Acts 9:1-2 Followers of the Way of the Lord
John 21:10-19
Then Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net ashore full of big fish, a hundred and fifty-three in all; even though there were so many, still the net did not tear. Jesus said to them, “Come and eat.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord.
So Jesus went over, took the bread, and gave it to them; he did the same with the fish. This, then, was the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from death.
After they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these others do?”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Take care of my lambs.”
A second time Jesus said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Take care of my sheep.”
A third time Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter became sad because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” and so he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you!”
Jesus said to him, “Take care of my sheep. I am telling you the truth: when you were young, you used to get ready and go anywhere you wanted to; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you up and take you where you don’t want to go.” (In saying this, Jesus was indicating the way in which Peter would die and bring glory to God.) Then Jesus said to him, “Follow me!”
The whole body of Christ expresses the beauty of all God’s people, each serving in ways beyond what one person can offer alone. Whether we hear our calling clearly, or take some time in hearing it (Saul!), God always calls us to serve. As each of us share our calling and gifts with love and care, we all learn more about God’s realm, creation and people
Prayer of Confession
We open ourselves to you, O loving God.
When you call to us, it is a delight.
Yet, when we need to act, we are filled with uncertainty.
Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to us.
To share our faith with others is often difficult
and we cannot find the words.
Jesus, write on our hearts the message to share.
Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to us.
Loving those who are mean, unkind or cruel is so very hard
and we often turn away in hurt and fear.
Jesus, fill us with love that flows easily to all.
Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to us.
You gift us each with certain skills.
Yet, we are often selective and hesitant to use them.
Jesus, fill us with your inner strength
so that we love and serve all God’s people.
Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to us.
Words of Assurance
Friends, God is nearer than we ever understand.
Your prayers are heard.
Offer your fears and uncertainties, for you are much loved.
God tends to us.
Let us attend to God without fear.
Gracious One, you are with us.
We are your people and long to share your love with the world.
Prayer of Adoration and Thanksgiving
We will never forget you, God of Light,
for you bring us new days and fresh beginnings.
Weighed down with sadness, you stay with us as we weep.
Hurting from cruel and unkindness, your gentle love warms us.
Angry over injustice and stupidity, your compassion releases us to forgiveness.
You create in us ways of being better people,
to serve when we thought we had nothing more to offer,
to love when we cannot do it on our own,
to forgive, when we had little strength left.
How wonderful, how precious it is that you care so deeply.
You fill us with joy at the least joyful moments.
With deep thanks, our grateful hearts adore you, Gracious God.
© Rev Anne Hewitt 27/04/2022
This reflection & prayer may be shared as long as the original writer is credited.