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Advent Sunday 2019
One of the great treasures of our church is our prayer book. On this advent Sunday 30 years ago A New Zealand Prayer Book: He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa was launched. I was asked to write a hymn to celebrate this occasion. So I want to introduce each verse, get you to look up relevant pages of the book and then at the end our wonderful choir (Judith) will sing it for us. Judith Bylett wrote the music.
The Prayer Book Commission began its work in 1965 and members of this congregation where on that Commission: the Revered Ian Bourne and the late Revered John Williamson, Margaret Mahan typed the minutes of the Commission and Revered David Winfield was a member also. The new prayer book wove the very best of what this land had to offer but also combined prayers and material that go back to the very origins of our faith – especially material from the Bible
for a prayer book of our own,
woven with care
inspired by your love
under a sky
that bursts with stars.
Words ever ancient
words ever true.
He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa.
Beginning on page 14 we have our calendar of saints. These are people who are beacons of hope in our world. Names have been added and will appear in our next printing, for example Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
(The calendar Te Maramataka)
for a prayer book of our own,
people of joy
lives lived in faith.
Running the race
examples to all.
Friends of the poor
and neighbours of us all
He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa.
The prayer book is both words for church and words for our personal devotions at home. They are called Liturgies of the Word and these resources begin on page 30. The ones you might use in the home begin on page 104. Everyone’s favourite is Night Prayer on page 167. The prayer book is online and the most hits are for Night Prayer. There is also Family Prayer for the family on page 187.
for a prayer book of our own,
daily we come
the wellspring of joy
opening your word
transforming our lives
Becoming a canticle
of your praise
He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa.
The beginning of our life in Christ is of course baptism. This is found on page 383. I have had the joy of baptising hundreds of people using this rite. (Baptism)
for a prayer book of our own,
We who are called
to never ending love
life giving water
bubbling with grace.
Lives with hope
restored and refreshed.
He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa.
The very heart of our life is the Eucharist or holy communion. Eucharist means to give thanks and this is the goal of our life as Christians to live a life of thanksgiving. You will notice the Eucharist is also the heart, the centre of the book. These words begin on page 404.
for a prayer book of our own,
to break bread
is the centre of our lives.
Our grateful hearts
are lifted to you
Christ’s body ours
and we to the world
He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa.
Our calling as Christians is to care for one another. This is called pastoral care. Our prayer book provides for a number of pastoral services. These begin on page 727. There is a home communion service, a service of healing, reconciliation or confession, thanksgiving for the birth of child, the blessing of a home, marriage and funerals, including prayers at death and in a home after death and the blessing of a headstone. (Pastoral)
for a prayer book of our own
For caring words
and healing love.
Tears for our dead
and hope to come.
Couples are joined
in your unfailing love
He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa.
The Anglican tradition sets people aside for ordained ministry we call these people deacons, priests and bishops. The ordination services are set out beginning on page 887. We were privileged to celebrate Kofe’s ordination recently. (Ordination)
for a prayer book of our own
Those who are called
to minister your grace
faithfully gather
to praise our God.
Daily they wait
upon your word
He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa.
There is other stuff the hymn doesn’t talk about: the psalms, catechism and collects for each Sunday. However good a prayer book is, and ours has been admired and used throughout the world, we know there will come a time which we long for in advent when we won’t need prayer books anymore because the reign of God will come in all its glory.
for a prayer book of our own
There comes a time
when prayer books will cease.
Then we will see
our God face to face
we will be drawn
to a much farther shore
He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa.
Nick and Judith 2019