Hymn 242 – Rejoice, the Lord is King

Opening Prayer

Father God,
Your holiness and majesty deserves more
blessings, honour, thanks, and praise
than we could ever speak or even conceive.

Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you
in thought, in word, and in deed.
Forgive what we have been,
help us to correct what is,
and by grace guide us to what we shall be.
So that the love of goodness may always
be first in our hearts,
and that for all our days
we might follow in the steps
of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Almighty God,
you sent your Son Jesus Christ
to be the light of the world.
Free us from all that darkens and ensnares us,
and bring us to eternal light and joy;
through the power of him
who is alive and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.

International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Today is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church and churches across Ireland, Britain and other countries will be taking time during their worship services to pray for the Persecuted Church. This year the prayers will focus on Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, where hundreds of Christians have been killed this year. For more information about the persecuted church please visit churchinchains.ie

A PRAYER FOR NIGERIA

O Lord our Rock,
We come to you today to intercede for our brothers and sisters living in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria who have suffered so much this year at the hands of wicked men who have attacked them without mercy.

We pray for all Christians living in this region and especially for Christian leaders, that they may stand firm and united in the face of such a determined effort to eliminate Christianity.

We ask for an end to these attacks and that You will protect your people from their enemies. We also pray that You will provide for all the needs of your people – especially those who have had to flee from their homes and lands and go and live in IDP camps. We also pray for the Stefanos Foundation that You will strengthen its arm as it reaches out with mercy and compassion to help those in great need.

We are sad to hear of the indifference and inaction of state and national leaders to the ongoing suffering of Christians in the Middle Belt and so we pray, O Lord that You will raise up righteous political leaders to govern the country with fairness and justice and who will care for all its people.

In the Name of the Lord Jesus, Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

Reading Philippians 4:2-9

² I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. ³ Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Sermon – ‘Don’t Worry’ (Philippians 4:6-9)

Hymn 242 – To God be the Glory

Final Prayer

God of hope,
fill us with all joy and peace
as we trust in you,
so that we might overflow with hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Amen

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Downloads & Links

• ‘Don’t Worry’ Sermon MP3
• Joseph Reading Plan