ICF - Professions of Faith

Sunday 16th March 2025 - 2nd Sunday in Lent

Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Psalm 22:22-30; Romans 4:13-25; Mark 8:31-38

One of the themes, which runs through today's readings, is that of origins, roots and genealogy. The story of God's covenant with Abraham is foundational to the identity of God's people in the Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions, and this is referenced in the Psalm and the Epistle readings. This might lead a congregation to reflect on the importance of heritage and identity and so we might pray for those who work in tracing family trees, researching and recording history etc. This might also lead to thinking and praying for those who care for and support refugees (as well as the refugees themselves) and work to help relocate and reunite people who have become displaced and disconnected from their roots and heritage.

Coupled with this is the whole sense of God developing a nation, and a reminder that many of the people groups who today find themselves in conflict, trace their heritage stories to a common root. So we might pray for those who are involved in nation building in our present world. This might include leaders and diplomats, peace-keepers and negotiators and all those who seek to bring political stability and order.