Prayer Celebration Directions

GATHERING SONG
GATHERING PRAYER
Leader		We gather today to prepare to be reconciled with God and each other. In this season of Lent, we reflect on our lives and on our need for reconciliation with God and with others.
All		Amen.
READING
Reader		A reading from the Gospel of Luke. (Luke 6:17–31) The Gospel of the Lord.
All		Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE
Leader		Reflect now, on each of the Beatitudes as you examine your conscience.
Reader 1		Blessed are those who are poor.
Reader 2		Have I done anything recently to help people living in poverty?
All		Help me Lord, to think of others.
Reader 1		Blessed are those who are hungry.
Reader 2		What have I done to help those who are hungry? Do I waste any food?
All		Help me Lord, to think of others.
Reader 1		Blessed are those who weep.
Reader 2		Have I been understanding of others’ feelings?
All		Help me Lord, to think of others.
Reader 1		Blessed are you when people hate you on account of Jesus.
Reader 2		Have I shown that I am a Christian by my actions?
All		Help me Lord, to think of others.
Reader 1		Woe to you who are rich.
Reader 2		Do I waste what I have, because I have so much?
All		Help me Lord, to think of others.
Reader 1		Woe to those who are laughing now.
Reader 2		Have I made fun of other people because they are different? Do I talk behind people’s backs?
All		Help me Lord, to think of others.
Reader 1		Love your enemies.
Reader 2		Do I hold grudges when I am mad? Do I exclude people that I think don’t fit in?
All		Help me Lord, to think of others.
Reader 1		If anyone strikes you, offer the other side.
Reader 2		When someone is angry with me, do I respond with anger? Do I accept criticism from my parents and teachers in a constructive way, or do I get angry when I don’t like what I hear?
All		Help me Lord, to think of others.
Reader 1		Treat others as you would have them treat you.
Reader 2		Do I stop to think that the way I want to be treated is the way I should treat others?
All		Help me Lord, to think of others.
Leader		During a few moments of silence, think about the wrongs you have done, the good things you have failed to do, those who have hurt you. Ask God to forgive you. Seek God’s help to be reconciled with those you have hurt, and those who have hurt you.
		(Pause for silent meditation.)
CLOSING PRAYER
Leader		Loving God, you look into our hearts and you know our sorrow for our sins. See also our willingness to be reconciled. Help us to become people who love and think of others before ourselves. Help us, especially during this season of Lent, to remember how Christ suffered for us, even to his death on the cross. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ.
All		Amen.
CLOSING SONG