World News This Week in Prayer - Thurs, Feb. 18, 2010

Lent begins with the imposition of ashes, an ancient symbol of penance
common in the Old Testament and pagan antiquity. As each day of Lent passes,
we prepare ourselves to remember the death of our Lord Jesus Christ and
celebrate His resurrection.

Holy God, bring peace to our hearts as we prepare ourselves for a closer
walk with thee; as we come before you now, Holy God, hear our prayers.
We pray for all peoples around the world. We praise your name for Your
grace that you are willing to share with each of us. Help your people who
are leading Lenten Bible studies, prayer meetings and meditations.
Especially be with those for whom this is their first time for leading. Help us all
to share our gifts with those around us. May our prayers for pastors
around the world enrich them with your love.

Glorious God of Grace – hear our prayers.

As we remember the time Jesus spent in the desert, without any comforts,
we pray for families under pressure around the world without enough food for
the children, for dads without work because of political or economic
strains, and for children who have lost parents because of war or any form of
violence. We remember the families suffering in the war zones of
Afghanistan, and families on inadequate diets in Sub-Saharan Africa and North
Korea. We pray for practical help for the hungry.

Lord of all ages - hear our prayers.