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 

A reflection on fasting    Fasting?  OK, God,  first thoughts:  sackcloth and ashes.  Giving up something … smoking … chocolate … booze?  Trying to be extra kind instead of giving

A prayer for Shrove Tuesday   God, may this food we share give us strength to survive in the tough times:  may we walk on into Lent ready to face