Today is the Seventh Sunday of the Easter season, also know as the Sunday after Ascension (Ascension Day being 21st May this year). It is also the last Sunday before the Feast of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came down upon the disciples.
Fr Ron’s Reflection on today’s readings
The Collect for the Sunday after Ascension
O God the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: we beseech you, leave us not comfortless, but send your Holy Spirit to strengthen us and exalt us to the place where our Saviour Christ is gone before, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The first reading – 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
The Gospel reading – John 17:1-11
After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:
“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.”
“I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.”
Intercessions for Seventh Sunday of Easter -Sunday after Ascension – 24th May 2020
Almighty God, may our prayers ascend to you just as Jesus Christ, your son, was taken up to heaven. As we celebrate the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus let it inspire in us feelings of joy and hope rather than fear and separation as we await the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Everlasting God we pray for our Bishops, Robert and David, and all Church Leaders; for Fr Ron and the laity who serve this Chaplaincy. May the Lord bless our Chaplaincy Council and guide them in their work as we move forward together to live the Gospel in Tenerife.
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Creator God, we pray for our troubled world its peoples and their leaders. We pray for those caught up in war, and violence, and hatred; especially the innocent victims of these evils and those who are abused because of Christ. May peace abound and righteousness flourish, that we may vanquish injustice and wrong and that the suffering won’t last forever.
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Father God, we pray for all the people that we encounter in our daily lives especially through the internetand social media in these difficult times. Help us to recognise Christ in one another however stressed and tired they may be. We ask that you help us to recognise the risen Christ in the face of someone we meet today and give us an opportunity to brighten their day with a smile or a word.
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Loving God, we pray for all those in need; for those who are filled with guilt; who are broken-hearted; who are confused and afraid; or saddened because a relationship has broken down. We pray for all suffering from illness, particularly those requesting our prayers and give joyful thanks for those on the road to recovery. (add names of those requesting prayer)
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Merciful God, we pray for all who have died; especially those who encouraged us in our faith by their example. As we pray for them, may they in turn continue to pray for us that we may stay true to our faith and give the same kind of example ourselves to others. (add names of the recently departed or on Anniversary list)
Lord, in your Mercy: Hear our Prayer
Faithful God, as we go out into the coming week, make us mindful that we should constantly pray for your world and your people just as Jesus, your son, prayed for his disciple before returning to you.
Merciful Father: Accept these prayers for the sake of your son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Thanks to the Costa Blanca Anglican Chaplaincy for sharing their prayers for this Sunday.