Loving God, Creator,  you are far more generous than we know how to be.     Like a father  greeting his prodigal son who had wasted the family inheritance:  you run

On the road to Jerusalem, Jesus,  you have spoken again and again  of your end and new beginning  to disciples who do not or will not understand.  Now you have

You let us go     Mothering God  you watch your children grow  and you let us go     Mothering God  you teach us what is true  and you let us

Penance  for self-absorption  – many hours in the company of three-year-olds     for carelessness  – a year’s close study of an elder tree  for injustice     – giving thanks for

Prayer of confession    God of the liminal places,  you draw us into the quietness of the desert  so that we can encounter ourselves…  But we confess that all too

A green heart     Into a dark world  a snowdrop comes,  a benison  of hope and peace,  carrying within it  a green heart,  symbol of God’s renewing love.     Come

Be our way, our truth, our life     Lord Jesus,  desert dweller,  help us now,  at this time of Lent,  to accompany you.     If we have grown soft,  cushioning

Collects for Lent     First Sunday in Lent (Matthew 4:1–11)     O Christ, who entered into the lonely desert,  and who, facing hunger, danger and temptation,  did not turn aside