Prayer at Lent, 2021

O God as we enter Lent

May we remember we are walking with you on a journey towards Holy Week –

May we pause and pray and meet with you.

Your teaching has been about the kingdom or community of God,
A way of life and a community that goes up against the empires of domination –

As relevant now as it ever has been.
The empires of greed favouring the rich and
powerful,
Instead of your way reflecting justice for all.

As you head to Jerusalem you are witness to this
on Palm Sunday
As you ride in with non-violence,
From one side of Jerusalem gentle and riding on a donkey –
From the other side the army of empire, injustice, greed and oppression.

As you turn the tables of oppression,

So the empire wants you killed

The powers who rule, crucify you: the sinfulness of the world kills you.

But on Easter Sunday God affirms you

And all you have done –

It is a rising again –

God’s community of love continues forever.

May we be in the community of love –
The community that is never silent
And so a community of the Gospel bringing justice and hope to all.

It witnesses to the wounded God –
It whispers of the generous God of love
We walk with the activists on the way
And we are encouraged to become communities
That are just and loving –

Communities that make a difference
Communities that reflect the light of the Gospel –

Do justice, show mercy, and walk humbly with God.