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Seven Works of Mercy / Bruegel, Pieter, 1564-1638 / 17th century (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
  • Righteous God,
    in humility and repentance
    we bring our failures in caring, helping, and loving,
    we bring the pain we have caused other,
    we bring the injustice in society of which we are a part,
    to the transforming power of your grace.
    Grant us the courage to accept the healing you offer
    and to turn again toward the sunrise of your reign,
    that we may walk with you in the promise of peace
    you have willed for all the children of the earth,
    and have made known to us in Christ Jesus. Amen.
  • Intercessory
  • Gracious and merciful God,
    you see into the secret places of our hearts,
    where we mourn our sins.
    As we turn again to your grace, receive our prayers.

    Prayers of the People, concluding with:

    Look with mercy on our contrite hearts,
    wash from us the stain of iniquity,
    and create a new and right spirit in us,
    that we may declare your praise
    and offer an acceptable sacrifice in these Lenten days;
    through Christ Jesus, who bore our sins on the cross. Amen.
  • Scripture
  • O God, you delight not in pomp and show,
    but in a humble and contrite heart.
    Overturn our love of worldly possessions
    and fix our hearts more firmly on you,
    that, having nothing,
    we may yet possess everything,
    a treasure stored up for us in heaven. Amen.