Lector:Dear Lord, We come to you in prayer among the swift and frightening changes in the world.

In this special time of Lent, we open our hearts to your spirit of transformation.

We pray with deep gratitude for this Emmanuel Church, the hands and hearts who serve our island community, our beloved leaders who teach us and open us to your all inclusive love – Fr. Berto and Fr. Hugh, our Bishop Gregory, and Presiding Bishop Michael. Bless your churches around the world, especially in these days of Lent.

Jesus Christ came down to be the true bread which gives life to the world. Make us alive together with Christ, as you have created us to be in His spirit.

Bless those who seek a renewal of purpose and passion for your love during this time of reflection and meditation. 

Dear Lord Christ, open our hearts to know we cannot be separated from your steadfast love.

Dear Lord, we pray for our nation, for the strength of our leaders to be humbled by their responsibility to serve all people with respect and equality. 

May we all live in the immeasurable riches of your grace and love, through Jesus Christ.

We pray with compassion for those who suffer in the world, for those in need of water, food, clothing, shelter and safety for their families, especially those fleeing from destruction in Syria, and for your grace relieving our health fears from illness. We are all your children, Lord.

Lord, we are so grateful for your abundant blessings upon us. We pray for your care for those who suffer and struggle for survival.

We pray for each person who makes a difference in our own lives, and for those in the world who serve others in ways large and small, as taught by our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Dear Lord, thank you for your angels at work in our world. 

We pray for the earth and all creatures here below. Give us wisdom and strong leadership in sustaining the climate and natural balance of your world as you intended. May we realize you have created all things for a purpose, according to your plan.

In you, God, we put our faith, hope and trust that we will cease destruction of our fragile earth.

We pray, silently or aloud, for all who have passed from our sight into your heavenly kingdom, all who are in need, and we trust you know our hearts and struggles. (Pause).  We pray especially for those on our parish prayer list:

Dear Lord, may each of us be strengthened by your love and healing. We shine through your grace and spirit.

Presider: Dear Lord, You are our refuge and our stronghold, in whom we put our trust. Open our hearts in our meditations this Lent to the richness of our being, as you have given us the gifts of life and the joy of service, in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ, forever. Amen.