Presider’s Page for 21 February (Lent 2)
Opening Comment
In today’s Liturgy, we praise the Lord of glory, who leads us through the darkness of Lent to the light of Easter.
Penitential Rite
To prepare ourselves for this act of worship, let us call to mind our sins: (pause)
You raise the dead to life in the Spirit: Lord, have mercy.
You bring pardon and peace to the sinner: Christ, have mercy.
You bring light to those in darkness: Lord, have mercy.
Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
God of the covenant,
your presence fills us with awe,
your word gives us unshakeable hope.
Fix in our hearts
the image of your Son in glory,
that, sustained on the path of discipleship,
we may pass over with him to newness of life.
Grant 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
Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18 A covenant was made between God and Abram, who became Abraham, our father in faith.
Philippians 3:17 to 4:1 Paul encourages us to remain faithful, remembering that our true homeland is in heaven.
Luke 9:28-36 Jesus is transfigured in the presence of Peter, James and John – the three who were to be with him in Gethsemane.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) Let us bring our prayers to God, who is forever our light and our help.
- That all members of the Church may keep Lent with faith (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- That we may take good care of creation and protect it for future generations (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- That adults preparing to become part of the Church at Easter may grow in faith (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- That all who bear the name Christian may value the gift of baptism (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- That those for whom God is distant or irrelevant may find faith (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- That anyone in need may find help and relief (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
The presider prays for the dead: That those who have died may share the glory of Jesus (especially N and N who died recently, N and N whose anniversaries occur and all our relatives and friends who have gone before us in faith) (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) O God, in you we hope — you are our constant help, hear the prayers we make, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord,
may this eucharistic sacrifice wash away our sins;
may it sanctify your people in body and soul
and prepare us to celebrate the paschal feast.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
PREFACE (Second 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.
Having told the disciples of his coming death,
Jesus made his glory known to them on the holy mountain.
With Moses and Elijah as witnesses,
he revealed that the Christ had first to suffer
and so come to the glory of the resurrection.
With joyful hearts we echo on earth
the song of the angels in heaven
as they praise your glory without end: Holy holy holy….
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
We give you grateful thanks, O Lord,
for this most glorious sacrament,
in which you allow us, while pilgrims still on earth,
a foretaste of the blessings of heaven.
We make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord.
BLESSING (Season of Lent)
God of salvation,
let your Son’s passion and death
be for your people
protection from evil in this life
and the sure hope of glory
in the life to come.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
SUGGESTED SONGS
‘Be Thou My Vision’
‘God of Mercy and Compassion’
‘May your Love be Upon Us O Lord’
‘Christ Be Our Light’