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Almighty God,
you bring to light things hidden in darkness,
and know the shadows of our hearts:
cleanse and renew us by your Spirit,
that we may walk in the light
and glorify your name,
through Jesus Christ,
the Light of the world. Amen.
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THE PRAYERS OF PENITENCE
The people remain kneeling
Minister
Hear the words of challenge and comfort our Saviour Christ says to all who follow Him.
If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. (Luke 9:23,24)
Come unto me all who are tired of carrying your heavy loads, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
So, all of you who repent of your sins, who love your neighbours, and intend to live a new life following the way of Jesus, come with faith and take this holy sacrament to strengthen you.
Let us reverently confess our sins to Almighty God.
All
Almighty God, Creator of all, you marvellously made us in your image; but we have corrupted ourselves and damaged your likeness by rejecting your love and hurting our neighbours. We have done wrong and neglected to do right We are sincerely sorry and heartily repent of our sins. Cleanse us and forgive us by the sacrifice of your Son; Remake us and lead us by your Spirit, the Comforter. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Minister
Almighty God, whose steadfast love is as great as the heavens are high above the earth, remove your sins from you, as far as the east is from the west, strengthen your life in his kingdom and keep you upright to the last day; through Jesus Christ, our merciful High Priest. Amen.
All
Thank you, Father, for forgiveness. We come to your table as your children, not presuming but assured, not trusting ourselves but your Word; we hunger and thirst for righteousness, and ask for our hearts to be satisfied with the body and blood of your Son, Jesus Christ the Righteous. Amen.
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AFTER COMMUNION
The People stand.
One of the following prayers is said.
EITHER
All Almighty God, eternal Father, we have sat at your feet, learnt from your word and eaten from your table. We give you thanks and praise for accepting us into your family. Send us out with your blessing, to live and to witness for you in the power of your Spirit, through Jesus Christ, the First Born from the dead. Amen.
OR
All God Most High, we thank you for welcoming us, teaching us, and feeding us. We deserve nothing from you but in your great mercy you have given us everything in your Son Jesus Christ. We love you and give ourselves to you to be sent out for your work; grant us your blessing, now and for ever. Amen.
OR
All O God of our ancestors, God of our people, Before whose face the human generations pass away: We thank you that in you we are kept safe for ever, and that the broken fragments of our history are gathered up in the redeeming act of your dear Son, remembered in this holy sacrament of bread and wine. Help us to walk daily in the Communion of Saints, declaring our faith in the forgiveness of sins and the resurrection of the body. Now send us out in the power of your Holy Spirit to live and work for your praise and glory. Amen.
The Kenyan Eucharistic Rite
Anglican Church of Kenya
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