The Second Sunday of Lent
We welcome you to our written service this Second Sunday in Lent. Here you can find the readings for today, prayers and links to the anthem, psalm and hymns.
First we open our service with a prayer for peace in our world.
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
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Hymn 338
The Collect
Almighty God, by the prayer and discipline of Lent may we enter into the mystery of Christ’s sufferings, and by following in his Way come to share in his glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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The Psalm
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The Anthem
God so loved the world – John Stainer
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The Readings
Genesis 12: 1-4a
Romans 4: 1-5, 13-17
John 3:1-17
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Hymn 68
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The Intercessions
Heavenly Father, we continue to pray for Your creation, with its many and great problems;
we pray for its worldly leaders, many struggling for power, without regard for human life or dignity; if it be Your will, turn their hearts to an understanding of Your love and the responsibilities they have for Your creation;
We pray You for those devoting their time, energies and lives to helping others;
and for all, individuals and families, struggling to maintain traditional human standards against the great temptations and dangers of modern society, automation and ease;
Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for Your Church world-wide in its various denominations, and particularly at this time for the Church of England, facing a profound rift within its leadership;
We pray for all Christian leaders, particularly for our Kings Charles and William Alexander, and for ourselves, as we struggle to understand what You would have us do:
help us to believe and trust in Your promises, waiting patiently in the world ‘with clean hands and a pure heart’.
Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for all in need or distress at this time,
for those suffering from the atrocities being perpetrated in so many areas of the world;
for those suffering directly or indirectly from the consequences of climate change;
for all sick and suffering; the mentally ill, the lonely, and the bereaved;
We pray particularly for our own congregation, for those on our Chaplaincy Prayer List,
and for those for whom we personally wish to pray …
Comfort, O God, all in distress, relieve them from their suffering if it be Your will,
and lift them up in Your everlasting arms;
Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Pour out Your Spirit on all the baptised O God, fill us with trust in Your word, and the hope of our Lord’s return, and give us that peace of mind that passes all understanding.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of Your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen
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Hymn 76
Take up thy cross, the Saviour said
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Closing Prayers
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.
Amen.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen.
