look at the readings for the service and especially the psalm as a possible source for words and ideas; In the section ‘Praising and thanking God’ the acclamations may be led by different voices from different parts of the church building. If a large candle is lit at this point the first section is used. A child might be invited to light the candle. Alternatively, a candle might be lit at the absolution. Whenever the Lord’s Prayer is introduced it needs to be clear to the congregation which version is to be used. A full printed text is one way to make this clear. In Common Worship, the modified traditional and modern forms each have a distinctive introduction, to help the congregation to know which one to expect, as follows:

These guidelines may help those writing their own material, for collects or intercessions for example, to be on the same level of language as the new writing in New Patterns. A theme may determine the pattern of the worship. The traditional Morning and Evening Prayer pattern allows the word and praise to throw light on each other. A thematic approach very often means that the worship leader decides the way the word is to be heard, and the response that needs to be made. Care must be taken to make sure that the whole service does not become a sermon. This tends to happen when explanations and exhortations introduce every item. Some examples of a thematic approachThe first verse of ‘We are marching in the light of God’ is sung followed by the Blessing and Dismissal from the chancel step, and then the whole congregation go out singing the rest of the hymn. Where it is customary for the assembly to be sprinkled with water from the font or to sign themselves with water from the font, this may take place immediately after the Profession of Faith or during a hymn, canticle or song at the conclusion of this form. A Corporate Renewal of Baptismal Vows If occasion demands, there need only be one reading, except that if the service is Holy Communion, there should be two readings, one of which should be from the Gospels. If this Thanksgiving is used as an extended preface to a eucharistic prayer it begins with the first section, and ‘Almighty God …’ is omitted. If not, it begins with ‘Almighty God. …’

These prayers are particularly suitable as closing prayers for a non-eucharistic service. Though they do not refer explicitly to the sacrament, some of them could also be used as a Post Communion prayer, or as part of the Dismissal in a service of Holy Communion. The prayers printed in bold type are suitable for the whole congregation to join in. A good deal will depend on whether this service is intended to be the main Sunday service for the Fourth Sunday of Lent or a ‘special’ service at some other time on that day.

Closing prayers

At a celebration of Holy Communion, the Apostles’ Creed or the Athanasian Creed in an authorized form may be used in place of the Nicene Creed, or an authorized Affirmation of Faith may be used. Suitable words of introduction or conclusion (such as ‘Let us declare our faith in God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit’) to the Creed or Affirmation of Faith may be used. The Nicene Creed Watch the rhythm. The language should be rhythmic and flow easily, but take care not to have a repetitive ‘dum-de-dum’. This may be about the saint concerned or from his own writings but it should not repeat the points made in the introduction. Alternatively, it may be an Old Testament or New Testament reading. Is there a balance between word, prayer, praise and action? For instance the Word section may be top heavy with long readings and long introductions, or too many short readings.