ASCENSION SUNDAY

​Today we hear Luke’s version of the last words Jesus says as part of his earthly
ministry. His final ‘motivational speech’ if you will...

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​Opening prayers

Your love has lifted me, and lifted each one of us,
Help me to know something of that love today,
In my worship, my thanksgiving, and my praise.
Help me to love you, as you first loved me,
[Pause]
Use the following words to help centre yourself in the moment. Say them out loud, or
speak them in your mind:
Jesus, open my heart.
Prepare yourself to hear God’s word in a new way:
Jesus, open my heart.
Listen for God’s voice, calling you to serve others and love radically:
Jesus, open my heart.
Hold the joys, regrets and frustrations from the week, and look ahead to the
opportunities next week will bring:
Jesus, open my heart.
Hold the people you share your life with, and the challenges that come with
relationships and friendships:
Jesus, open my heart
Rest a moment in the quiet:
Jesus, open my heart.
Amen.

152 STF – This is the day that the Lord has made -

The Lords Prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
 Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen

Readings: Luke 24:44-53

44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”
45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
The Ascension of Jesus50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

​Response to the reading
Today we hear Luke’s version of the last words Jesus says as part of his earthly
ministry. His final ‘motivational speech’ if you will...
As Jesus blesses his disciples and ascends into heaven, he sets in motion the
continuation of his work, the work we are still taking with us today. The fact that this
story is repeated to the early church in the first chapter of Acts, just seeks to
emphasise that the baton has been passed on. The Holy Spirt is coming, not just for
those first disciples but for everyone who claims to be a follower of Jesus. If we are
willing to take part in that work we are not simply left to do so in our strength, but will
be gifted the helper in order that we are never alone.
Questions for reflection on your own for a minute or two, and look for opportunities to
discuss these with a friend or group of friends this week.
- What’s the best piece of motivational advice I’ve ever heard?
- How did it feel when you first heard it?
- What’s the best motivational advice you think you can give to someone else?
- Where have you seen God’s Spirit at work in your life this week? This month?
This year?
- What new thing might you try and do ‘with God’s help’ in the coming weeks?
That knowledge of God’s help to us, through the Holy Spirit, promised by Jesus at the
moment of his ascension to heaven can be a source of great confidence to us. As we
seek to be faithful people, living out a life of hope, we can cling to that promise in the
face of challenge and opposition. In a world that can sometimes seem hostile to the
message of the church it helps us to remember that while we have a mission to be
part of, it is God who is always in control. We join him in making known his Spirit in the
world.

Song:
Everlasting Arms – Lou Fellingham and the National Methodist Choir of Great Britain

Blessing
I go from this place, hearing words of encouragement from the Creator,
I go from this place, inspired to follow in the ways of the Christ,
I go from this place, transformed by the power of the Spirit,
Travel with me, triune God, that I may come to know you more each day.
Amen.

        Ascension        The Vine at Home is compiled and produced by twelvebaskets