25 March 2017

Praying in Lent 2017 with USPG,
(28) Saturday 25 March 2017

The Annunciation depicted on the Nativity Façade of the Basilica of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2016)

Patrick Comerford

Today is the Feast of the Annunciation. Coming so close to Easter, yet nine months before Christmas, this feast day provides a natural link between Christmas and Easter, between the Incarnation and the Resurrection.

The readings in the Revised Common Lectionary for today are: Isaiah 7: 10–14; Psalm 40: 5-10; Hebrews 10: 4-10; and Luke 1: 26-38.

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 Sunday (19 March) until Saturday (25 March), the USPG Lent Prayer Diary is following the topic ‘Living with Difference.’ The topic was introduced yesterday in an article in the Prayer Diary by the Right Revd Michael Lewis, Bishop of Cyprus and the Gulf, who was a speaker at the USPG conference in High Leigh three years ago in 2014.

In his article Bishop Michael reflected on being a disciple among communities of diverse backgrounds and asked how we should be disciples.

Saturday 25 March 2017,

The Annunciation of Our Lord:


Pray that the church – with our many denominations – might set an example to the world by demonstrating unity in diversity.

Collect:

Pour your grace into our hearts, Lord,
that as we have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ
by the message of an angel,
so by his cross and passion
we may be brought to the glory of his resurrection;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Post-Communion Prayer:

God Most High,
whose handmaid bore the Word made flesh:
We thank you that in this sacrament of our redemption
you visit us with your Holy Spirit
and overshadow us by your power.
May we like Mary be joyful in our obedience,
and so bring forth the fruits of holiness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Continued tomorrow

Yesterday’s reflection and prayer

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