Weekly Readings and Prayers
Sunday 21st April 2024 The Fourth Sunday of Easter
Collect of the Day
Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life: raise us, who trust in him, from the death of sin to the life of righteousness, that we may seek those things which are above, where he reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
First Reading Acts 4.5-12
The next day their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, ‘By what power or by what name did you do this?’ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is “the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.” There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.’
Psalm 23
1 The Lord is my shepherd; : therefore can I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures : and leads me beside still waters.
3 He shall refresh my soul : and guide me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; : for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; : you have anointed my head with oil and my cup shall be full.
6 Surely goodness and loving mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, : and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy Spirit
As it was in the beginning, is now and shall be for ever : world without end. Amen.
Second Reading 1 John 3. 16 -end
We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him. And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.
Gospel John 10. 11–18
Jesus said ‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.’
Post Communion Prayer
Merciful Father, you gave your Son Jesus Christ to be the good shepherd, and in his love for us to lay down his life and rise again: keep us always under his protection, and give us grace to follow in his steps; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayers for the week
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want" (Psalm 23:1)
We pray this week for those who live in Bagshot Road, Bakeham Lane, and Barley Mow Road
Sunday 21st April
We pray for couples who are to be married in St Jude's during the coming months and for those whose Banns are being read in St Jude's but whose wedding is taking place elsewhere. May their marriages be blessed by the love of God.
Monday 22nd April
There are several funeral services taking place in St Jude's in the coming weeks. We pray for those who mourn the loss of a loved one and for local funeral arrangers, cemetery and crematorium staff who work hard to support those who grieve.
Tuesday 23rd April Feast of St George, Martyr and Patron Saint of England
God of hosts, who so kindled the flame of love in the heart of your servant George that he bore witness to the risen Lord by his life and by his death: give us the same faith and power of love that we who rejoice in his triumphs may come to share with him the fullness of the resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
Wednesday 24th April
We pray for today's Runnymede Foodbank Distribution session taking place in our Village Centre as usual this afternoon. We give thanks for those who serve so willingly as volunteers.
Thursday 25th April Feast of St Mark, Evangelist
Almighty God, who enlightened your holy Church through the inspired witness of your evangelist Saint Mark: grant that we, being firmly grounded in the truth of the gospel, may be faithful to its teaching both in word and deed; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen
Friday 26th April
We pray that whatever conflicts surround our world today; whatever the news of war, or the threats to peace, we may walk steadfastly with our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of Kings.
Saturday 27th April
We pray for all our services tomorrow, including our Fourth Sunday at Four. We pray for those who lead and preach, who provide our music and offer Bible readings and intercessions. May the eyes of us all be turned upon Jesus.
Heavenly Father, please accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
At all our church services we pray for those who are sick, in need and for the bereaved by name. Please let us know if you would like a specific prayer for anyone and they will be included in the prayer list.