March 10, 2019 – First Sunday of Lent
The following prayers have been adapted for congregational use by Rebecca Garber
We invite you to include the Anglican and the Roman Catholic Bishops of your region in your prayers.
Anglican Bishops:
- Bishop Logan McMenamie, Diocese of British Columbia
- ArchBishop Melissa Skelton, Diocese of New Westminster
- Bishop David Lehmann, Diocese of Caledonia
- Bishop David Lehmann, Diocese of Kootenay
- Bishop Barbara Andrews, Diocese of The Territory of the People
Roman Catholic Bishops:
- Archdiocese of Vancouver – Archbishop Michael Miller
- Diocese of Kamloops – Bishop Joseph Nguyen
- Diocese of Nelson – Bishop Robert Bourgon
- Diocese of Prince George – Bishop Stephen Jensen
- Diocese of Victoria – Bishop Gary Gordon
Prayers for March 10, 2019 – First Sunday of Lent
As we walk with Jesus on the road to Jerusalem, we pray for believers everywhere, the world, and those in need.
A moment of silence
To the words “O Man of sorrow, acquainted with grief,” you are invited to respond “Help us share your sorrows.”
Holy Spirit, move within our hearts that we may concentrate less and less on our own desires and enter into the richness of life you offer—even in the painful waiting time of Lent. Enable us to see you in the face of those we encounter this coming week.
“O Man of sorrow, acquainted with grief,” Help us share your sorrows
As we feed on the bread and wine of communion, let it transform us more and more into your people, your witness on this earth. Make us act in ways that share Canada’s tremendous wealth more fairly among all its residents and in ways that preserve and protect the planet that gives us life.
“O Man of sorrow, acquainted with grief,” Help us share your sorrows
Grant us the courage to stand up and take action against the injustices visited upon Indigenous peoples, peoples of other faiths, and those who are severely troubled in mind and spirit. Inspire us with the examples of Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth, whom we commemorate today.
“O Man of sorrow, acquainted with grief,” Help us share your sorrows
Hold tightly all those who are worn out by their ongoing struggles with illnesses, addictions, and repetitive temptations of all kinds. We pray especially for those we name aloud or silently in our hearts.
(include those listed in the bulletin for prayers)
“O Man of sorrow, acquainted with grief,” Help us share your sorrows
Remind us daily of the stories of faith—both those in Scripture and those written in our own lives and in the lives of those we love—that they may guide us during the tough times and give us great joy in the good times.
“O Man of sorrow, acquainted with grief,” Help us share your sorrows
Grant us grace and creativity as we walk with the Anglican Church of Canada and Bishop (name bishop in your region), the Roman Catholic churches and Bishop (name bishop in your area) and our own Bishop Greg. We offer prayers for the churches of our synod, especially Our Redeemer in Penticton and Pastor Curtis Aguirre, Trinity Church in Port Alberni and Pastor Brenda Nestegaard Paul, and the ministry of hospital chaplains in our synod.
“O Man of sorrow, acquainted with grief,” Help us share your sorrows
During this time of Lent, enable us to take courage from Jesus as he faced the severe trials of having been true to his calling and holding fast to his message of radical love and acceptance. Make us look to him as we face our own challenges in living up to our values and beliefs.
“O Man of sorrow, acquainted with grief,” Help us share your sorrows
We pray al this, trusting in the humble rabbi from Galilee who change the world with his teaching, his courage, and his ultimate sacrifice. AMEN.
