Sunday Service 5th May
Gathering prayers
The Spirit of God says ‘come’.
Jesus Christ, the bride of the church, says ‘come’.
Let anyone who hears this say ‘come’.
Let anyone who is thirsty, thirsty for the water of life, come.
Come, you are welcome,
The Spirit of God is in this place, in this time, calling to you.
Spend a few moments in stillness, preparing yourself to enter into a space of worship.
Amen.
Hymn:
439 STF – Abba Father – YouTube
You may now wish to say The Lord’s Prayer in a version or translation with which
you are familiar.
Reading: John 15:9-17
Responding to the reading:
Love lifts us up where we belong.
All you need is love.
Love wins.
Today is an invitation into thinking about the role of love in your life. How are you
responding to love’s invitation?
In today’s reading from John 15, Jesus offers profound insights on love, choice, and
mission, creating a rich tapestry for your time of reflection. This passage invites you to
delve into the depth of Jesus’ command to love as God has loved us, a love characterised
by sacrifice, choice, and purpose.
This message offers both a challenge and an inspiration as you seek to navigate your daily
life.
Firstly, note the way Jesus emphasises that: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved
you. Now remain in my love.” This instruction isn’t simply an emotional statement; it’s a call
to abide—a decision and commitment to stay connected to the source of divine love.
This week, challenge yourself to reflect on how you choose to remain in Jesus’ love. How
does this choice influence your interactions and decisions? Consider the ways in which love
can guide your actions more consciously, even—perhaps especially—when it’s difficult.
Jesus also talks about the greatest form of love: laying down one’s life for one’s friends.
While few may be called to make such an ultimate sacrifice, we are all called to live
selflessly, putting the well-being of others before our own comfort. This week, inspire
yourself by identifying opportunities to practice sacrificial love. It could be as simple as
giving up your time to help a neighbour, or it might involve speaking out against injustice,
standing in solidarity with those who suffer. Ask yourself: In what ways can my actions
reflect this profound form of love?
Significantly, Jesus elevates his followers from servants to friends, explaining that they have
been chosen to bear fruit—fruit that will last. This transformation from servant to friend
implies a relationship based on transparency, mutual respect, and shared mission. This
week, take time to meditate on the nature of your ‘friendship’ with Jesus. How does this
friendship empower you to act in the world? Reflect on your personal mission—how are you
called to bear lasting fruit in your community and beyond?
Finally, Jesus links obedience to his commandments with complete joy. This connection
might seem counter intuitive in a culture that often associates joy with freedom from
constraints. Yet, Jesus suggests that true joy comes from living within the bounds of God’s
love and commands. This week, inspire yourself to find joy in this divine paradox. Where
can obedience to divine principles of love and justice bring you unexpected happiness and
fulfillment?
As you reflect on these themes, consider journaling your thoughts and reactions each day.
Let this passage challenge and inspire you to live out a deep, abiding love that acts,
chooses, sacrifices, and ultimately transforms.
Responding in prayer
God of all grace,
In the stillness, I bring all the concerns I have been reflecting on this week to you, in prayer.
Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer for places where people are affected by poverty,
injustice, conflict and the greed of others.
May the seeds of justice germinate and righteousness begin to blossom and flourish,
So that all may know your abundant love.
[Silence]
God of all love,
In the stillness, I pray for the places I call home – my own town, city, village and community.
I hold in my heart the places where isolation has left people suffering, poverty and
homelessness impact people’s chances of fulfilling their potential, dreams wither and die.
Lord God, may your love flow afresh through these places, so that all may know your
promise of fullness .
[Silence]
God of love,
Help me to be an answer to prayer this and every day.
Loving God, today I am ready to respond to you. I am here, listening, longing.
Come, Lord Jesus, by your Spirit,
Amen.
Responding in song
363 STF – My Jesus, my Saviour – YouTube
Blessing
Go and enter into the flow of love that is at work in the universe.
Go and discover that God is out there, moving, transforming, touching lives and all creation.
Go and discover the ways in which you are invited to join in with the dance of the divine.
May you go and encounter the Spirit of God, already at work. Amen.
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