#ASW40daygiveandpray
This annual Lenten prayer and almsgiving exercise invites you to reflect, give, and pray in an intentional way. Each day of Lent, you’ll be asked to
- count a particular blessing in your life;
- pray for an identified need; and
- set aside a small amount of money for the ‘Deacon’s Cupboard’ food bank.
A new prompt will be posted here each day throughout Lent, so check in daily . Watch All Saints Twitter or Instagram for daily reminders. Funds raised through this event will be received on Easter Sunday in support of the Deacon’s Cupboard food bank at All Saints.
This year, to make it a little easier for you to keep track of and then total up your daily givings, we are providing this downloadable tally sheet that you can print and fill in as you go.
Prompts to date:
Monday, March 1: Did you attend the church zoom yesterday? If the answer is no, donate 50¢. You were missed. Try to make it next week. (Or attend the Wednesday Mid-Day Prayer Service.) Pray that visitors worshipping at All Saints may be drawn to the love of Jesus and make All Sts their parish home.
SUNDAY (LENT II): We’re already a quarter of way through Lent. Enjoy a Sabbath break today. Phone, text or email a friend or loved one.
Saturday, Feb 27: Too wet for winter sports; too soon for summer. But do you own a pleasure vehicle (a boat, a trailer, a snowmobile, ATV etc.)? Donate 50¢ for each one. Pray in thanksgiving for Canada’s beautiful forests and lakes and the change of seasons.
Friday, Feb 26: Did you order in a meal this past week? Good job supporting local businesses. And now pay 50¢ for each night of take-out. If you can, add another 10¢ for every person who ate with you. They are a blessing to you, too. Ask God to give you a deep hunger to accomplish something significant and lasting for the kingdom of God.
Thursday, Feb 25: Tally 25¢ for every musical instrument in your home. Say a simple prayer of praise and love for God. Make a joyful noise in your heart.
Wednesday, Feb 24: For every serving of vegetables or fruit you eat today, donate 10¢. Thank God specifically for points of goodness in your health and well-being.
Tuesday, Feb 23: Donate 20¢ for every bed and pull-out couch in your house. Pray for those who sleep on the streets or who do not feel safe in their own homes.
Monday, Feb 22: It’s World Thinking Day. If you were a Scout or Guide, you’ll know what this means and you don’t owe a thing. Otherwise, mark yourself down for 22¢ donation. Pray for peacebuilding across the globe, the theme of this year’s Thinking Day.
SUNDAY (LENT I): Today we take a Sabbath break. Enjoy the sunshine. Spend some time doing something you love. (And maybe have a look at some of All Saints’ other faith formation activities for Lent 2021.)
Saturday, Feb 20: Count the number of lamps in your house. Donate 5¢ for each one. Ask God to give you clarity on things you are trying to figure out in your life.
Friday, Feb 19: How many litres of milk are in your fridge right now? Donate 25¢ for each. Pray for God to pour love into the lives of three people you know.
Thursday, Feb 18: A lot of stairs in your house? Donate 5¢ for each step. Too many to count, pay a dollar. Ask God to show you anything in your life (sins, attitudes, actions, etc.) that hinders you in your Christian walk.
Wednesday, Feb 17: How many pancakes were eaten yesterday? Tally 5¢ per pancake per person in your household. If you had real maple syrup, add 25¢ more. Ask God to help you and strengthen you as you give alms and pray for the next 40 days.
__________________ + ______________________
World Day of Prayer, March 5
Teach me the language of prayer, God.
Help me to hear prayers of thanksgiving
in the laughter of young children and old friends.
Help me to feel prayers of lamentation
in the silent tears of strangers and loved ones.
Help me to witness prayers of intercession
in small acts of kindness and service.
Teach me, God,
how to pray with my whole being.
Amen.
(Alydia Smith, from Parables, Prayers, and Promises (UCPH); a prayer for World Day of Prayer)
__________________ + ______________________
Pandemic Prayer Ideas
1/ Think of those who are struggling or working hard during the pandemic. These might be individuals known to you or groups of people (for example, frontline workers, those who have lost income, the sick, the lonely, vaccine researchers). Write each name or group on a sticky note, and post them up some place you will see them everyday. Each day touch the notes, one at a time, and pray for the people named there. Pray for God’s protection of them. Give thanks for them. Pray that they will have strength to be able to persevere. You may wish to send a message of thanks and encouragement to anyone you may know personally, and let them know that you have prayed for them and their work.
2/ Find a large piece of paper and, at the end of each day, write down something (or some things) for which you are thankful on that day. Use coloured markers, simple sketches, or fancy lettering. Be creative. Eventually you will have a personalized piece of artwork and a reminder of the way God continues to bless you.
3/ Make use of these prayers for specific pandemic situations or add some relevant poetry to your daily prayer practice.
