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An online gathering of parishioners takes place on Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. throughout the year for prayer and study of scripture. The group uses Zoom video-conferencing. You can download the software and join the meeting at http://bit.ly/GraceChurchOnline. If needed, the password is “Grace” and the Meeting ID# is “634-478-647.” You may also join by dialing (646) 558-8656 and entering the Meeting ID#. Please speak with Fr. Bates if you have any questions or need help joining the group. 

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Scroll below for the upcoming week's readings & the suggested prayer outline the leader may use.

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 Click here for the Upcoming Week's Reading 

 

The Online Gathering uses the upcoming Sunday's gospel for study and reflection. After clicking on the link above, hover your cursor over the drop-down menu entitled "Lectionary" and choose "Upcoming Lectionary." Scroll to the bottom of the page for the gospel.

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 Suggested Prayer Outline

The leader may use this prayer outline or their own.​

 

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
 

Opening Prayer
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
 

Prayer before Scripture Reflection
Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever
hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 

Scripture Reading for Reflection
The leader may follow the suggested outline here or use their own.

1. State the reading for reflection (for example, Matthew, Chapter 1, Verses 1-10).

2. Take a moment of silence while participants find the scripture.

3. Read the scripture through once and discuss its original meaning (what Jesus meant).

4. Read the scripture a second time and discuss what the scripture means in the lives of each of the participants. 

 

Intercessions

Participants are invited to say their intercessions aloud after each petition, and the leader concludes each set of intercessions with "Lord have mercy," followed by the people responding "Lord have mercy."

Let us pray for the church and for the world.
I ask your prayers for the church and its leaders.
Let us pray for our community and for the world...
Let us pray for the sick and the suffering and others on our hearts....
Let us pray for that which we are thankful....
Let us pray for the departed....

Concluding Prayers

O God of peace, has taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be our strength: By the might of your Spirit lift us, we pray, to your presence, where we may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Said phrase-by-phrase by the leader and repeated phrase-by-phrase by the participants:
Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.

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The Lord Almighty grant us a peaceful night and a perfect end. Amen.

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