a companion prayer book for the scattered community of the good shepherd 2015

Scattered People of the Good Shepherd March 2015 1

A COMPANION PRAYER BOOK

FOR USE BY

THE SCATTERED PEOPLE OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD.

ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF BUNBURY


The Scattered People of the Good Shepherd

Our Logo

This feathered cross speaks of our shared life: The cross is symbol of our ministry, for we are to be known as the Body of Christ The four directions suggest the points of the compass, affirming that we can be found in any place. The feathering on the wings shows that the furthest points are connected to the centre. The wings declare the presence of the Holy Spirit, joining and empowering us all. The centre shows that all is drawn to one core, the Good Shepherd, on whom our lives depend.


INTRODUCTION

This Companion Prayer Book is one of the ways in which the Scattered People of the Good Shepherd share Common Prayer

In our Rule of Life each person is encouraged to pray regularly and this small book is a resource for our prayers. You will find suggested daily prayers, and prayers for each day of the week; there are some variations for morning and evening and an invitation to share a midday prayer, modelled on the ancient Angelus.

As an encouragement for a daily reflection on life the book offers a short exercise for the end of the day.

The Psalms are the prayers of the people of God offered in times of celebration and times of the deepest pain. As you read portions from the psalms for each day you will find unexpected and blessed encounter with the Living God.

At the end of the book are two services, one for the Commissioning of the Chapter and another for the Induction of Members. These enable all members of the Ministry to share in the events of Commissioning and Induction, even when they are not able to be physically present.

The final part of the book is a Summary of the Rule of Life which may be completed by a member and detached from the book. Kept close to hand it is a reminder of promises made to God; annually it can be offered on the Altar as a symbol of commitment made.

This Prayer Book will be published each year, enabling a new Rule of Life to be formed in the light of lived experience and prayerful review.

I hope that you find in this Common Prayer Book an encouragement to share in daily prayer.

Bishop Allan Ewing

Bishop of Bunbury

February 2015

Each day follows a theme:

Sunday celebrates the resurrection of the Lord Monday celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit Tuesday anticipates the Second coming of the Lord Wednesday celebrates the Incarnation Thursday celebrates the Epiphany Friday commemorates the suffering and Death of the Lord Saturday rejoices in our fellowship with the Saints in the Kingdom of God


PRAYER FOR THE SCATTERED PEOPLE OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

God of all creation, bless, we pray, your scattered people.

Keep us, our homes, and those around us, with constant love and deepening faith. Guard and guide us through this day; hold us safe through every season.

Give us voice to praise your presence, With those close and far away. All these things we gladly pray,

to you, our Shepherd, Saviour, Strength. Grant our prayers in your compassion, through Jesus Christ, who is with you

Creator and life-giving Spirit, one God through all eternity.

Amen

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our 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.

Save us from the time of trial And deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours Now and for ever. Amen


Bible Reading Plan -- Psalms Read the Psalms in a month. About five chapters each day.

(Most chapters are short.)

Day 1 --- Psalm 1-5

Day 2 --- Psalm 6-10

Day 3 --- Psalm 11-16

Day 4 --- Psalm 17-20

Day 5 --- Psalm 21-25

Day 6 --- Psalm 26-30

Day 7 --- Psalm 31-35

Day 8 --- Psalm 36-41

Day 9 --- Psalm 42-46

Day 10 --- Psalm 47-51

Day 11 --- Psalm 52-56

Day 12 --- Psalm 57-61

Day 13 --- Psalm 62-67

Day 14 --- Psalm 68-72

Day 15 --- Psalm 73-77

Day 16 --- Psalm 78-82

Day 17 --- Psalm 83-87

Day 18 --- Psalm 88-92

Day 19 --- Psalm 93-97

Day 20 --- Psalm 98-102

Day 21 --- Psalm 103-107

Day 22 --- Psalm 108-112

Day 23 --- Psalm 113-118

Day 24 --- Psalm 119

Day 25 --- Psalm 120-125

Day 26 --- Psalm 126-130

Day 27 --- Psalm 131-136

Day 28 --- Psalm 137-140

Day 29 --- Psalm 141-144

Day 30 --- Psalm 145-147

Day 31 --- Psalm 148-150

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PRAYER FOR SUNDAYS

OPENING PRAYER Blessed are you, Lord our God, Redeemer and King of all To you be glory and praise for ever! From the waters of chaos you drew forth the world, and in your great love, fashioned us in your image. Now, through the deep waters of death You have brought your people to new birth By raising your Son to life in triumph. May we, the first-fruits of your new creation, Rejoice in this new day you have made; May Christ your light ever dawn in our hearts As we offer you our sacrifice of thanks and praise, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever!

SCRIPTURE READING:

SILENT REFLECTION ON THE READING:

PERSONAL PRAYERS

CANTICLE: A SONG OF JOY Be joyful in the Lord, all the earth: Serve the Lord with gladness And come before his presence with singing. Know that the Lord is God: It is he who has made us, and we are his; For we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; Go into his courts with praise: Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good, And his loving-kindness is everlasting: And his faithfulness endures from age to age. Glory to God; Father Son and Holy Spirit: As in the beginning, so now, and forever. Amen. The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil, and keep us in eternal life. Amen


PRAYER FOR MONDAYS

OPENING PRAYER Blessed are you, creator God; To you be glory and praise for ever! Your Spirit moved over the face of the waters To bring light and life to your creation. Pour out your Spirit on us this day, That we may walk as children of light And by your grace reveal your presence, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever! SCRIPTURE READING: SILENT REFLECTION ON THE READING PERSONAL PRAYERS CANTICLE: A SONG OF GOD’S MARVELLOUS ACTS I will sing a new hymn to my God: O Lord you are great and marvellous, You are marvellous in your strength, invincible. Let the whole creation serve you: For you spoke and all things came to be; You sent out your Spirit and it formed them: No one can resist your voice. Mountains and seas are stirred to their depths: Rocks melt like wax at your presence; But to those who revere you: You still show mercy. Glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit: As in the beginning, so now and for ever. Amen. The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil, and keep us in eternal life. Amen


PRAYER FOR TUESDAYS

OPENING PRAYER Blessed are you, Sovereign God of all, To you be glory and praise for ever! In your tender compassion, The dawn from on high is breaking upon us To dispel the lingering shadows of night. As we look for your coming among us this day, Open our eyes to behold your presence And strengthen our hands to do your will, That the world may rejoice and give you praise, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever! SCRIPTURE READING SILENT REFLECTION ON THE READING PERSONAL PRAYERS CANTICLE: A SONG OF GOD’S HERALD Go up to a high mountain Herald of good tidings to Zion: Lift up your voice with strength, Herald of good tidings to Jerusalem. Lift up your voice, fear not: Say to the cities of Judah, ‘Behold your God!’ See the Lord God, coming with power: Coming to rule with his mighty arm. He brings his reward for the people of God: The recompense for those who are saved. God will feed his flock like a shepherd: And gather the lambs in his arms; He will hold them to his breast: And gently lead those that are with young. The Lord bless us and preserve us from all evil, and keep us in eternal life. Amen


DAILY PRAYER FOR WEDNESDAYS

OPENING PRAYER Blessed are you, sovereign God, creator of all; To you be glory and praise for ever! You founded the earth in the beginning And the heavens are the work of your hands. As we rejoice in the gift of your presence among us, Let the light of your love always shine in our hearts And your praises ever be on our lips, Father, Son and Holy Spirit Blessed be God for ever! SCRIPTURE READING SILENT REFLECTION ON THE READING PERSONAL PRAYER TIME CANTICLE: A SONG OF THE MESSIAH The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light: Those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, Upon them the light has dawned. You have increased their joy And given them great gladness: They rejoiced before you as with joy at the harvest. For you have shattered the yoke that burdened them: The collar that lay heavy on their shoulders. For to us a child is born and to us a son is given: And the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called: Wonderful Counsellor; Mighty God: Everlasting Father; Prince of peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace: There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over his kingdom: To establish and uphold it With justice and righteousness. From this time forth and for evermore: The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. The Lord bless us and preserve us from all evil, and keep us in eternal life. Amen


PRAYER FOR THURSDAYS

OPENING PRAYER Blessed are you, Sovereign God, King of the nations, To you be glory and praise for ever! From the rising of the sun to its setting Your name is proclaimed in all the world. As the Sun of Righteousness dawns in our hearts, Anoint our lips with the seal of your Spirit That we may witness to your Gospel And sing your praise in all the world. Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever!

SCRIPTURE READING

SILENT REFLECTION ON THE READING PERSONAL PRAYERS CANTICLE: A SONG OF THE NEW JERUSALEM Arise, shine out, for your light has come: The glory of the Lord is rising upon you. Though night still covers the earth: And darkness the peoples; Above you the Holy One arises: And above you God’s glory appears. Nations will come to your light: And kings to your dawning brightness. Your gates will lie open continually: Shut neither by day nor by night. The sound of violence Shall be heard no longer in your land: Or rain and devastation within your borders. You will call your walls, Salvation: And your gates, Praise. No more will the sun give you daylight: Nor moonlight shine upon you; But the Lord will be your everlasting light: For your God will be your splendour. For you shall be called the city of God: The dwelling of the Holy One of Israel. The Lord bless us and preserve us from all evil, and keep us in eternal life. Amen


PRAYER FOR FRIDAYS

OPENING PRAYER Blessed are you, God of compassion and mercy, To you be praise and glory for ever! In the darkness of our sin, Your light breaks forth like the dawn And your healing springs up for deliverance. As we rejoice in the gift of your saving help, Sustain us with your bountiful Spirit And open our lips to sing your praise, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever! SCRIPTURE READING SILENT REFLECTION ON THE READING PERSONAL PRAYERS CANTICLE: THE SERVANT OF THE LORD He was despised; he was rejected: A man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. As one from whom people hide their faces: He was despised and we esteemed him not. Ours were the sufferings he bore: Ours the torments he endured, While we thought he was being punished: Struck by God and brought low. He was pierced for our sins: Bruised for no fault but ours. His punishment has won our peace: And by his wounds we are healed. We had all strayed like sheep, All taking our own way; But the Lord laid on him: The guilt of us all. The Lord bless us and preserve us from all evil, and keep us in eternal life. Amen


PRAYER FOR SATURDAYS

OPENING PRAYER Blessed are you, Sovereign God, ruler and judge of all, To you be glory and praise for ever! In the darkness of this age that is passing away, May the glory of your kingdom which the saints enjoy Surround our steps as we journey on. May we reflect the light of your glory this day, And so be made ready to come into your presence, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Blessed be God for ever!

SCRIPTURE READING

SILENT REFLECTION ON THE READING

PERSONAL PRAYERS

CANTICLE: THE TE DEUM LAUDAMUS We praise you, O God; We acclaim you as Lord. All creation worships you: The Father everlasting. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven: The cherubim and seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might: Heaven and earth are full of your glory. The glorious company of apostles praise you: The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you: Throughout the world, the holy Church acclaims you: Father, of majesty unbounded: You true and only Son, worthy of all praise, The Holy Spirit, advocate and guide. You, Christ, are the King of glory: The eternal Son of the Father. When you took our flesh to set us free: You humbly chose the virgin’s womb. You overcame the sting of death: And opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God’s right hand in glory: We believe that you will come to be our judge, Come then, Lord, and help your people, Bought with the price of your own blood: And bring us with your saints To glory everlasting. The Lord bless us and preserve us from all evil, and keep us in eternal life. Amen


ALTERNATIVE OPENING PRAYERS

MORNING: As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, So may the light of your presence, O God, Set our hearts on fire with love for you; Now and for ever. Amen

SUNDAY Lord God, whose blessed Son rose in triumph and set us free: grant us the fullness of life he promised us, that through the Holy Spirit our hearts may possess him whom our eyes cannot see, the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

MONDAY Creator Spirit, Advocate promised by our Lord Jesus: Increase our faith and help us to walk in the light of your presence, To the glory of God the Father; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

TUESDAY Lord, our God, our Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier: we ask you to cleanse us from all hypocrisy, to unite us to our fellow men and women by the bonds of peace and love and to confirm us in holiness; now and for ever. Amen

WEDNESDAY We consecrate this day to your service, O Lord, may all our thoughts, words, and actions be well-pleasing to you and serve the good of our brothers and sisters, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

THURSDAY Almighty God, who wonderfully created us in your own image and yet more wonderfully restored us in your Son Jesus Christ: grant that, as he came to share our human nature, so we may be partakers in his divine glory; who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

FRIDAY Holy God, through your beloved Son you reconciled all things to yourself, making peace by the blood of his cross: fill us and those for whom we pray with your peace and joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

SATURDAY Creator God, whose praise and power are proclaimed by the whole creation: receive our morning prayers, we pray, and renew us in your service; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen


EVENING

Father of lights, Receive the prayer and praise we offer you as our evening sacrifice; Make us a light for all the world, Delivered by you goodness from all the works of darkness; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen SUNDAY Lord of life, by the power of your resurrection, deliver us from all selfishness and bring us to the fullness of your joy; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen MONDAY God who wonderfully created us and even more wonderfully restored our humanity: strengthen us by your Holy Spirit to triumph over suffering and death, and grant us eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen TUESDAY God of grace, we thank you for all your gifts to us: grant us to accept both pain and joy in faith and hope, and never to fail in love to you and our sisters and brothers; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen WEDNESDAY God of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: graft in our hearts the love of your name, increase us in true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of your great mercy keep us in the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen THURSDAY God our Saviour, you sent Jesus into the world of sin, and delivered him up to death for us: kindle in our hearts the same love with which he loved his own to the end; Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. FRIDAY Holy Spirit, Sanctifier, cleanse us from all hypocrisy, unite us to one another through the bonds of peace and love, and confirm us in holiness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen SATURDAY Lord Christ, eternal Word and Light of the Father’s glory: send your light and your truth that we may both know and proclaim your word of life, to the glory of God the Father; for you now live and reign, One God for all eternity. Amen AN EVENING COLLECT Lighten our darkness, Lord we pray: and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen


MIDDAY PRAYERS

(A time to stop and reflect in the busyness of life)

Jesus, Lord of life, By the power of your word And through your actions of love Call us to be your disciples. Give us strength to be different, To stand up for justice and peace And be signs of your reconciling love for all. (From Families World Wide: - A Mother’s Union resource)

THE ANGELUS: ( A memorial of the incarnation) The angel of the Lord brought tidings to Mary And she conceived by the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, And blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, Now and at the hour of our death. ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord; Let it be to me according to your word.’ Hail Mary….. The Word was made flesh And dwelt among us. Hail Mary….. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. We beseech you, O Lord to pour your grace into our hearts; that as we have

known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ by the message of an angel, so

by his cross and passion we may be brought to the glory of his resurrection;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


A DAILY CHECK FOR USE AT THE END OF THE DAY

Find a comfortable position and take some time to focus on the nearness of

God. Open yourself to His presence.

Jesus You have been present with me in my life today. Let us look together at my day. Let me see through your loving eyes

Looking back over the past 24 hours, for what are you most grateful? What makes you feel thankful? Using simple words, express your gratitude to God.

When or where in the past 24 hours were you cooperating most fully with God’s action in your life?

When were you resisting?

What habits and life patterns do you notice from the past day?

Beginning today, how do you want to live your life differently?

What patterns do you want to keep living tomorrow You might need to seek forgiveness, ask for direction, share a concern, express gratitude, or resolve to make changes and move forward. Allow your observations to guide your responses. Lord, be the guest of this house; keep far from it all the deceits of the evil one. May your holy angels watch over us as guardians of our peace. And may your blessing be always upon us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Save us Lord, while we are awake Protect us while we are asleep That we may keep watch with Christ And rest with him in peace. Concluding prayer: “Dear Lord, reveal yourself to me in the Scriptures I read and the prayers I say; in the bread I break and the meals I share; in my investments at work and my enjoyments at play; and in the neighbours and family I welcome, love, and serve, for your sake and that your love and peace may reign now and forever. Amen.”


ADDITIONAL CANTICLES THE SONG OF ZECAHARIAH (Benedictus) Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel:

who has come to his people and set them free. The Lord has raised up for us a mighty Saviour:

born of the house of his servant David. Through the holy prophets, God promised of old:

to save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us,

To show mercy to our forebears: and to remember his holy covenant.

This was the oath God swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

Free to worship him without fear: holy and righteous before him, all the days of our life.

And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High: for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,

To give his people knowledge of salvation: by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God: the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death:

and to guide our feet into the way of peace THE SONG OF MARY (Magnificat) My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord:

my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,

Who has looked with favour on his lowly servant: from this day all generations will call me blessed.

The Almighty has done great things for me: and holy is his name.

God has mercy on those who fear him: from generation to generation.

The Lord has shown strength with his arm: and scattered the proud in their conceit,

Casting down the mighty from their thrones: and lifting up the lowly.

God has filled the hungry with good things: and sent the rich away empty.

He has come to the aid of his servant Israel: to remember the promise of mercy,

The promise made to our forebears: to Abraham and his children for ever.


THE SONG OF SIMEON ( The Nunc Dimittis) Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace:

Your word has been fulfilled.

My own eyes have seen the salvation: which you have prepared in the sight of every people:

A light to reveal you to the nations: and the glory of your people Israel.

HYMN OF THE RISEN CHRIST (Easter Anthems)

Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us: so let us celebrate the feast,

Not with the old leaven of corruption and wickedness: but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Christ once raised from the dead dies no more: Death has no more dominion over him.

In dying he died to sin once for all: in living he lives to God.

See yourselves therefore as dead to sin: and alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Christ has been raised from the dead: the firstfruits of those who sleep.

For as by one man came death: by another has come also the resurrection of the dead;

For as in Adam all die: even so in Christ shall all be made alive

THE SONG OF ISAIAH Behold, God is my salvation: I will trust and will not be afraid; For the Lord God is my strength and my song:

And has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water: From the wells of salvation. On that day you will say: Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name; Make known his deeds among the nations: Proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing God’s praises, who has triumphed gloriously: Let this be known in all the world. Shout and sing for joy, you that dwell in Zion: For great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.


PRAYERS FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS

1. Peace

God of the nations, whose sovereign rule brings justice and peace, have mercy on our broken and divided world. Shed abroad your peace in the hearts of all and banish from them the spirit that makes for war, that all races and peoples may learn to live

as members of one family and in obedience to your law,

through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

2. Australia Day

We bless you, God of the universe, for this land, for its contrasts of landscape and climate, for its abundance of wealth and opportunity. We bless you for our history, with all its struggles in adversity, its courage and hope. Give us in our diversity tolerance and respect for each other and a passionate commitment to justice for all. Bless us so that we might be a blessing to others. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

3. On Anzac Day

God of love and liberty, we bring our thanks today for the peace and security we enjoy. We remember those who in time of war faithfully served their country. We pray for their families, and for ourselves whose freedom was won at such a cost. Make us a people zealous for peace, and hasten the day when nation shall not lift up sword against nation neither learn war any more. This we pray in the name of the one who gave his life for the sake of the world: Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.


4. Before a meeting God our Creator, when you speak there is light and life. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we may listen to one another, speak the truth in love, and bear much fruit in the service of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

5. In time of drought, flood or bushfire All things look to you, O Lord, to give them their food in due season: look in mercy on your people, and hear our prayer for those whose lives and possessions are threatened [have been destroyed] by drought [flood, fire]. In your mercy restore your creation and heal our land. So guide and bless your people, that we may enjoy the fruits of the earth and give you thanks with grateful hearts, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 6. Rain God our heavenly Father through your Son you promised to those seeking first your kingdom and your righteousness all things necessary for bodily welfare: send us, we pray, in this time of need, rain to water the earth, that we may receive its produce to strengthen and sustain us and always praise you for your bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 7. Dedication Teach us, gracious Lord, to begin our works with reverence, to go on in obedience, and finish them with love; and then to wait patiently in hope, looking joyfully to you whose promises are faithful and rewards infinite; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


8. Grace Go before us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favour, and assist us with your continual help; that in all works, begun, continued and ended in you, we may glorify your holy name, and finally by your mercy obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 9. A General Thanksgiving prayer Almighty God and merciful Father, we give you hearty thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all people. We bless you for our creation and preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all, for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such a sense of all your mercies, that our hearts may be truly thankful and that we may praise you not only with our lips, but in our lives, serving you in holiness and righteousness all our days, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit, be honour and glory, now and for ever. Amen 10. A General Confession God of all mercy, we humbly admit that we need your help. We have wandered from your way. We have sinned in thought, word and deed, and have failed to do what is right. You alone can save us. Have mercy on us, wipe out our sins and teach us to forgive others. Bring forth in us the fruit of your Spirit that we may live the new life to your glory. This we ask in the name of Jesus our Saviour. Amen.


11. A declaration of God’s forgiveness. God desires that none should perish, but that all should turn to Christ, and live. In response to his call we acknowledge our sins. God pardons those who humbly repent, and truly believe the gospel. Therefore we have peace with God, through Jesus Christ. Amen 12. The Grace. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ And the love of God And the fellowship of the Holy Spirit Be with us all ever more Amen..


SERVICE FOR COMMISSIONING OF THE CHAPTER

Bishop or Chaplain: We meet today to worship God and to admit ………………..(name/s) to the chapter of the Scattered People of the Good Shepherd to which he/she has been elected or appointed. This office is a solemn trust carrying great responsibility. ……………………………(name/s) do you accept the office to which you have been elected or appointed? I do, the Lord being my helper. Will you serve God in this way, trusting in the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit? I will, by God’s grace. …………………………….(name/s) I admit you to the office to which you have been called, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. I call you all to pray that God will bless his servant(s), granting such gifts as may be needed for this work. Let us pray in silence. Loving God we ask that you give to your servant(s) a sense of your presence and the knowledge of your constant love. In the execution of this office, grant guidance, wisdom and understanding, that (she/he/they), together with all members, may work to your praise and glory. Amen. Let us say the prayer of the Order. The Lord be with you And Also with you. Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.


ORDER OF SERVICE FOR THE INDUCTION OF MEMBERS

The Bishop or Chaplain greet the people saying

We greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have come together to induct Members into the Ministry of the Scattered People of the Good Shepherd. Those to be inducted have prepared themselves for this occasion by reading the handbook , and by making a commitment to the calling they believe God has given them. We rejoice with them and pray that they will be blessed and enriched by this experience.

The Lord be with you

And also with you.

A Hymn may be sung.

Bishop or Chaplain: Let us pray

Direct us O Lord, in this service by your Holy Spirit. Let your anointing be on those who are to be inducted into this ministry at this time. May we all be filled afresh with your Spirit, so that we may be encouraged to keep the commitment we have made. May this ministry glorify your great and holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us join together in saying the prayer of Scattered People of the Good Shepherd.

God of all creation, bless, we pray, your scattered people. Keep us, our homes, and those around us, with constant love and deepening faith. Guard and guide us through this day; hold us safe through every season. Give us voice to praise your presence, With those close and far away. All these things we gladly pray, to you, our Shepherd, Saviour, Strength. Grant our prayers in your compassion, through Jesus Christ, who is with you


Creator and life-giving Spirit, one God through all eternity. Amen And as our Lord and Saviour has taught us so we pray. Our 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. Save us from the time of trial And deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours Now and for ever. Amen Scripture Reading:

Bishop or Chaplain: I invite those to be inducted as Members of the Ministry of the Scattered People of the Good Shepherd to come forward.

Bishop or Chaplain: We rejoice in your preparation for membership of the ministry of Scattered People of the Good Shepherd, by reading, prayer and commitment to the calling God has given you.

Do you affirm that you are called to this ministry and do you desire to become a Member

Candidate: I Do

Bishop or Chaplain: Let me remind you of our rule of life. A regular commitment to offer:

Regular prayers for other members of the Scattered People of the Good Shepherd and their concerns and the locality in which they live

Regular reading of the New Testament Epistle set for each day.

Regular readings of the scripture readings set for each Sunday

Regular reading or listening to Sermons

Regular communication with two other members

Regular attendance at a Eucharist service


Occasional informal meeting with other members

When possible attendance at a retreat

When possible attendance at regional and Diocesan gatherings.

The candidates kneel.

The Bishop or Chaplain will anoint each one with Holy Oil Saying to each member in turn

As you are anointed with Holy Oil so may God direct your, praying, thinking and actions.

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Bishop or Chaplain lays hands on each member in turn saying

I induct you into the membership of the ministry of the Scattered People of the Good Shepherd, In the name of the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Silent prayer is now offered for those inducted. Extempore prayer may be offered.

The new members stand and are presented to the congregation gathered.

Bishop or Chaplain:

Let us go forth to lead a life worthy of the calling to which we have been called. Let us never neglect the gifts God has given us. Let us remember that we are fellow workers with God.

A hymn may be sung

The Blessing.


COPYRIGHT ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Prayers for weekdays come from The Draft Daily Service Book of the Diocese of Bunbury 2002

Alternative opening prayers, Additional Canticles and Prayers for various Occasions and Prayers at the end of the day come from A Prayer Book for Australia Broughton Books 1999

Midday prayers come from A Worship and Prayer Book for MU Australia 2009 and also from Celebrating Common Prayer Mowbray Press 1994

The Induction of members is adapted from A book of services for use by the Order of St Luke the Physician

A service for commissioning of a Chapter is adapted from A Worship and Prayer Book for MU Australia 2009 and also from Celebrating Common Prayer Mowbray Press 1994

The daily examine is adapted from Mars Hill Bible Church marshill.org/teaching/sp


MY RULE OF LIFE

RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

Regular prayer, for the individuals and places of the Ministry;

Regular participation in the Eucharist;

When possible, attendance at a retreat

Regular financial stewardship

Annual review of my Rule guided by the Spiritual Companion

INWARD GROWTH

Regular reading of the Morning Prayer epistle, as set by the lectionary;

Regular reading of the Sunday readings;

Regular listening to or reading a sermon;

Occasional participation in a study program


RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS

Regular contact, face to face or otherwise, with two other members; to talk of relationship with God, inward growth and relationship with others;

Occasional meeting with other members, locally or in a regional centre;

When possible, attendance at Ministry Gatherings

a companion prayer book for the scattered community of the good shepherd 2015

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