Prayers for Lent: 2023 Devotional

PRAYERS FOR LENT

In Biblical terms, the Lord’s Prayer is a good example of a structured prayer. Whether you think Jesus meant for us to recite the prayer word-for-word, or he just gave it as a template, the fact is that it is a prayer that you didn’t come up with that you have likely either recited or modeled other prayers after.

One of the benefits of structured prayer is that it can help us to pray in situations where we don’t really feel like it and might have otherwise failed to do so. Because we have something specific to say, we may follow through on praying much more often than we would otherwise.

Structured prayers give us words to say when we can’t find the words. For our Lenten devotional guide this season, we’ve compiled structured prayers written by ancient and modern saints – including many of our own church members. Our prayer is that you use these Prayers for Lent to help you draw near to God and enrich your own personal prayer life.

Week One

ABBC

Day 1 Ash Wednesday

Father, Who Art in Heaven…”

Psalm 139:1-12

All those days you felt like dust, like dirt, as if all you had to do was turn your face toward the wind and be scattered to the four corners or swept away by the smallest breath as insubstantial— did you not know what the Holy One can do with dust?

This is the day we freely say we are scorched. This is the hour we are marked by what has made it through the burning. This is the moment we ask for the blessing that lives within the ancient ashes,

that makes its home inside the soil of this sacred earth. So let us be marked not for sorrow. And let us be marked not for shame. Let us be marked not for false humility or for thinking we are less than we are but for claiming what God can do within the dust, within the dirt, within the stuff of which the world is made and the stars that blaze in our bones and the galaxies that spiral inside the smudge we bear.

WRITTEN BY JAN RICHARDSON

“Our

Day 2 February 23

Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves, When our dreams have come true Because we have dreamed too little, When we arrived safely

Because we sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb us, Lord, when with the abundance of things we possess We have lost our thirst For the waters of life; Having fallen in love with life, We have ceased to dream of eternity And in our efforts to build a new earth, We have allowed our vision of the new Heaven to dim.

Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly, To venture on wider seas

Where storms will show your mastery; Where losing sight of land, We shall find the stars.

We ask You to push back The horizons of our hopes; And to push into the future

In strength, courage, hope, and love.

Amen

WRITTEN BY FRANCIS DRAKE

About This Prayer:

Sir Francis Drake (1540-1596) was an English explorer and privateer.

Day 3

February 24

Father God, you created the world and all that lives on this Earth. You created each of us in your perfect image for your perfect purpose. Your love for us is so great that you sent your only Son… Your Perfect Son, to die for our sins. Jesus died for MY sins so that I can be made righteous in your eyes.

During this season of Lent, please strengthen my resolve to keep in daily prayer with you so that You can show what plans you have for me. Help me to put aside those activities and thoughts that keep me away from your Holy presence. Let me be still and know that You are God. Teach me to humble myself and recognize that all I have comes from You and to give you thanks and praise. Let me show the world that ONLY You are my Lord and my King. Let me confess my sin from my lips to your ears and put repentance in my heart.

For it is through prayer that we find you, through humility that we submit to you and through confession that we find your amazing grace and mercy. It is through Jesus Christ we pray,

WRITTEN BY DOUG HOSEA

Govern everything by your wisdom, O Lord, so that my soul may always be serving you in the way you will and not as I choose. Let me die to myself so that I may serve you; let me live to you who are life itself. Amen

WRITTEN BY TERESA OF AVILA

About This Prayer: St. Teresa of Avila (1515 -1582) was a Spanish nun, mystic, and religious reformer.

“Thy Will Be Done”

We often create a prayer life focused around asking God for our will to be done, but Jesus reminds us that when we move forward in a meaningful prayer life, we are always asking for God’s will to be done in and through us, not our will to be done through God.

In the space below, write or draw your own prayer of response. Make a list of the people to pray for in the coming week.

FEBRUARY 27-MARCH 5

Day 5 February 27

I am no longer my own, but yours. Put me to what you will, place me with whom you will. Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be put to work for you or set aside for you, Praised for you or criticized for you. Let me be full, let me be empty. Let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and fully surrender all things to your glory and service. And now, O wonderful and holy God, Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, you are mine, and I am yours. So be it.

And the covenant which I have made on earth, Let it also be made in heaven.

Amen

WRITTEN BY JOHN WESLEY

About This Prayer:

John Wesley (1703-1791) was an English clergyman, evangelist, and the founder of the Methodist movement.

Rev. Peter Wehrly and Susan Meister will be leading a Lenten study on John Wesley’s Covenant Prayer, a perfect companion to the Lord’s Prayer. The Covenant Prayer is a radical declaration of love and loyalty to the God whose nature and name is Love. It re-focuses our life upon the One who is Love. It re-orders and re-aligns our life and mission with the life and mission of God. (The study is on the five Wednesdays in March from 5:45-6:45 pm. All are invited. Study materials will be provided.)

Day 6 February 28

Abba Father, You are God who sees us, shepherds us and sanctifies us. You are our Righteousness.

Your love for us is unconditional and knows no bounds. May we love the same way.

We are far from perfect, yet you bless us with endless grace. May we be so gracious to those we meet in our life’s journey.

You provide for us in times of want and in times of plenty. In you we find comfort, peace, hope and joy. You are the light of the world. For all these things we give thanks. May we share these blessings and this light in our world of darkness.

Lord hear our prayer.

WRITTEN BY BOB FANCHER

Day 7 March 1

Dear Lord, In this Lenten season we pray for your will to be done in our lives. We ask Lord that we can fully surrender ourselves to let go of our will and allow yours into our lives. Lord we are giving up the idea that we can do this on our own. Please do your will in our lives and in this Lenten season as we focus on you.

Amen

WRITTEN BY ANONYMOUS CHURCH MEMBER

About This Prayer:

“I like to do this prayer as a centering prayer to symbolize surrender. I pray with palms down and as I feel myself surrendering, turning palms up to receive God.”

Day 8 March 2

Amen

WRITTEN BY GARY PULVER

About This Prayer:

“I often think about how blessed I am to be a member of First UMC Arlington. I have received so much support from my church and my prayer at this time shows a selfish wish with a better way to look at my wish. ”

Dear God, I know your words are “Thy will be done”. I often wish that my will was everyone’s will so help me to change from my will be done to Thy will be my will.

Day 9 March 3

Oh Love, that doth sustain our souls in grace, And guide us through this season of Lent’s fast, With selfless care and gentle, steadfast pace, Thou leadeth us to find true peace at last.

The trials that we face, the sins we’ve known, Are but the wounds that Love can heal with time, And through this sacred season we have grown, In faith and hope, in Love’s divine rhyme.

So let us bow our heads in humble prayer, And ask for strength to follow Love’s true way, That we may live a life beyond compare, And show to all the world the Love we say.

And when this season ends, and spring doth come, We’ll walk in grace, in Love, and Christ’s bright sun.

WRITTEN BY ANONYMOUS CHURCH MEMBER, AGE 17

Day 10

March 4

The Lord bless you, and keep you.

The Lord make his face to shine on you, and be gracious to you.

The Lord lift up his face toward you, and give you peace.

SCRIPTURE

NUMBERS 6:24-26

“Our Daily Bread

John 6:26-35

Asking God for what we need is an important and meaningful part of prayer because it reminds us that God is our provider and sustainer. However, asking for our daily bread (our need) is very different than asking for all the bread for the next month. How might we center our prayer lives moving forward in asking God for our needs more than our wants?

In the space below, write or draw your own prayer of response. Make a list of the people to pray for in the coming week.

“

Week Three

Day 11 March 6

Dear God,

Thank you for being with us through this Lenten season. As we go about our daily lives, please continue to give us those quiet moments and amazing sights that speak to us and remind us of your presence. It is in those moments that we feel closer to you.

Thank you for sending us your son to wash us of our sins. There could be no greater gift! Please be with all those who need your help, those who have suffered loss, struggle with health issues, or have trouble believing in their worth. Fill our hearts with your joy, and love, and kindness, and help us spread this to others. And help us all to treat others as you would.

In Your Name We Pray, Amen

WRITTEN BY AMY, CHRIS, & CARSON BROOK

Day 12 March 7

Dear God,

Please watch over these young people and help them to be healthy and to make choices that keep them on track with your teachings.

Keep them in your arms to keep them safe and feeling loved. Help them enjoy their life and feel that they are loved by a large community of people.

Thank you for gifting us with these young people and help us to grow by knowing and spending time with them.

In your all loving arms, Amen

WRITTEN BY KAROL CLAY

About This Prayer:

I am a mom of 3 adult boys and work with children in a hospital. My focus is on children and them growing up being healthy and prosperous.

Day 13 March 8

Dear Heavenly Father, Today we want to pray to you to say, THANK YOU LORD, for giving your life for all of us.

Thank you that despite the shortcomings and adversities, you have supported us and sheltered us in cold times, you have given us love and protection, you have brought us to your church and you have placed angels around us who help and guide us in our path of good. We feel your love and feel blessed and overjoyed.

Today, in this Lent, we are going to share words of faith. We will share that you are a Merciful and Protective Father who keeps his promises.

We love you, beloved Father.

WRITTEN BY SARA CABALLERO-CERVANTES

About This Prayer:

“As my husband and I are immigrants in this country, our life situation has not been easy, there have been deficiencies of different kinds, but, without a doubt, God has not abandoned us at any time. God has allowed us to have a life with love, opportunities and hope. All together, we created this prayer, each one contributing words of faith and thanks to our loving God.”

Day 14 March 9

Father, Mother, God, Thank you for your presence during the hard and mean days. For then we have you to lean upon. Thank you for your presence during the bright and sunny days, for then we can share that which we have with those who have less. And thank you for your presence during the Holy Days, for then we are able to celebrate you and our families and our friends.

For those who have no voice, we ask you to speak.

For those who feel unworthy, we ask you to pour your love out in waterfalls of tenderness.

For those who live in pain, we ask you to bathe them in the river of your healing.

For those who are lonely, we ask you to keep them company.

For those who are depressed, we ask you to shower upon them the light of hope.

Dear Creator, You, the borderless sea of substance, we ask you to give to all the world that which we need most—Peace.

Day 15 March 10

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for all you have done. Thank you for answering my, and others prayers.

We appreciate all you do for us. Please continue to revive and answer prayers. We love you and all you do.

Amen

WRITTEN BY ANONYMOUS CHURCH MEMBER, AGE 14

Day 16 March 11

Holy God of Heaven and earth, Help us be a people that reverence you and seek your ways.

With thankful hearts for who you are and your generous provision, we thank you for meeting us even in circumstances of our own choosing.

Help us be people that love your creation and all created in your image the way you first loved us. Forgive us when we fail to love. Thank you for your mercy and grace.

Show us how to live in your grace and offer it freely to our neighbor so that we bring glory to your name.

WRITTEN BY REGINA FANCHER

“Forgive Us As We Forgive“ Luke 6:27-37

When Jesus teaches us to pray, he intentionally connects asking for God’s forgiveness in our lives with our willingness to forgive those around us who have wronged us. Forgiveness is not an individual personal practice alone; it is a corporate and communal reality for us all. May we find ways to be as forgiving to each other as we want God to be towards us.

In the space below, write or draw your own prayer of response. Make a list of the people to pray for in the coming week.

ABBC

Day 17 March 13

Dear God,

We share this day with You, no matter what it brings. We are grateful that You walk with us during our happy times as well as our sad and uncertain times. Thanks for being apart of what today brings.

There is so much we take for granted: the beauty of the earth, our ability to think and reason, our health, and our connection to people. God, we know that people are not always nice to us and we are not always nice to people. Help us to forgive the person who is hurtful to us. Help us to make someone’s else day a little bit better; maybe it’s opening the door for an elderly woman, or a smile to a homeless person, or listening to a friend share a sad story.

God, thank you for reminding us that you are with us when it feels like we are the only person going through a hard time, when we don’t seem to relate well with parents or teachers or peers as well as when I did well at school or work. Yes, you are with us all the time.

Thank you for the beauty of the earth, the nourishing food we eat, and the communion of people.

In Christ's name, Amen

WRITTEN BY TRACY TALAMBAS

O Thou Eternal God, Out of whose absolute power and infinite intelligence the whole universe has come into being, we humbly confess that we have not loved thee with our hearts, souls and minds, and we have not loved our neighbors as Christ loved us. We have all too often lived by our own selfish impulses rather than by the life of sacrificial love as revealed by Christ. We often give in order to receive. We love our friends and hate our enemies. We go the first mile but dare not travel the second. We forgive but dare not forget. And so as we look within ourselves, we are confronted with the appalling fact that the history of our lives is the history of an eternal revolt against you. But thou, O God, have mercy upon us. Forgive us for what we could have been but failed to be. Give us the intelligence to know your will. Give us the courage to do your will. Give us the devotion to love thy will. In the name and spirit of Jesus we pray.

WRITTEN

BY

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

About This Prayer: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968) was an American minister and civil rights leader.

Day 19 March 15

Heavenly Father, I thank you for my many cherished blessings. I need your guidance, Lord, to be ever mindful of how important loving kindness is in this world. Help me take the time to be kind. That kindness costs me nothing in return, and I may never know if someone is silently carrying a heavy burden. Lord, may my actions reflect a kind heart. Never let me ignore a chance to offer a smile, a happy expression, a kind word, or the gift of acknowledging that a person is valued and not alone. I humbly ask your guidance.

In the name of Jesus, Amen

WRITTEN BY ANONYMOUS CHURCH MEMBER

About This Prayer:

"I have strong feelings about how our world does not consider 'kindness' a priority. The only 'story' would be that I ask the Lord for guidance every day and I have chosen 'kindness' for my Lenten prayer."

Day 20 March 16

Our Heavenly Father... we praise you for each day you grant us on earth and for the promise of our daily bread. Heavenly Father, please help us to forgive as we want to be forgiven. we praise you for the beautiful hope of Easter and the love and healing of Jesus Christ.

Amen

WRITTEN BY CHRIS FELTON

About This Prayer: Chris Felton has been a member of First UMC Arlington since 1958.

Day 21 March 17

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ where I lie, Christ where I sit, Christ where I arise, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of every one who speaks to me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.

Salvation is of the Lord. Salvation is of the Christ.

May your salvation, Lord, be ever with us.

WRITTEN BY ST. PATRICK

About This Prayer:

St. Patrick was a 5th century missionary and the Bishop of Ireland.

Day 22

March 18

Show me your ways, Lord.

Teach me your paths.

Guide me in your truth, and teach me. For you are the God of my salvation.

I wait for you all day long. SCRIPTURE

PSALM 24:4-5

us, not into temptation…“

Recognizing in our prayer life that we will often be tempted, we can ask for God to lead us in different and right paths so that we might be able to live the life God desires for us. Asking for God’s leadership and assistance in our path of life is the core to moving forward into a new normal.

In the space below, write or draw your own prayer of response. Make a list of the people to pray for in the coming week.

“Lead

James 1:13-22

Week Five

Day 23 March 20

Dear Lord, Thank you for loving me despite myself. Thank you for providing me with everything I need and so much more.

Thank you for blessing me with friends and family who love me.

Please give me the wisdom to serve you by being your hands and feet here and now. When I don't pay attention to your still small voice, yell at me so I will pay attention. Forgive me when I knowingly do things I know won't please you.

Teach me how to put into practice what I have learned from you. (Philippians 4:9)

Most of all, thank you for Jesus. Amen

WRITTEN BY DENISE GAGE

Day 24 March 21

Gracious God,

I am grateful for each day, made new and fresh, filled with opportunities to learn and grow. Guide us only forward as we seek new ways to serve. No matter how independent we think we are, encourage us to accept care from others when we need it. Drawing support from the faith of my caregivers bolsters my own faith. Teach us to embrace the wholeness of existence, which includes both good and bad, highs and lows, always held in tension. True joy is a choice, a way of living, and can exist even in times of great sorrow and frustration. Lead us always in your path, and keep us mindful of your promise…never will you leave us, never will you forsake us.

Amen

WRITTEN BY PAM BREWER

About This Prayer:

2022 was a difficult and challenging year. In a span of less than 3 months, my husband of 45 years died, my mother died, and, as an unsuspecting pedestrian on a sidewalk, I was run over by a car. The accident was in May, I spent 7 weeks in the hospital, and I’ve had to live with relatives while working to regain my mobility. My prayer is a reflection on how these events have shaped my thinking as I join everyone in looking forward to a new normal.

Day 25 March 22

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love, Where there is injury, pardon Where there is doubt, faith, Where there is despair, hope, Where there is darkness, light, Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, not so much to be understood as to understand, not so much to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in dying that we awake to eternal life.

WRITTEN BY ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

About This Prayer:

St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) abandoned a life of luxury for a life devoted to Christianity after reportedly hearing the voice of God, who commanded him to rebuild the Christian church and live in poverty.

Day 26 March 23

O God, early in the morning I cry to you. Help me to pray and to concentrate my thoughts on you; I cannot do this alone. In me there is darkness, but with you there is light; I am lonely, but you do not leave me; I am feeble in heart, but with you there is help; I am restless, but with you there is peace. In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience; I do not understand your ways, but you know the way for me… Restore me to liberty, and enable me to live now that I may answer before you and before men. Lord whatever this day may bring, Your name be praised.

WRITTEN BY DIETRICH BONHOEFFER

About This Prayer:

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) was a German pastor, theologian, and anti-Nazi dissident.

Day 27 March 24

Father,

I am weak and yet You give me strength. I am lost and yet never alone. With You, I am truly able to do anything, and move forward, no matter what I have done in the past. For You, Father, truly love us ALL. Thank you sounds abundantly less than what You deserve, and yet, all You ask is my heart. Thank you for everything in my life, for guidance, assurance, prosperity and most of all unconditional love. Father, I pray that I am able to stop, and breathe, and hear you, and not let the outside world in. I pray that one day, we can all truly love one another as You love us.

Thank You, Father. Amen

WRITTEN BY ANDY SLOAN

About This Prayer:

I have found that I often pray late at night, and sometimes I fall asleep while doing it. I used to feel guilty, and then I realized that I am giving away my concerns to my Father, and he is taking them from me, and therefore I become relaxed and unburdened. I try to keep my prayers simple, because I can always talk more than I need to and ramble. God already knows our needs, he does not need more info from me, lol.

Day 28 March 25

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following Your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that, if I do this, You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust You always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for You are ever with me, and You will never leave me to face my perils alone.

WRITTEN BY THOMAS MERTON

About This Prayer:

Thomas Merton (1915-1968) was an American monk, poet, mystic, theologian, social activist, and a prolific author on both spiritual and social themes.

“For Thine is the Glory“

1 Chronicles 29:10-16

Finally, as we conclude the prayer that Jesus taught us, we remind ourselves and the world that this life is all about God’s glory and no one else’s. The primary way we can live into God’s hopeful new future is to shine the light on God’s goodness and glory as often as we possibly can. This light can then guide us and others to God’s love and grace.

In the space below, write or draw your own prayer of response. Make a list of the people to pray for in the coming week.

Week Six

ABBC

Day 29 March 27

God of grace and God of glory, on thy people pour thy power.

Crown thine ancient Church's story, bring her bud to glorious flower

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the facing of this hour.

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days.

Amen

WRITTEN BY ANONYMOUS CHURCH MEMBER

Day 30 March 28

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

1 John 4:9-10

Our most Holy Father in Heaven – How Holy and beautiful is your name in all the earth. We bow before you – humbled by the gift of Your Presence and the Gift of your Son. Father, restore your Kingdom to this – your world. We love you, Lord. We are Your People. Make us one in the Spirit that Thy Will might be done by your Holy Living Presence within us. And, may that Precious Presence reflect Thy Kingdom here on earth. Thank you, loving God, for providing us with all that we need on this earth. Teach us to use your provisions to love and care for others. Loving, Holy God, we bow before you now and always in thanksgiving for loving us so much that you sent your one and only Son into this broken world to give us Life. Remove from us the worldly walls that separate us from you, and from one another. Thank you for your Precious Son who taught us how to love and how to forgive as He hung from a cross and looked out at all mankind – and said to all of us: “I love you anyway.” Loving, Holy God may we know the healing peace that comes to us as we give that same gift to our people. May the price you paid teach us how to love each other that we, too, may say to them… I love you anyway. Father, You have given to us the beautiful gift of Love. May that love create within us the wisdom and strength to turn from the temptations of this crazy world that are separating us from you. Hold us close to you, God. Keep us always as your own that we may overcome the evils of this world that build walls against Thy Healing Kingdom. Thank you for loving us, and for the gift of your Son who sacrificed His life to teach us how to Live and how to love one another.

WRITTEN BY BB STUMBAUGH

About This Prayer:

I love The Lord's Prayer. I pray this prayer every night, and say the 23rd Psalm. I pray that they will be in my heart and mind as I take my last breath.

Day 31 March 29

Gracious God,

Thank you for giving us this beautiful abundant planet as our home. Help us find ways to appreciate your gift by protecting it for future generations while also using its potential to meet the needs of people today.

So many people in our midst lack the basic human needs of food, clean water, and shelter. Please guide us and help us provide solutions to those in need.

This work can begin right here in our own community and church. We ask you to call us to these opportunities and thank you for providing other people to assist and guide us in this work. Help us to listen and work together from the heart in common purpose. Together we can accomplish so much.

We are ever grateful for your giving and loving nature.

In your beloved Son’s name, Amen

WRITTEN BY DAVE & LAURA MUNSON

Day 32 March 30

Dear Lord, please make me an instrument of thy peace, please let your love & grace flow down to me, and then out from me to all those who need it.

Forgive me my sins that I confess to you, and give me the strength to go out and try to be good. Help me to endure, persevere, and demonstrate the light & power that comes from your transcendent humility.

Help me to remember this existence is not all about me and is not all up to me, and to feel the peace that flows from the understanding I am not alone and play an essential part in Your plan. Help me to be Christ’s Love in this world. Amen

WRITTEN BY ANDREW PIEL

Day 33 March 31

Behold, Lord, An empty vessel that needs to be filled. My Lord, fill it. I am weak in faith; Strengthen thou me. I am cold in love; Warm me and make me fervent That my love may go out to my neighbour. I do not have a strong and firm faith; At times I doubt and am unable to trust thee altogether. O Lord, help me. Strengthen my faith and trust in thee. In thee I have sealed the treasures of all I have. I am poor; Thou art rich and didst come to be merciful to the poor. I am a sinner; Thou art upright. With me there is an abundance of sin; In thee is the fullness of righteousness. Therefore, I will remain with thee of who I can receive But to whom I may not give.

Amen

About This Prayer: Martin Luther (1483-1546) was a German theologian & religious reformer instrumental in the Protestant reformation.

WRITTEN BY MARTIN LUTHER

Day 34

April 1

We come humbly to you, Great Creator and Father, knowing we fall short of your expectations and your Glory. Yet you have welcomed us to your table and forgiven us with your overflowing grace. We know it is our sin which separated Israel from you and continues to damage our relationship with you today. Yet your plan for us to be your people continues. You have given the greatest gift and offered the ultimate sacrifice for us and we know we do not deserve this. The life you lived and the life you gave is why we are forgiven yet we continue to ask for your forgiveness. Your patience and grace are the gifts on which we focus during this Lenten season.

Father, we celebrate your creation and our place within it. We look at the awesome and amazing world you made for us and are grateful and as we move forward to a new normal, we remain in awe of your plan, your guidance and your presence in our church…your church. We know it is your plan for us to be redeemed and we ask for your grace on us as we work to serve you and serve your people in this hurting world. We continue to be amazed with your work which we are honored to do in our church and are more amazed by what we can do when we work together for your good and glory.

Thank you for all you are doing for us and through us and for those around us in need or who do not know you or need strong reinforcement of your presence. We know our community, our nation and our world are in great need of your love and grace. We thank you for your provision and for your use of us to be your loving hands and feet to serve the world and share this love with others.

I ask you to continue to bless our pastors and leaders with faith and wisdom to carry out this plan. Help us unite within your church and our church, unite around Arlington and around the world in order to share your love and the joy we know comes from you to help others so they will come to know you and accept your salvation.

In your son’s holy name we pray, Amen

WRITTEN BY JOHN KNAPP

About This Prayer:

So grateful for our church and what God is doing in and around our community. Note: I try to pray using the "ACTS" tool but as I believe we need to confess before we come into His presence, I changed this to the "CATS" methodology in which I begin with Confession, then Adoration, Thanksgiving and Supplication.

Luke 19:28-40 & Luke 23:13-21

As we enter this Holy Week, we recognize that the story of Jesus’ last week is not just an story of ancient history, but it is also a story of our responses to life and the call of God in our lives. The crowds around Jesus quickly turn from shouts of praise and excitement, to shouts of hatred and crucifixion. The fickleness of the human experience happened then and happens now when we are confronted with the life, love, and teachings of Jesus, but the story is not really about us, or the people in Jesus’ time - the story is about the amazing grace and love that Jesus offers us all!

In the space below, write or draw your own prayer of response. Make a list of the people to pray for in the coming week.

“Forward to the Real Jesus“

JOINUS FOR WORSHIP

Day 35

April 3

Dear Lord, Thank you for the sacrifice of your only son, Jesus Christ and for all His miracles performed on Earth. For He is not human or God, but both. We are not worthy of His unlimited love but still we receive it.

Please help us remember His sacrifice during this Lenten season.

Amen

WRITTEN BY LUKE MORTON (CURRENT CONFIRMAND)

About This Prayer:

"I am always first to volunteer prayer and love speaking with the Lord. I used the things we are learning in Confirmation to help me with this one."

Day 36 April 4

Lord Jesus, let me know myself and know You, and desire nothing save only You.

Let me hate myself and love You.

Let me do everything for the sake of You.

Let me humble myself and exalt You.

Let me think of nothing except You.

Let me die to myself and live in You.

Let me accept whatever happens as from You.

Let me banish self and follow You, and ever desire to follow You.

Let me fly from myself and take refuge in You, That I may deserve to be defended by You.

Let me fear for myself.

Let me fear You, and let me be among those who are chosen by You.

Let me distrust myself and put my trust in You.

Let me be willing to obey for the sake of You.

Let me cling to nothing save only to You, And let me be poor because of You. Look upon me, that I may love You. Call me that I may see You, and for ever enjoy You.

Day 37 April 5

Dear Lord,

Please allow me to walk with you through the retelling of your story. Help me be as brave as you are through this journey. I will be humbled and thankful at the sacrifice you so bravely endured. Thank you Lord for all you have done. In Christ's most holy name I pray, Amen

WRITTEN BY JUDY RIDDLE

About This Prayer:

The good Lord has been a great comfort and joy through my journeys. He is with me and is easily accessible simply by whispering his name. He has given so much for me and now through Lent that I can go through his journey with him.

Day 38

Maundy Thursday April 6

Jesus, my feet are dirty. Come even as a slave to me, pour water into your bowl, come and wash my feet. In asking such a thing I know I am overbold, but I dread what was threatened when you said to me, “If I do not wash your feet I have no fellowship with you.” Wash my feet then, because I long for your companionship.

Jesus of Nazareth, This cross was a torture. It only gives life because you made it hollow. Bring life to us, Jesus, especially when we are in the places of the dead. Because you brought life even to the instruments of death.

Amen

PADRAIG O’TUAMA

Day 40

April 8

Lord, be gracious to us.

We long for you.

Be our strength every morning.

And our salvation in time of distress.

SCRIPTURE

ISAIAH 33:2

I Have Seen the Lord!

“Forward to a New Life“

John 20:1-18

Easter is the celebration of God’s ability to change our tears into joy, our darkness into hope, and even death into life eternal. On the first Easter, we see the very real transformation that is made when we see the risen Lord. Join us as we celebrate the joyful change the God desires for us all.

In the space below, write or draw your own prayer of response. Make a list of the people to pray for in the coming week.

reflections & questions

The prayer Jesus gave his disciples is brief, simple, and profound. Its themes are:

¡ God as Father,

¡ The coming kingdom of God,

¡ Doing the will of God,

¡ The need for receiving God’s forgiveness, and

¡ Practicing human forgiveness.

Facts about the Lord’s Prayer:

¡ The disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. Jesus responded by teaching them the Lord’s Prayer.

¡ This prayer is found in Matthew 6:9-13 and, in a shorter version, Luke 11:1-4.

¡ When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we praise God.

¡ We also ask for three things:

. daily bread

. forgiveness

. help to avoid temptation

¡ It is important to forgive others.

¡ The Lord’s Prayer as recorded in the Bible does not include the closing doxology: “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever.” These words were added by tradition.

¡ The words debts and trespasses are interchangeable. What is important is that we ask for forgiveness of our sins.

Our hope is you will discover that:

¡ The Bible tells us that Jesus was a man who frequently talked with God;

¡ The disciples were curious about how Jesus prayed;

¡ Jesus taught the disciples a special prayer;

¡ Christians today still pray this prayer called the Lord’s Prayer;

¡ Talking with God helps us feel closer to God;

¡ We can talk with God at any time about anything;

¡ There are many ways to pray.

Questions to think about:

¡ Can you remember the first prayer you learned as a child?

¡ If so, what was it?

¡ Do you remember learning the Lord’s Prayer?

¡ How was it taught to you?

¡ Where are some of the places and/or situations where you have prayed this prayer?

LENT & HOLY WEEK ABBBBC

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