Petitions/Prayer of the Faithful for February 22, 2015--First Sunday of Lent

For this coming Sunday, February 22, 2015, I have tried to keep in mind the terrible beheadings of the Coptic Christians in Libya, Jesus' own response to violence, the endless cycle of revenge, and Gandhi's comment on how "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth leaves the world blind and toothless." Jesus and Gandhi were on the same page there! And as usual, I tried to remember the homeless, hungry, and ill-clothed during this bitter-cold winter weather. Also, I reflected on Ash Wednesday and Lent and the assigned readings for Sunday, where we hear about the "rainbow sign," God's covenant with Noah and all people.

Prayer of the Faithful for Sunday February 22, 2015. First Sunday of Lent.

Celebrant: As we celebrate the Eucharist in this season of preparation, let us, dear sisters and brothers, approach the one God to voice all our needs.

  

• That we might rejoice in the “rainbow sign,” the covenant God gave to Noah. We pray to the Lord.

• That the ashes of Ash Wednesday remind us of the shortness of life and the urgency to give our all to build the Kingdom of God. We pray to the Lord.

• That we might use the 40 days of Lent to repent for our sins and selfishness and prepare for the coming of the Lord’s peaceful and just Kingdom.  We pray to the Lord.

• For the protection of Christians in the Middle East.  We pray to the Lord.

• That the cycle of revenge be ended in the world’s war zones. We pray to the Lord.

• That the idea of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, which leaves the world blind and toothless, be replaced with Jesus’ response to violence. We pray to the Lord.

• For our neighbors who are homeless, hungry, or ill-clothed, help us to respond to their needs during this bitter-cold winter. We pray to the Lord.

• and for those for whom this mass is offered [name them]. We pray to the Lord.

Let us pause now and silently offer to the Father our own particular intentions [...allow for silence...]. We pray to the Lord.

Celebrant: Father, during this season of Lent, we have hope that you will be moved to hear and respond to our sincere prayers, for they are asked in the name of your generous Son, and in the power of your Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.