Following Jesus

Prayer Celebration Directions

GATHERING SONG
GATHERING PRAYER
Leader		Let us ask God to be with us as we make our journey with Jesus through this season of Lent. We ask for help to be generous and good as we prepare for Easter.
All		In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
READING (based on Mark 1:16-18)
Leader		Listen to these words from the Gospel of Mark in the Bible. "Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee. He saw Simon and his brother Andrew fishing. Jesus said to them, 'Come, follow me. I will make you fishers of men and women.' Then they left their boats and followed him."
PRAYER OF FORGIVENESS
Leader		Lent is a time to think about the ways we can be better followers of Jesus. For the times we have been unkind to someone,
All		Lord, have mercy. (Bow heads.)
Leader		For the times we haven't asked forgiveness for wrongs we have done,
All		Lord, have mercy. (Bow heads.)
Leader		For the times we have not forgiven someone who asked us for forgiveness,
All		Lord, have mercy. (Bow heads.)
CLOSING PRAYER
Leader		Jesus, help us to follow you. We offer our good actions to you. (Each child brings you his or her written promise of a good action. Read it aloud and return it to the child. Say to each, "You are a good follower of Jesus." Have the children take their footprints home and display them to remind them of their promises.)
CLOSING SONG