Praying Matthew 25:14-21

🔔

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

After a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)

🔔

Praying Matthew 25:14-21 (English Standard Version)

For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away

He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, “Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more. *
His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.

Response to the Scripture

Holy God, our Father, you dwell with the humble and contrite. Give us the grace to humble our hearts so that You will come and revive them.

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. *
After a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song

(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)

🔔

Ending Prayer

God, use our voices and our experiences to bring glory to you and draw people toward love for you and deeper love for one another. Build your church in all the ways you intend. We repent for all the ways we’ve made and remade the institution of religion in our own image and for our own power and glory. Use us in this time to bring new paradigms to our national narrative, bringing your kingdom to Earth as it is in Heaven.

Bring healing to all the broken places. Tear down the unjust systems. Show the darkness for what it is, wherever it is. Bring together every tongue and tribe and nation of people – we are already assembled physically here in America – but your church is not living it out. We desire the radical togetherness only you can bring.
*
We feel, deep in our souls, that there is a more beautiful, higher, deeper way to be your people. If we don’t share this, what good is it to have? We ask you, God, to use us to reshape the Church in this time. Conform us more and more to your will and the ways of Jesus. Restore and bring forth the beauty of your people as we love you and love one another, with no limits on who is the “one another.” We desire what you desire. Reveal it to us, by your supernatural power.

- Joel Searby

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” )

Praying Psalm 32:1-7

🔔

I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer

O Lord, my neighbor has injured me.

I cannot tolerate this—and I wish to avoid any contact. *
I would gladly feel kindly toward my neighbor, but I cannot.

Lord, I am helpless and forsaken. *
O dear God, change me by your grace, or I must remain as I am.

- Martin Luther

Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)

🔔

Scriptural Theme

When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me.

Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)

🔔

Praying Psalm 32:1-7 (New International Version)

Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the LORD does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. *
When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD." And you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

Response to the Scripture

Holy God, our Father, you dwell with the humble and contrite. Give us the grace to humble our hearts so that You will come and revive them.

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. *
When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me.

Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song

(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)

🔔

Ending Prayer

O Lord our God, grant us grace to desire thee with our whole heart, that so desiring, we may seek and find thee, and so finding thee we may love thee; and loving thee we may hate those sins from which thou hast redeemed us, for the sake of Jesus Christ.

- the Oxford Book of Prayer

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” )

Praying Isaiah 58:10-14

🔔

I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer

Grant me tears that flow endlessly from mine eyelids, a profuse outpouring washing me entire from head to foot, so that, wearing a garment of repentance made whiter than snow, I may enter into the divine bridal chamber whilst acclaiming thee, my defender.

- Monk John Mauropous

Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)

🔔

Scriptural Theme

Then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.

Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)

🔔

Praying Isaiah 58:10-14 (New International Version)

If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.

The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. *
"If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD's holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob." For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Response to the Scripture

Holy God, our Father, you dwell with the humble and contrite. Give us the grace to humble our hearts so that You will come and revive them.

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. *
Then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.

Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song

(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)

🔔

Ending Prayer

Plough deep in me, great Lord, heavenly husbandman, that my being may be a tilled field, the roots of grace spreading far and wide, until Thou alone art seen in me, Thy beauty golden like summer harvest, Thy fruitfulness as autumn plenty.

I have no master but Thee, no law but Thy will, no delight but Thyself, no wealth but that Thou givest, no good but that Thou blessest, no peace but that Thou bestowest. I am nothing but that Thou makest me. I have nothing but that I receive from Thee. I can be nothing but that grace adorns me. *
Quarry me deep, dear Lord, and then fill me to overflowing with living water.

- The Deeps, Puritan Prayer

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” )

Praying Isaiah 58:6-8

🔔

I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer

God be with us on this Thy day; to us and with us on this Thy day.  Grant us forgiveness, grant us Thine own forgiveness, Thou merciful God of all.

- Celtic Daily Prayer

Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)

🔔

Scriptural Theme

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke?

Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)

🔔

Praying Isaiah 58:6-8 (New International Version)

"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter -- when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I."

Response to the Scripture

Holy God, our Father, you dwell with the humble and contrite. Give us the grace to humble our hearts so that You will come and revive them.

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. *
Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke?

Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song

(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)

🔔

Ending Prayer

Father, we have become a reproach to the lost world around us. Our lack of holiness and failure to deal with sin has brought on us the contempt and ridicule of the world. How can you let your church be ridiculed? How can you stand the fact that your church lacks influence in this community? *
O God, have mercy on us! Revive your church that we may exercise a righteous influence in the world. Cause your presence and power to be displayed in this church so that believers and unbelievers will be in awe of you. Do this, O God, for the sake of your Son, who bought and established the church with His own blood!

For the sake of Jesus and His love for the church, grant revival to your people.

- Prayercloset ministries

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” )

Praying Isaiah 57:14-21

🔔

I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer

Praise Him with the tambourine of suffering and with dancing in thanksgiving. Praise Him with the stringed instruments of human redemption and with the flute of divine protection.

Let every spirit who adores God honor and praise the Lord, for He is the Lord of all. Everyone who wants life should glorify Him who is Life.

- Hildegard von Bingen

Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)

🔔

Scriptural Theme

Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.

Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)

🔔

Praying Isaiah 57:14-21 (New International Version)

"Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people." For this is what the high and exalted One says -- he who lives forever, whose name is holy: *
"I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite. I will not accuse them forever, nor will I always be angry, for then they would faint away because of me -- the very people I have created. I was enraged by their sinful greed; I punished them, and hid my face in anger, yet they kept on in their willful ways. I have seen their ways, but I will heal them; I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel's mourners, creating praise on their lips.

Peace, peace, to those far and near," says the Lord. "And I will heal them." But the wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud. "There is no peace," says my God, "for the wicked."

Response to the Scripture

Holy God, our Father, you dwell with the humble and contrite. Give us the grace to humble our hearts so that You will come and revive them.

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. *
Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.

Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song

(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)

🔔

Ending Prayer

From every sin, *
from the crafts and assaults of the Devil,

from heresy and pernicious doctrine, *
from envy and ill-will to the brethren,

from impurity of body and soul, *
from indifference in the service of God,

and from all evil spirits, *
deliver us, good Lord.

- Litany of the Holy Spirit

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” )

Praying Jonah 3:1-10

🔔

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

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)

🔔

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

🔔

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)

🔔 

Ending Prayer

God, use our voices and our experiences to bring glory to you and draw people toward love for you and deeper love for one another. Build your church in all the ways you intend. We repent for all the ways we’ve made and remade the institution of religion in our own image and for our own power and glory. Use us in this time to bring new paradigms to our national narrative, bringing your kingdom to Earth as it is in Heaven.

Bring healing to all the broken places. Tear down the unjust systems. Show the darkness for what it is, wherever it is. Bring together every tongue and tribe and nation of people – we are already assembled physically here in America – but your church is not living it out. We desire the radical togetherness only you can bring. *
We feel, deep in our souls, that there is a more beautiful, higher, deeper way to be your people. If we don’t share this, what good is it to have? We ask you, God, to use us to reshape the Church in this time. Conform us more and more to your will and the ways of Jesus. Restore and bring forth the beauty of your people as we love you and love one another, with no limits on who is the “one another.” We desire what you desire. Reveal it to us, by your supernatural power.

- Joel Searby

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” )

Praying Psalm 51:13-19

🔔

I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer

O Lord, my neighbor has injured me.

I cannot tolerate this—and I wish to avoid any contact. *
I would gladly feel kindly toward my neighbor, but I cannot.

Lord, I am helpless and forsaken. *
O dear God, change me by your grace, or I must remain as I am.

- Martin Luther

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 Lord our God, grant us grace to desire thee with our whole heart, that so desiring, we may seek and find thee, and so finding thee we may love thee; and loving thee we may hate those sins from which thou hast redeemed us, for the sake of Jesus Christ.

- the Oxford Book of Prayer

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” )

Praying Psalm 51:7-12

🔔

I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer

Grant me tears that flow endlessly from mine eyelids, a profuse outpouring washing me entire from head to foot, so that, wearing a garment of repentance made whiter than snow, I may enter into the divine bridal chamber whilst acclaiming thee, my defender.

- Monk John Mauropous

Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)

🔔

Scriptural Theme

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)

🔔

Praying Psalm 51:7-12 (New International Version)

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
And grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

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. *
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song

(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)

🔔

Ending Prayer

Plough deep in me, great Lord, heavenly husbandman, that my being may be a tilled field, the roots of grace spreading far and wide, until Thou alone art seen in me, Thy beauty golden like summer harvest, Thy fruitfulness as autumn plenty.

I have no master but Thee, no law but Thy will, no delight but Thyself, no wealth but that Thou givest, no good but that Thou blessest, no peace but that Thou bestowest. I am nothing but that Thou makest me. I have nothing but that I receive from Thee. I can be nothing but that grace adorns me. *
Quarry me deep, dear Lord, and then fill me to overflowing with living water.

- The Deeps, Puritan Prayer

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” )

Praying Psalm 51:1-6

🔔

I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer

God be with us on this Thy day; to us and with us on this Thy day.  Grant us forgiveness, grant us Thine own forgiveness, Thou merciful God of all.

- Celtic Daily Prayer

Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)

🔔

Scriptural Theme

Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)

🔔

Praying Psalm 51:1-6 (New International Version)

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love;
According to your great compassion, blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight;
So you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.
Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
You teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

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. *
Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song

(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)

🔔

Ending Prayer

Father, we have become a reproach to the lost world around us. Our lack of holiness and failure to deal with sin has brought on us the contempt and ridicule of the world. How can you let your church be ridiculed? How can you stand the fact that your church lacks influence in this community? *
O God, have mercy on us! Revive your church that we may exercise a righteous influence in the world. Cause your presence and power to be displayed in this church so that believers and unbelievers will be in awe of you. Do this, O God, for the sake of your Son, who bought and established the church with His own blood!

For the sake of Jesus and His love for the church, grant revival to your people.

- Prayercloset ministries

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” )

Praying Isaiah 40:3-5

🔔

I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer

Praise Him with the tambourine of suffering and with dancing in thanksgiving. Praise Him with the stringed instruments of human redemption and with the flute of divine protection.

Let every spirit who adores God honor and praise the Lord, for He is the Lord of all. Everyone who wants life should glorify Him who is Life. *

- Hildegard von Bingen

Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)

🔔

Scriptural Theme

Prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)

🔔

Praying Isaiah 40:3-5 (New International Version)

A voice of one calling: In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

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. *
Prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song

(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)

🔔

Ending Prayer

From every sin, *
from the crafts and assaults of the Devil,

from heresy and pernicious doctrine, *
from envy and ill-will to the brethren,

from impurity of body and soul, *
from indifference in the service of God,

and from all evil spirits, *
deliver us, good Lord.

- Litany of the Holy Spirit

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” )

Praying 1 John 3:1-9

🔔

I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer

O Lord, my neighbor has injured me.

I cannot tolerate this—and I wish to avoid any contact. *
I would gladly feel kindly toward my neighbor, but I cannot.

Lord, I am helpless and forsaken. *
O dear God, change me by your grace, or I must remain as I am.

- Martin Luther

Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)

🔔

Scriptural Theme

We know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)

🔔

Praying 1 John 3:1-9 (New International Version)

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. *
The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.

Response to the Scripture

Lord, purify our hearts that we may look with joy on your coming.

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. *
We know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song

(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)

🔔

Ending Prayer

O Lord our God, grant us grace to desire thee with our whole heart, that so desiring, we may seek and find thee, and so finding thee we may love thee; and loving thee we may hate those sins from which thou hast redeemed us, for the sake of Jesus Christ.

- the Oxford Book of Prayer

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” )

Praying Hosea 6:1-3

🔔

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

As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.

Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)

🔔

Praying Hosea 6:1-3 (New International Version)

Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence. Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.

Response to the Scripture

Lord, purify our hearts that we may look with joy on your coming.

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. *
As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.

Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song

(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)

🔔

Ending Prayer

God, use our voices and our experiences to bring glory to you and draw people toward love for you and deeper love for one another. Build your church in all the ways you intend. We repent for all the ways we’ve made and remade the institution of religion in our own image and for our own power and glory. Use us in this time to bring new paradigms to our national narrative, bringing your kingdom to Earth as it is in Heaven.

Bring healing to all the broken places. Tear down the unjust systems. Show the darkness for what it is, wherever it is. Bring together every tongue and tribe and nation of people – we are already assembled physically here in America – but your church is not living it out. We desire the radical togetherness only you can bring.
*
We feel, deep in our souls, that there is a more beautiful, higher, deeper way to be your people. If we don’t share this, what good is it to have? We ask you, God, to use us to reshape the Church in this time. Conform us more and more to your will and the ways of Jesus. Restore and bring forth the beauty of your people as we love you and love one another, with no limits on who is the “one another.” We desire what you desire. Reveal it to us, by your supernatural power.

- Joel Searby

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” )

Praying 1 John 2:1-6

🔔

I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer

Grant me tears that flow endlessly from mine eyelids, a profuse outpouring washing me entire from head to foot, so that, wearing a garment of repentance made whiter than snow, I may enter into the divine bridal chamber whilst acclaiming thee, my defender.

- Monk John Mauropous

Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)

🔔

Scriptural Theme

We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.

Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)

🔔

Praying 1 John 2:1-6 (New International Version)

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father -- Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. *
We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

Response to the Scripture

Lord, purify our hearts that we may look with joy on your coming.

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. *
We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.

Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song

(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)

🔔

Ending Prayer

Plough deep in me, great Lord, heavenly husbandman, that my being may be a tilled field, the roots of grace spreading far and wide, until Thou alone art seen in me, Thy beauty golden like summer harvest, Thy fruitfulness as autumn plenty.

I have no master but Thee, no law but Thy will, no delight but Thyself, no wealth but that Thou givest, no good but that Thou blessest, no peace but that Thou bestowest. I am nothing but that Thou makest me. I have nothing but that I receive from Thee. I can be nothing but that grace adorns me. *
Quarry me deep, dear Lord, and then fill me to overflowing with living water.

- The Deeps, Puritan Prayer

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” )

Praying 1 John 1:5-9

🔔

I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer

God be with us on this Thy day; to us and with us on this Thy day.  Grant us forgiveness, grant us Thine own forgiveness, Thou merciful God of all.

- Celtic Daily Prayer

Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)

🔔

Scriptural Theme

God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)

🔔

Praying 1 John 1:5-9 (New International Version)

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

Response to the Scripture

Lord, purify our hearts that we may look with joy on your coming.

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. *
God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song

(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)

🔔

Ending Prayer

Father, we have become a reproach to the lost world around us. Our lack of holiness and failure to deal with sin has brought on us the contempt and ridicule of the world. How can you let your church be ridiculed? How can you stand the fact that your church lacks influence in this community? *
O God, have mercy on us! Revive your church that we may exercise a righteous influence in the world. Cause your presence and power to be displayed in this church so that believers and unbelievers will be in awe of you. Do this, O God, for the sake of your Son, who bought and established the church with His own blood!

For the sake of Jesus and His love for the church, grant revival to your people.

- Prayercloset ministries

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” )

Praying Luke 1:67-80

🔔

I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer

Praise Him with the tambourine of suffering and with dancing in thanksgiving. Praise Him with the stringed instruments of human redemption and with the flute of divine protection.

Let every spirit who adores God honor and praise the Lord, for He is the Lord of all. Everyone who wants life should glorify Him who is Life.

- Hildegard von Bingen

Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)

🔔

Scriptural Theme

You will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation.

Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)

🔔

Praying Luke 1:67-80 (New International Version)

"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),

Salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us -- to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. *
And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace."

Response to the Scripture

Lord, purify our hearts that we may look with joy on your coming.

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. *
You will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation.

Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song

(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)

🔔

Ending Prayer

From every sin, *
from the crafts and assaults of the Devil,

from heresy and pernicious doctrine, *
from envy and ill-will to the brethren,

from impurity of body and soul, *
from indifference in the service of God,

and from all evil spirits, *
deliver us, good Lord.

- Litany of the Holy Spirit

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” )

Praying Matthew 25:14-21

🔔

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

After a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)

🔔

Praying Matthew 25:14-21 (English Standard Version)

For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away

He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, “Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more. *
His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.

Response to the Scripture

Holy God, our Father, you dwell with the humble and contrite. Give us the grace to humble our hearts so that You will come and revive them.

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. *
After a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song

(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)

🔔

Ending Prayer

God, use our voices and our experiences to bring glory to you and draw people toward love for you and deeper love for one another. Build your church in all the ways you intend. We repent for all the ways we’ve made and remade the institution of religion in our own image and for our own power and glory. Use us in this time to bring new paradigms to our national narrative, bringing your kingdom to Earth as it is in Heaven.

Bring healing to all the broken places. Tear down the unjust systems. Show the darkness for what it is, wherever it is. Bring together every tongue and tribe and nation of people – we are already assembled physically here in America – but your church is not living it out. We desire the radical togetherness only you can bring.
*
We feel, deep in our souls, that there is a more beautiful, higher, deeper way to be your people. If we don’t share this, what good is it to have? We ask you, God, to use us to reshape the Church in this time. Conform us more and more to your will and the ways of Jesus. Restore and bring forth the beauty of your people as we love you and love one another, with no limits on who is the “one another.” We desire what you desire. Reveal it to us, by your supernatural power.

- Joel Searby

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” )

Praying Psalm 32:1-7

🔔

I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer

O Lord, my neighbor has injured me.

I cannot tolerate this—and I wish to avoid any contact. *
I would gladly feel kindly toward my neighbor, but I cannot.

Lord, I am helpless and forsaken. *
O dear God, change me by your grace, or I must remain as I am.

- Martin Luther

Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)

🔔

Scriptural Theme

When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me.

Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)

🔔

Praying Psalm 32:1-7 (New International Version)

Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the LORD does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. *
When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD." And you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

Response to the Scripture

Holy God, our Father, you dwell with the humble and contrite. Give us the grace to humble our hearts so that You will come and revive them.

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. *
When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me.

Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song

(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)

🔔

Ending Prayer

O Lord our God, grant us grace to desire thee with our whole heart, that so desiring, we may seek and find thee, and so finding thee we may love thee; and loving thee we may hate those sins from which thou hast redeemed us, for the sake of Jesus Christ.

- the Oxford Book of Prayer

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” )

Praying Isaiah 58:10-14

🔔

I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer

Grant me tears that flow endlessly from mine eyelids, a profuse outpouring washing me entire from head to foot, so that, wearing a garment of repentance made whiter than snow, I may enter into the divine bridal chamber whilst acclaiming thee, my defender.

- Monk John Mauropous

Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)

🔔

Scriptural Theme

Then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.

Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)

🔔

Praying Isaiah 58:10-14 (New International Version)

If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.

The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. *
"If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD's holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob." For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Response to the Scripture

Holy God, our Father, you dwell with the humble and contrite. Give us the grace to humble our hearts so that You will come and revive them.

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. *
Then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.

Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song

(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)

🔔

Ending Prayer

Plough deep in me, great Lord, heavenly husbandman, that my being may be a tilled field, the roots of grace spreading far and wide, until Thou alone art seen in me, Thy beauty golden like summer harvest, Thy fruitfulness as autumn plenty.

I have no master but Thee, no law but Thy will, no delight but Thyself, no wealth but that Thou givest, no good but that Thou blessest, no peace but that Thou bestowest. I am nothing but that Thou makest me. I have nothing but that I receive from Thee. I can be nothing but that grace adorns me. *
Quarry me deep, dear Lord, and then fill me to overflowing with living water.

- The Deeps, Puritan Prayer

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” )

Praying Isaiah 58:6-8

🔔

I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer

God be with us on this Thy day; to us and with us on this Thy day.  Grant us forgiveness, grant us Thine own forgiveness, Thou merciful God of all.

- Celtic Daily Prayer

Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)

🔔

Scriptural Theme

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke?

Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)

🔔

Praying Isaiah 58:6-8 (New International Version)

"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter -- when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I."

Response to the Scripture

Holy God, our Father, you dwell with the humble and contrite. Give us the grace to humble our hearts so that You will come and revive them.

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. *
Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke?

Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song

(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)

🔔

Ending Prayer

Father, we have become a reproach to the lost world around us. Our lack of holiness and failure to deal with sin has brought on us the contempt and ridicule of the world. How can you let your church be ridiculed? How can you stand the fact that your church lacks influence in this community? *
O God, have mercy on us! Revive your church that we may exercise a righteous influence in the world. Cause your presence and power to be displayed in this church so that believers and unbelievers will be in awe of you. Do this, O God, for the sake of your Son, who bought and established the church with His own blood!

For the sake of Jesus and His love for the church, grant revival to your people.

- Prayercloset ministries

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” )

Praying Isaiah 57:14-21

🔔

I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer

Praise Him with the tambourine of suffering and with dancing in thanksgiving. Praise Him with the stringed instruments of human redemption and with the flute of divine protection.

Let every spirit who adores God honor and praise the Lord, for He is the Lord of all. Everyone who wants life should glorify Him who is Life.

- Hildegard von Bingen

Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)

🔔

Scriptural Theme

Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.

Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)

🔔

Praying Isaiah 57:14-21 (New International Version)

"Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people." For this is what the high and exalted One says -- he who lives forever, whose name is holy: *
"I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite. I will not accuse them forever, nor will I always be angry, for then they would faint away because of me -- the very people I have created. I was enraged by their sinful greed; I punished them, and hid my face in anger, yet they kept on in their willful ways. I have seen their ways, but I will heal them; I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel's mourners, creating praise on their lips.

Peace, peace, to those far and near," says the Lord. "And I will heal them." But the wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud. "There is no peace," says my God, "for the wicked."

Response to the Scripture

Holy God, our Father, you dwell with the humble and contrite. Give us the grace to humble our hearts so that You will come and revive them.

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. *
Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.

Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song

(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)

🔔

Ending Prayer

From every sin, *
from the crafts and assaults of the Devil,

from heresy and pernicious doctrine, *
from envy and ill-will to the brethren,

from impurity of body and soul, *
from indifference in the service of God,

and from all evil spirits, *
deliver us, good Lord.

- Litany of the Holy Spirit

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” )