Prayers for Sunday 1st March 2026

2nd Sunday of Lent /Te Rātapu Tuarua o Rēneti

Taken from/inspired by Genesis 12;1-4a, Psalm 121, Romans 4:1-5,13-17, John 3:1-17,and the ANZPB.

Bidding: [Our] help comes from the Lord,
Response: the Maker of heaven and earth.
[from Psalm 121:2]

 It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.…
As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.”[ He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.

Let us pray.

Rebuild our communities in faith and trust;
call us into Life
[silence]

Bidding: [Our] help comes from the Lord,
Response: the Maker of heaven and earth

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.  Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.  You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
[John 3:5-8]

We pray for your church.
Make us attentive to the movement of your Spirit.
[silence]

Bidding: [Our] help comes from the Lord,
Response: the Maker of heaven and earth

 …great is the wisdom of the Lord;
   he is mighty in power and sees everything;

his eyes are on those who fear him,
   and he knows every deed of man.

The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand
 the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

Come, Lord Jesus! 
May all of creation experience your mercy and justice.

[silence]

Bidding: [Our] help comes from the Lord,
Response: the Maker of heaven and earth

Come Holy Spirit, to all baptised in your name, that we may turn to good whatever lies ahead
Give us passion, give us fire; make us transform the world from what it is, to what you have created it to be. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.