This service is used when we open a 24 hour prayer weekend. It is adapted from ANZPB p762-775, 873, 875.
Here is the ODT file A5 Booklet – Prayer room dedication and PDF format A5 Booklet – Prayer room dedication of the service
Outside the entrance
E te whanau
we enter in the name of God
creating, redeeming, sanctifying.
The Lord is here.
God’s Spirit is with us.
Enter the gates with thanksgiving in your heart.
Come into God’s presence with praise.
In the entrance
The earth is God’s, and all that is in it, the world and all those who dwell there.
The Lord your God cares for the land.
God watches over it season by season.
Blessing
O God of earth and sky, you visit the land and bless it, you greatly enrich it, you water it abundantly and bless its growth with your goodness.
You formed us from the dust of the ground.
You breathed into us the breath of life.
In the transition room
Unless we build on the Lord’s foundation, we labour in vain.
Encircle this dwelling place with your protection, O God;
may your holy angels encompass these walls,
and peace be within them.
Protect us O God, as we pray for ourselves and others.
Blessing
Open the windows and doors of this house that the light and love of your Holy Spirit may shine within,
a light in the world for warmth and welcome.
The light is lit
At the door to the prayer room
In the name of God, peace to this place.
God make it a haven for all who live here.
‘Behold I stand at the door and knock,’ says the Lord
The door is knocked on
‘If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you and you with me.’ – Revelation 3:20
Leader:
Welcome to this prayer room.
Blessed be God who dwells in love.
Blessed be God who gives peace and shelter. Amen.
Blessing
God of hearth and home, maker of love and laughter, make this a place for reflection and restoration, rest and renewal, a place where the life of Papakura may find its strength.
Leader/Priest
The Lord watch over your going out and your coming in
from this time forward for evermore.
Inside the prayer room
The candle is brought forward and candles in the room are lit
Indwelling God, you are ever welcome in this house.
May we hear and share your Word.
Someone reads the following
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” – Luke 6:36-38
O how good and pleasant it is, when God’s people live together in unity.
Above everything, love one another fervently,
for love covers many sins.
Blessing
God in Trinity, you have made us to need each other
and to grow as companions;
bless those who shall sit, talk or pray together here.
May they share your care and understanding.
Will you, the family of Papakura Anglican Church give all who meet here your support?
Yes we will. May God be with you.
May you grow on and grow old in the love of God.
May this place be for you a place where
relationships mature,
quarrels are made up,
failures forgiven and strength renewed.
The Peace
Blessed be Christ the prince of peace
who breaks down the walls that divide.
The peace of God be always with you.
Praise to Christ who unites us in peace.
The peace is shared and everyone is welcomed
Blessing the room
We thank you that through the waters of baptism you cleanse us, renew us by your Spirit and raise us to new life.
Almighty and everliving God, in baptism you give water a holy use to wash away sin: sanctify this water as a sign of cleansing from all the powers of evil; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who triumphed over evil on the cross, and now lives and reigns with you for ever. Amen.
The water is blessed at this stage
Teach us, O God, where wisdom is to be found, and show us the place of understanding.
Seek your God and you will be found.
Search for God with all your heart and with all your mind.
Silence is kept
Water is then sprinkled whilst the following is said.
We sprinkle this place with holy water to wash away the effects of all evil, whether of people, or of spiritual powers, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, the source of all wisdom, may this be a place of prayer, reflection and awareness,
of knowledge and understanding.
Show yourself for us, lest we go about in ignorance;
reveal yourself to us, for in you we know the incarnate word.
Concluding blessing
God bless you and keep you secure in this place.
May those that visit find in you Christ’s love and understanding.
Hear God’s word of benediction: the fruit of righteousness will be peace and the result of righteousness, tranquillity and trust for ever, my people will abide in secure dwellings and in quiet resting places.
And now the eternal Spirit, enfold this prayer room with love; indwell it with joy; and build it in peace for evermore and evermore. Amen