Sample Intercessions for February 25, 2007 - First Sunday of Lent

First Sunday of Lent, Year C
February 25, 2007

Things, events, and news items to keep in mind:

• Click here for the day's readings.
• On the First Sunday of Lent, at the Rite of Election, the entire Church gives testimony to those catechumens in whom God has been visibly active and accepts their election to be baptized at this year's Easter Vigil. This year, the Diocese of San Jose will give testimony to 488 catechumens.
• The Church begins its holy season of Lent by observing more intensely disciplines of prayer, fasting, and charity.
• This week, over 30,000 persons will participate in the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress in Anaheim, California. Several hundred from the San Jose diocese attend each year.
• Tensions increase in the Middle East with the British phasing out troops in Iraq and continued nuclear activity in Iran.

The following are just samples meant to inspire your work. Use them as ideas for your own assembly's intercessions. Read 10 Principles for Writing Intercessions and How To Write Intercessions to help you write your own.

Presider:
As we continue the Lenten journey
toward the joyful paschal feast,
let us turn to God who is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

Reader:
Lord, remember your church: [pause]
Lead us by your Spirit to embrace more fully
the lenten disciplines of prayer,
fasting, and generous giving.
For this, remember your mercy.

Lord, remember your lands: [pause]
Let all nations live in peace,
especially in the Middle East
and in our cities and homes.
For this, remember your mercy.

Lord, remember your chosen ones: [pause]
Nourish your Elect and all the catechumens
with the bread of your Word
and the milk and honey of your blessings.
For this, remember your mercy.

Lord, remember your people: [pause]
Hear the cries of those maltreated and oppressed,
who labor without joy or justice,
who struggle each day without bread, dignity, or safety.
For this, remember your mercy.

Lord, remember your sick and dying: [pause]
Send your angels to guard them
and support them during their illness,
especially those we now name....
For this, remember your mercy.

Lord, remember your beloved dead: [pause]
Raise them from death and bring them to the salvation
you promise for all who call upon you,
especially those we now name....
For this, remember your mercy.

Presider:
Hear the voice of your Church, loving God,
and answer our cry,
for we call upon the holy name of your Son,
Jesus Christ, who is Lord for ever and ever. Amen.