Lord, direct our thoughts, and teach us to pray. Lift up our hearts to worship you in spirit and in truth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

‘I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.’ (Psalm 121:1,2)

Hymn: Lead us, Heavenly Father, lead us

Genesis 12:1-4a; Romans 4:1-5, 13-17

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. Let us us confess our sins remembering before God the times when we have fallen from temptation into sin:

Most merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we confess that we have sinned in thought, word and deed. We have not loved you with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. In your mercy forgive what we have been, help us to amend what we are, and direct what we shall be: that we may do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God. Amen.

May the God of love bring us back to himself, forgive us our sins, and assure us of his eternal love in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for the day: Almighty God, by the prayer and discipline of Lent may we enter into the mystery of Christ’s sufferings, and by following in his Way come to share in his glory;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

John 3:1-17

Please see the Message from the Minister.

Let us turn to the Lord in prayer:

We pray for St Peter’s Church, that our love for all will show us as your disciples;

We pray for the world, that we will learn to live in peace and to take stewardship seriously;

We pray for our friends, families and neighbours - that relationships will thrive;

We pray for people who are sick or suffering and for those on our hearts and minds today;

We pray for the departed, remembering all who mourn.

Let us pray for the coming of God’s kingdom in the prayer that Jesus taught Peter and all of us: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Hymn: Praise to the Holiest in the height...

May Christ give us grace to grow in holiness, to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him; and may the blessing of God Almighty who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit rest upon us and remain with us always.

Let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord, in the name of Christ. Amen.