We are thankful to Marja Fledderus of Ancaster, Ontario for authoring the prayer below. It is another installment in our Lenten series as we lament and repent over how we have come to this place where division threatens the church. Feel free to use it in congregational or group settings.

Lift me, lift me Jesus. Amen.

Lift me, lift me Jesus. Amen.

Beloved Friend, there is nothing we experience that you do not know. Grief, pain, suffering, discouragement—you knew all these things. Even the temptations we face, you knew. Although you did not sin, you were tempted to sin. It is a comfort that you know how difficult resisting sin can be. And it is our shame that we fall again and again into temptation. 

Merciful Saviour, guide us away from temptation,

People: And deliver us from evil.

Help me, help me Jesus. Amen.

Help me, help me Jesus. Amen.

We lay before you the things that tempt us acutely: 

hot tempers and cold shoulders

addictions

corruptions in the workplace

laziness in mind or body

sexual sins

poking at old wounds and stirring up grudges 

turning a blind eye

Merciful Saviour, guide us away from temptation,

People: And deliver us from evil.

Save me, save me Jesus. Amen.

Save me, save me Jesus. Amen.

We lay before you the sin that stains the world and tempts us to doubt or despair: 

injustice in the core systems of society

poverty, war, displacement

disease and death 

broken relationships

natural disaster and climate change

overt and systemic racism

fatigue, discouragement, mental anguish

Merciful Saviour, guide us away from temptation,

People: And deliver us from evil.

Bless me, bless me Jesus. Amen.

Bless me, bless me Jesus. Amen.

We lay our gifts and resources before you, that may tempt us to selfishness or greed. 

Help us to use: 

our power – to bless the disadvantaged 

our wealth – to uplift the poor

our faith – to walk with and bolster those who struggle

our health – to expend our energy for those in need

our wellness – to serve

our voice – to speak against injustice

our joy – to share with the ones we meet

Merciful Saviour, guide us away from temptation,

People: And deliver us from evil.

Heal me, heal me Jesus. Amen.

Heal me, heal me Jesus. Amen.

For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen. 

Written by Marja Fledderus - Ancaster, Ontario