Greetings,

Today is the first Sunday in Lent, the time when we follow Jesus’ path to the cross and prepare ourselves for the resurrection that marks the end of his journey.  It is a time when we are called to seek God in prayer, to show generosity to those in need, and to give up those things which hinder our relationship with Christ.

Earlier this week I was introduced to some of Abraham Lincoln’s Proclamation for a Day of National Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer.  Written on 30 March, 1863, it reads as follows … ‘Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.  It behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.’  This language might seem strange, but it seems to me that the sentiment is real.  As a nation we have things to confess, but we have become so self-sufficient that many do not acknowledge God at all.  The prayer below, by Rev Deacon Andrea Mayes, may be a good place to start this confession.

        Creator God,
        We praise you for this beautiful world,
           and ask for your guidance to take care of it.

        Just as you made a covenant with all living creatures
           to never again flood the earth,
           may we make a promise to do all we can
           to stop the flooding of our coastlines, islands and towns
           from climate change.

        Jesus, help us resist the temptation to continue with life as normal.

        May those with the power to make bold decisions
           to protect our future, do so.

        Fill us with love for one another and for your created world.

        May we find your Holy Spirit everywhere we look.

        Empower us to be your children caring for your earth this week.

        Amen.

Blessings – Heather (she/her).