Now we give you thanks because through him you have given us the spirit of discipline, that we may triumph over evil and grow in grace.

Loving Fater, with the help of your Holy Spirit, may we use this season of Lent wisely.  Help us to seek a deeper fellowship with Christ.  May we read the scriptures with greater care recognising those words that particularly speak to us.  May we make more time to be with you in our prayers, listening to your voice in the silence, to renew our faith and love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on a world torn by hostility between nations, by conflicting beliefs, and by division in families.  Send your Holy Spirit to reconcile those held apart by pride and suspicion.  We ask for all mankind the grace that brings our free choice into accord with your will. 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father we thank you for our neighbours and for the people around us with whom we share our daily lives.  We pray for those who are old and lonely, those isolated because of ill health, and those who find it difficult to make friends.  Show us what we can do to help, and teach us to be good neighbours.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We offer to you in love all who re sick within this parish and all known to us personally. Grant patience and skill to all who work for the relief of suffering.  We pray for the chronically ill who begin to lose the hope of healing.  Strengthen those who care for them in long and demanding service.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who now rejoice in the perfect knowledge and unclouded vision of your nearer presence, especially remembering our dear friends Barrie Jenks and Joan Gaddes.  Grant them rest and peace with healing from all the hurt of this world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, you have given us forty days of Lent.  Help us not to waste them.

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen