Living and praying well through Lent
Someone said whilst Lent might have started this week it feels like we have been in Lent all year! We pray on with hope in Christ and for Easter as we specifically do now at this formal season of Lent. Thank you to the teams who are working hard to make it special this year.
I have found these scriptures and prayer points helpful. You might too..
Our leaders
1 Timothy 2.1-3
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
Father, you are the supreme King, and earthly rulers serve you.
Thank God for the Queen’s presence over the course of the last year, and for her faith in Christ
Thank God for the Christians in Parliament and in Government who have brought godly wisdom to challenges
Ask for wisdom that comes from God alone for Boris Johnson and his Cabinet - to bring about peace
The Church
Matthew 18.20
For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.
Father, you have gathered us around your table, where we can commune with you through the sacrifice of your Son.
Thank God for the provision of gathering in the third lockdown, and for the policy makers that secured this
Thank God for the work and wisdom of ministers making it possible to meet, live and online
Thank God for the religious freedom we enjoy in this country
Ask that the Church would be inspired - nationally and locally - to bring hope to the nation
Ask that God would spark a revival across the nation amidst this hardship
Ask that God would deliver our nation from this virus and from spiritual apathy
Ask that God strengthen church leaders and their families who are wearied by the pastoral burden
Social and economic challenges
James 1.17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Father, you are the same God of grace, yesterday, today and forever.
Thank God for his common grace that has enabled the upsurge in community spirit and voluntarism, and the role of faith based organisations in this
Thank God for the wealth and resilience of our nation
Ask for comfort and protection for those suffering from poor mental health, loneliness, abuse, addiction, relationship breakdown, educational challenges, and healing and restoration though your gospel
Ask for a speedy economic recovery and to restore employment to those who have lost their jobs
Ask for an end to lockdown
Vaccine Programme
Revelation 21.4
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
Father, we long that your Kingdom come, when sickness and death will be forever banished
Thank God for providing a means of fighting the virus, and the opportunity to show mercy to others
Thank God for medicine and skilled scientists, their talent and dedication, and for volunteers
Thank God for the speed of the vaccine programme
Ask that the single dose strategy would not compromise efficacy
Ask that the vaccine would bring an end to lockdown
Ask that God would give the government wisdom in handling those uncomfortable with vaccination
The Revd Canon Mark Brown