Sunday, March 22, 2009

Lent 2009


Opening Prayer

Let us pray
for a greater faith and love.

Father of peace,
we are joyful in your Word,
your Son Jesus Christ,
who reconciles us to you.
Let us hasten toward Easter
with the eagerness of faith and love.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

Daily Meditation

"Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,

and Christ will give you light."


This Sunday has such a joy-filled tone.

We enter into the second part of Lent with a spirit of eagerness.

Our celebration of the mercy and life given to us in Jesus is near.

As the Elect are moving toward the Easter Vigil, they are our guides
in the renewal we desire from the Lord.
The closer they get to celebrating the gift of life in Jesus,
the closer the Tempter is to sowing doubts and fear in their hearts.
As we pray for them with growing intensity this week,
we ask that our Lord will take away any hatred, conflict and death
that give us love, peace and eternal life.

Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever forget you!

Intercessions
Let us give glory to God, whose kindness knows no limit. Through Jesus Christ, Who lives for ever and ever to intercede for us,
let us pray:
Kindle in our hearts the fire of your love.

God of mercy, let today be a day rich in good works,
-a day of generosity to all we meet.
From the waters of the flood you saved Noah through the ark,
-from the waters of baptism raise up to new life those under instruction.
May we live not by bread only,
-but by every word falling from your lips.
Help us to do away with all dissension,
-so that we may rejoice in your gifts of peace and love.

Closing Prayer

Loving Father of mine,
I feel the pace quicken, the time draw near.

I am filled with joy as I move toward Easter
and the promised reconciliation with you.

Teach me to follow the example of your Son,
to be worthy of being called one his people: a Christian.

Help me to live each day as he did
turning hatred to love and conflict to peace.

I await the new life with eagerness, faith
and a deep gratitude.