God of Mercy, renew our hearts this Lent. Strip away whatever keeps us from closeness with you and fill us with your love. Help us to walk in humility, to seek justice and to grow in compassion.
We pray for the people of Myanmar, Thailand and all those caught up in the recent earthquake. We also prayerfully remember the rescue teams and aid workers, asking God to move through the devastation and bring comfort and relief to all those affected.
As global markets experience downturns, we pray for resilience in the face of economic uncertainty. May communities support those within them who are feeling the brunt of it, and may leaders and policymakers look for solutions that promote economic justice and stability.
With the signs of spring all around, we pray with grateful hearts for the natural world – for the nesting birds, the newborn animals, the green shoots and the abundant blossom. May we learn to be responsible custodians of our precious Earth.
We pray for ourselves, and for all who sometimes doubt what God is doing, that we may learn to trust again.
We remember before God all those who have gone before us to be welcomed in heaven.
We take a moment for our own personal prayers…
Lord, in our weakness, be our strength. When we falter, lift us up; when we are tempted, guide us back to you. Let this Lent be a time of surrender and transformation. Amen.