Primary 3 Lenten Reconciliation Prayer Service
Signs of God
P3 RERC 1-09a
I am exploring the Sacraments of Initiation and Reconciliation and I have reflected on how the Sacraments help to nurture faith.
Hours of God
P3 RERC 1-17a
I have, through liturgical experiences, reflected on an ability to respond to symbols and take part in rituals in order to respond to God.
P3 Reign of God
RERC 1-22a
I have explored the call to forgiveness and reconciliation and have reflected on how this can restore my relationship with God and others. I can put this understanding into practice in my relationship with God and others.
Resources:
- Altar
- Candle
- Lyrics ofSing a Simple Song unto the Lord
- Lyrics of I’m sorry
- Pebbles/glass beads (one for each child)
- Contemplative music
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Sign of the Cross
Leader
We will now light our special candle and we remember that God is always with us. God loves us and cares for us at all times (teacher lights candle).
In this season of Lent, we gather together to ask God’s forgiveness
for any wrong that we may have done. We come knowing that God loves us and never wants to be separated from us. And so let us stand and sing in praise of his love for each one of us.
Opening Hymn
Sing a Simple Song unto the Lord
Leader
Loving God, you sent us Jesus your Son to show how great is your love and care for each one of us. On this day give us the courage to face the things we have done that separate us from your friendship. Help us to welcome your love and forgiveness once more.
Amen
Leader
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke
Jesus was going through Jericho, where a man named Zacchaeus lived. He was in charge of collecting taxes and was very rich. Jesus was heading his way, and Zacchaeus wanted to see what he was like. But Zacchaeus was a short man and could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree. When Jesus got there, he looked up and said, "Zacchaeus, hurry down! I want to stay with you today." Zacchaeus hurried down and gladly welcomed Jesus.
Everyone who saw this started grumbling, "This man Zacchaeus is a sinner! And Jesus is going home to eat with him."
Later that day Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "I will give half of my property to the poor. And I will now pay back four times as much to everyone I have ever cheated."
Jesus said to Zacchaeus, "Today you and your family have been saved, because you are a true son of Abraham. The Son of Man came to look for and to save people who are lost."
The Gospel of the Lord
Leader
God loves us for who we are. God wants us to be the best we can possibly be – but being the best begins with accepting and loving ourselves just as we are, the person God has made us to be. And God is always with us – always loving us and helping us again and again to let go of the things we do that hurt others – calling us to begin again, and to try to be who God wants us to be – showing God’s love in the world by how we love and care for one another in our families, in our classrooms and among our friends.
Prayers of Intercession
Reader 1
The response to our prayers is Forgive us, Lord.
For the times we were unkind to one another.
Response: Forgive us, Lord.
Reader 2
For the times we were selfish or refused to help others.
Response: Forgive us, Lord.
Reader 3
For the times we hurt others by calling them names.
Response: Forgive us, Lord.
Reader 4
For the times we told lies.
Response: Forgive us, Lord.
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Leader
Examination of Conscience
(Ask the children to close their eyes and picture themselves in the words you are going to say to them)
Imagine yourself in one of your favourite places…a place where you like to be alone...maybe it’s in the countryside...or in a park...or in your favourite room in your house...
Now imagine that God is in that place with you…sitting down beside you…tell God if there is anything that is getting in the way between you and God…tell him anything you really want to say sorry to him for…
Perhaps there have been times when you have forgotten to pray to God or times when you have not respected your parents
Maybe you have told lies…
Maybe you have left out other or not been kind to them…
Now hear God say to you: “I love you and I forgive you. You can begin again to show my love to others.”...then rest for a while there with God...enjoy the feeling of friendship and the forgiveness of God.
Contemplative music is played as the children are invited to process to the altar and place a pebble/glass bead on the altar as a symbol of their feeling of friendship and thanksgiving to God.
Children pray an Act of Sorrow
O my God, I thank you for loving me.
I am sorry for all my sins,
for not loving others and not loving you.
Help me to live like Jesus and not sin again.
Amen
Leader
Closing Prayer
We ask this through your Son, Loving God,
We thank you for your forgiveness today.
We thank you for your love that is with us every dad.
May we show this love to all we meet.
We ask this through your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord
Amen
Sign of Peace
Before we leave here today let us offer one another a sign of peace.
Closing Hymn:I’m sorry
Sing a Simple Song unto the Lord
Sing a simple song unto the Lord
Sing a simple song unto the Lord.
Sing it with your heart; sing it with your soul
Sing a simple song unto the Lord.
Chorus
Oh Lord, I love you; Oh Lord, I see
Oh Lord, I love you; I see that you love me.
Say a simple prayer unto the Lord
Say a simple prayer unto the Lord.
Say it with your heart; say it with your soul
Say a simple prayer unto the Lord.
Chorus
Give a simple gift unto the Lord
Give a simple gift unto the Lord.
Give it with your heart; give it with your soul
Give a simple gift unto the Lord.
Chorus
I’m Sorry
Chorus
I’m sorry, I’m sorry,
I’m really very sorry.
I hurt your feelings,
Caused you pain,
I’d like to be your friend again.
I’m sorry, I’m sorry,
I’m very, very, sorry.
Sometimes when we play our games,
I get angry, I call you names.
I know I should not act this way,
That is why I’d like to say…
Chorus
Sometimes I tell tales on you,
I make up stories that are not true.
I know I should not act this way,
That is why I’d like to say…
Chorus
Sometimes I won’t let you play,
I turn my back till you go away
I know I should not act this way
That is why I’d like to say…
Chorus
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