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Lent Prayers

Lent is the traditional time when we remember Christ’s temptations in the desert.

It’s a time when Christ considered what form his ministry was going to take.
It can also be a time for us to consider what form our Christian witness might take too.

The first temptation was to turn stones into bread.
The people were hungry – what better way to win them over than to meet their physical needs? Jesus’ rejection of this temptation is a rejection of the idea that true love can be bought. Giving people bread might make them follow him, but for what reasons?

The second temptation was to jump from the Temple.
We live in a society in love with spectacle. People can be won over with tricks and fantastica. Jesus’ rejection of this temptation is a rejection of the idea of celebrity. Doing tricks might amaze people, but was that love?

The third temptation was to give up.
We live in a world where persistence and tenacity are rare qualities, especially in the face of peer opposition. Marcuse outlines how pressures from our peers, from our own insecurities, and from the dominant power structures draw us towards ‘one dimensionality’: truth by big brother vote. Jesus’ refusal to bow down and just ‘take the money’ is a rejection of the easy way out. It might make for an easy life, but was that what life was about?

These Lenten prayers could be used as a daily rhythm over these 40 or so days.

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From a Life Divided to a Life United

Inspired by the words of Paul Tillich...

Bringing to Consciousness the Divide of the Individual: Part 1

Where is your life divided?

I'm divided by what my soul longs for and what is shaped by my hands.

Where is your desire incomplete?

Today, like every other day, I woke up wanting what is beyond my reach.

Where has your story been scattered?

Its form is dictated by my rushing to pick up the pieces, trying to make sense of what is futile.

Where has your journey become disconnected?

Technorati Tags: Life Divided, Life United, Tillich

Prayer For a Meal on Tired Evening After a Week of Struggles in the City

The congregation gather around a table.

Lord, it is night,
It is night after a long day.
Websites have been tended, Copy written, Ministers ministered to, Festivals organized, lessons given. [The work details of the congregation are entered]

Lord it is night,
It is night after a week in the city.
Gardens have been dug, films seen, music listened to, people engaged with…
People bumped into, sleep disturbed, sirens heard, violations suffered.

Lord we are hungry,
Junk has been eaten, producers forgotten, chemicals swallowed, meals rushed, thanks not given.

Lord we are not as hungry as some,
Forgive us.

Lord we are hungry,
Make this table yours. Make this table just. Make this table gracious.
Make this table thankful.

Lord we are not whole,
We remember those who are not with us.

Lord, we are not whole,
We break this bread and share this wine to re-member your body.
Broken so we may be whole.
Poured out so we may be filled.

Lord it is night,
May this body and blood be strength and refreshment for us.
May it give us energy to forgive, to persevere, to love.
Dear Christ, re-invigorate us, re-plenish us, eat with us tonight.
Amen.

Bread and wine is shared, and a meal is eaten.

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