Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin. …
(God said) I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you…
Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
~ Psalm 32:5, 8, 11
Lent is like spiritual house-cleaning, often long overdue, put off as long as possible, then when it becomes inevitable we hopefully embrace it as the chance of a new start.
Compassionate merciful God, forgive our reluctance to change and be transformed by You into your likeness. Lead us from darkness to light.
Compassionate God, the past few months of turmoil in almost all parts of the world have left us encumbered with angst, anger, frustration, a sense of disbelief and at times despair and hopelessness. We look for ways we can try to fix the often unfixable – at least to us. Our planet is threatened by climate change, environmental disasters on every continent and oceans; nations are divided among themselves; so many fear all who are different from themselves. Instead of bridge building and reconciliation as Jesus always showed us in his life, separating walls both physical and ideological are erupting like sores in the heart of humanity.
Lord, forgive us for looking to the lowest part of our natures rather than looking to you, the author and giver of life. Lead us from darkness to light.
Wars and rumors of wars, rape and torture, insecurity online in all areas of life including business and governments, and in databases storing so much of our personal details. Convenience and complacency are taking precedence over justice, wisdom and equity.
Lord, your kingdom is one of justice and joy. Forgive our gratuitous violence to each other in thought, word, deed and inaction. Lead us from darkness to light.
We give thanks for the billions of people who buck the publicised trend and live a hidden life of love and service. In silence, we hold them in gratitude to your healing and empowering love and light….
Help us remember that whereas some sections of the media are skewed and biased or even untruthful, Your essence is truth and light.
Lord, as we look to You for inspiration on the way to go, lead us from darkness to light.
May we rejoice in You always, however challenging our life may be. For we know in the deepest part of our spirit where we encounter You, that there is no darkness where You are if we walk by faith and not by sight. We rest on Your promised faithful, merciful and loving presence as You lead us from darkness to light. AMEN
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