‘You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.’ Psalm 51:6
In this period of Lent, we examine our lives in the light of Christ.
We admit our failings and ask God for forgiveness.
We offer our selves afresh in service to God and to our neighbour for the kingdom’s sake.
We pray for a world that is suffering:
For those affected by the mass shooting in a Florida High School; by the cyclone Gita in Tonga and later in New Zealand, for Cameroonians fleeing violence to find refuge in Nigeria, Rohingya Muslims in refugee camps in Bangladesh and Syrians seeking refuge in basements or in camps in Lebanon.
Lord Jesus, forgive us when we turn our backs on those who suffer. Show us how we can make a difference by sharing our resources and speaking out for justice and peace.
We thank God for a fresh start for the people of South Africa following the installation of President Cyril Ramaphosa. We thank God for the Magnify initiative, providing leadership training for women in South Africa and for the Southern and East Africa Area women preparing for their Seminar in Kenya, 2019.
Lord Jesus, forgive us when we fail to trust you. Show us how we can make a difference by supporting those who work for positive change.
We thank God for last month’s South Asia Area Seminar, the first to take place in Myanmar, and in which many Burmese Methodist women were able to participate. We ask God to bless and use the letter sent by World Officers to the Ambassador for Myanmar in London and State Counsellor Aung Saan Suu Kyi, urging justice for the Rohingya people.
Lord Jesus, forgive us when we treat people differently because of their faith or ethnicity. Show us our common humanity which teaches mutual respect. We ask God’s blessing on the World Council of Churches Conference on World Mission and Evangelism March 8-13, 2018 in Arusha, Tanzania: “Moving in the Spirit–Called to Transforming Discipleship.”
We thank God for the World Day of Prayer service for 2018. ‘All God’s Creation is Very Good!’ prepared by the women of Suriname.
Lord Jesus, forgive our lack of care for your creation and teach us how to live in harmony with the earth and protect the oceans from pollution.
We pray for the Program Advisory Group of United Methodist Women, meeting in Nashville the first weekend of March, and attended this year by Matilda Johnson who then goes to New York to join Dr Brenda Smith and others for the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 62).
Lord Jesus, protect and guide those who travel, meet and confer together for your kingdom’s sake. Use these dedicated women of faith to bring hope and love and peace to your children.
Loving God, we offer you our lives afresh this day for your praise and glory.
Amen.
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