Saturday Prayers: Saint Patrick’s Day Weekend, 2018
Saturday, March 17th – St. Patrick’s Day
“As dying and behold we live”- 2 Corinthians 6. 9.
O God, who didst send forth blessed Patrick to preach the Glory of your Name: Grant that by his merits and intercession, we may be enabled to fulfill all such things as you require; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
I bind unto myself to-day the strong name of the Trinity: The power of God to hold and lead, His eye to watch, His might to stay, His ear to hearken to my need. The wisdom of my God to teach, His hand to guide, His shield to ward; The word of God to give me speech, His heavenly host to be my guide. Praise to the Lord, of my salvation, Salvation is of Christ the Lord. – From St, Patrick’s Breastplate
An old engraving depicting Saint Patrick, the patron of Ireland and Nigeria. Image taken from the book “History of the Church”, 1880
Sunday, March 18th – Fifth Sunday of Lent
Anyone who serves me must follow me, says the Lord, that where I am, there shall my servant be also. John 12. 26
Merciful God, by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ, you created humanity anew. May the power of his victorious cross transform those who turn in faith to him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
Lord, thy word abideth, and our footstep guideth; Who its truth believeth light and joy receiveth. O that we discerning its most holy learning, Lord, may love and fear thee, and evermore be near thee. – Rev’d Sir H.W. Baker
Monday, March 19th – St. Joseph of Nazareth
Happy are they who dwell in your house! They will always be praising thee. Psalm 84.3
O God, from the family of your servant David you raised up Joseph to be the guardian of your incarnate Son. Give us grace to follow him in faithful obedience to your commands; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who ,lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
All praise, O God, for Joseph, the guardian of your Son, who saved him from King Herod, when safety there was none. He taught the trade of builder, when they to Nazareth came, and Joseph’s love made “Father” to be, for Christ, God’s name.
In peace, we pray to you, Lord God. For all people in their daily life and work, for families, friends, neighbours, and those who are alone. We pray for our community, country and the world, for all who work for peace, freedom and justice. For a just and proper use of your creation; for the victims of hunger, fear, injustice and oppression. For all who are in any kind of danger, sorrow or trouble; for the sick, the weak and the dying and those who care for them.
We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life. And we praise your name for ever and ever. Amen.
Blessings,
nnDnn Archdeacon Ron Matthewman, Vicar General Emeritus
OSMTH-I
