20231

 Lenton Prayer 2021

The following is a necessary re-post:

[

Almighty God, O Holy God, in the name of Jesus, we pray (Lord, hear our prayer): As the Lenten season begins this Wednesday, give us grace to draw near to you and to seek your face. We thank you that we have been given access to you, Father God, as your Spirit prompted the writer of Hebrews: 19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. And then Lord, as we draw near to you and your Spirit reminds us of our ongoing sin and as we remember the crucifixion of Jesus that comes at the end of Lent (in time almost 2000 years ago), we hear again from the word: …let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Lord Jesus give us grace to rededicate ourselves to the purpose of glorifying you and seeking to enjoy your presence as we identify with you in your journey to the cross. And as we ask this, we are again reminded from your word: 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons… (from Hebrews ch.12) And the scripture goes on to add: 12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. O Lord God, we do ask for Your strength in our weaknesses and for Your grace to put aside ourselves and draw near to You. For the church universal and for all of us now praying, we ask that you create in us a pure heart, O God, and that You renew a steadfast spirit within us. We ask that You not cast us away from your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from us, and Holy God, may you yet maintain in us the joy of your salvation. Lord grant us this Lent a willing spirit and sustain us with the bread of heaven. May your church experience revival and reformation and may our nation see and hear Your mighty works and come to repentance and salvation. In the name of Jesus we pray.