Opening Prayer Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings for Lent 2: Genesis 12.1-4a; Psalm 121; Romans 4.1-5,13-17; John 3.1-17

A word: In Genesis we hear God giving Abram instructions on what he is to do. Alongside the instructions, God promises that he will take care of Abram (who became Abraham) and bless all nations through him. The psalm echoes this promise by reminding us that God is always watching over and taking care of us. The letter to the Romans tells us that Abram’s willingness to do that which God asked of him was counted to him as righteousness. It also tells us that if we have the same faith as Abram, we will receive the same promises that God made to Abram. The gospel shares with us how God was fulfilling his promise through Jesus, who was lifted up so we can be saved. This is God’s message to us, for us to receive and for us to share with others.

The Lord's Prayer Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be they 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 them that trespass against us. Deliver us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen

Prayer: Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: graft in our hearts the love of your name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, make us perfect in your love and by your great mercy keep us in the same, so we may share in his glory; through Jesus Christ, your Son our Lord, the true vine and the source of life, ever giving himself that the world may live. Amen

Prayer of blessing: May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.

Closing Note This message is sent to you with love and prayers as: a word of encouragement and a sign of hope.