Here’s a prayer for Holy Wednesday, taking as its starting point one of the most familiar and treasured verses of the Bible – John 3:16 – a verse that sums up, really, what this wonderful season, indeed the gospel message itself, is all about.
HOLY WEDNESDAY
God loved the world so deeply that he surrendered his only Son,
so that instead of perishing all those who believe in him may have eternal life.
John 3:16
Light of the world,
come afresh into our darkness.
Hope of the world,
come afresh into our despair.
Joy of the world,
come afresh into our sorrow.
Peace of the world,
come afresh into places of war.
Creator of the world,
come afresh to our polluted planet.
Lamb of the world,
come afresh into our evil and corruption.
Truth of the world,
come afresh into our lies and deceit.
Judge of the world,
come afresh into our countless injustices.
Saviour of the world,
come afresh into our crushing need.
Redeemer of the world,
come afresh into our guilt and sin.
Life of the world,
come afresh into our suffering and death.
Lord Jesus Christ, remind us that your Father loved the world so much
that he surrendered you,
his only Son,
that we might live,
that we might be called children of God,
that we might taste eternal life.
For the immensity of that love –
his love,
your love –
thank you.
Amen.