First Sunday in Lent, February 22, 2015
Offered by Victoria G. Curtiss, Associate Pastor

Life-giving God, you yearn for us to know the depths of love—love from you and love for one another. You have inspired people of faith before us to pour out their hearts in compassion in places of brokenness. Inspire us so to do. Your generous presence heals our wounds and calls forth our wholeness. Guide us in this Lenten season of self-examination. Help us see ourselves as you see us, and transform us to be the people you created us to be.

We pray that if we are no longer moved by the evil and the injustice of our world that you will ignite within us a deeper anger and passion for justice.

We ask that if we have grown callous in our dealings with others, if we take friendship for granted, that you help us to change our ways.

In light of all the ways we are careless with the world that surrounds us and sustains our life—the land, the sea, and the air—teach us, O God, respect for the gifts of your creation.

Wherever we have played loose with our promises to others, then guide us to turn back to integrity and trust.

Wherever we resort to violence and war as a means to settle disputes, strengthen us to choose the ways of peace.

Guide our nation and its leaders that our country’s top priority would be to care for those in need. Strengthen your church to make its worship acceptable to you because of its expressions of self-giving love for those who are marginalized. Teach all generations to focus our lives on serving the common good. Teach us the love that will go all the way to the cross.

Hear us as we pray the prayer Jesus taught: Our Father . . .

Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church