Good morning, and welcome. A welcome too comes from the bells of Peebles Old Parish Church ringing out their message as they call you to worship with us today .
This is the 17th January, and on the church calendar the Second Sunday after Epiphany.
Our theme today is based on an Old Testament lad who had a sleepless night. As we go through the service we hope you will hear something of what God has to say to each of his children - sleepless or not. The members and friends of Peebles Old, Eddleston, and further afield are gathering. Please stay and join them.
Our opening hymn will be “Praise my soul the King of Heaven”
2nd Sunday after Epiphany
HYMN: Praise my soul the King of Heaven
PRAYER
Perfect Light of revelation,
as you shone in the life of Jesus,
whose epiphany we celebrate,
so shine in us and through us,
that we may become beacons of truth and compassion,
enlightening all creation with deeds of justice and mercy.
O God,
you spoke your word and revealed your good news in Jesus, the Christ.
Fill all creation with that word again,
so that by proclaiming your joyful promises to all nations
and singing of your glorious hope to all peoples,
we may become one living body,
your incarnate presence on the earth. Amen.
THE LORD'S PRAYER
LESSON
1 Samuel 3; 1-10
Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD under Eli. The word of
the LORD was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.
At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not
see, was lying down in his room;
the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the
temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was.
Then the LORD called, "Samuel! Samuel!" and he said, "Here I am!"
and ran to Eli, and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But he said, "I did
not call; lie down again." So he went and lay down.
The LORD called again, "Samuel!" Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said,
"Here I am, for you called me." But he said, "I did not call, my son; lie down
again."
Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the word of the LORD had
not yet been revealed to him.
The LORD called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli,
and said, "Here I am, for you called me." Then Eli perceived that the LORD was calling the boy.
Therefore Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall
say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.'" So Samuel went and lay
down in his place.
Now the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, "Samuel!
Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."
HYMN: Hushed was the evening hymn
REFLECTION
PRAYER
To God who welcomes all in love,
let us pray for the good of the church and the concerns of those in need.
Sisters and brothers,
let us lift our hearts in faith to the one who hears all prayers
and holds close all those in need.
Living God
We pray for your church that your people may be attentive
to the things of Christ and that your love may be reflected in our lives.
We pray for the whole human family
that the peoples of this world,
from east and west, from north and south
may share in the good things you have given.
We pray particularly at this time of global pandemic
that nations may be prepared to be generous and magnanimous
in caring for our whole inhabited earth,
sharing knowledge and resources to bring hope and healing.
Holy God, you gather the whole universe into your radiant presence
and continually reveal your Son as our Saviour.
Bring healing to all wounds, make whole all that is broken,
speak truth to all illusion, and shed light in every darkness,
that all creation will see your glory and know your Christ.
Amen.
HYMN: Love divine all loves excelling
THE BLESSING
The peace of God which is beyond all understanding
keep guard over your hearts and thoughts in Christ Jesus.
And the blessing of God almighty, Father who creates us, Son who saves us,
Spirit who sustains us, be with you today, and ever.
AMEN