Pastoral Prayer for First Sunday in Lent and Communion Sunday, 2022

Holy and Gracious God, you come to us in Jesus not to condemn us, but rescue us. You urge us to allow you to release us from all that we block off living the life you intend for all: one of love, health, wholeness, and peace in relationship with you and each other.  Help us to see Lent not as a time of sorrow or punishment, but as a time for reflection and letting go of what we hold onto that keeps us from experiencing these restored relationships.

We seek that restoration for ourselves, and for all who are in need of it:

We long for peace in the world wherever acts or threats of war rule, thinking of the Ukrainians fleeing their homes or standing their ground under the attacks driven by one man, as well as all those forced to fight.

Bring health to those where personal or societal poverty brings lack of food, clean water, medical care, and all that is necessary for healthful lives.

Build wholeness wherever relationships, bodies and spirits, communities and nations are divided and fractured, restoring or making new connections that embrace diversity as well as what is held in common.

Show us how to love as Jesus loved with actions of giving, outreach, and welcome.

We pray this all in Jesus name. Amen.