Prayers: Sunday, March 15th, 2026

4th Sunday in Lent/Te Rātapu Tuawhā o Rēneti

Taken from/inspired by 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23, Ephesians 5:8-14, John:9-41 ,and the ANZPB.

Bidding: The Lord is [our] shepherd,
Response: [we] lack nothing.
[based on Psalm 23:1]

Let us pray.
“Wake up, sleeper,
    rise from the dead,
    and Christ will shine on you.”
[from Ephesians 5:14]

Lord Jesus, bring our communities into your Light.

[silence]

Bidding: The Lord is [our] shepherd,
Response: [we] lack nothing.

Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind”
[John 9:39]

We pray for your church.

[silence]

Bidding: The Lord is [our] shepherd,
Response: [we] lack nothing.

The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
[1 Samuel 16:7b]

Lord, we pray for your creation. Teach us to look at the heart of the people we encounter as we hope for the salvation of the world.

[silence]

Bidding: The Lord is [our] shepherd,
Response: [we] lack nothing.

God of unchangeable power, when you fashioned the world the morning stars sang together and the host of heaven shouted for joy; open our eyes to the wonders of creation and teach us to see all things for good to the honour of your glorious name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.