These prayers are inspired by the great Psalm of contrition, Psalm 51. These prayers are designed to be used each week in Lent, except for the closing prayer which will reflect each week’s Gospel lesson. These prayers will work best if a brief pause is observed before the couplet. All churches have express permission to use, modify, or adapt these prayers in a way that best serves the individual community.

Celebrant Have mercy on us, O God, according to your loving kindness; in your great compassion, hear our prayers.

Intercessor We pray for the whole church, all leaders and ministers, and all the holy people of God.

Wash us through and through,
And cleanse us from our sin.

We pray for our nation, for all the nations of the earth, and for all who govern and judge.

Purge us from our sin,
And we shall be pure.

We pray for those who hunger, those who thirst, those who cry out for justice, those who live under the threat of terror, and those without a place to lay their head.

Make them hear of joy and gladness,
that those who are broken may rejoice.

We pray for those who are ill, those in pain, those under stress, and those who are lonely.

Give them the joy of your saving help,
and sustain them with your bountiful Spirit.

In this season of Lent we pray for those who prepare for baptism, and we pray that we all might be given the grace and strength to repent and grow closer to you, O God.

Create in us clean hearts, O God,
and renew a right spirit within us.

We pray for those who have died, (especially _____ )and who have entered into the land of eternal Light and your abiding peace.

Cast them not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from them.

We especially pray for… (the sick, those serving in conflict, etc…)

We pray for those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries this week…

Celebrant Lord Jesus, you were tempted by the Evil One in the wilderness and yet did not succumb. Be present to us who live with temptation day by day, and give us your strength, and your amazing grace. Amen.