Lapta, North Cyprus
Opening Prayer
Help us Lord to see that the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. -Romans 14:17 (silent reflection) Prayer of the Bible The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will! Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul! -Psalm 103: 19-22 (Free expression of praise and thanksgiving to God) Confession of Sin O Lord be gracious to me; heal my soul, for I have sinned against You. -Psalm 41:4 (Time of silence for confession of sin) The Words of Jesus And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. -Mark 10:13-16 (Think deeply on the life and words of Jesus) Prayers for Ourselves and Others O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers and grant to your children the help of your power, that their sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen -Book of Common Prayer (Time to bring before God our own needs and the needs of others) Closing Prayer Father, you have shown me how to walk in your footsteps. You are daily transforming me. My heart is filled with joy as you renew and refresh me. You now call me your beloved just as you called Jesus your beloved Son. You have shown me that I am worthy to be called one of your children. Your love for me surpasses my comprehension. Now you are calling me to a new level of growth. Give me the desire in my heart to rise up and meet this challenge. This I pray in the name of our Lord Jesus. Amen -Thomas Merton (1915–1968) 
Rotorua, New Zealand
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