May God bless you and our community in this Lenten prayer journey.

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2 Oh, the power of prayer that aligns with God s will! There is great joy, hope, and anticipation of response when we raise our prayer needs and concerns as a community to God! Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. The power of prayer should not be underestimated. It comes from the glory, the might, and the infinite power of our Almighty, Sovereign God! God can do anything and everything, including what we might perceive to be unbelievable. May God bless you and our community in this Lenten prayer journey.

3 The Rev. Jesse Perkins Dear Church, Lent is a holy time of the year for us Christians when we set aside time to prepare for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Our Ash Wednesday service begins by inviting us into a Holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance. My prayer for us and for this faith community is that during this season of Lent, we will turn inward and examine ourselves first, before pointing the finger at others. It is a time to examine our lives, our choices, and our gut feelings, and to repent where necessary. It is a time to give up something or take something on in order to make a course correction in the areas we find are not in line with God s Will and Kingdom. This Lent, ask the question, How can I be more like Jesus, and how can I be more Christ-like to the people I meet and to those I do not even get to see? And with faith and hope, that with God, all things are possible, and grace and forgiveness are offered to anyone who asks. Prayer to start our Lenten journey (BCP 264): Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

4 M A R C H 1 Pray for Preparation Spirit of truth and source of love open my eyes and let me see myself as God sees me and knows me. Help me to recognize the disordered affections and desires of my heart; my whispering sins and my shouting sins, things done and things left undone. Above all, give me an awareness of God s boundless compassion and generous mercy which surpass all I can ask or imagine. This I pray in the name of the One who came among us as savior, not as judge. AMEN.

5 T H U R S DAY, M A R C H 2 Pray for Peace in Times of Conflict and War ~ from the Church of England ~ Submitted by the Peace & Justice Committee of St. Michael s Compassionate God and Father of all, we are horrified at violence in so many parts of the world. It seems that none are safe, and some are terrified. Hold back the hands that kill and maim; turn around the hearts that hate. Grant instead your strong Spirit of Peace - peace that passes our understanding but changes lives, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. F R I DAY, M A R C H 3 Pray for Talia Freund a 14 year old girl with cancer and doesn t have a lot of time with us... Please pray for her, her family, and her friends. Pray for Healing Heavenly Father, today we pray for healing of our mind, spirit and bodies. We pray especially for those suffering from cancer. Bless with restored health each person suffering from cancer along with their families and friends, doctors, nurses and others caring for them. We ask in Jesus name. Amen.

6 S AT U R DAY, M A R C H 4 Pray for Our Nation and Communities Lord God, we pray for healing and safety in our nation and communities. At this time of transition, let our dialogue be civil and open, free of hate and misunderstanding. Help us to understand the perspective of others, although we might be in disagreement. Let us not become overwhelmed by the noise and discord that might surround us. Keep safe all who protect us and all whom they encounter. Thank you Heavenly Father for hearing our prayers and guiding us on our journey, now and always. Amen. Pray for Unity Dearest God, thank you for giving us your strong fathering qualities to guide us through this challenging political time. Thank you for giving us your gentle mothering qualities so we can learn to love each other regardless of political beliefs.

7 M A R C H 5 Pray for Turning Down the Noise Many of us have prayer lives dominated by petition and intercession. We are either asking God for something for ourselves or we are asking God for something on behalf of someone else. Now, there is nothing wrong with asking God for things. I have spent many an hour in prayer beseeching God about one thing or another. And there have been many times when I would not have made it without the intercessory prayers of others holding me up. But I think we sometimes forget that there is another part of the spiritual life. Prayer is as much listening to God as it is talking to God. Prayer is shutting down the noise in our lives, opening ourselves to the divine and listening to God s word to us. There are many ways of quieting our souls and opening our hearts to God s presence in our lives. How much silence do you have in your life? If God were speaking to you, would you be able to hear his promptings? Turn off your radio in the morning as you travel to work. Turn off the TV at night when you get home. Prayer is all about relationship and a good relationship is always a two-way street. In order to maintain relationships we have to listen as well as talk. Take the time to listen to God. The conversation can be wonderful.

8 M O N DAY, M A R C H 6 Pray For Those Who Need Your Loving Arms To Enfold Them. ~ The Rev. Judith Heinrich, Deacon Be they sick in body, mind or spirit. May they turn to you for your healing power with the knowledge that you are traveling with them in their time of need. Restore them to health and strength and give solace to all who wait and watch. T U E S DAY, M A R C H 7 Pray for Guidance ~ The Book of Common Prayer O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have us to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. W E D N E S DAY, M A R C H 8 Pray for This Beautiful Planet and all its creatures and creation that God has entrusted to us for safekeeping. Pray for Renewal of Spirit Dear Father, during this Lenten season, may God fill us with a sense of renewal and strengthened faith as we look forward to Easter and spring which follows. Bless us with your guidance and love. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

9 T H U R S DAY, M A R C H 9 Pray for Us in Times of Conflict ~ The Book of Common Prayer O God you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Pray for Our Teenagers Open their eyes to see You as they confront decisions in their daily lives. Let them find comfort in you. Let them feel the power of the Holy Spirit. F R I DAY, M A R C H 1 0 Pray for the Meek God, Creator, One Known by many names... I place the elders and infirm in my family and community into your hands...(name these people). I give thanks for their wisdom and inspiration. I give thanks for the time we have remaining to continue to come to know each other and YOU. With grateful heart, I thank all who minister to these good souls. I ask for your guidance that I may do my part to ease their burdens and guide them on their way. Grateful am I for the Home Lay Eucharistic Ministry at St. Michaels. Thank you for the love, communion, and companionship you share so generously! S AT U R DAY, M A R C H 1 1 Pray for All in the World to learn to listen before talking and to never talk over someone else. Whether you agree or not, listen to another to understand their perspective. Pray for all in the world to learn to compromise. Giving up a little reaps much more.

10 M A R C H 1 2 March 3rd, 4pm to March 4th, 4pm Pray to Stay on The right road ~ a prayer by Thomas Merton God, we have no idea where we are going. We do not see the road ahead of us. We cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do we really know ourselves, and the fact that we think we are following your will does not mean that we are actually doing so. But we believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And we hope we have that desire in all that we are doing. We hope that we will never do anything apart from that desire. And we know that if we do this you will lead us by the right road, though we may know nothing about it. Therefore, we will trust you always though we may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. We will not fear, for you are ever with us and you will never leave us to face our perils alone. Guardian of my Deepest Self, I need to be still, to listen, not only to falling leaves and the gentle wind; I need to listen to my soul, too long neglected while I bowed to the wild cries of my greedy culture, ever ravenous for my undivided attention: Do more, buy more, see more, be more, go more. Let me be still amid the beauty of earth. Let me be a silent admirer of all that is sacred. Let me be reverent in the presence of another. Let me restore my inner eye. Let me put to rest the wildness of endless activity.

11 M O N DAY, M A R C H 1 3 Pray for the Hungry, the Homeless, the Least and the Lost ~ The Rev. Laurie Michaels, Deacon For those near and far who are in turmoil this day, For every family in its brokenness, For the woundedness in our own lives and for every creature that is suffering, O God of all life, we pray. T U E S DAY, M A R C H 1 4 Pray for Family and Loved Ones Heavenly Father, I pray for my family and loved ones today. May they be protected from all danger and harm, and may they be strong in warding off temptations or harmful choices. I pray that they will encounter joy, encouragement, positive relationships, and validation in who they are and in what they do today. In their encounters throughout the day, I pray that they will be thoughtful of others and compassionate to those in need of a friend or a helping hand. And at the end of the day, I pray that they will be forever mindful of their blessings and give thanks to You. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. W E D N E S DAY, M A R C H 1 5 Pray for Humility and a Penitent Heart Accept me into your presence I pray; open my mind that I may better understand You, my eyes to clearly see You and my ears to loudly hear You. I ask these in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Pray for the Journey Gracious Father, thank you for your presence as we journey through our day each with its blessings and sorrows, joys and disappointments. May we continue to strive to live as you would have us do.

12 T H U R S DAY, M A R C H 1 6 Pray for St. Michael s Wonderful Lord God, bless this Church and all who worship here. Keep her good people safe and grounded in the Spirit. Keep us ever mindful to reach out within our parish community and outward to those less fortunate. Let us be inspired by scripture daily as we seek to be good stewards of the Kingdom here on earth. In your glorious name we pray. Amen. F R I DAY, M A R C H 1 7 Pray Not to Worry About Tomorrow ~ Matthew 6: therefore, do not worry, saying What will we eat?, or what will we drink? or what will we wear? For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well... So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today s trouble is enough for today... S AT U R DAY, M A R C H 1 8 Pray for Peace and Unity Dear Heavenly Father, we ask you to bless us with your divine guidance in bringing our country to be peaceful and unified during this time of unrest. Grant us peace as we gather together, O Lord, regardless of our differences. Show us the way so that we may come together united in our love for our Savior, Jesus Christ. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

13 M A R C H 1 9 Pray for a New Way in the Comfort of an Old Friend ~ Peace Prayer of St. Francis Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek To be consoled as to console, To be understood as to understand, To be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; It is in dying to self that we are born to eternal life."

14 Pray for Insight M O N DAY, M A R C H 2 0 Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. Help me to see you in all I encounter today. Help me to know your Love and presence in my life. Thank you for the many ways you reveal yourself to me. Forgive me when I lose sight of your marvelous goodness. May I welcome you with open arms as I begin this new day. May you welcome me with open arms as I lay aside the cares of this day and sleep in your Heavenly presence this evening. T U E S DAY, M A R C H 2 1 Pray for When We Think We ve Lost Our Way ~ Psalm 138 On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me. W E D N E S DAY, M A R C H 2 2 Pray for Our Young People ~ St. Michaels Youth Ministries Pray for the young men and women in our community that they may realize their full potential and become valuable members to our society; examples of decency; and grow in their faith to God and Country.

15 Pray for Serenity T H U R S DAY, M A R C H 2 3 God, give me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change Courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference Living one day at a time Enjoying one moment at a time Accepting hardship as a path to peace. Amen ~ by Reinhold Niebuhr F R I DAY, M A R C H 2 4 Pray for a Spirit of Community O God, our heavenly Father, make the door of our community wide enough to receive all who need human love and fellowship and a Father s care; and narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and uncharitableness. Make its threshold smooth enough to be no stumbling-block to children, the weak or those with straying feet. Make it strong enough to bolster our faith when the winds inevitably howl. Make the door to our community a gateway to Thy Eternal Kingdom. Give us this day an increase in Thy Holy Spirit of love and let us be a service to others, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. S AT U R DAY, M A R C H 2 5 Pray the Morning Prayer of Philaret of Moscow O Lord, grant me to greet the coming day in peace. Help me in all things to rely upon Your holy will. In every hour of the day reveal Your will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Teach me to treat all that comes to me throughout the day with peace of soul, and with the firm conviction that Your will governs all. In all my deeds and words guide my thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events let me not forget that all are sent by You. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering or embarrassing others. Give me strength to bear the fatigue of this coming day with all that it will bring. Direct my will, teach me to pray, pray You Yourself in me. Amen.

16 Pray for Wellness M A R C H 2 6 ~ Relay For Life of Barrington, American Cancer Society Almighty and Loving God, we remember that Your will for each of us is health and peace, fullness of each life and wholeness of each life. We know that illness of every sort challenges Your plan and, therefore, must challenge us. We thank You for those in sickness who rise to the challenge by bravely fighting on, and who continue to live and grow and love and serve in spite of the pain and suffering. We thank You for all who minister to cancer patients; for those who are instruments of Your healing grace - the doctors, nurses, technicians, those involved in research and experimentation, and rabbis, priests, pastors, family and friends who are there with those who suffer - all channels of Your healing love. Finally, we thank You for institutions and organizations that provide care - whose purpose is to challenge all that corrupts and destroys the creatures of God. Pray for Divine Inspiration Dear Lord, We pray that you will help the Doctors and give them the knowledge to find the cures for some of the most devastating diseases like ALS, Cancer, Diabetes and Heart Disease which affect so many people and their families.

17 M O N DAY, M A R C H 2 7 Pray for Women Everywhere T U E S DAY, M A R C H 2 8 ~ AWSM - All Women of St. Michael's Pray for all women who are in need of food, shelter, safety, love, friendship, peace and spiritual guidance. Pray for us all as we search for answers during these unsettling times. Pray that the women of St. Michael's had a wonderful and fulfilling Lenten Retreat. Pray for the Fathers and Mothers Who must find the courage to let their children go. Then pray for the children who must have the courage to leave on their own. Then pray for them all for the courage to reconcile differences growing up. Then pray they circle back because the love learned keeps calling them home if just for a while. W E D N E S DAY, M A R C H 2 9

18 T H U R S DAY, M A R C H 3 0 Pray for LOVE ~ 1 Corinthians 13 Love Love Love Remembering that: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." F R I DAY, M A R C H 3 1 Pray for All Who Are Seeking a Place of Worship ~ The Greeters Ministry Pray for those who are filled with grace and welcome those who are looking for a spiritual home. May those who are seeking God find the open arms of this parish. And may those who welcome newcomers guide them to the answers they are seeking. Pray for All Who Provide Hospitality in This Parish ~ The Coffee Ministry Pray that the hospitality delivers comfort to those in need. May the love shown to everyone in and outside this parish wrap God's love around them. Pray for those who make coffee and provide any kind of hospitality in this parish.

19 S AT U R DAY, A P R I L 1 Pray for Faithfulness Please Father God Let me be the best person I can be, following your Holy Commandments & tenets of our Christian heritage. Let me serve you, by serving others. Amen. Pray for Peace Within ~ from The Insomnia Rosary, Tim McNaught, St. John s Canberra The peace of all peace be mine this night. Let all the tumult within me cease. Enfold me, Lord, in Your peace. Circle me Lord; keep peace within; keep evil out. Hide me in the shadow of your wings, O Lord. Pray for Compassionate Listening A P R I L 2 Gracious God, in whose love all Creation has been generated, guide us in following the way of Jesus to listen with quiet minds and generous hearts. Like Jesus who heard humbly that even scraps nourish, and responded in kindness to heal, may we hear rebuke as kind correction and may we respond generously, resisting any temptation to snark. Like Jesus who accepted praise by honoring his Abba, may we be mindful on hearing ourselves praised that whatever may be said to be good about us is shared with all who formed, guided, and inspired us. May our prayer life lead to listening more deeply and with more tender hearts your Word of loving-kindness for all Creation, and following the example of the Word incarnate may we respond by feeding, clothing, and visiting, in the Name of One God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

20 M O N DAY, A P R I L 3 Pray for Vocation in Daily Work ~ The Book of Common Prayer Almighty God our heavenly Father, you declare your glory and show forth your handiwork in the heavens and in the earth: Deliver us, we pray, in our various occupations from the service of self alone, that we may do the work which you have given us to do in truth and beauty and for the common good; for the sake of him who came among us as one who serves, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Pray for the Sick T U E S DAY, A P R I L 4 I lift up all those have cancer, that they may be healed. I lift up their caregivers and families who are also suffering through this crisis. I also lift up the doctors, scientists and other health professionals who are trying to find a cure so that this scourge will be eradicated forever. Thank you, Lord Jesus, you are an Awesome God who teaches us love and compassion and only asks for the same in return. Guide us, Lord, to walk in your way. Amen. Pray to Be Present W E D N E S DAY, A P R I L 5 At every moment of our existence, You are present to us, Father in gentle compassion. Help us to be present to one another, So that our presence may be a strength That heals the wounds of time and gives hope-that is for all persons through Jesus, our Lord and Brother.

21 T H U R S DAY, A P R I L 6 Pray for Our Teachers May God fill their cup with patience, wisdom, kindness, compassion, and love, that out of his gracious bounty they may teach and bless others. Pray that they lead as Christlike examples in our schools and communities and teach our children to love and respect all people as brothers and sisters in Christ. Pray for their families, that they may find rest and balance between home and their work and maintain harmonious relationships. Pray for God's holy inspiration to give them energy and creativity as they design activities to nurture our children's growth, knowledge, and understanding of the world. Thank you Lord for the gift of teachers and their many sacrifices of love in caring for their students. Please bless and multiply their efforts. F R I DAY, A P R I L 7 Pray for Aging Friends, Classmates and Family Pray their years ahead are filled with peace, joy, and laughter. Pray the hand of God gives them excellent physical health and a strong, focused mind. Pray the Almighty will continue to direct their purpose and efforts in life. Bless that these special people will always feel the love, guidance, and support of their friends and family. Pray the Meaning and Blessings of this Easter will grow and expand their hearts. And may the challenges of Lent and the Joy of Easter touch all my friends at St. Michael s. Amen. S AT U R DAY, A P R I L 8 Pray for Those Who Have No One to Pray for Them Most loving Father, I ask Your compassion and grace on those who have no one to pray for them or to witness faith or Christian love to them. I pray for all who cannot or do not pray or believe, that You will bless them in all their needs. Hear their humble cry and grant their requests. For those who do not know to seek You, and those who desire to believe but cannot, please do not leave them wandering in the wilderness. Carry them and all your children into Your light and love.

22 A P R I L 9 Pray for Refugees ~ Peace & Justice Committee of St. Michael s Dear Lord God Help us to look upon those who have no home or are lost As our brothers and sisters, not other people. Let us reach into our hearts and our pockets and help With love, acceptance and household needs. Remind us that we could also lose our home or our way And we would need our brothers and sisters to bring us home. Remove our fears of people we should love and let us Welcome them with the love and kindness. Thank you for the many blessings and great abundance that we enjoy. Help us to remember that you want us to share our bounty With ease and humility and joy. Amen.

23 A P R I L 1 0 Pray for the South Sudan Pray for all the institutions of learning in South Sudan. Grant that all who teach and study may be filled with all kinds of good knowledge, acquire the relevant skills they need and be disciplined. Also give them patience, gentleness and understanding. Pray for the internally displaced people of South Sudan. Drive them from all snares of the enemy. Surround them with holy angels to preserve them in peace. Provide them with hope and courage with food, water, and medicine. Pray for the leaders of the church in South Sudan. Give them your wisdom and your guidance through your Holy Spirit, as they serve your people and carry out your mission according to your will. Pray for Strength A P R I L 1 1 Father, search my heart. Show me any area in my life where I may be running or hiding. I choose Today to stand in faith, and invite You to move mightily on my behalf in Jesus name. Amen. Pray for Acceptance A P R I L 1 2 ~ The Book of Common Prayer O God, who created all people's in your image, we thank you for the wonderful diversity of races and cultures in this world. Enrich our lives with ever-widening circles of fellowship and show us your presence in those who differ most from us until our knowledge of your love is made perfect in our love for all of your children through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

24 A P R I L 1 3 Pray for the Trinity ~ Pastor Ulrika Eva Vinge Holy Spirit, blessed light of truth and faith, as you lead me this Lent through deserts and hard places: be my well of living water, I thirst for righteousness and joy. Come Holy Spirit - abide in me, sustain me, renew me. Jesus Christ, blessed Son of God, my Lord and Lord of all, as I follow you this Lent into places I don't know: be my path and my protection. I long to feel your arms around my shoulders, I long to hear your words. Come Lord Jesus - abide with me - share your thoughts with me. Heavenly Father, blessed God, through you comes every blessing. As you call me to share in Christ s suffering this Lent - let me grow in assurance of your good will in every circumstance, so that I may trust that you truly are mine, and I am yours. Come Heavenly Father- abide with me - you have promised not to leave me orphaned. Amen.

25 A P R I L 1 4 Pray for Quiet Dear Lord, Life is very busy, very noisy, and I am often too distracted to hear You. May I become still, and present to life as it is right now. May I be quiet within, and sense Your Presence in every moment, every breath. Jesus, may I know today the joy of Your life within me, and Your peace which surpasses all understanding. Thank You for life in all of its forms. Amen.

26 A P R I L 1 5 Pray for Those Who Mourn Thank you for the comfort we find in Your presence. Through the Holy Spirit we know Your presence is with us. Send us Your peace Lord; the peace that passes all understanding. Don t let us waiver and doubt. Give us a faith that is everlasting. We release our lives into Your hands. As we wait and watch, we know Lord that none of us will escape this journey through death. Teach us how to embrace it with faith. Give us strength to hold up our beloveds who are stepping closer to seeing You face to face. Comfort us as our grief seems to overpower us.

27 Pray for A P R I L 1 6 ~ Submitted by the Bridge Class (4 th & 5 th graders) Our grandparents and family. Our neighbors and friends. Our pets and all animals. Pray for our soldiers that are in harm s way. Amen. Pray for Families, Grandparents, Friends and Pets ~ Submitted by the Atria II class (1 st 3rd graders) We ask that you bring us peace and ease suffering. We promise to do our best to follow your word. Amen Pray for ~ Contributed as spoken in circle time by the Atria I Class ( 3 yr. old Kindergarten) God. And. Jesus, too. For the light that they bring us The light will always show you the way. Amen. Pray for us to listen to the wisdom and faith of our children.

28 We invite you to Palm Sunday, April 9 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Wednesday in Holy Week, April 12 7:00 p.m. Taizé Service Maundy Thursday, April 13 7:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist (with incense) Good Friday, April 14 12:00 p.m. Good Friday Liturgy followed by Stations of the Cross 10:00 a.m. A Walk Through Holy Week (a service especially for children and families) 7:00 p.m. Good Friday Liturgy The Great Vigil of Easter, April 15 8:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist (with incense) Easter Day, April 16 7:00, 9:00, 11:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist