Readings and Prayers April 4th 2021

Woodfield Team prayer. God our Father, you long to draw all people into your love; increase in number your church   throughout the Woodfield Team, deepen us as followers and learners of Christ and give us courage to share the good news of your kingdom. We pray this in the power of your Spirit, to the glory of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

  A service of Morning Prayer can be accessed here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwZ_rV3EyHs and of Communion at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEwOKSxqHzw

 There is material for families and children at https://www.facebook.com/woodfieldchurcheschildrenswork/

 Alleluia! Christ is risen!

He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

The Collect

God of glory, by the raising of your Son

you have broken the chains of death and hell:

fill your Church with faith and hope;

for a new day has dawned and the way to life stands open

in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

Gospel: Mark 16:1-8

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. ² Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb ³ and they asked each other, ‘Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?’

⁴ But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. ⁵ As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

⁶ ‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he said. ‘You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. ⁷ But go, tell his disciples and Peter, “He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.”’

⁸ Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid

A suggestion:

• This is a familiar story but read it carefully. What surprises you?
• Read it again. What word or phrase stands out for you?
• Think what Jesus’ resurrection means to you and give thanks.

Prayers for today:

• For all church members and those who may join in worship this Easter time
• For all celebrating Easter across the world
• For the villages and people served by the Woodfield Team
• For wisdom as Lockdown eases; for those on holiday but unable to go away
• For the politicians of the world that may have wisdom in the way they lead
• For the people of the Yemen that we may be generous in helping them
• For the creating of good relationship where there seems so much anger and hatred
• Those who are lonely and isolated
• For those we know who are ill or bereaved