🔔
I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Father of mercy and grace, we acknowledge that we have sinned and that our world is gripped by the power of sin. *
Our hearts are grieved by injustice, hatred, and violence.
We are shamed by oppression, racism and bloodshed in our land. We mourn all loss of life in murder, war and terrorism. *
Our homes are broken and our churches are divided by rebellion and pride. Our lives are polluted by selfishness, greed, idolatry and sexual sin.
We have grieved Your heart and brought shame to Your name. Have mercy on us as we repent with all our hearts. *
God of mercy, forgive our sins, pour out Your grace and heal our land.
- Global Day of Prayer 2009
Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)
🔔
Scriptural Theme
Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.
Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)
🔔
Praying Psalm 51 13-19 (New International Version)
Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
So that sinners will turn back to you.
Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
You who are God my Savior,
And my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
Open my lips, Lord,
And my mouth will declare your praise.
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
You do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
A broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.
May it please you to prosper Zion, to build up the walls of Jerusalem.
Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous,
In burnt offerings offered whole; then bulls will be offered on your altar.
Response to the Scripture
Lord God, indeed you love truth in the inward parts. Look with mercy on our contrite hearts and teach us wisdom.
Draw near to God’s throne of grace
with the thanksgivings, prayers, & intercessions that are on your heart
🔔
The Spirit and the Bride say *
“Come!”
Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly. *
Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.
Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song
(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)
🔔
Ending Prayer
O God, who divided the sea for those leaving the land of Egypt, and commanded the streams to stand on one either side as thick walls, be pleased to free our souls from the flood of sins. May we have the strength to pass through the depth of our faults, in scorn of the adversary, O Savior of the world, who live and reign with the Eternal Father, in unity with the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
- Bangor, Ireland, 7th Century
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
( Adapted by Christ the Reconciler from Season 4: Lent Bridge Prayer – “The Joy of Repentance” )