Praying in Lent 2017 with USPG, (4) Wednesday 1 March 2017

REFLECTIONS FROM THE REFUGEE CAMPS IN GREECE from USPG on Vimeo.

Reflections from the refugee camps in Greece … USPG met asylum seekers stranded in Greece and they shared their thoughts, hopes and dreams

Patrick Comerford

Today is Ash Wednesday, and the season of Lent begins this morning (1 March 2017). Later this evening, at 8 p.m., I am presiding at the Eucharist, marking the beginning of our pilgrimage through Lent to Easter, in Saint Mary’s Church, Askeaton, Co Limerick.

The Readings are: Joel 2: 1-2, 12-17; Psalm 51: 1-18; II Corinthians 5: 20b to 6: 10; Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-21.

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 this week and 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 Sunday (26 February) to Saturday (4 March), the USPG Lent Prayer Diary follows the topic ‘We are called to be Disciples.’

Wednesday 1 March 2017,

Ash Wednesday:

Give thanks that God can empower and equip all people to be disciples and use our gifts and talents to build a kingdom of justice, peace and joy through the power of the Holy Spirit.


Collect

Almighty and everlasting God,
you hate nothing that you have made
and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent:
Create and make in us new and contrite hearts
that we, worthily lamenting our sins
and acknowledging our wretchedness,
may receive from you, the God of all mercy,
perfect remission and forgiveness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Post Communion Prayer

Almighty God,
you have given your only Son to be for us
both a sacrifice for sin and also an example of godly life:
Give us grace
that we may always most thankfully receive
these his inestimable gifts,
and also daily endeavour ourselves
to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Continued tomorrow

Yesterday’s reflection and prayer