INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
Alone, hungry and defenceless. That’s the image of Jesus conjured up by the story of the temptations. The contest is clear, with just two combatants, Jesus and the tempter. Jesus’ only weapon is the word of God and he uses it like a rapier.
By contrast, God’s word is but one of the weapons Paul advises the Ephesians to use against the devil’s attacks. There’s also the buckle of truth, the breastplate of integrity, the shoes of an apostle, the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation (6:10-17). That’s a lot of armour to wear.
We’d be more agile with a handful of sayings from the word of God that we have chosen to guide our daily lives.
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for catechists and communities accompanying candidates for initiation at Easter, that they will communicate the joy of the Gospel.
SAMPLE INTERCESSIONS
These intercessions are offered for selected use at Sunday Mass in the parish alongside those that express local needs and concerns.
PRESIDER
Dear friends, as we set out together on our Lenten journey of renewal, we open our hearts in prayer for all in need.
READER
We pray for all Christian believers, that they will confess with their lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in their hearts that God raised him from the dead. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for world leaders, that they will renounce the folly of war and choose the path of peace. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for all who have allowed power, possessions or status to become their god, that they be set free from their idolatry. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the rural families of southern Mozambique, that our support for Project Compassion will maintain their access to clean water and improve their food security. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the women of every land, that International Women’s Day (8 March) will highlight their achievements and remove barriers to their flourishing. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for all who work in the promotion of healthy living, that their efforts will enhance the well-being of the whole community. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the staff of prisons and detention centres, that they will fulfil their duty of care for the inmates with all fairness. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for parents, that they will delight in each milestone of their children’s growth and development. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the recently deceased . . . and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that they will enjoy the fullness of salvation with all the saints. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord.
PRESIDER
Saving God, you feed us with the word of life. Help us sow the seeds of salvation in many hearts. We ask this through Christ our Lord.