Reflection & Points For Prayer
Prepared by the Congregational Prayer Group
St. Columba’s, Pont Street, & St. Andrew’s, Newcastle.
Sunday 20th March 2022, Third Sunday of Lent
Introduction:
As we journey through Lent our Gospel readings remind us that Palestine 2000 years ago was a land under foreign occupation. In earlier days the Psalmist lived through tumult and war. This year war and terrible cruelty have overshadowed our Lenten journey and shaken our own continent. Our calling as Christians is to work for peace, not simply the absence of war but peace with justice for all people. Let us begin by praying for discernment to see what is right and go on to pray for peace in our own hearts and in the world.
Opening Prayer
Lord God,
in this world where goodness and evil
continue to clash with each other,
instil in us, and in all your people,
discernment to see what is right;
and courage to do what is right.
Keep us aware of the subtlety of sin,
and preserve us, body, mind, and soul,
through the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Scripture: Psalm 63: 1 – 8
O God, you are my God, I seek you,
my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there
is no water.
So I have looked upon you in the
sanctuary,
beholding your power and glory,
Because your steadfast love is better than life,
my lips will praise you.
So I will bless you as long as I live;
I will lift up my hands and call on your
name.
My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast,
and my mouth praises you with joyful lips
when I think of you on my bed,
and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
for you have been my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.
Poem: At Home, D. M. Dolben
I asked for Peace –
My sins arose,
And bound me close,
I could not find release.
I asked for truth –
My doubts came in,
And with their din
They wearied all my youth.
I asked for Love –
My lovers failed,
and griefs assailed
Around, beneath, above.
I asked for Thee –
And thou didst come
To take me home
Within Thy heart to be.
Prayer Points
- Pray: That as we journey through Lent we might have patience, perseverance, and vision and be inspired to care for all God’s creation.
- Pray: For the peace of the world
- Pray: For politicians and diplomats and all working for peace. For wise and compassionate leadership at home and abroad.
- Pray: For refugees and all victims of human cruelty and natural disaster. That the bereaved may be comforted, the injured cared for, and the homeless find shelter.
- Pray: For those still struggling with the Covid pandemic, those who are sick at home or in hospital, and doctors, nurses and research scientists.
- Pray: Giving thanks for those who have gone before us, and inspired us by lives of Christian service.
- Pray: Lifting up to God the week that lies ahead.
- Pray: The Lord’s Prayer.
Closing Prayer
Show us, good Lord,
the peace we should seek,
the peace we must give,
the peace we can keep,
the peace we must forgo,
and the peace you have given
in Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Blessing
Peace to the community and love with faith,
from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
God’s grace be with all
who love our Lord Jesus Christ
with undying love.