Watchnight 2008
Rev David Jenkins (right), in welcoming people to a uniquely timed 7pm Watchnight Service, said, "There has been a tradition of what is known as a Watchnight Service, especially within the Moravian Church, where people would be in prayer while the year turned at midnight.
It was this influence that prompted John Wesley to establish this practice in early Methodism. Last year I received a number of phone calls asking me if there was to be such a service anywhere and I didn’t know of anywhere, which prompted this idea of having a reflective act of worship before people set off for parties to see in the New Year.
We have come to look back on this year, to reflect on it and what it has meant for us, and to look forward in courage and hope to the year which is about to dawn."
Prayers reflecting on 2008
Prayers-Let us look back on 2008- using the silence to remember the high points for which we are especially thankful-
(Silence)
Lord God, for your mercies which are new every morning; for your constant unshakeable love; for all the richness and joy life contains we praise you
(Silence)
Let us look back on the challenging events of this year, the times that might have shaken us, the times we found it difficult to live through
(Silence)
Lord God, who upholds all life, thank you for the strength to keep going through difficult, painful and challenging times; thank you for your presence alongside us through it all
(Silence)
Leys us look back on anything we regret in our own behaviour during the year, the mistakes we have made, for the opportunities to move forward we have neglected
(Silence)
Understanding and pardoning God, forgive us for being what we have said and done that has caused hurt to another, for being slow to learn, for the words not said and the actions not taken. Help s to discern a way forward and give us the courage to follow that way.
(Silence)
We look back over the highs and lows for our nation and for our world this year
(Silence)
Lord of the universe, forgive our failures and inspire us to build on all we have achieved together
(Silence)
Prayers looking forward to 2009
Let us look forward to 2009-to some of the plans and hopes we have for the year
(Silence)
We place our hopes and longings into your hands, O God, and ask for help to work towards all that is most worthwhile in our relationships, in our relationship with you and with the development of gifts and depths within us
(Silence)
For some of the challenges we might face
(Silence)
With all the expected and unforeseen challenges which might come our way, grant us patient and persevering faith, deep and unshakeable trust in you and the courage and grace we need
(Silence)
Let us pray for our nation and our world in this year ahead of us
(Silence)
Help us to right the wrongs that infect our world, to resolve what is unresolved, to tackle with imagination and resolve with a deeper sense of international togetherness the major crises we face.
The Blessing
The God of yesterday has done great things for you; The God of today shows great signs for you; The God of tomorrow will perform great wonders for you; The God of eternity, Father, Son and Spirit bless you now and always.
(Benediction by John Johansen-Berg)