Some thoughts for Lent
“Now, now, it is the Lord who speaks- COME BACK TO ME WITH ALL YOUR HEART”
Joel 2-12
Lent is an opportunity to take stock of our lives and make a new start.
This Lenten season, what changes will we make? Will our prayer life change? Will we give something up? How will we share what we have with others?
Let’s take time
God of love, help us to renew our relationship with You and with each other, especially with our sisters and brothers who need You most.
Our energy comes from You. God of love, rich in justice and mercy, may my Lenten journey open my heart to reach out to others with love and joy, recognising that Christ is present. Amen.
Sometimes it can be easier to consider ourselves virtuous and to pick holes in the actions of others. But we all have our own failings.
God of love, this Lent we want to make a fresh start and try to be the people that Christ calls us to be. We too can reach out to those on the margins, those who are left behind.
Through our actions, may others have the chance to reach their full potential and live a dignified life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
What does it mean to let God’s kingdom come?
How can we build a fairer world for all people and so potentially catch a glimpse of God’s kingdom here on earth?
When we ask God for our daily bread, do we think about where our food comes from and the people who were involved in getting it to us? Do we think about those who don’t know where their next meal is going to come from?
When we ask God to forgive us as we forgive others, do we actually let go of the anger and resentment that we feel?
This Lent, each time we pray the Our Father, let’s think about the words. And hold in our prayers all those who are struggling to get enough to eat.
Our Father...
In times of need
God will come to our aid if we ask. Those who ask will receive. Those who search will find.
It can be hard to hold onto this hope when things aren’t going right. It can feel like the whole world is against us. We might not receive the answer to our prayers that we are looking for. We might feel like we haven’t been answered at all. But God does not abandon us. And we are reminded not to abandon one another
God of compassion, hear my call in my time of need. Lead me to be there for others and to treat them as I want to be treated. In this way, may all people know that you are with them. Help us to support one another right across our global family. Help us to stand alongside each other when times are tough. And raise our voices to make the cries of those who are in need heard throughout the world. In Jesus’ name Amen
Rights ignored
How would you feel if your rights were ignored when you were trying to earn money for your family? Would you be able to love your neighbours and pray for them in these circumstances?
Let us make a special effort o pray for those who have wronged us. Let us also pray for people who are discriminated against by others.
God of all, everyone is valuable in your sight. Help all workers whose rights are ignored. Open my eyes to the dignity of each person, made in your image. Help me to seek forgiveness from people I have wronged, and to forgive others in my turn. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Do I greet change - in myself and in others - with an open heart?
Or do I avoid change in myself and criticise it in others?
During Lent, let’s reflect on our lifestyles. How can we change in order to grow closer to those who are in need, in humble service? How can we build a world of peace, beauty and fullness?
Creator God, I am sorry for the times I have resisted changing for the better. May we all be inspired to change the way we live and witness to our hope for a new world of peace, beauty and fullness. Amen.