First Sunday of Lent, A, February 26, 2023

First Sunday of Lent, A, February 26, 2023

During this Lenten season, we ask to be led by the Spirit so that we may better learn to resist evil.    

1. That throughout this Lenten season, the Church may be a vessel of mercy that renews all people who turn to us seeking forgiveness and renewal.   We pray to the Lord.
2. That Lenten sacrifices will be community efforts that draw people closer to Jesus and eliminate animosity and jealousy so that peace may be established.  We pray to the Lord.
3. That when we encounter serpents in our lives tempting us to be greedy, to test the Father’s love, or to seek power, we may have the faith and grace to join with Jesus with the command, “Get away, Satan!”  We pray to the Lord. 
4. That those in New Zealand suffering from Cyclone Gabrielle, those in Turkey and Syria who are victims of the earthquakes, and all people suffering from natural disasters may receive compassionate aid from friends, neighbors, and enemies.  We pray to the Lord.
5. That the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will be marked with increased determination of the international community to find reconciliation and good will.  We pray to the Lord.
6. That in the conflicts and disagreements we encounter in our lives, we may turn to the Holy Spirit for wisdom, guidance, and peace.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That this Lenten season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving will renew and strengthen us so that we do not grow weary in seeking the Lord, in feeding the hunger, or in providing support for those who struggle on the margins of society.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That the Stations of the Cross will be prayed during Lent with fervor that offers strength in time of suffering, compassion for those who suffer, hope in our dark moments, and a reminder of the immense love of God for all people.  We pray to the Lord.
9. That those who suffer from debilitating illnesses during this Lenten season will find consolation in the story of Jesus’ passion and death which culminated in his Resurrection at Easter. We pray to the Lord.
10. That the people of Ukraine who have been ruthlessly killed over the last year and the soldiers who have lost their lives in the horrendous battles will find peace and joy in the eternal life of heaven.  We pray to the Lord. 

Merciful Father, may this Lenten season deepen our faith in your love and strengthen us as instruments of your peace.  May we be renewed in our resolve to resist all evil that we encounter.  We make these prayers through Christ our Lord.  Amen.