Worship Resources for March

Ash Wednesday: Isaiah 58.1–12

Is not this the fast that I choose;

to loose the bonds of injustice,

to let the oppressed go free,

to share your bread with the hungry,

bring the homeless poor into your house,

when you see the naked, to cover them.’

(Isaiah 58)

Compassionate God, as we start our journey through Lent we ask for the strength and discipline to follow your commands that we may be mindful of the needs of others, taking care of those who are hungry or without shelter, supporting those weaker than ourselves, speaking out when we see injustice even though it makes us unpopular. Give us the will to do good; to be the servants that Christ taught us to be.

Lent 1: Luke 4.1–13

At the start of our Lenten journey we are considering the many temptations that we have in our daily life, some of which we may not regard as temptations, but just normal events. As we pray, let us reflect on these situations and ambitions.

You are my refuge and my stronghold, my God in whom I put my trust.

(Psalm 91)

Lord God, just as Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit, so we too approach the wilderness of Lent. May our time in the wilderness give us the opportunity for quiet contemplation away from the rush and turmoil of the everyday world.

Heavenly Father, your son resisted temptation in the wilderness and refused to give up his trust in you. Help us not to be tempted away from the way of grace but give us the security of knowing your power and love. May we ignore the temptations that are put in our path and let us keep on being reminded of all the blessings that are ours through the knowledge of your love for us. May we too put our trust in you and endeavour to serve you as Jesus taught us.

Amen.

Lent 2: Luke 9.28b–36

This week, we are taking time away from the clamours of the world and are turning towards God in silence to listen to him.

Show me your way, O Lord.

(Psalm 27)

This is my Son, my Chosen, listen to him.

(Luke 9)

Loving God, this week we take time to reflect on our spiritual needs. Help us to connect to you in silent contemplation so that we may hear your voice within our souls, and send us back to cope with our daily tasks while reflecting your love.

Lord, we are listening to you.

Silence

Creator God, as we rejoice in your wonderful world, we thank you for all the treasures you have given us. Renew in us the desire to protect our world and guide us in the best way to do so.

Lord, we are listening to you.

Silence

Father God, you have called us your children. Equip us with the compassion to make a difference, for the better, to the lives of those around us less fortunate than ourselves.

Lord, we are listening to you.

Silence

All-knowing God, give us the understanding to sift truth from falsehood in the information we receive. Help us to strive to bring justice and love wherever and whenever we can.

Lord, we are listening to you.

Silence

Heavenly father, we know that you are always with us, listening to us. Help us to listen to you.

Amen.

Lent 3: Luke 13.1–9

In our journey through Lent this week we are returning to God.

Repentance marks the starting point of our journey. The Greek term metanoia … signifies primarily a ‘change of mind’. Correctly understood, repentance is not negative but positive. It means not self-pity or remorse but conversion, the re-centering of our whole life upon the Trinity. It is to look not backward with regret but forward with hope—not downwards at our own shortcomings but upwards at God’s love. It is to see, not what we have failed to be, but what by divine grace we can now become; and it is to act upon what we see. To repent is to open our eyes to the light. Repentance is not just a single act, an initial step, but a continuing state, an attitude of heart and will that needs to be ceaselessly renewed up to the end of life. ²

Almighty God, as we strive to rediscover you and through you, ourselves, we ask that you accept our attempts to ‘change our minds’ and that we may become true followers of you. We pray that our eyes may be opened to the light and our hearts may be full of your love, not just for this season of Lent but to the end of life. Help us continue to journey, in hope, nearer to your grace.

Amen.

Lent 4: Luke 15.1–3, 11b–32

Forgiveness is a two-way thing. There has to be a willingness to forgive but also a willingness to be forgiven.

Happy are those whose transgressions are forgiven and whose sin is put away. (Psalm 32)

Let us eat and celebrate, for this son of mine was dead and is alive again, he was lost and is found.

(Luke 15)

Loving Father, at this time of self-examination we bring to you our sorrow at our wrongdoings, assured of your forgiveness. Give us the grace to accept that forgiveness with gratitude and joy, rather than continuing to wallow in our own sinfulness.

But help us to remember the prayer that your son taught us and to forgive those who have hurt us. Help us to understand the joy and freedom that we ourselves will receive by forgiving others, as you have forgiven us.

Amen.