Day 23 1 Kings 3 v 1-28 Solomon asks for wisdom

1 Kings 3 v 1-28 Solomon asks for wisdom 
(Click the link to get to the passage) 

The story of Solomon choosing to ask God for wisdom is well known, but it is a choice of gift that today is possibly under-rated. It is all too easy for us to think we can do it on our own, or that we know best. Wisdom today is often linked to old age and grey hair, rather than as a gift from God; "a discerning heart" is a valued and holy thing.

When was the last time we actually asked God for the gift of wisdom? We might be facing decisions, choices or situations at work or home, in our social or family life. Take time today to lay them before the throne of God. But more importantly ask him to give us wisdom to know his will, the decisions that take us on the next step of his gracious plan for our lives.  And then be ready and willing for him to answer that prayer because God promises wisdom for those who ask (James 1:5).

Merciful Lord,
absolve your people from their offences,
that through your bountiful goodness
we may all be delivered from the chains of those sins
which by our frailty we have committed;
grant this, heavenly Father,
for Jesus Christ's sake, our blessed Lord and Saviour.

http://www.churchofengland.org/

Day 22 Luke 19 v 1-10 Zaccheaus

Luke 19 v 1-10 Zaccheaus   
(Click the link to get to the passage) 

For Zacchaeus, the people around him stopped him from getting a good look at Jesus. But he didn't let this stop him, running ahead to get himself into a position to be able to see Jesus. His surprise must have been two-fold, firstly because Jesus knew he was there, but then also because he called him by name to ask to have dinner with him.

For us, it may be the crowd that gets in the way of us meeting Jesus, but in 21st Century life there are many other reasons too. Materialism, work, gadgets, the internet - the list could go on. Maybe today we need to think about how we can run ahead of what blocks our view of Jesus, make a decision to find a tree, and climb it to see him. Then expect Jesus to call us by name and come and join us for dinner. (Revelation 3:23)

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 our Lord.

http://www.churchofengland.org/

Day 21 Daniel 6 v 1-28 Daniel and the lions den

Daniel 6 v 1-28 Daniel and the lions den 
(Click the link to get to the passage) 

We finish today our trilogy of men who stood up and were counted for God and found themselves in danger because of it. Today we focus on Daniel and remember how God rescued him from the jaws do the lions. But let's also notice the reponse of the king to Daniel's miraculous protection. He sends out a letter to the nations that The Lord God is to be worshiped.

Spend time today thinking if there have been times that have felt difficult and hopeless at the time, but when you look back you can see how God has received Glory. Pray for the situations that you know of that are difficult for your friends and family and ask Jesus to work through these times. "For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end." v26

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 our Lord.

http://www.churchofengland.org/

Day 20 Jeremiah 38 v 1-13 Jeremiah down the well

Jeremiah 38 v 1-13 Jeremiah down the well
(Click the link to get to the passage) 

We spend a second day thinking of people who are treated badly for speaking the truth. Jeremiah was the victim of men plotting to have him killed and treated badly because of speaking out the word of The Lord. But he was also rescued by a godly man being willing to speak out against the injustice, and to act to bring him back from the well he had been put in.

Think back and remember if there have been times when you have had to make difficult decisions to speak out against injustice. Or remember people you know who have suffered injustice because of what they believe and have stood up for. Lift them to God today and ask for his encouragement and blessing on them. Also ask for him to renew your sensitivity to notice when others experience injustice around you.

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 our Lord.

http://www.churchofengland.org/

Day 19 Obadiah 1; 1 Kings 18 v 1-15 Obadiah

Obadiah 1       Kings 18 v 1-15 Obadiah 
(Click the link to get to the passage) 

Obadiah is not one of the better known characters of the Bible. His message is not an easy one to deliver, and he lived at a time when the prophets of God were treated badly. But still he is faithful to his Lord, putting himself in danger by hiding 100 prophets and faithfully presenting the word of God.

There are many in the world who are not safe being a Christian where they live. There are people killed and imprisoned for their trust in Jesus. Take time today to remember them in prayer and ask for God's protection, peace and encouragement. Maybe spend a moment looking at the websites below of charities who work to protect and reach out to Christians in difficult and dangerous parts of the world.

http://www.opendoorsuk.org/

http://www.hart-uk.org/

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 our Lord.

http://www.churchofengland.org/

Day 18 2 Kings 5 v 1-27 Naaman

2 Kings 5 v 1-27 Naaman
(Click the link to get to the passage) 

Pride can be devastating. It can, as the proverb goes, come before a fall. But it can also get in the way of us being the men that God really wants us to be and even more soberingly can lead us to the place where God actually opposes us (James 4:6). For Naaman it was his leprosy, something that was seen as unclean in the ancient world. His pride made it difficult for him to listen to the Godly counsel of his wife's servant girl. But more strikingly, it stopped him from bathing in a river that he considered was beneath him. It takes a brave friend to point out his foolish ways, and happily the story turns out well for Naaman.

Are there areas in your life where you suffer from pride? Reflect on your family life, work life, church life. Are there things that are beneath you? And if so is God wanting to challenge you to wash them away in the river of his cleansing? Do you a have a wise and Godly friend who would tell you if you did? Pray and ask what God thinks about how you act and behave, and be willing to listen to the answer.

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 our Lord.

http://www.churchofengland.org/

Day 17 Genesis 2 v 1-25 Adam

Genesis 2 v 1-25 Adam
(Click the link to get to the passage) 

Our work plays an important role in our lives. Whether we are studying, employed, retired or unemployed, what we spend our days doing is has an effect in how we see ourselves and how we are seen by others. In a way it is a living out of what God put Adam into the garden to achieve - to work it and care for it. But it is possible that our 21st century society has put too much emphasis on what our employment is. It is often the first question we ask someone when we meet them - "so what do you do?" It is important to remember that God's love for us is not dependent on what our job is, how much we earn or which company we work for. God is more interested in how we do our work, how we interact with our colleagues and do our best in all we undertake.

Take time today to pray for those who you meet and spend time with day by day, either in a work context, or as part of your weekly routine. Remember anyone you know who is out of work, and pray that they will find employment that matches their skills and God's purpose for their lives.

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 our Lord.

http://www.churchofengland.org/

Day 16 Jonah 1 v 1-17; Jonah

Jonah 1 v 1-17; Jonah
(Click the link to get to the passage) 

Have you ever wanted to run away from God? Some say they felt themselves running from God before they became a Christian. Others know that God is calling them to something specific, but they don't want that to be the case and try desperately to find something else that God might prefer them to do.

It can be sharing our faith with a friend or colleague. We hope that they might become a Christian, yet shy away from sharing our faith with them.

Jonah's example is extreme - the chances of us being swallowed by a fish to put us back into God's plan are unlikely. However it is striking to notice the importance of him doing what God had for him to do - the destruction of a city was averted.

Take time today to check you are not running away from God. Ask him to show you afresh the path of his will for your life. Remember - a prayer of "Lord I want to do your will" is powerful, and one that God wants to answer more than you want to ask.

Almighty God,
you show to those who are in error the light of your truth,
that they may return to the way of righteousness:
grant to all those who are admitted
      into the fellowship of Christ's religion,
that they may reject those things
      that are contrary to their profession,
and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same;
through our Lord Jesus Christ.

http://www.churchofengland.org/

Day 15 Habakkuk 3 v 1-19 Habakkuk

Habakkuk 3 v 1-19 Habakkuk
(Click the link to get to the passage)  

For today, as a reflection, reread the passage slowly verse by verse. Think about the extremes of what Habakkuk writes, and how each time he comes back to the Sovereign Lord. 

Repeat verse 18 in your head a few times, reflecting on what it means to "be joyful in God my Saviour".

Almighty God,
you show to those who are in error the light of your truth,
that they may return to the way of righteousness:
grant to all those who are admitted
      into the fellowship of Christ's religion,
that they may reject those things
      that are contrary to their profession,
and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same;
through our Lord Jesus Christ.

http://www.churchofengland.org/

Day 14 Hosea 1; Hosea 3; Hosea

Hosea 1  Hosea 3  Hosea
(Click the link to get to the passage) 

The church is described as the bride of Christ, yet like Israel in the days of Hosea, we as the church could be described "like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the LORD".

In a time when the church worldwide faces many challenges, take time today to pray for the church. Where we stray from the truth of God, ask for his correction. Where there are those who suffer and live in fear of their lives because of following Christ, pray for protection. Where Christians flee their homes in fear of what might happen to them, pray for change in the political situation they live in. Remember today that we are part of a worldwide family - the children of God.

Almighty God,
you show to those who are in error the light of your truth,
that they may return to the way of righteousness:
grant to all those who are admitted
      into the fellowship of Christ's religion,
that they may reject those things
      that are contrary to their profession,
and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same;
through our Lord Jesus Christ.

http://www.churchofengland.org/

Day 13 Matthew 26 v 14-30; 47-56 Judas and his Betrayal

Matthew 26 v 14-30 Judas and his Betrayal
Matthew 26 v 47-56
(Click the links to get to the passages) 

This feels one of the most difficult reflections to write. What can we say about a man who spent three years in the presence of Jesus and then at the end chose to betray him for pieces of silver? For those of us who have experienced betrayal, we know and understand the power of it, the destruction it can wreak, and how incapacitating it can be.

All we can do is protect our own hearts from betraying others. Do we keep ourselves true to our word? Do we mean what we say and say what we mean? Are we quick to apologise and the first to forgive? Do we keep a short list of grievances and live to serve and see the best in others? Are we the first to praise and the last to gossip?

And if we find ourselves betrayed, seek the solace of God.

Jesus spent three years with the man that he knew would betray him, welcoming him as one of his close disciples.

Almighty God,
you show to those who are in error the light of your truth,
that they may return to the way of righteousness:
grant to all those who are admitted
      into the fellowship of Christ's religion,
that they may reject those things
      that are contrary to their profession,
and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same;
through our Lord Jesus Christ.

http://www.churchofengland.org/

Day 12 1 Samuel 20 v 1-42 Jonathan and David

1 Samuel 20 v 1-42 Jonathan and David
(Click the link to get to the passage) 

Godly friendship is an amazing blessing, but not something that we men find easy. Being willing to let down our barriers, allow people to ask the difficult questions, and share our faith with other Christian brothers puts us in a vulnerable position in one sense. However, the benefits are transformational if we allow the Holy Spirit to use our friendships to challenge and build us up in the power of his love.

Think back over your Christian life and thank God for the men who have played an important role in your faith and faithfulness over the years. Consider texting or emailing (even writing them a letter!) to thank them for their valuable contribution.

Then think about your current Christian friends and thank God for them too. With them, your walk of faith is so much more secure.

Almighty God,
you show to those who are in error the light of your truth,
that they may return to the way of righteousness:
grant to all those who are admitted
      into the fellowship of Christ's religion,
that they may reject those things
      that are contrary to their profession,
and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same;
through our Lord Jesus Christ.

http://www.churchofengland.org/

Day 11 1 Samuel 17 v 1-58 David and Goliath

1 Samuel 17 v 1-58 David and Goliath
(Click the link to get to the passage) 

Sometimes we misjudge the enemy before us. We can find ourselves in situations that, from where we see them, seem insurmountable and all-consuming. The Israelite army had got itself into such a position - Goliath seemed unbeatable, the man who would lead to their downfall and death. God had other plans - through the unexpected skills of a shepherd boy and a small stone. With one Godly action, and a faithful declaration, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty", The Lord delivers David and the whole army out of the hands of their adversary.

Take time today to pray for yourself and those you know, especially for those for whom life is tough and with foes that seem so difficult. Pray for the shepherd boy with five small stones - someone who can come unexpectedly inspired by the spirit of God - acting to bring His salvation into the situation.

Almighty God,
you show to those who are in error the light of your truth,
that they may return to the way of righteousness:
grant to all those who are admitted
      into the fellowship of Christ's religion,
that they may reject those things
      that are contrary to their profession,
and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same;
through our Lord Jesus Christ.

http://www.churchofengland.org/

Day 10 Acts 9 v 1-19 Paul's Conversion

Acts 9 v 1-19 Paul's Conversion   
(Click the link to get to the passage) 

Paul has one of the most amazing conversions in the Bible, maybe even in history. He turns from his life of persecuting the church, seeking to destroy all who say they serve Jesus, to a life dedicated to his service.

Our own conversion, though maybe not as extreme, is still as equally profound. People are known to say, "I wish my conversion was as impressive as theirs". This is deeply wrong, belittling what Jesus has done for each one of us.

Take time today to think back over your Christian life. Your discovery of Jesus and his love for you, the good times and the tough times, the times of doubt and the times of certainty. Remember anew the joy of your salvation, the gift of his Holy Spirit in you, and the journey we are all on to meeting him face to face one day in Heaven.  

Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness,
and was tempted as we are, yet without sin:
give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit;
and, as you know our weakness,
so may we know your power to save;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Collect for the First Sunday of Lent http://www.churchofengland.org/

Day 9 John 21 v 15-25 Peter is Reinstated by Jesus

John 21 v 15-25 Peter is Reinstated by Jesus
(Click the link to get to the passage) 

We will all know times when we wish the ground could swallow us up. When we know we have let someone down more than we could ever have believed. A stupid throw-away comment that hurts another so deep that we wish we could unsay. Something we do that we wish we could undo. It is amazing to read Jesus' reinstating of Peter, knowing that he has "wept bitterly" about his denial of His Saviour. Jesus is firm yet compassionate. He is loving yet allows Peter to realise that what he did was serious. Jesus’ question of "do you love me?" cuts like a knife yet restores Peter and changes the direction of his life.

If you have something in your life that you know has hurt Jesus, either by what you have done to others, or said to Jesus himself, use this time of Lent to allow him to ask you "do you love me?" Be restored and let him help you work through the consequences.

Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness,
and was tempted as we are, yet without sin:
give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit;
and, as you know our weakness,
so may we know your power to save;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Collect for the First Sunday of Lent http://www.churchofengland.org/

Day 8 2 Kings 4 v 1 - 37 Elisha and the Widow

2 Kings 4 v 1 - 37 Elisha and the Widow
(Click the link to get to the passage) 

It can be easy to take things for granted. When things have come to us easily or we have had them a long time or we have just got so used to them being there, we hardly notice them anymore. Other things we have worked hard for, or waited such a long time for - there is just no way we would forget them or take them for granted. Often however it is when these things are taken away from us that we realise just how important they are to us. It may be no fault of our own that they are gone. It might be for a very short time or an extended period - even forever. There can be immense pain and sadness, and immense joy and relief if they are returned to us.

Take time today to think afresh of the things in your life that mean a lot to you. You might find it helpful to imagine putting together a time capsule of what is valuable to you. Then lay them all before God and thank him for allowing them to be part of your life.

Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness,
and was tempted as we are, yet without sin:
give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit;
and, as you know our weakness,
so may we know your power to save;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Collect for the First Sunday of Lent http://www.churchofengland.org/

Day 7 1 Kings 18 v 16-46 Elijah and the Prophets of Baal

1 Kings 18 v 16-46 Elijah and the Prophets of Baal    
(Click the link to get to the passage) 

Sometimes there are things that happen in our lives that leave us in no doubt that God has acted powerfully, reminding us of his awesome presence and Glory. Sometimes they are called mountaintop experiences, times when we are left in no doubt that Jesus is Lord and is all powerful. For Elijah, he called shamelessly on the name of The Lord to act to overcome the influence of the prophets of Baal, and The Lord answered with fire from heaven. The people were left with only one possibility - to fall prostrate on the ground and declare "The LORD—he is God! The LORD—he is God!”

Take time today to think back over the things that God has done in your life that have spoken powerfully to you and others around you. Praise God for them, and let the memory remind you again of what he has done for you. Thank him for your salvation - the most amazing thing that he has done for you.

Almighty God,

whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness,
and was tempted as we are, yet without sin:
give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit;
and, as you know our weakness,
so may we know your power to save;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Collect for the First Sunday of Lent http://www.churchofengland.org/

Day 6 Judges 16 v 1-31 Samson regains his strength

Judges 16 v 1-31 Samson regains his Strength 
(Click the link to get to the passage)  

It is sad when people get distracted from the ways of God by members of the opposite sex. It is worse when they find their lives badly affected, or even devastated by inappropriate, ill advised or wrong relationships. No matter what our relationship status might be, we must be on our guard from what might damage our relationship with God and others.

For those of you who are married, take time today to recommit your marriage to The Lord.  Ask for his blessing and protection on your wife, and your relationship with her.

For all of us, make a mental list of those we know who are married or who soon will be. Thank God for them, their relationships and families. Ask God to challenge and protect those who are tempted by unfaithfulness. Ask Him to reinvigorate the marriages of those who find it a struggle.

Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness,
and was tempted as we are, yet without sin:
give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit;
and, as you know our weakness,
so may we know your power to save;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Collect for the First Sunday of Lent http://www.churchofengland.org/

Day 5 Joshua 6 v 1- 27 Joshua and the Walls of Jericho

Joshua 6 v 1- 27 Joshua and the Walls of Jericho    
(Click the link to go to the passage)

Sometimes God wants us to do the strangest things. He asked Joshua to march around a city for 7 days and then blow the trumpets and shout. Do you think he was expecting the walls to come tumbling down at that point? To the Israelites, the walls would have seemed impenetrable; they would have thought that walking around them would have achieved nothing. It is possible to imagine the jeers of the people in the city as each day they made their way around the walls.
But God wanted them to see the power of trusting him, and that he was their God. Sometimes we do things for Jesus that mean we do what others might consider crazy. Or receive jeers and ridicule from others because of what we stand up for.

Take time to consider what it is that God might want us to stand up for today. Someone he might want us to defend, befriend, lend an ear or listen to. It might seem strange or unexpected at the time, but at the end we will see how God achieves his purposes.

Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness,
and was tempted as we are, yet without sin:
give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit;
and, as you know our weakness,
so may we know your power to save;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Collect for the First Sunday of Lent http://www.churchofengland.org/

Day 4 Exodus 3 v 1-21 Moses and the Burning Bush

Exodus 3 v 1-21 Moses and the Burning Bush    
(Click the link to get to the passage)

Moses had an unexpected and quite intense encounter with the living God. He drew close to the holiness of God and was never the same again. He received a calling that would change his life. He would have the ear of the most powerful leader, watch The Lord perform amazing miracles through him and lead the people of God for forty years through the wilderness. And it all started with the word of The Lord coming to him through a bush that didn't burn.

It is interesting to see the honesty that Moses shares with his God. He respectfully shares his worries and doubts, and God reassures him that he will be with him. He shares his name, and sends him out to the Israelites with the power of "I AM WHO I AM".

It is possible that God wants to meet with you in an unexpected and powerful way this Lent time. Take time today to be quiet and listen to His voice. Be willing to take off your metaphorical shoes and hide your face, excited to hear from the creator God of the universe who loves you.

 

Almighty and everlasting God,

you hate nothing that you have made

and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent:

create and make in us new and contrite hearts

that we, worthily lamenting our sins

and acknowledging our wretchedness,

may receive from you, the God of all mercy,

perfect remission and forgiveness;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Collect for the First Sunday of Lent http://www.churchofengland.org/

Day 3 Genesis 37 v 12-36 Joseph sold into slavery

Genesis 37 v 12-36 Joseph sold into slavery
(Click the link to get to the passage) 

Things don't always work out as we expect. Joseph would have had no idea what his brothers were going to do to him as he set off to find them. Things happen to us that we don't expect and certainly didn't plan for. Joseph found himself in a foreign country sold to a foreign master, but still he serves God faithfully.

When things don't go quite as expected, the emotion linked with the situations can be intense. Joseph's father declares that he will mourn until he dies. It can be hard in these situations to trust that God does know the big picture and will be by our side throughout.

Take time today to remember that Jesus has promised to be with us in all situations. Remember that in the workplace, home, family time, quiet times, lonely times, tough times and joyful times. And pray for those you know who find themselves "sold to the Ishmaelites".

Almighty and everlasting God,

you hate nothing that you have made

and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent:

create and make in us new and contrite hearts

that we, worthily lamenting our sins

and acknowledging our wretchedness,

may receive from you, the God of all mercy,

perfect remission and forgiveness;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Collect for the First Sunday of Lent http://www.churchofengland.org/ 

Day 2 Genesis 12 v 1-9 The Call of Abraham

Genesis 12 v 1-9 The Call of Abraham    
(Click the link to get to the passage)

A promise is a powerful thing. Being able to take people at their word is a valuable thing, and for our words to be trustworthy is equally important. Abram hears God's promise - a word from Him that is both amazing and far-reaching. In some ways we still live under the same promise that he received thousands of years ago. Abram was willing to action what he heard - setting off from what was known and familiar and arriving in a new and challenging place. 

Take a moment to reflect on verse 7. "The LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him."
Think about something that you trusted God with recently, and how you have built an altar to thank and praise him for his faithfulness in it.

Almighty and everlasting God,

you hate nothing that you have made

and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent:

create and make in us new and contrite hearts

that we, worthily lamenting our sins

and acknowledging our wretchedness,

may receive from you, the God of all mercy,

perfect remission and forgiveness;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Collect for the First Sunday of Lent http://www.churchofengland.org/

Day 1 Matthew 4 v 1-11 Jesus in the Wilderness

Matthew 4 Jesus in the Wilderness 
(Click the link to get to the passage) 

This is where it all begins for Lent. Jesus is led out to the wilderness by the Holy Spirit. We'll never know what forty days of prayer and fasting feels like in the wilderness of Israel. But we can be sure that it was a vital part of Jesus' ministry here on Earth - or he wouldn't have done it! Luke 4:14 perhaps reveals how vital, suggesting that the pathway to knowing the power of the Spirit in our lives is the path through the wilderness and temptation.

Like Jesus, temptations are something that we face every day. As it says in the Lord's Prayer, spend time today asking Jesus to lead you, not into the cycle of continuing temptation, but rather ask him to deliver you each day, hour and minute from evil. God gives us strength to resist temptation when we call on His name. We need to set our eyes on Jesus and not wander away. Just as Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights so too we can also fast. Ask God to give you the power and strength to fast to the last.

Almighty and everlasting God,

you hate nothing that you have made

and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent:

create and make in us new and contrite hearts

that we, worthily lamenting our sins

and acknowledging our wretchedness,

may receive from you, the God of all mercy,

perfect remission and forgiveness;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Collect for the First Sunday of Lent http://www.churchofengland.org/

 

It's Lent tomorrow!

Lent starts tomorrow. The first post will go live at midnight, then at the same time each day. 

If you've not got the postcard why not print out a copy from the link below and keep it in your Bible? 

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4MlNuTTRkjSTU02bWJiN2xyMUU/preview?pli=1

Let's pray today for Jesus to bless us over the coming weeks, and teach us new things about himself. 

And also pray for each other - although we don't all know each other we are brothers in Christ. Why not comment at the end of a reflection so we all get to share what God is teaching and showing us this Lent?