Suggested for – 10 April 2020

1. Confession of sins

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ our Lord. Amen. Almighty God, our heavenly Father, has promised full forgiveness to all who come to him with true repentance and faith in his Son. God forgives us because is the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Amen.

2. A Good Friday

Almighty Father, look graciously upon your people, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed and given up into the hands of wicked men, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

3. A prayer for an end to the spread of COVID-19 and for all those people currently infected with the virus

Father, please have mercy on those suffering because of the coronavirus across the world. May the spread of COVID-19 be reduced quickly and may the victims be comforted. Above all else, as the world is confronted with its mortality and helplessness, may many turn to you for forgiveness and mercy, surrendering lordship over their own lives and trusting in Christ to save them from sin and death. Amen.

4. A prayer for health workers and our health care system Lord, as our healthcare system and workers struggle under the influx of patients, please give our leaders wisdom in their handling of staff and resources. May many be saved through good management and effective use of our people and equipment. Please protect our frontline workers from illness and help them to have the equipment they need. Amen 5. A prayer for true hope to be found in our community this across Bexley, Bexley North and Carlton (and the whole St George area of Sydney) Father, as we find new ways to embrace community in a time of physical distancing, may we grow to recognise more deeply our need to gather with your people. Help us to encourage one another as we trust in you day by day and may our example be a light and hope for those who don’t yet know you. Lord we ask that the great news of salvation and new life that is proclaimed this Easter may ring out across our Parish and the whole St George area. In your mighty power, through the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus, we ask for a new beginning in our area, where many people turn to you this Easter and want to live their lives in response to Jesus love for them at the cross. Amen

6. The Lord’s Prayer Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.