A Prayer for today

Almighty God,
whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain,
and entered not into glory before he was crucified:
mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross,
may find it none other than the way of life and peace;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

The Third Sunday of Lent

From the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer, please include the following prayers in your daily devotions.

... focus on Lent

The Fast Life

Fast from judging others;
Feast on Christ dwelling in them.
Fast from fear of illness;
Feast on the healing power of God.
Fast from words that pollute;
Feast on speech that purifies.
Fast from discontent;
Feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger;
Feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism;
Feast on hope.
Fast from negatives;
Feast on encouragement.
Fast from bitterness;
Feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern;
Feast on compassion.
Fast from suspicion;
Feast on truth.
Fast from gossip;
Feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from problems that overwhelm;
Feast on prayer that sustains.
Fast from anxiety;
Feast on faith.

- Author Unknown

... focus on Iran

A PRAYER FOR IRAN

BY THE RT REVD DR GULI FRANCIS-DEHOANI, BISHOP OF CHELMSFORD

Ever loving God,

who hears us in our anguish and distress,

and longs for us to be free.

We pray for the people of Iran

and the wider Middle East,

at this time of fear and uncertainty.

Be near to those who are anxious;

bring comfort to all who are suffering.

Guide those with the power to make decisions,

and lead them in the ways of wisdom, compassion and moderation:

that people of good-will would seek harmony and reconciliation.

Join us with our Christian brothers and sisters in all places,

in praying for peace with justice,

through him who is the prince of peace,

Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.