Church of the Epiphany, SudburyA #heartbeatprayer from the Diocese of Algoma
A LITANY FOR LENT
The Church of the Epiphany, 2019
Following Sudbury’s Church of the Epiphany’s Ash Wednesday service, all were invited to participate in the Primate’s Heartbeat of the HEARTBEAT OF THE CHURCH program. Our conversation circle engaged in discussion about how God has touched our hearts and shared our prayers for the Church. In response to reading John 15:12-17, each participant had the opportunity to describe a time when our church made their heart glad, a time when our church made their heart ache, and a time when our church gave them hope. This litany was composed based on the responses that were offered. It is our heartfelt prayer for the Church.
With thanksgiving and in humility, let us pray to the source of all life and hope:
WE THANK YOU LORD
For the joy and gladness that you have given us as members of
your one holy catholic and apostolic Church:
WE THANK YOU LORD
For our Archbishop, Anne; for our clergy; and for all who serve as your witnesses by their faithful ministry in this parish:
WE THANK YOU LORD
For the freedom and ability to gather for worship each week:
We thank you, Lord.
For the privilege of praying for one another, and for the blessing of being upheld in prayer by your faithful people:
WE THANK YOU LORD
For the opportunity to love you and our neighbours in action by service in this parish:
WE THANK YOU LORD
For the work of the Primate’s World Relief and Development
Fund, and for granting us the privilege of participating in this ministry:
WE THANK YOU LORD.
For the unity of Christian people in this city of Greater Sudbury; for fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ; and for opportunities to serve our community alongside one another:
WE THANK YOU LORD
For your holy word, living and active among us:
WE THANK YOU LORD
For the spirit of boldness that you have granted your Church to speak your truth and goodness to the world:
WE THANK YOU LORD
For our participation in situations where the Church has grieved the hearts of your people:
LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US
For our divisions; those that have caused people to leave our
parish, and for those that fracture our Communion:
LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US
For the ways in which we discriminate against one another:
LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US
For times when our words and actions have fallen short of
witnessing to your goodness and love:
LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US
For our failures in bearing the fruits of kindness and gentleness; and for times when we have not extended hospitality to our neighbours:
LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US
For our weakness in remembering our brothers and sisters who
suffer for the sake of your Gospel:
LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US
Lord Jesus Christ, hope of your people, receive now our prayers.
May it please you to govern your holy Church universal and lead it in your way.
EAR US,GOOD LORD
Sustain us where you have made us strong, particularly in
responding to the needs of the Church when called upon, and in
our ecumenical partnerships with our Christian neighbours.
HEAR US, GOOD LORD
Bless all children and young people, so that they may grow in
their knowledge and love of you. Strengthen us in our service to them.
HEAR US, GOOD LORD.
Encourage those who courageously tackle the issues of the day in order to further the Church’s witness to your Gospel.
HEAR US, GOOD LORD
Seal the truth of your word in our hearts, that we may hold fast to your promises.
HEAR US, GOOD LORD.
Son of God, we ask you to hear us.
SON OF GOD, WE ASK YOU TO HEAR US.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
GRANT US YOUR PEACE.