Fourth Sunday of Easter C
The following are prayerful resources rather than a liturgy.
- The gospel for the day
(a useful commentary on the reading
here) - Some optional questions for reflection
- Prayers of Intercession
- Cluster Prayer
- The gospel of the week ahead with questions
John 10: 27-30 I give eternal life to the sheep that belong to me.
Jesus said:
‘The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice;
I know them and they follow me.
I give them eternal life;
they will never be lost
and no one will ever steal them from me.
The Father who gave them to me is greater than anyone,
and no one can steal from the Father.
The Father and I are one.’
This the gospel of the Lord
Copyright © 1996-2021 Universalis Publishing Limited: see www.universalis.com.
Scripture readings from the Jerusalem Bible are published and copyright © 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc.
Text of the Psalms: Copyright © 1963, The Grail (England). All rights reserved.
Having used our prayer resources, you might want simply to reflect yourself on them and how that might flow into your coming week. Some people have found it very helpful to meet with others and share their thoughts.
If you are interested in joining a small group to share your thoughts and feelings about God's Word from any of the resources you have watched please email us. cluster.alpha@outlook.com
Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)
- Relate an experience when you realised that you truly belonged to a group. Share your feelings about that experience.
- Whom do you try to protect as Christ protects you?
Prayers of Intercession
Jesus tells us that in God’s hands we are safe, secure and loved and so we put our cares and concerns into God’s hands.
For the whole church, like Paul and Barnabas, we may realise our mission to spread the Good News to all people following the example of our Holy Father Pope Francis.
Lord hear us…
For political leaders that they work ceaselessly to find a resolution to end the war by Russia on Ukraine and that they may always put public service above personal or political gain.
Lord hear us…
For men and women of all ages to listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd calling them into ordained and lay ministries.
Lord hear us…
For the children in our community, especially those preparing for First Communion and Confirmation and for us all as we seek to be like the Good Shepherd in our lives.
Lord hear us…
That the sick and all those named in the prayer foundation list may be healed in body and spirit.
Lord hear us...
For those who have died and those who mourn the dead, especially the peoples of Ukraine and Russia and for our friends and relatives and members of the cluster parishes. May they rest in peace and may we be comforted in our loss by the Good Shepherd.
Lord hear us…
Prayer to be Missionary Disciples
Lord continue to bless our community
in this time of transition.
Help us on our journey
to grow from a maintenance church
to a missionary church.
Give us the courage
to be missionary disciples.
Make our doors wide enough
to receive all who need
human love and fellowship;
narrow enough to shut out
all envy, pride and prejudice.
Kindle in us the fire of your love
that all who come here
will find joy, peace and love.
Make this a house of prayer
and a gateway to your kingdom.
AMEN
