Hope for the future.

​Our Gospel reading on this day, the third Sunday of Lent, is Luke chapter 13, verses 1 to 9 that contains the parable of the fig tree. Now, to understand this parable, we need to know two things:-  
We need to know that all parables are about us and the way that we live.  
We also need to know something about the importance of the fig tree in the Promised Land.

StF 88: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation

Prayer
God, you welcome us as, with all your people, we come to worship.
You welcome us each day, calling us out of darkness into your marvellous light. You rejoice in our vitality and excitement, and you delight to see us reaching out to you, responding to your love. Our hearts are full of praise as we consider the work of your hands.  And we are moved to silence when we consider the work of Jesus.  
We praise you for all you have given through Jesus. He has shepherded us and guided us.  He is our prophet, opening our eyes to the truth about ourselves – and about the hope we have in you. He is our King, leading us as we battle it out with life, as we seek to be faithful despite temptations, and the times when we do not know what the right thing to do is.  
We confess that we do not always live in the light of Christ. We should be generous and welcoming, but we shut the doors of our homes or our church to keep the cries of the world away. Jesus calls us to live for others, but sometimes we find that too costly. Yet, Jesus has the last word – and Jesus says, your sins are forgiven.  Amen. Thanks be to God.

Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours. Now and for ever.
Amen

StF 323; I will sing the wondrous story

Bible Readings
Psalm 63; 1-8
Longing for God
Luke 13; 1-9
Parable of the Fig Tree

Prayers for Ukraine 
Loving God, your Son Jesus Christ, wept over Jerusalem.
Today, we weep over Ukraine.
We weep for those uprooted from their homes and lives.
We weep for those cowering in basements.
We weep for those who have witnessed death and destruction on their streets.
We weep for those separated from parents, from children, from spouses and siblings.
We are amazed at the resilience of people seeking to comfort those in need and so we pray for Governments opening up borders so that Ukrainians can have safe passage.
We pray for churches and individuals providing food, clothing and shelter.
We pray for medical workers ensuring that shattered bodies are put back together again.
We pray for ordinary Russians demonstrating and voicing their disapproval of the military actions in Ukraine.
May the Holy Spirit give us the willpower to turn our tears into action also.
May we, through our words, prayers and example pursue the things that make for a just peace in the world today and especially in Ukraine.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray.
Amen

Prayers for others
As we walk together through Lent, may we all grow in grace and love for you and our neighbours.
Jesus, our shepherd, we pray for those who suffer. However suffering comes, we pray that people will find the care and support they need to stand firm and come through. We pray for ourselves, that we may be a light to those who are in the dark and a comfort to those who need strength.
Jesus, our prophet, we pray for those who give us hope. We pray especially for those who, like the gardener, give us a second chance. We pray for social worker and probation officers. We thank you for their graciousness and vision. We pray that we may be slow to condemn and quick to see the image of God within everyone.
Jesus, our life, we pray that you will fill us with hope, strengthen us by faith and direct us by love, so that we may play our part in your Kingdom of justice, love, life and hope. Amen.

​​StF 668:  Teach me, my God and King

ADDRESS:- Hope for the future - Martin Sykes

StF 6 Father, we love you

StF 306: Now the green blade rises

Blessing
May the Jesus who suffered bless you with strength. May the Jesus who rose from the dead bless you with hope. May the Jesus who endured the cross bless you with joy. Amen.