Liturgy
Let us pray
that by growing in love this Lenten season
we may bring the peace of Christ to our world.
God our Father,
your Word, Jesus Christ, spoke peace to a sinful world
and brought mankind the gift of reconciliation
by the suffering and death he endured.
Teach us, the people who bear his name,
to follow the example he gave us:
may our faith, hope and charity
turn hatred into love, conflict into peace,
death to eternal life.
We ask in the name of the Father,
the Son
and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Congregational Prayer
Merciful God, we come to you today
realizing that we are not how you want us to be.
Help us let go of our past, that we may turn toward you
and live again the life of faith.
Help us call out our fear and hatred,
our anger and self-pity.
Lift the burden they place on our shoulders.
Help us set aside our guilt and enter a season of healing.
As we pray and remember you today,
help us become a simple people,
that we may see you plainly.
As we learn to be a better community for our city,
rekindle the sign of hope within our eyes,
that all may see and experience
the love of Christ in all we do.
Let us draw near to you now,
asking in the name of the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Reflection
Have you ever seen lent as a time of hope?
Amidst our culture of abundance, how have we been reliant on God to provide?
How have you seen Hope inspire Grace?
In what ways are you allowing your story to be a source of hope for others?
Benediction
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
since as members of one body you were called to peace.
And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly;
teach and admonish one another in all wisdom;
and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms
and hymns, and spiritual songs to God.
And whatever you do, in word or deed,
do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.
— Col. 3:15-17
Go in peace and live the church. See you throughout the week.
[Photo by Sameli @ Flickr]