Lent 5

Bible Readings

First reading: Ezekial 37:1-14
Psalm: Psalm 130
Second reading: Romans 8:6-11
Gospel: John 11:1-45

A Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the beautiful example of Martha, who trusted You in the most grievous of life's circumstances.
Thank You that You are indeed, the resurrection and the life, for all who trust in You.
Help me to develop such a confident trust in Your word, that I am enabled to remain firmly settled in the faith, even when I am surrounded by life's greatest problems and pain.
Help me to live my life by faith and not by sight - this I ask in Jesus name, Amen.
https://prayer.knowingjesus.com/John/11

Lord, we pray for:

• wisdom, peace and protection for the Australian people as we deal with COVID-19 and what it will mean for our lives
• the Australian Government to receive the best possible advice and support to contain COVID-19 and protect our people and the economy
• the people and governments of all countries savaged by COVID-19, and for the protection of countries still free from the virus
• all who have lost their jobs or suffered a reduction in income because of the virus
• people living alone, that family and friends keep in contact during this time to ensure their physical and emotional wellbeing 

Notices

• Canberra City Uniting Church has started a YouTube video channel for connection and worship resources during this time of isolation, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhO8beb4yw
• Viewpoint Autumn 2020 available now at  https://canberra.uca.org.au/media/5201/mar2020-viewpoint-interactive.pdf. Hard copies are in the church foyer.
• Sunday services on free to air TV. Songs of Praise ABC (CH 2, 20) 11.30am; Hillsong WIN (CH 8, 80) 6.30am

A Prayer for Dispersal by Rev. Ann Perrin

Ever-living, ever-present God,
You are with us. We come before you this day
knowing we are to be dispersed,
sent out into your world
to be your church in new ways.

If we are resistant to this change Lord,
hear our prayer of confession
and bless us with forgiveness,
patience and resilience
for we are committed to care for each other as we care for ourselves.

So help us to discover new ways to share
why we live our lives committed to sharing the promises of the gospel.
During this time of upheaval, we will remember those whose groups meet in our buildings
that are no longer available to them
and the new ways they will need to be community.

We remember planned baptisms and weddings
And pray times for rejoicing will not be too far away.

We remember those for whom this time is one of uncertainty and challenge those who now live with fear and in isolation,
and those for whom this time is one of anguish and death.
Hold all those in need of your love at this time.

Holy God, you encourage us when doubtful to draw closer to you.
Allow us to recognise your Holy Spirit as our guide, comforter, and companion.

And so with the hope you instil in us
and when the time is right and this season of our church is over
we will return as your gathered community
with the joy of Easter Day, celebrating our resilience, knowing our communities are stronger than ever
to continue your work to help build a flourishing world wherever we find ourselves.

Amen