Eucharistic Prayer for Lent 1 Year C

God of the wilderness, you find us in forgotten places and raise us to new life with every dawn.

In times of grief and pain you did not abandon us, but sent your beloved people to minister to us and help our healing. Throughout the ages you have raised up messengers who point us toward the truth. When our ancestors sought refuge as aliens in a new land, you sent your servants to welcome them, include them, and help them build a new place to call home.

You are the refuge of refugees, a fortress for those in need of protection.

When Herod commanded violence against those who opposed his rule, punishing parents by seizing their children, you sent your beloved Son to exemplify your love for all people, to gather in those who were excluded and denied access to the resources of life, and to free those being harmed by the whims of their oppressors.

When we have called upon you, you have answered. You send your angels to guard us in all our ways.

On the last night that you gathered your disciples around a table, our Lord Jesus took bread, gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to each of them, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.

And after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying:

This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.

Now every time we come to this table of mercy, we witness anew your love for all people, and we are reminded that by your design, the misguided are directed to a better way, and those seeking refuge are given shelter from the storm. Remembering, therefore, his death and resurrection, we await the day when Jesus shall return

      to gather all people together:

            the lost will be found

            the suffering, consoled

            the mistreated, treasured

            the lonely, accompanied

Send your Holy Spirit, good Lord, to fill the hearts of all who come to this table and grant us Courage

and Wisdom,

Resilience

and Hope

that we might share these gifts with those in need and that together we might stand in the warmth of your glorious love.

Amen.