1 John 4:9, 19 (NIV)
‘This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. We love because he first loved us.

Gracious God, on this second day of Lent we give thanks that as you created our world, into that world Your poured Your love. Thank You that before we loved You, You first loved us. And so today we recognise that love and choose to embrace it. Help us to be channels of Your love and Your compassion in our communities. This Thursday, we continue to pray for all those channelling Your love in our hospitals, hospices, surgeries and care homes. For every second of care given to another person, we give thanks. And we pray too for all those silently caring for loved ones at home, often in very difficult circumstances, who continue to give that love and attention every day to someone in their care. We pray that all care givers will experience the strength and courage that comes from being loved by You. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.