Prayer/Assembly Resource Sheet
Week Beginning: 23 November 2015
Theme: Christ the King
Reflection: Christ Jesus I acknowledge you as my King.
Readings: Daniel 7:13-14; Psalm 92; Apocalypse 1:5-8; John 18:33-37
Yesterday marked the end of the Church year and next week we begin preparing for the birth of Christ with the First Sunday of Advent. The Last Sunday of the Year is marked with the Feast of Christ the King.
Jesus is a king unlike any other. His arrival into Jerusalem on a donkey was a clear indication that his glory and power were rooted in humility. It is almost impossible for us to imagine such a king in our modern age. It would be like the Queen or Prime Minister arriving to a major public event not in a horse-drawn golden carriage or a limousine but on a scooter!
He is not a powerful king who rules over a nation or a political leader with military power. Jesus is a king who brings a kingdom that is “not of this world;” a king who brings peace and righteousness. A kingdom founded on truth, justice and love.
In our world there have been celebrities who have been recognised as ‘The King.’ Probably the most famous was Elvis Presley whose followers today still identify him as the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” The most famous sporting icon of the 20th Century was Mohammed Ali, who whilst not claiming to be a king asserted that he was “the Greatest.” These personalities we know do not rule our lives and although we have a monarch in Queen Elizabeth II we also know that she does not rule our hearts. At certain times of the year the Queen gives gifts and honours people throughout the British Empire. These are great gifts indeed but do not compare with the gift of peace that Christ the King invites everyone to share in.
As followers of Jesus we are being asked this week to focus on what rules our hearts. Does Christ Jesus our King rule our thoughts, words and actions or are we guided by other fashionable things. We are united in our humanity through our imperfections however with Christ as our King we can also unite in bringing about God’s kingdom by living a life that is ruled by the Gospel values and proclaim together “Long live Christ the King!”
A Poem for Sharing – ‘A poem for Christ the King’ by Mike Gehrling
A full version can be found on the link below: https://mikegehrling.wordpress.com/2011/11/22/a-poem-for-christ-the-king/
Can you hear him? Can you hear the voice of the Shepherd?
Can you hear His call to eternal life? Can you hear Him, scattered flock?
Listen!
Beyond the noise of chit chat…Beyond the noise of iPods and radios
Beyond the noise of engines and horns
The Shepherd is calling. Can you hear him? Do you recognize his voice? His sheep know his voice
Can you hear his voice? …calling from a distant land…around the world
the voice of a child, malnourished and hungry.
The King who once put on human flesh now hidden…in frail, naked bodies
with starved, bloated stomachs….Can you hear his voice?
Prayers for the week:
Monday: We pray for our Church. That we and all members of our faith recognise Christ as the King in our lives and seek to place the gospel values at the heart of everything we think, do and say. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Tuesday: We pray for Kings and Queens and rulers throughout the world that they will make decisions that are founded upon justice and peace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Wednesday: We pray for the all the oppressed in our world especially those who suffer because of their belief in Christ the King. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Thursday: We pray for those who do not know or recognise Jesus. We pray that the may be pen to the light of the Holy Spirit and be inspired to live in peace and harmony with their fellow human beings. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Friday: We pray for the parents of our children that in their busy lives they will make time to introduce their children to Christ and help make him a King in their homes. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.