Praying Together 2021

30 Week Gather Light a candle as a sign of God’s presence and sit quietly. Ring a bell or chime to start the prayer. The Lord be with you. And with your spirit. COLLECT Let us pray to God who blesses us with so many good gifts. (pause) O God, deepen our sense of reverence and nurture in us what is good. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the letter of St James 3:13-15, 17-18 Are any of you wise or sensible? Then show it by living right and by being humble and wise in everything you do. But if your heart is full of bitter jealousy and selfishness, don’t brag or lie to cover up the truth. That kind of wisdom doesn’t come from above - it is earthly and selfish. But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. RESPONSE Because God lovingly cares for all creation we put the needs of the world into his hands. For the troubled who seek rest: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For the broken who seek healing: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For the confused who seek wisdom: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For the ashamed who seek a new start: (pause) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. For the prayers in our hearts today: (pause while students offer their prayers aloud) We pray as one. Gracious God, hear our prayer. DISMISSAL May God bless us and protect us and bring us to eternal life. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Ring the bell or chime to signal the end of the prayer. Extinguish the candle. “When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice.” Monday Week 3 Lent 8 March 2021