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Presider’s Page for 14 February (Lent 1)

Opening Comment
The 40-day pilgrimage to Easter that began on Ash Wednesday is just a few days old. We pray that God, who sustained Jesus in his 40 days of temptations and suffering, will support us on our journey also.

Penitential Rite
As we start out on that journey, let us call to mind our sins: (pause)
You were sent to heal the contrite: Lord, have mercy.
You came to call sinners: Christ, have mercy.
You plead for us at the right hand of the Father: Lord, have mercy.

Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Lord our God,
you alone do we worship,
only your word gives life.
Sustain your Church on its Lenten journey.
When we walk through the desert of temptation,
strengthen us to renounce the power of evil.
When our faith is tested by doubt,
illumine our hearts with Easter’s bright promise.
We ask this through Christ, our deliverance and hope,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
holy and mighty God for ever and ever.

Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Deuteronomy 26:4-10 Moses summarises the creed of the chosen people.
Romans 10:8-13 Paul teaches that faith in Christ’s resurrection is the mark of believers.
Luke 4:1-13 The temptations Jesus endured in the desert are described.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) As we begin our Lenten journey, let us remember all those in need.

  1. For the Church of God throughout the world, as the lenten pilgrimage begins (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
  2. For the men and women preparing to be baptised this Easter (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
  3. For the poor people of the world who will benefit from our lenten fasting (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
  4. For the downhearted and discouraged who rely on the kindness of friends (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
  5. For immigrants and refugees and all who seek justice (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
  6. For prisoners, especially young prisoners, that they may be able to rebuild lives of dignity (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.

The presider prays for the dead: For our brothers and sisters who have died (especially N and N) (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) Lord our God, you protect those who put their trust in you, hear the prayers we make in faith, through Christ our Lord.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord,
at the beginning of this holy season refashion our hearts
and make them one with the sacrifice we are about to offer.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PREFACE (First Sunday of Lent)
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
His fast of forty days established this season of self-denial.
By rejecting all the devil’s temptations
he has taught us
to rid ourselves of the leaven of malice,
and so to celebrate the paschal mystery in sincerity and truth,
until we come at last to the eternal feast of heaven.
And so we join the throng of saints and angels
as they sing the unending hymn of your praise: HOLY HOLY HOLY….

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Lord,
you have renewed us with the heavenly bread
that enlivens our faith, inspires our hope,
and strengthens our charity.
Teach us to hunger for Christ, the true and living bread,
and to live by every word that proceeds from your mouth.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Liturgical Suggestions
Sing the Lord Have Mercy / Kyrie. No Gloria. Lenten Gospel Acclamation (no Alleluia until Easter). Preface of the First Sunday of Lent and Eucharistic Prayer 2, or Eucharistic Prayer 1 for Reconciliation. Include the Sign of Peace.

SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions)
‘God of Mercy and Compassion’; ‘Be Not Afraid’; ‘Attende Domine’; ‘Praise to the Holiest’.

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