Sunday Before Lent

14 February, 9:00 am @ St. Mark's

Sunday Before Lent

Theme: The Transfiguration/Racial Justice
Leader: Rev Gav
Preacher: Rev Gav
Welcome Team: Barbara and Lovett

Principal Bible Reading: Mark 9:2-10

Read by TBC

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!’ Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.

As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

Devotional Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:3–6 (NLT)

Read by Dudley

If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.

Prayers: Pansy

Prayers
Holy God your Son Jesus was wonderfully transfigured in front of his disciples, and at that time he asked them to keep it a secret. Help us not to keep the secret but to proclaim to all that Jesus Christ is Lord. Give us strength to live our lives in order that other people come to know Jesus in the same way as we do.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.

Almighty God we pray for our Church family. We ask you to pour out your Holy Spirit on the congregations of St Mark’s and Holy Trinity, so that we can show your love to each other and the local community. We pray for all who bring comfort, care and healing. We give thanks for human love and friendship and for all that enriches our daily lives.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.

Creator God, as we pray for your world we ask that you take from us all hatred and prejudice. Give us your spirit of love for all people whatever their race or creed and give the same spirit of acceptance to all world leaders that, through mutual understanding and common endeavour, peace and prosperity may be increased throughout the world.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.

Loving God, we pray for all who are affected with illness, grief or despair. Bring healing to every broken life, relief to those in pain, hope to the dying and strength to all who care for them.

We think now of those known to us who are in particular need of God’s help today. **SILENCE**

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.

Love incarnate. In a world of inequity and pain, may our actions be our prayer.
We cry out for Shalom, fullness of life for all. Let the Spirit of Truth guide us.
Let the Spirit of Love free us. Give us the compassion, courage and resolve
to become the light, we seek.

Inspire us to embody a world without injustice and prejudice.
Form us into channels of your love and peace.

Almighty God, at the Transfiguration you showed your son Jesus in a new state of glory and gave His disciples a glimpse of what they would see in his risen life. As we worship together help us to get a glimpse of your heavenly kingdom, as well as a deeper understanding of how your son Jesus can transfigure our broken and unfulfilled lives.

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Music
Song 1: Cornerstone
Song 2: Be Thou My Vision
Song 3: Great is Thy Faithfulness

Additional Info