The First Sunday of Lent

We welcome you warmly to join us with this written service for the First Sunday of Lent. Here you can find today’s readings, prayers and links to hymns and the anthem.

First we pray whole heartedly for peace in our troubled times. This is especially important as the war in Ukraine started one year ago this week:

Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all, the true love of peace and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth that in tranquillity your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not let them be afraid. John 14.27

Opening Hymn

Hymn 67 – Forty days and forty nights

The Collect

Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness, and was tempted as we are, yet without sin:give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit; and, as you know our weakness, so may we know your power to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Intercessions

Gracious God, as we enter the season of Lent, help us to prepare ourselves reverently and reflectively to progress again towards the joyful and uplifting news of Eastertide. During Lent, teach us by virtue of penitent self-denial, to hold before us the suffering and Passion of our Lord Jesus on our behalf. Through self-discipline help us to focus on the translation of our faith from thought or word into practical application in your service and the service of our surrounding communities.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Lord, we stand in awe of the power of nature and our insignificance in relation to its geological forces. In fellow-human dismay we bring before you the urgent needs of the many people affected by the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. We pray that you will stimulate ongoing waves of compassion and international support in the struggles to provide medical aid, and all the other resources needed for shelter, food, and socio-economic restoration.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

As the cruel war in the Ukraine moves into a second year of conflict, we pray to you urgently for peace. Grant that the worldwide calls for restraint may be heard and that widespread suffering and destruction may cease. May the vast resources dissipated on weapons instead be utilised for humanitarian causes and recovery.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Lord, in so many of our own and neighbouring lands there is anxiety and unrest caused by inflationary cost of living increases and other economic uncertainties. Grant to our governments and their advisors the wisdom to chart a safe passage through these difficult times. Help them to ensure that support is given to families and individuals in the greatest need, including displaced persons and refugees.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

We pray for the Anglican Communion, its archbishops, bishops, and clergy. In the groundswell of current theological debate and the risks of schism, we pray for mutual respect and unity. Amidst the heat of debate and aroused emotions, grant that the words ‘one Church, one faith, one Lord’, may be inscribed on the hearts of those charged with leadership, negotiation, and decision-making.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Bless and succour our sisters and brothers in the Chaplaincy of Casablanca. Called to witness to their faith in circumstances very different from ours, grant that the results of our Bishop’s Lenten Appeal may help provide them with the means to develop their growing community.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Lord, we thank you for the growth in the social activities of our chaplaincy. Through networking and times spent together, help us to inspire each other that we may increase in confidence for our outreach and witness.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, in your earthly life you shared the experiences of pain and suffering common to us all. Look with compassion on our members, families and friends who are in sickness or distress. Comfort them, we pray, and grant healing of body, mind and spirit. Once again, we lift up before you the many on our prayer list, (especially…………), beseeching you to minister to their specific and personal health and welfare needs. For souls that have passed beyond this mortal life, grant eternal rest (…..) and bring comfort to the grieving families and friends they leave behind.
Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Finally, let us pause for a Lenten moment, and listen to that still, quiet voice within: the voice that prompts action to correct and improve in all we say and do – and, praying for strength, let us decide how we are going to respond to it.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers which we offer in the name of your Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
.

Closing Hymn

Hymn 414 – O for a closer walk with God

Closing Prayers

Jesus, Lamb of God, when you walked this earth you did not consider heavenly equality,
though that was yours to choose, but took the role of servant,
and in humility and obedience allowed the rough nails of our sin to be hammered into your flesh for the sake of our salvation.
And so it is that we acknowledge you as Lord of all, to the glory of God the Father, Son and Spirit, Three.
Amen.

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.

Closing Prayer from https://www.faithandworship.com/ with thanks.

The First Sunday of Lent

Opening Hymn

The Collect

The Readings

Hymn

The Anthem

The Intercessions

Closing Hymn

Closing Prayers