Praying with Creation:
the Season of Lent
Ash Wednesday through
the Sunday of the Passion
Year B
by Don Luther
Ash Wednesday
Joel
2:12-19; 2Cor. 5:20b-6:2; Mt. 6:1-6, 16-21
Lord of the living and
the dead, great is your mercy. You lead us, and all your creatures, through
death to life, the way of your Son. You have set us within this web of life
wearing the ashesof our mortality. In the time we have, let us walk lightly, caringly
and courageously in your creation.
First Sunday in Lent
Gen.
9:8-17; Ps. 25:1-9; 1 Pt. 3:18-22; Mk. 1:9-15
Sovereign of the
universe, your first covenant of mercy was with every living creature. When
your beloved Son came among us, the waters of the river welcomed him, the
heavens opened to greet his arrival, the beasts of the wilderness drew near as
his companions. Washed into new life through baptism, lead us and all people in
the way of your new creation, the way of mercy, justice and peace.
Second Sunday in Lent
Gen.
17:1-7, 15-16; Ps. 22:22-30; Rom. 4:13-25; Mk. 8:31-38
Creator of the stars of
night, through our ancient forebears, Abraham and Sarah, you covenanted to draw
all people into your life. Before such grace, the hosts of heaven adore you;
sun and moon rejoice in your presence; all creatures sing your praises. May we,
and all the followers of your Christ, take up our crosses to your glory.
Third Sunday in Lent
Ex.
20:1-17; Ps. 19; 1Cor. 1:18-25; Jn. 2:13-22
The heavens declare your
glory, O God. And like a champion, the sun daily runs its course with joy.
According to your will, the vernal equinox is at hand as the light of day
begins to exceed the darkness. Grant your grace to farmers and gardeners who,
in these lengthening days, plant the fields in hope of harvest that all your
children may eat in joy.
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Num.
21:4-9; Ps. 107:1-3, 17-22; Eph. 2:1-10; Jn. 3:14-21
Spirit of Christ, you
breathe life in abundance in desert places where we often see only barrenness
and waste lands. As you were lifted up for the life of the world, lift us up as
caretakers of those places where life is hidden, vulnerable and precious in
your eyes.
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Jer.
31:31-34; Ps. 51:1-13; Heb. 5:5-10; Jn. 12:20-33
God of Noah, Abraham and
Israel, God of the covenants, in Christ you brought to fulfillment your
promises to redeem all peoples, all creation. As your Son was lifted up from
the earth, draw us and all people into his life, that we may bless the earth
which you have cherished from the beginning.
The Sunday of the Passion
Is.
50:4-9a; Phil. 2:5-11; Mk. 11:1-11
Praise to you Lord Jesus
Christ, who in your self-emptying love gathered up and reconciled all creation,
to the Father. Innumerable galaxies of the heavens worship you. Creatures that
grace the earth rejoice in you. All those in the deepest seas bow to you in
adoration. As we bow with them, open our eyes to see the earth under our feet,
our home, for which you emptied yourself in reconciling love.