Shrove Tuesday Slide Show

Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras here at CtK was a big hit once again. Many thanks to Courtney Yovich for taking all the fabulous pictures! See more on the bulletin board in the social hall!

Friday of the First Week in Lent - Prayer

A prayer for loneliness, from Occasional Services, A Companion to Lutheran Book of Worship

Merciful God, our Father, in the stillness of our souls we listen for your voice to know again that you are God. Quiet our restless hearts with the knowledge that you stand within the shadows, keeping watch over your own. Rekindle our faith and light the lamp of hope within our hearts. Then deal with us as seems best to you, for where you lead we can confidently go with Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Thursday of the First Week in Lent - Prayer

A Prayer of Comfort & Reassurance from Guerillas of Grace by Ted Loader

I Want So to Belong
O God, I want so to belong;

teach me to accept.
I want to be close;
teach me to reach out.
I want a place where I am welcome;
teach me to open my arms.
I want mercy;
teach me to forgive.
I want beauty;
teach me honesty.
I want peace;
show me the eye of the storm.
I want truth;
show me the way to question
my unquestionable convictions.
I want joy;
show me the way of deeper commitment.
I want life;
show me how to die.

Wednesday of the First Week of Lent - Prayer

A prayer of Ephrem the Syrian - Fourth century

O Lord and Master of my life!
Take from me the spirit of sloth, vain curiosity,
lust for power, and idle talk.

But give to me, your servant,
a spirit of soberness, humility,
patience and love.

Yes, Lord and King,
grant me to see my own faults
and not to judge my neighbor,
for you are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen

The First Sunday in Lent - Prayer

A prayer of Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Make us worthy, Lord, to serve our fellow human beings throughout the world who live and die in poverty and hunger. Give them through our hands this day their daily bread, and by our understanding love, give peace and joy. Amen

Saturday after Ash Wednesday - Prayer

Prayer for the Holy Spirit's Guidance

Gracious God,
Send your Holy Spirit to deepen our worship life.
Open our hearts to the gifts and cultures which surround our church.
Open our hearts to the people who are different from us.
In Jesus' Name.
Amen

Friday after Ash Wednesday - Prayer

A seminary classmate of mine serves a congregation in the Southeast Minnesota Synod. She and her colleague have begun an interesting journey this Lent. For 40 days they are living out of one suitcase each, to build awareness of the struggles of refugees. They're writing a blog about the project. You can check it out here at Lenten Refugee.

A Prayer for Refugees

Almighty and merciful God,
whose Son became a refugee
and had no place to call his own;
look with mercy on those who today
are fleeing from danger,
homeless and hungry.
Bless those who work to bring them relief;
inspire generosity and compassion in all our hearts;
and guide the nations of the world towards that day
when all will rejoice in your Kingdom of justice and of peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.