What psalms, Scripture, songs or canticles are to be used? Begin to think about music resources and preparation. See here (Psalms) and here (Music). In general the congregational ‘Amen’, which concludes a prayer said by the leader, has not been printed here. It may need to be added if a full congregational text is being produced.

At St Ann’s one of the church leaders comes forward to lead the intercessions, and asks the congregation to mention things to pray for. A series of people say ‘Can we pray for …’, usually mentioning things of a fairly personal and practical nature. The leader fits this list of requests into the litany prepared before the service. From the intercession that follows, it is clear that the leader has been awake during the notices and sermon. Both the sermon and the Bible reading on which it was based are clearly reflected in the prayers. St Ann’s have tried other variations for the intercessions, and at the all-age service these are sometimes led by a family together (using the microphone for all of them). Once or twice for a special occasion they have used visuals – photographs, video clips and drawings (but with few words) on the data projector – inviting people to have their eyes open as they pray. Occasionally they pray in small groups, which they find a good way of including children in the intercessions. Some have suggested using extempore prayer with the whole congregation free to join in, but the severe difficulties with audibility have ruled this out. St Christopher’s have recently had some teaching on the Creed. They have used one or two of the seasonal Affirmations of Faith from Common Worship to fit with the teaching subject. One of the points that has been highlighted is the ‘doxological’ use of the Creed in Eastern churches, to gather together the praise of the congregation. So today the Creed is postponed until after the intercessions, when the choir lead an outburst of praise in a glorious setting of the Nicene Creed. DO remember what was prayed for last week: should there be thanksgiving for prayer being answered? What other thanksgiving should there be? Again, as Note 15 says, ‘intercession frequently arises out of thanksgiving’.Let us call to mind our sin, our failure to value the love of others and our failure to love as Christ has loved us. Customs vary on the solemnity with which this is done. In some places, variable prayers may be used. These should be preparatory, as the title for this part implies, and not dramatically overshadow the Eucharistic Prayer. The Eucharistic Prayer Is there a balance between word, prayer, praise and action? For instance the Word section may be top heavy with long readings and long introductions, or too many short readings. If a candle is lit at the section headed ‘Proclamation of Hope’, it could be carried at the front of any formal procession at the end of the service. At St Bartholomew’s today the service has been led by one of the lay people. At the end of the intercessions she glances at her watch. The vicar is taking the service at one of the other churches in the group and often arrives here towards the end of the intercessions. If he does, it is natural for him to say the words of the Peace and it acts partly as a greeting announcing his arrival. But he must have met sheep on the road or have been talking too long at the other church, so the lay leader says the words of the Peace and the small congregation spend a few moments greeting one another. If they are short of time, the Peace can be briefer and more formal – living together in a village means they have already greeted one another today. Enter the vicar, at speed, just as the hymn is being announced. ‘Peace be with you all!’ he shouts, with a wave of the hand, and they all reply. Much better than ‘Good morning everyone’!

These prayers are particularly suitable as closing prayers for a non-eucharistic service. Though they do not refer explicitly to the sacrament, some of them could also be used as a Post Communion prayer, or as part of the Dismissal in a service of Holy Communion. The prayers printed in bold type are suitable for the whole congregation to join in. This might include the Song of Saint Anselm, the Affirmation of Faith and the Prayers of Intercession;

Blessings

Begin to plan the sermon. If the preacher is not part of the planning group, it is important to know the main drift of the sermon so that other items in the service support rather than conflict with this part of the Word. Does it need one ‘slot’ or more? Note 7 to A Service of the Word ( here) gives a new interpretation to the word ‘sermon’ which ‘includes less formal exposition, the use of drama, interviews, discussion, audio-visuals and the insertion of hymns or other sections of the service between parts of the sermon’. 4 Prayer A blessing, the Grace or the sharing of the Peace may conclude the service, or these responses may be used See the Lectionary modules in Resource Section C for some specific acclamations which relate to the readings there.

The phrase ‘in this holy night’ makes this prayer particularly appropriate for use on Christmas Eve during the night.With the omission of this phrase (or its replacement with ‘at this holy time’) it is suitable for use on other occasions during the Christmas season. some other liturgical ending, including the Peace, the Grace or a suitable ascription or responsive conclusion. look at the readings for the service and especially the psalm as a possible source for words and ideas;Posture needs to be thought through beforehand. If the response at the beginning of the section is led by children it would be easier to see them if everyone sits. It is probably better if everyone remains seated for the giving of the flowers or other gifts, and the mothers (or all the women) stand for the Thank you … prayer at the end. Of course local custom and architecture may suggest another arrangement. inviting a grandmother to speak about what it is like to be a grandparent, including any advice she has for new parents, or any things she wishes she had done differently when her children were young. These intercessions are particularly appropriate for use when small children are present. The prayer should be very simple, if possible drawing from the children the subjects for intercession. When announcing the Peace, announce the hymn after it: ‘At the end of the Peace we shall sing …’. Then all that is needed is a nod to the organist, or an agreement that the organist takes the decision when to start. No responses have been printed after the readings. This would not necessarily mean that they could not be used.