is closed,
no heart is locked,
draw us beyond our doubts,
till we see your Christ
and touch his wounds
where they bleed in others.
Psalms 119:9-16;87
Readings
|
1 |
Deuteronomy 18:15-19 |
A second Moses |
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Acts 3:17-26 |
A prophet like Moses |
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John 9:13-33 |
He is a prophet |
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2 |
Ezekiel 37:1-14 |
Life out of death |
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1 John 1:1-7 |
The life made manifest |
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Luke 7:11-17 |
A great prophet has arisen |
The Sixth Sunday of Easter
Christ our high priest
Sentence
Without having seen Christ you love him; though you do not now see him you believe in him and rejoice with unutterable and exalted joy. 1 Peter 1:8
Collects
Holy God, you feed us
with earthly and with spiritual food.
Deathless, unalterable, you have chosen us,
sinful as we are,
to hear your word and to proclaim your truth.
Alleluia! Make us salt of the earth;
make us yeast in the loaf.
Almighty God,
your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
ever lives to make intercession for us;
have pity on our weakness,
and in your mercy give us those good things
which we are not worthy to ask,
except through his merits,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.
Christ our great high priest,
you understand our weakness;
you pray for us while we are sinners.
Help us, through you,
to find a new and living way to God.
Psalms 110;99
Readings
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1 |
Genesis 14:14-16,18-20 |
A priestly king |
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Hebrews 4:14 - 5:10 |
A great high priest |
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John 17:1-19 |
Christ’s prayer for his disciples |
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2 |
Exodus 29:38-46 |
Sacrifice and priesthood |
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Hebrews 10:11-25 |
We have a great priest |
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John 14:1-14 |
The way, the truth, and the life |
Ascension Day
Christ, risen, ascended, glorified
Sentence
Lift up your heads you gates! Lift yourselves up you everlasting doors! that the King of Glory may come in. Psalm 24:7
Collects
The heavens are open wide
since Jesus our brother, our Redeemer,
has entered through the veil.
We thank you for his new and living way,
by which we join the unnumbered millions
who are with you forever.
Eternal God,
by raising Jesus from the dead
you proclaimed his victory,
and by his ascension
you declared him king.
Lift up our hearts to heaven
that we may live and reign with him.
Eternal and gracious God,
we believe your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
to have ascended with triumph
into your kingdom in heaven;
may we also in heart and mind
ascend to where he is,
and with him continually dwell;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and forever.
Psalms 47;24
Readings
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1 |
Daniel 7:13-14 |
Dominion and glory and |
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Ephesians 1:15-23 |
Seated at God’s right hand |
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Luke 24:44-53 |
He parted from them |
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2 |
2 Kings 2:1-12a |
Elijah taken up into heaven |
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Acts 1:1-11 |
The ascension |
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Matthew 28:16-20 |
Authority in heaven |
The Sunday after Ascension Day
Christ, sovereign over all
Sentence
Blessing and honour, glory and might, to the one who is seated on the throne and to the lamb for ever and ever! Revelation 5:13
Collects
Eternal God, the king of glory,
you have exalted your only Son
with great triumph to be Lord of all;
leave us not comfortless
but send your Holy Spirit to strengthen us
that we may labour for the coming of your kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Spirit,
one God now and for ever.
Jesus Christ, you left your disciples,
only that you might send the Holy Spirit
to be our advocate.
Grant us the Spirit of truth
to convince the world
that you are risen from the dead.
Eternal God,
you have given your Son authority
in heaven and in earth;
grant that we may never lose
the vision of his kingdom
but serve him with hope and joy.
Psalms 67;72
Readings
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1 |
Ezekiel 43:1-5 |
The glory of the Lord |
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Revelation 5 |
Worthy is the Lamb |
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Matthew 28:16-20 |
All authority in heaven and earth |
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2 |
Jeremiah 23:5-8 |
He shall reign as king |
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Acts 7:52-60 |
Stephen’s vision |
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John 17:20-26 |
To see God’s glory |
The Day of Pentecost
Whitsunday
The Spirit poured out
Sentence
The love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:5
Collects
Father,
you have filled your people with the Spirit
who rested first on your Son
and united us in your Church:
open the channels for your Spirit
that we may freely work together,
and your kingdom and your rule increase.
Almighty God,
you kindled this day the light of your Spirit
in the hearts of your faithful people;
may we by the same Spirit
have a right judgment in all things,
and evermore rejoice in your love and power;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.
Living God, eternal Holy Spirit,
let your bright intoxicating energy
which fired those first disciples
fall on us
to turn the world again.
Almighty God,
at the feast of Pentecost
you sent your Holy Spirit to the disciples,
filling them with joy and boldness
to preach the gospel;
send us out in the power of the same Spirit
to witness to your redeeming love
and draw all people to you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.
Psalms 29;48
Readings
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1 |
Joel 2:23-29 |
The promise |
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Acts 2:1-12 |
Pentecost |
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John 14:15-29 |
The Paraclete |
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2 |
Ezekiel 36:23-28 |
I will put my Spirit within you |
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Galatians 5:16-26 |
The fruit of the Spirit |
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John 15:26 - 16:11 |
The Spirit of truth |