First Sunday of Lent, February 21, 2021

First Sunday of Lent, February 21, 2021

On this first Sunday of Lent, we hear of Jesus’ overcoming temptation. We offer our prayers to the Father that with we too may resist evil and be aided by the angels and saints as we seek to do God’s will.

1. That the Church will be an agent of reconciliation among all people during this Lenten season and draw the marginalized, the outcast, and the forgotten to the Father by the love it shows to all people.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That people and leaders of nations of the world will reach out generously during this Lenten season to provide for the needs of those who are displaced by war, violence, hatred, and greed.  We pray to the Lord.
3. That we may experience Lent as a return journey toward the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit no matter how many times we may stumble or fall seeking freedom from the slavery of sin.^[1] We pray to the Lord.
4. That we may see the beauty of the rainbows of the sky as signs of God’s covenant with us and with every living creature calling us to care for the Earth and ensure its vitality for generations to come.   We pray to the Lord.
5. That as Noah and his family were saved from death by passing through the waters of the flood, we may be saved from sin by the waters of baptism that have been poured over us.  We pray to the Lord. 
6. That we may see Christ, the righteous one who suffered and died for our sins, as a model for the suffering we may have to endure as we are led to the presence of God.  We pray to the Lord. 
7. That when we are in the throes of the trials and heartaches of life, we may be inspired by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ which transforms death in the flesh to life in the Spirit.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That during this time of spiritual and physical challenges, Fr. Christopher may not succumb to the temptations of Satan but may persevere in prayer confident that the angels will minister to him as he looks to the hope of the Resurrection.  We pray to the Lord.
9. That during this Lenten season, we may hear in our hearts that this truly is the time of fulfillment when the kingdom of God is at hand and be moved to repent and believe in the gospel. We pray to the Lord.
10. That those whose lives are in turmoil because of the pandemic will find healing and relief from their suffering and the suffering of their friends and family members.  We pray to the Lord.
11. That those who have died will be with Jesus who is seated in heaven with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him. We pray to the Lord.

O God, we ask for your mercy and forgiveness for our many failings. May we turn to you in this Lenten season and better know your will for us through your answers to our prayers which we offer through Christ our Lord.   Amen.

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^[1] Based on Pope Francis’ Ash Wednesday homily, February 17, 2021.