Stockton Methodist Circuit

ORDINARY 22A 30th August 2026 A short act of worship and daily devotions Opening Hymn / Song: 20 STF – Be still for the presence of the lord – YouTube Opening Prayers Be still, in the midst of the noise. Be still, in the midst of the business. Be still, in the midst of all the distractions and the other places you could be today. Be still, for the Spirit of God is here, and is calling you to notice, If you can just be still. When all around is noisy and busy, help me in this

ORDINARY 21A 23rd August 2026 A short act of worship and daily devotions Opening Prayers God is everywhere, In this space and all spaces, In this time and all times. God is waiting to meet you and is ready to welcome you, Just as it has been for all eternity. So be still. Pause Get ready to notice the spirit working, Through words on the page, Through sounds around you, Through familiar and unfamiliar smells, Through all that you see when you look up from what you are reading

ORDINARY 20A 16th August 2026 A short act of worship and daily devotions Opening Prayers The light shines in the darkness, The joy comes in the morning, The hope rises, each new day. As I turn to meet with you today, As I lay down my burdens for a moment, As I ask forgiveness for my mistakes, And find acceptance in your love, Help me to see you here, alongside me, I pray, And help me to hear your call on my life, As I seek to follow you, God of all grace. Amen. You may now wi

ORDINARY 19A 9th August 2026 A short act of worship and daily devotions Opening Prayers Sit down, close your eyes and breathe three deep, slow breaths. Keeping your eyes closed, pay attention to your breath for a minute or more and in doing so, when you breathe in, imagine you are breathing in the love of God. When you open your eyes look around you, what do you notice in your room that reminds you of the love of God? If this is something you can hold, hold it, if it is to be

ORDINARY 18A 2nd August 2026 A short act of worship and daily devotions Opening Prayers Today our opening prayers come at an invitation from our friends at All We Can, as part of joining with them in a commitment to pray, act and respond to the conflict in Palestine/ Israel, and include an invitation to support their Middle East Justice Appeal. You might like to hold a moment of quiet, and light a candle if you have one available. In your humanity, incarnate God, you walked t

ORDINARY 17A 26th July 2026 A short act of worship and daily devotions Opening Prayers Take time to read this prayer: God of all creation, I worship you. You know me: what I need, what I rejoice in, what I’m nervous about. You see me: as the unique individual you created with all my little habits and characteristics. You hear me: when I pray aloud or silently. You meet me: here and now and I am content. God of all creation, I worship you. Amen. Wonder to yourself if you are r

ORDINARY 16A 19th July 2026 A short act of worship and daily devotions Opening Prayers Take a moment to be peaceful. If you are able you may like to plant your feet on the floor and concentrate on your body being still (if this is hard then do just sit quietly and comfortably). Notice how you feel and what you are thinking about and let those things float away giving thanks for each even if they are difficult feelings or thoughts. When you are ready: raise your hands open bef

ORDINARY 15A 12th July 2026 A short act of worship and daily devotions Opening Prayers As you sit here in this space you call your own ready to meet the living God remember… You are connected to people of faith worshipping in different ways and places. You are part of a community of saints that have worshipped for generations. You are joined with others across the world choosing to do the same. Here in this special space where God has been for all time you are free to worship

ORDINARY 14A 5th July 2026 A short act of worship and daily devotions Opening Prayers Look at your feet. Notice the scraps and marks on your shoes or slippers, or if your feet are bare notice the lines and wrinkles. Wriggle your toes and notice how that feels. Look at the ground your feet are on. Is it a carpet? Or wood? Laminate or something else? When you are ready, offer this time of worship to God “Creator God, thank you that my feet are on holy ground. As I sit here I c

ORDINARY 12A 21st June 2026 A short act of worship and daily devotions Opening Prayers If you have a candle, find it and something to light it. Put it somewhere you can see it. If you do not have a candle, use a lamp. As you light the candle, or light the lamp, say these words: “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never put it out” Sit in silence and notice the light and the shadows in the room. When you are ready, offer this time of worship to God. You migh

ORDINARY 11A 14th June 2026 A short act of worship and daily devotions Opening prayers As sure as the sun rises, So sure can I be of your love for me, Of your grace, going before me. Come into this space, this day, I pray, O God, That I might know your presence and sense your hand at work in my life. May I become aware of your Spirit, I pray, O God. And may I be still. [Hold a moment of quiet, perhaps noticing your breathing and stilling your mind for as long as you dare. Whe

ORDINARY 10A 7th June 2026 A short act of worship and daily devotions Opening Prayers Sit down, close your eyes and breathe three deep, slow breaths. Keeping your eyes closed, pay attention to your breath for a minute or more and in doing so, when you breathe in, imagine you are breathing in the love of God. When you open your eyes look around you, what do you notice in your room that reminds you of the love of God? If this is something you can hold, hold it, if it is to be l