Let us pray for the Church and for the world. And let us thank God for his goodness
Lord of Lent, we thank you for your created world, and despite the cold, the early signs of spring, of daffodils , snow drops, the slowly lengthening days and all the possibilities for the coming year. We remember that the beauty of the world is a reflection of your own transfiguring joy, light and resurrection.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
Lord of Lent, help us to walk in the way of the cross. As we’ve heard, let us remember that Lent is ultimately not about mortifying our bodies or giving up things but about giving up our very selves to serve you and others. Help us to let go of our grasping selves, the ego-self that needs to in control and allow your spirit to mould us into the people you would have us be.
May this Lent prove to be a springtime in our lives.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Lord of Lent. In the light of the various recent scandals let us pray for all those wrestling with temptation in our world, the temptation to sexually misuse others, to corruption, to dishonesty, to covering up the truth., thinking in particular of those working in government, in the media, business, healthcare, education, charities and in the church. Give them the wisdom to know and the courage and strength to do what is right.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
We commit to you the recent terrible situation in Syria, on the edge of Damascus, that there would be able to be a cease fire amongst the warring factions
Lord of Lent, We bring to you the troubles and perils of people and nations
The frustrations of prisoners and captives
The anguish of the bereaved, The needs of refugees
The helplessness of the weak, The despondency of the weary
Lord draw near to all For the sake of Jesus Christ our lord
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
At this Lenten time of reflection we remember the month of accompanied prayer as it draws to an end shortly, that those who have participated will continue to develop their prayer life and that we all may make time for prayer and reflection in our lives.
We commit to you our church and St Pauls at this vacancy time and the drawing up of the shortlist a week tomorrow. We ask for discernment for all those involved in the selection process , that someone will be chosen who will enable both Churches to flourish together and be able to reach out to organisations and peoples within and beyond our parishes.
We also pray for the diocese as it seeks a new bishop, and ask that someone will be found who can support all traditions of your church and be a strong force for good in Bristol and the wider world.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
We pray for our charity of the month, the Chandos House Addiction Treatment Centre as it works to help people achieve an alcohol and drug-free lifestyle
Lord of Lent, look with compassion on those whose minds are full of addition, anxiety and bewilderment. We remember people who are lonely, imprisoned, despairing and humiliated. Clear away from them all unnecessary feelings of fear, guilt and self-hatred. Assure them that when you spring-clean our hearts and minds you know what you are doing, for you have been there one of us, and you are to be trusted.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
With these words we pray for ourselves and others that we know, some others known only to you
Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind or spirit, We think particularly of:
XXX
Give them courage and hope in their troubles and bring them the joy of your salvation
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Let us pray that those who have died may rest in peace and share in the Risen glory of Christ.
We particularly remember the many who have died tragically in wars around the world, at the hands of terrorists, and those killed recently in the Florida school shooting. As Jesus wept at the tomb of his friend Lazarus we also commit to you all those who mourn for them
We think at this time particularly of: XXXX
In the year’s mind we also commit to you XXXX
And all those whose anniversary falls at this time
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Gracious God, encourage us, support us, and be with us on our Lenten journey.
Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, Our saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
Prayers by John Bean