Holy Father, Perfect in Love and Gracious in Mercy through Jesus our Lord, we turn to you in this season of Lent, remembering the biblical history of your Incarnation and the last days before the crucifixion. As we follow your journey in our hearts during these 40 days of remembrance, we recall with utmost humility that you have loved us with tremendous compassion.
We remember your teachings, your healing, your wisdom, your gracious kindness, and we marvel in your Divine power to act on behalf of those who call upon you. We remember the mighty acts of deliverance in ages past when your people called upon you and the many ways in which you responded to the needs of people who turned to you during your earthly pilgrimage. So, we take courage to seek help and hope through prayer for our families, neighborhoods, and communities today.
In our nation and world, there is much trouble, much oppression, much need. There is senseless violence and hideous evil at work in ways that alarm us. Restlessness, anxiety, fear, hopelessness are often under the surface of our smiles. We need your defense and your guidance toward peace.
We remember and confess that we are but sinners and can readily say with the Psalmist that it is against you and you only that we have sinned. Though our sin may be against our neighbor or even our own being, all sin is ultimately against you our Creator because it is your will for us to love our neighbor and love ourselves. Jesus taught us to ask in prayer and trust your mercy, so we ask now for assurance of your forgiveness and cleansing. But, we also ask for guidance to live our lives according to your purpose in giving us life.
As we move toward Easter and the celebration of Resurrection and the hope of Eternal Life, may we find renewed courage to live devoted and faithful lives to your glory.
We pray in the name of the One who taught us to pray…
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
