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Grain Fields / Evans, Edwin, 1844-1923 / 1890 (Click the picture for more information)
Reproduced from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers copyright © 2002 Consultation on Common Texts admin. Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. A complete edition of the prayers is available though Augsburg Fortress [link].
  • Thematic
  • God of wilderness and water,
    your Son was baptized and tempted as we are.
    Guide us through this season,
    that we may not avoid struggle,
    but open ourselves to blessing,
    through the cleansing depths of repentance
    and the heaven-rending words of the Spirit. Amen.

    OR

    Artist of souls,
    you sculpted a people for yourself
    out of the rocks of wilderness and fasting.
    Help us as we take up your invitation to prayer and simplicity,
    that the discipline of these forty days
    may sharpen our hunger for the feast of your holy friendship,
    and whet our thirst for the living water you offer
    through Jesus Christ. Amen.

    OR

    God of the covenant,
    in the glory of the cross
    your Son embraced the power of death
    and broke its hold over your people.
    In this time of repentance,
    draw all people to yourself,
    that we who confess Jesus as Lord
    may put aside the deeds of death
    and accept the life of your kingdom. Amen.

    OR

    God of the living,
    through baptism we pass from the shadow of death
    to the light of the resurrection.
    Remain with us and give us hope
    that, rejoicing in the gift of the Spirit
    who gives life to our mortal flesh,
    we may be clothed with the garment of immortality,
    through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
  • Intercessory
  • Beloved friends, in this season of repentance and healing,
    we accept God's invitation to be ever-mindful of the needs of others,
    offering our prayers on behalf of God's community in the church and the world.

    Prayers of the People, concluding with:

    Fill us with your strength
    to resist the seductions of our foolish desires
    and the tempter's vain delights,
    that we may walk in obedience and righteousness,
    rejoicing in you with an upright heart. Amen.
  • Scripture
  • God of our salvation,
    your bow in the clouds
    proclaims your covenant with every living creature.
    Teach us your paths and lead us in your truth,
    that by your Holy Spirit,
    we may remember our baptismal vows
    and be keepers of your trust with earth and its inhabitants. Amen.