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

Readings for Lent 3 - Exodus 17.1-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5.1-11 ; John 4.5-42

A Word: The reading from Exodus shows how difficult and contrary we can become when we cannot get what we want or fail to get our own way. The reading also shows us that in all times we should trust that God will provide for us. Finally this reading shows us that when we work co-operatively together that great things can be achieved. The psalm calls us to worship and obey God and to stop being wayward because disobedience tests God’s patience. The letter to the Romans reminds us that we can do nothing to save ourselves because only God can save us. For even though we do not deserve it, God justifies us through faith. In the Gospel, we learn that Jesus seeks out all sorts of people to assist in his mission to save the world. People just like the Samaritan women who was believed to be unworthy and unsuitable to even speak with Jesus. Yet, she became a messenger for God amongst her own people. Calling them to come and meet Jesus and sharing her testimony with them. 

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.