In this service, we use the prayers of confession as part of the response. In this prayer section, share together in prayers of adoration, thanks and intercession.

Invite people to consider three things they wish to praise God for, allowing some time for consideration. Then ask them to shout out, all together, their three words. Repeat for prayers of thanks and intercession.

Finish this time of prayer by sharing the Lord’s Prayer together.

This response is in two parts.

First, join together in a prayer of confession. Reflect on Peter, could he look Jesus in the eye when they talked on the beach? Did he feel guilty? Perhaps our guilt makes it uncomfortable for us to look at the cross, the symbol of suffering and unconditional love. Invite people to turn away from the cross, or look at the floor. Pray a prayer of confession, leaving space for people to offer their own silent prayers. Offer words reflecting the forgiveness offered to each of us, then invite people to look at the cross, secure in the knowledge of this forgiveness.

Then invite people to join in one of the following three physical responses:

1. In a prayer space, provide mirrors with the word “forgiven” written on them (we find chalk markers work well for this). As people look in a mirror, encourage them to revel in the knowledge that they are loved and forgiven.
2. Invite people to write a promise about how they will serve on a cut out of a sheep. They can bring them forwards to place them onto a green “field” which can be displayed as a reminder.
3. There are some big sheep images which can be decorated with cotton wool, with space underneath to write a promise. This is essentially the same response as number 2, but perhaps more geared towards children.