The Second Sunday before Lent

We welcome you to this written service on the Second Sunday before Lent where you can find today’s readings, prayers and music.

The Opening Collect

Almighty God,
you have created the heavens and the earth
and made us in your own image:
teach us to discern your hand in all your works
and your likeness in all your children;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns supreme over all things,
now and for ever.

The Intercessions

Heavenly Father, as we transition from the season of Epiphany towards Lent, a focus moves from journeys and where they may lead us, towards renewed hope and understanding in our spiritual life. We think of the Holy Family’s unexpected flight into Egypt, the return home of the Magi ‘another way’, and in today’s reading of the ultimate consequences of Joseph’s enforced journey, and its real purpose. Through such examples teach us that, in your divine plan, we may not always know the consequences of what we ask. When we come before you with our intercessions, guide us by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit that we may indeed seek those things that are necessary, both for others and ourselves. As we look towards spiritual self-discipline in Lent, fan the flames of hope and faith in our hearts when we contemplate the life-giving messages of Good Friday and Easter.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Lord, we see the shiny missiles, the elegant grey ships and the sleek aircraft. From their end use, on the same screens appear blackened ruins, dead and maimed bodies, and broken communities. In our sense of helplessness and in our emotional anguish we pray to you for peace: not only peace in the current conflict in Ukraine and the threatened war of invasion, but also peace in the Middle East, Yemen, the Horn of Africa, and elsewhere: not just peace for our time, but lasting peace that is evidence of a change of heart in the human race, so that between nations, between cultures and societies, and between individuals other most pressing human and planet stewardship needs may be financed and addressed.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

In this period of enduring international crisis, we pray once more for our Heads of State and their governments. Lord, in the decisions that affect entire populations, grant wisdom, restraint and attention to the greater good that reaches beyond partisan politics, and national positioning. May action for social justice and relief from poverty and hunger remain at the heart of their agendas.
We give thanks to you for the 70-year reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, for her unfailing devotion to duty, enduring commitment to service of her peoples, and the example she has set for others in public life to follow.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Lord, as we have given thanks for our deserving medical and care professionals who support us through this pandemic, so today, in humble thanks, we lift up before you for your blessing the many sisters and brothers we so often take for granted – those who ensure that when we go to a supermarket, food fills the shelves in variety and plenty; when we turn a switch, power flows to our lights and appliances; when we turn a tap potable water streams out for our use; when we cast out our unwanted materials, they are collected and reused or safely processed; when we travel by whatever means, our pathways are kept open and safe. Too many are they to recall, but when we presume and rely mindlessly on their work and skill, we beg you to remember all of them, and bless them on our behalf.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Today, Lord, we pray for your continuing support and empowerment for the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht, their Archbishop, Bernd, and with us in the Haarlem Diocese, Bishop Dick. Look with favour upon the outreach and pastoral care of the Evangelical Lutheran Churches of Iceland, Latvia, and Lithuania. Within our own diocese we pray for the work of our bishops, Robert and David, our Chancellor, Mark, Aiden, our Registrar, and Communications Director, David.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Lord, we seek an outpouring of your Spirit on our chaplain, Bruce, and our host minister, Robert, to further empower them in their spiritual leadership and pastoral care. Grant that, whatever vision may develop for civic and spiritual use of this building, we may play our full part in service and gospel outreach to our Haarlem neighbours and to the international community.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

In our reading from 1st Corinthians, we are instructed about physical and spiritual bodies. Lord Jesus, our material bodies are often frail and prone to illness and wear. Where there is suffering, pain and distress amongst our communities, families and friends, we pray for healing, comfort and relief.
Lord Jesus, we ask for your healing power and restoration to full health for all on our prayer list (and especially for…………………………………………….).
We beseech you to take into your eternal keeping the souls of those departed this life in your faith, (remembering ………………….. who died recently).
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Teach us how to talk openly and reverently with you, Heavenly Father, learning the value and power of prayer. We have much for which to be thankful. Lord, help us to acknowledge our blessings, in moments of silence, within the inner chambers of our minds.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son our Saviour, Jesus Christ

Closing Hymn

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart

Let us Pray

Closing Prayer

Christ the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you, scatter the darkness from before your path, and make you ready to meet him when he comes in glory; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.
Amen.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen.

The Second Sunday before Lent

The Opening Collect

The Opening Hymn

The Readings

The Anthem

The Intercessions

Closing Hymn

Let us Pray

Closing Prayer