Lord, as we approach springtime, we look forward
to the renewal of the beauty of the landscape.
We've entered the season of Lent in the church -
a time for the renewal of our hearts and minds.
We are privileged that we can wake up each day
with a clean slate; refreshed and renewed through
faith in the saving power of Jesus Christ.
As Isaiah prophesied of Jesus,
"He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows."
And from Jeremiah, "God will remember our sins no more."
We thank You and praise You, Lord,
for Your grace that has made us new.
In Jesus' holy name.
Amen.

Heavenly Father,
We thank You for all You provide and all You do.
Without You, we can do nothing,
but with You, we can be healed.
Our negative thoughts and behavior can be changed
and we can be released of our guilt.
All this, not because of anything we've done,
but by humbly trusting in You
and the saving power of Jesus.
May our hearts be filled with Your desire
and our tongues with Your words
in thankfulness for Your grace and mercy.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.

Father God,
Sometimes we doubt that the path we're on is the right one.
We wonder what our purpose is,
and how we can possibly get to where we should be.
But You don't doubt.
Your plan is certain, unwavering and perfect.
We pray that You would guide our steps.
Use us as instruments of Your will.
Comfort us when we're weary
and put Your joy in our hearts.
We pray this in Jesus' name.
Amen.

Lord God,
You know our hearts and You know our sins.
Your patience and steadfast love are amazing.
We pray that You would purify our hearts
and draw us closer to You.
Insignificant things - things of the flesh -
compete for our attention.
Help us to stay focused on You.
Center us in Your word and Your ways.
In Jesus' holy name,
Amen.

Holy Father in heaven,
You are our God, and we are
Your people - made in Your image.
We were created to love and worship You
and to care for others as for ourselves.
You give us all we need to fulfill that calling.
None of us are more - or less - valued,
for we are all Your children who are dearly loved.
Help us to see the world through Your eyes,
loving all Your children as You have loved us.
In Jesus' holy name.
Amen.

Awesome and gracious God,
We thank You for giving us Your Word,
and for the freedom to worship You openly.
We pray for those who are being persecuted for their faith;
that they may be strengthened by Your Holy Spirit.
Guide us, Lord, to say what needs to be said
and do what needs to be done for Your glory and renown.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Lord God,
We testify to Your awesome nature.
You know all things and Your ways are perfect.
We testify to the life, death and resurrection of
our Lord Jesus, for salvation is found in Him alone.
We testify to Your Spirit, working in us to
mold us into the likeness of Your Son,
and working through us to bless others.
We pray that our worship would be pleasing in Your sight,
and our hearts and minds would be open to Your message.
In Jesus' holy name.
Amen.