The Collect

Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son was revealed to destroy the works of the devil and to make us the children of God and heirs of eternal life: grant that we, having this hope, may purify ourselves even as he is pure; that when he shall appear in power and great glory we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

¶ The Liturgy of the Word

First Reading: Malachi 4.1-2a

See, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings.

Psalm 98

Refrain: The Lord has made known his salvation.
Sing to the Lord a new song, * for he has done marvellous things.
His own right hand and his holy arm *have won for him the victory.
The Lord has made known his salvation; *his deliverance has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.
He has remembered his mercy and faithfulness towards the house of Israel, *and all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. R
Sound praises to the Lord, all the earth; *break into singing and make music.
Make music to the Lord with the lyre, *with the lyre and the voice of melody.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn *sound praises before the Lord, the King. R
Let the sea thunder and all that fills it, *the world and all that dwell upon it.
Let the rivers clap their hands *and let the hills ring out together before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.
In righteousness shall he judge the world *and the peoples with equity.

Refrain: The Lord has made known his salvation.

Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3.6-13

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, labouring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busy-bodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.

Gospel Reading: Luke 21.5-19

When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, Jesus said, ‘As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.’ They asked him, ‘Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?’ And Jesus said, ‘Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, “I am he!” and, “The time is near!” Do not go after them.  When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defence in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls.’

Prayers of Intercession

These, once again, are the intercessions offered by Church House in Visual Liturgy:

We pray for the coming of God’s kingdom.

You sent your Son to bring good news to the poor, sight to the blind, freedom to captives and salvation to your people: anoint us with your Spirit; rouse us to work in his name.
Father, by your Spirit bring in your kingdom.

Send us to bring help to the poor and freedom to the oppressed.
Father, by your Spirit bring in your kingdom.

Send us to tell the world the good news of your healing love.
Father, by your Spirit bring in your kingdom.

Send us to those who mourn, to bring joy and gladness instead of grief.
Father, by your Spirit bring in your kingdom.

Send us to proclaim that the time is here for you to save your people.
Father, by your Spirit bring in your kingdom.

Lord of the Church, hear our prayer, and make us one in mind and heart to serve you in Christ our Lord. Amen.

All these Sundays before Advent are permeated with thoughts of judgment, building up to Christ the King next week. Crunch time, then. But ‘not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls.’

I have not specifically mentioned the typhoon in the Philippines and its aftermath, but you will realise that I have drafted these prayers with this in mind.

¶The Church of Christ

Lord, you have made us know that tumultuous times lie ahead for our Church.  The clamour of voices may  for a while drown out the still small voice that we listen for. Help us at this time to put our trust in you, knowing that no phoenix arises from the ashes without first submitting to the flame that purifies and the wind that renews. Then, for those that truly love you, the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings.

Lord, who transforms all things, let your creation now sing a new song: in your mercy, hear our prayer

¶Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

Lord, in a world where many exploit the labours of others, bring a new spirit of mutual respect. Faithful Creator, ever striving with all that you have made— with nature, with your people, with your Son who embodied your will— bringing new and unexpected life out of despair and death, work still in these our days, that we may sing a new song to your glory.

Lord, who transforms all things, let your creation now sing a new song: in your mercy, hear our prayer

¶The local community

Lord, guide and enable all who lead and serve this community. Help us to work for the peace and welfare of this place, as we give thanks for human friendship and for all that enriches our daily lives. Despite any problems that we may face, we know that your judgment is tempered with mercy, love and compassion, and that underneath are the everlasting arms. All good things come from you.

Lord, who transforms all things, let your creation now sing a new song: in your mercy, hear our prayer

¶Those who suffer

Lord and saviour of the world, be present in all places of suffering, violence and pain. Stretch out your hand, we pray, to bring comfort, wholeness and peace to all who  suffer in body, mind or spirit. We pray for all who bring relief to those in distress and ask you to fill us, also,  with compassion so that we may do all that we can to help those in need. Thus may we, too, be channels of your healing love.

Lord, who transforms all things, let your creation now sing a new song: in your mercy, hear our prayer

¶The communion of saints

Lord, conqueror of death, have mercy on those who have died violently or unprepared. Grant them peace and new life in your kingdom, where there is no more pain or suffering. Help us to live this day in the sure and certain hope of your eternal victory, as we commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray, to your judgment tempered with mercy.

Lord, who transforms all things, let your creation now sing a new song: in your mercy, hear our prayer