27 March 2017

Praying in Lent 2017 with USPG,
(30) Monday 27 March 2017

Saint Mary’s Church, Askeaton … the venue for this evening’s Lady Day Service with the Mothers’ Union in the Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2017)

Patrick Comerford

Each year on a day close to the Feast of the Annunciation [25 March], the Mothers’ Union marks Lady Day with a special service. Lady Day has long held significance for Mothers’ Union and its members, and traditionally this is the day new members are enrolled.

Because of the weekend, this year’s Lady Day Service in the Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe is being held instead this evening, a day after Mothering Sunday and in the appropriately named Saint Mary’s Church, Askeaton. I am presiding at the Eucharist and the special preacher is Canon Liz Beasley of Adare.

This year is also a special year for Mothers’ Union, celebrating 140 years of faithful service to families and communities. The theme for this year is A Celebration of Faith, and the Mothers’ Union says ‘the obedience and faith of Mary is a wonderful example to us. It is this that we gather to celebrate, give thanks for and be inspired by, as we seek to follow God in whichever way he calls.’

The Lent 2017 edition of the prayer diary of the Anglican mission agency USPG (United Society Partners in the Gospel) follows the theme of the USPG Lent study course, ‘Living an Authentic Life.’

I am using this Prayer Diary for my prayers and reflections each morning throughout Lent. Why not join me in these prayers and reflections, for just a few moments each morning?

In the articles and prayers in the prayer diary, USPG invites us to investigate what it means to be a disciple of Christ. The Lent study course, ‘Living an Authentic Life’ (available online or to order at www.uspg.org.uk/lent), explores the idea that discipleship and authenticity are connected.

This week, from yesterday (26 March) until Saturday (1 April), the USPG Lent Prayer Diary is following the topic ‘A World of Injustice.’ The theme was introduced yesterday in an article in the Prayer Diary by Professor Mathew Koshy Punnackad, Honorary Director of the Department of Ecological Concerns of the Church of South India Synod.

Monday 27 March 2017:

‘The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands’ (Psalm 19:1). As disciples, may we learn to see and honour God through the world around us.

Mothers’ Union Prayer:

Loving Lord
We thank you for your love so freely given to us all.
We pray for families around the world.
Bless the work of the Mothers’ Union
as we seek to share your love
through the encouragement, strengthening
and support of marriage and family life.
Empowered by your Spirit,
may we be united in prayer and worship,
and in love and service
reach out as your hands across the world.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Continued tomorrow.

Yesterday’s reflection.

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