Prayers for Sunday 16 March 2025
2nd Sunday of Lent / Te Rātapu Tuarua o Rēneti
Taken from/inspired by Genesis 15:1-12,17-18, Psalm 27, Philipians 3:17–4:1, Luke 13:31-35, Luke 9:28-36 and the ANZPB.
Bidding: Hear [our voices] when [we] call, Lord;
Response: be merciful to me and answer me. [Psalm 27:7]
…the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision:
“Do not be afraid, Abram.
I am your shield,
your very great reward.” [Genesis 15:1]
The Lord is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid? [Psalm 27:1]
Let us pray.
Lord, help us to ground our relationships and communities in your love;
may we live in the light of your salvation.
[silence]
Bidding: Hear [our voices] when [we] call, Lord;
Response: be merciful to me and answer me.
While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” [Luke 9:34-35]
We pray for the church.
Open our ears to your voice, Lord; reveal your Son in our midst.
[silence]
Bidding: Hear [our voices] when [we] call, Lord;
Response: be merciful to me and answer me.
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” [Luke 9:34-35]
We pray for the world.
Teach us to recognise your prophets; may your Word convict our hearts and shape our stories.
[silence]
Bidding: Hear [our voices] when [we] call, Lord;
Response: be merciful to me and answer me.
…my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! [Philippians 4:1]
God of life and glory, your Son was revealed in splendour before he suffered death upon the cross; grant that we, beholding his majesty, may be strengthened to follow him and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
