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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)
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Scriptural Theme
God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.
Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)
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Praying Jonah 3:1-10 (New International Version)
Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: "Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you." Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. Jonah began by going a day's journey into the city, proclaiming, "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown." *
The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.
When Jonah's warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. This is the proclamation he issued in Nineveh: *
"By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish."
When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.
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
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The Spirit and the Bride say *
“Come!”
Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly. *
God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.
Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song
(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)
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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” )