A Christian presence in every community

New Patterns for Worship

A Service for St Valentine's Day

We say together the words printed in bold.

¶ Preparation

Greeting

Praise God! For the Lord our God the almighty reigns!
Let us rejoice and be glad and give him the glory.

Happy are those who have been invited
to the wedding-feast of the Lamb.
Amen. Praise the Lord!

cf Revelation 19.6,9

Words of welcome or introduction may be said.

Praise

A song or hymn of praise is sung

Confession

God shows his love for us
in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Let us then show our love for him
by confessing our sins in penitence and faith.

Come, let us return to the Lord and say:

All Lord our God,
in our sin we have avoided your call.
Our love for you is like a morning cloud,
like the dew that goes away early.
Have mercy on us;
deliver us from judgement;
bind up our wounds and revive us;
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

cf Hosea 6

May the God of love
bring us back to himself,
forgive us our sins,
and assure us of his eternal love
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
AllAmen.

¶ The Word

Reading(s)

Read by: None

Alleluia, alleluia.
God is love;
let us love one another
as God has loved us.
AllAlleluia.cf 1 John 4.8-11

After each reading this response may be used

This is the word of the Lord.
AllThanks be to God.

¶ Response to God's Word

Sermon

Preacher: None

Hymn or song

Affirmation of Faith

Let us declare our faith in God.

All We believe in God the Father,
from whom every family
in heaven and on earth is named.

We believe in God the Son,
who lives in our hearts through faith,
and fills us with his love.

We believe in God the Holy Spirit,
who strengthens us
with power from on high.

We believe in one God;
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen.

cf Ephesians 3

¶ Prayers

The Lord's Prayer

Lord, remember us in your kingdom,
as we pray in the words you gave us.

AllOur Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

[We pray for the family of the Church,
for loving relationships,
and for the life of families around us.
Jesus, Lord of love,
in your mercy, hear us.]

Jesus, born in poverty and soon a refugee,
be with families today who are poor
and live in hunger and want …
Jesus, Lord of love,
in your mercy, hear us.

Jesus, as you grew in wisdom and in favour with
God and the people
in the family of Joseph the carpenter,
bring wisdom and the presence of God
into the work and growth of families today …
Jesus, Lord of love,
in your mercy, hear us.

Jesus, as you blessed marriage in the wedding at Cana,
be with those preparing for marriage
and with those who come to the end of
their resources …
Jesus, Lord of love,
in your mercy, hear us.

Jesus, as you healed Peter's mother-in-law,
bring healing to those in our families who are ill today …
Jesus, Lord of love,
in your mercy, hear us.

Jesus, when you were dying you called Mary and John to
care for one another.
Provide today for those who lose their families:
the bereaved and childless, orphans and widows …
Jesus, Lord of love,
in your mercy, hear us.

Jesus, as you ate breakfast on the beach with
your disciples
after you were raised from the dead,
bring the whole Church on earth and in heaven
into your risen presence to eat at the eternal banquet.
Jesus, Lord of love,
in your mercy, hear us,
accept our prayers and be with us always.
Amen.

The Collect

God of wonder and of joy:
grace comes from you,
and you alone are the source of life and love.
Without you, we cannot please you;
without your love, our deeds are worth nothing.
Send your Holy Spirit,
and pour into our hearts
that most excellent gift of love,
that we may worship you now
with thankful hearts
and serve you always with willing minds;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

¶ Ending

The Peace

To crown all things there must be love,
to bind all together and complete the whole.
Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts.

cf Colossians 3.14

Alland also with you.

Concluding Prayer

Eternal God, we offer our thanks that through our earthly lives
you speak of your eternal life.
We rejoice in the wonder of creation,
the gift of human life
and the many blessings that our relationships bring.
Renew in us the fruits of your Holy Spirit;
that love, joy and peace may abound in our homes,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
AllAmen.

All Heavenly Father,
we offer you our souls and bodies,
our thoughts and words and deeds,
our love for one another.
Unite our wills in your will,
that we may grow together
in love and peace
all the days of our life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

God the Holy Trinity make you strong in faith and love,
defend you on every side, and guide you in truth and peace;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
AllAmen.