Prayer
The theme was ‘Sowing Seeds for Tomorrow'
Lord God in times of great uncertainty
when the future seems bleak and fragile,
inspire us to hope.
Give us the courage to plan creatively for tomorrow that we may boldly proclaim your gospel so your kingdom may come on earth as it is in heaven.
Bless the church in Angola, London and Mozambique
as together this Lent we sow seeds for tomorrow.
The theme was ‘Giving Ministry Wheels'
Lord for the convenience of our transport system we give thanks
acknowledging we have often taken it for granted
and only seen its shortcomings and not its blessings.
May we journey this Lent alongside our partners in Angola and Mozambique where travel is difficult and journeys long
but where many miles are walked
to proclaim the good news of the kingdom.
The theme was ‘Training God’s People’
Lord God you commissioned your Church to feed your sheep,
to feed minds and spirits as well as bodies.
Fuel this hunger for your Gospel,
this thirst for your word.
Inspire your people in Angola, London and Mozambique
and enable us to support each other
prayerfully and practically
so we are bold to proclaim the good news of your Kingdom.
The theme was ‘Transforming Lives … ALMA’s Children’
Lord God in this season of Lent we offer our lives to you:
Plough the hard ground of our souls and bodies.
Plant a new spirit in us, so we better love and serve your world,
so we truly become one body sharing one bread.
May the friendships between Angola, London and Mozambique
transform us all and bring your kingdom on earth
a little closer to your kingdom in heaven.
Especially for the sake of the little children so precious to Jesus.
The theme was ‘Water’
Lord God we acknowledge, for us, the living has often been easy. We have taken our water provision for granted, and not always been measured in how we use it. We have not always been thankful for this most precious gift. During Lent open our eyes and our hearts each time we turn on our taps. Make us advocates and agents of change so that all your people have clean water. Uphold our partners as they work to bring this about. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Living Water.
The theme of the Lent Appeal was ‘Education for All’
Father God
you are tender towards your children,
full of grace and compassion,
desiring that all your children have good gifts and abundant life.
Make us your instruments as we journey alongside our Saviour.
Hold before us the two million children of Angola and Mozambique,
who have no schools to attend,
Hold before us the vision of our ALMA partners
to build and support schools in each parish.
Challenge us about our own use of money
and call us to generosity
so that small glimmers of your kingdom will be seen
on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Amen.