Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World

We can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Between Monday, February 23 and Sunday, March 1, we'll lay before God the needs listed below.

• Monday, February 23, 2026 - That we have the courage to deal with the violence within our society.
• Tuesday, February 24, 2026 - That artists and entertainers avoid debauchery, pornography, perversion, and drunkenness in their craft.
• Wednesday, February 25, 2026 - That the racial, ethnic, religious, and political divisions within the United States be healed.
• Thursday, February 26, 2026 - That the Ukrainian refugees are protected and sheltered.
• Friday, February 27, 2026 - That we reject the politics of division and hatred and join together as we work to solve the problems we face.
• Saturday, February 28, 2026 - That the body of Christ would fervently pray for our nation and its leaders.
• Sunday, March 1, 2026 - That people put the needs of others before their own wants.

The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service - Sunday, February 15, 2026

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service ...: During the season of Advent, we talked about how we might unwrap some of the gifts given to us by God through Jesus Christ. Well, now that C...

Sunday's Message - Offering Our Gift of Love

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: Sunday's Message - Offering Our Gift of Love: During the season of Advent, we talked about how we might unwrap some of the gifts given to us by God through Jesus Christ. Well, now that C...

Looking into the lectionary - An Ash Wednesday lament

John 3:1-17 Second Sunday of Lent March 1, 2026 John 3:16 may be Christianity’s elevator pitch, but I have always been more drawn to the verses around it, where Jesus describes salvation in a way that is layered, mysterious, and more than a little confusing. Salvation, Jesus says, is like being born. Not a quick transaction or a single decision, but a long process of becoming: gradual, uncomfortable, sometimes painful, and often complicated. But it is the only way to life. Jesus suggests that we undergo two births in our lifetime. We are born of the flesh, and we are born from above, of the Spirit. We know how physical birth transpires, but this second birth is mysterious. Salvation is not a formulaic prayer or a ticket to paradise. It is the ongoing work of God that keeps us alive each and every day. Barbara Brown Taylor reflects on this in her memoir Leaving Church. She recalls being asked, “Tell us what is saving your life now.” She writes that it was such a good question, she has kept asking it ever since. What is saving your life now? I have borrowed that question often. But when I invite people to consider salvation, I usually begin one step earlier: What is killing you now? Because, in my experience, naming what is killing me often leads to recognizing what is saving me. ... Read the rest of the commentary at pres-outlook.org. Want the worship resources for February 22, 2026? You can find them here. Order of worship — March 1, 2026 by Teri McDowell Ott What we lose when confessions are treated as optional by Keanu Heydari  Why we need “Heated Rivalry” now by Brittany Harrold Porch As universities shutter DEI offices, progressive Christian groups open their doors by Kathryn Post Horizons – The Woman Bent Over, Luke 13:10-17 by Rosalind Banbury Even now: an Ash Wednesday lament by Jennifer L. Aycock IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Kendrick Lamar: A theology of thirst, doubt and redemption Chris Burton offers a wide-ranging theological conversation on Kendrick Lamar’s music, tracing how doubt, trauma, faith and responsibility shape one of hip-hop’s most searching moral voices. Our faith calls us to share in letting empathy loose Alfred Walker shares how a 1989 letter from a man who was imprisoned opened a path for ministry. Christlike Acceptance Across Deep Difference Amy Pagliarella calls "Christlike Acceptance Across Deep Difference" a generous, honest invitation for churches to keep listening and learning across deep disagreement. Union Presbyterian Seminary expands hybrid learning to increase student access Union Presbyterian Seminary will shift its Richmond campus graduate and certificate programs to a fully hybrid model starting September 2026. — Union Presbyterian Seminary Charges dropped against some clergy arrested for protesting DHS in Chicago The state attorney’s office of Cook County, Illinois, announced it was dropping charges against 19 of the 21 people who were arrested at a demonstration in Broadview, Illinois, in November. — Jack Jenkins Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), A Corporation Board names Ian Hall as A Corp president Hall has served as interim president and in two other roles for the past 13 months. — Mike Ferguson Task force will propose amendments to the PC(USA)’s 1984 Divestment Strategy This summer, commissioners to the 227th General Assembly will consider updated divestment criteria. — Mike Ferguson A daily Lenten devotional Explore how to live faithfully amid division and uncertainty through Matthew’s Gospel.

WCC News: “You are not alone,” prayer for the Caribbean region affirms

A joint prayer for the Caribbean region with ambassadors and staff from various Caribbean Permanent Missions in Geneva was held on 16 February at the office of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States. WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay provided reflection during the prayer at the office of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC 16 February 2026 Organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Moravian Church in Switzerland, the prayer brought together representatives from several Caribbean Permanent Missions to the UN and International Organizations in Geneva. Included among them were representatives from the Permanent Delegation of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States to the UN, the Permanent Missions of the Bahamas, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, and Jamaica. Clergy representatives from the Moravian Church in Switzerland were also present in person and online, and led parts of the morning prayer along with the Caribbean staff from the WCC.  H.E. Colin Murdoch, permanent observer of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States to the UN in Geneva, offered words of welcome. An online greeting was delivered by Rt. Rev. Philip Wright, archbishop, primate, and metropolitan of the church in the Province of the West Indies and WCC regional president for the Caribbean and Latin America. Reflecting on the Gospel of Matthew, in which Jesus takes his disciples up a mountain to witness his transfiguration, WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay invited those gathered to consider the mountaintop as a place of prayer, vision, and clarity. “It is the place of movement from fear to faith, from darkness to light, from despair to hope, from sorrow to joy, from discouragement to renewal,” he said. “The mountaintop is a place of empowerment and strength,” Pillay continued. “As we climb a difficult mountain, when we reach the top and speak with the Lord, we find strength and empowerment to face the giants of this world.” He assured participants: “We are here today to pray with you and to say that you are not climbing this mountain alone.” He reminded them that Jesus called his disciples to go and fulfil their mission. “We are not called to escape the world; we are called to carry the light of Christ into a broken and suffering world.” In the midst of despair, disasters, war and climate catastrophe, we as disciples of Christ are called to work for justice and peace, to bring relief and aid, and to reach out to the poor, the displaced, and those in despair, Pillay said. “We are called to challenge the powers that be, saying strongly and prophetically: might is not right.” Photo gallery: Ecumenical prayer for the Caribbean region  WCC member churches in the Caribbean Participants of the Ecumenical prayer for the Caribbean region included representatives from the Permanent Delegation of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States to the UN, the Permanent Missions of the Bahamas, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, and Jamaica, as well as clergy from the Moravian Church in Switzerland and the WCC staff. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for February 15, 2026

Revised Common Lectionary Readings (Three-Year Cycle)

Lectionary Readings for Sunday, February 15, 2026

First Reading Exodus 24:12-18 12The LORD said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain, and wait there; and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.” 13So Moses set out with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God. 14To the elders he had said, “Wait here for us, until we come to you again; for Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a dispute may go to them.” 15Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. 16The glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. 17Now the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. 18Moses entered the cloud, and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights. Psalm Psalm 2 1   Why do the nations conspire,           and the peoples plot in vain? 2   The kings of the earth set themselves,           and the rulers take counsel together,           against the LORD and his anointed, saying, 3   “Let us burst their bonds asunder,           and cast their cords from us.” 4   He who sits in the heavens laughs;           the LORD has them in derision. 5   Then he will speak to them in his wrath,           and terrify them in his fury, saying, 6   “I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.” 7   I will tell of the decree of the LORD:      He said to me, “You are my son;           today I have begotten you. 8   Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,           and the ends of the earth your possession. 9   You shall break them with a rod of iron,           and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.” 10  Now therefore, O kings, be wise;           be warned, O rulers of the earth. 11  Serve the LORD with fear,           with trembling 12 kiss his feet,      or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way;           for his wrath is quickly kindled.      Happy are all who take refuge in him. Or alternate Psalm Psalm 99 1   The LORD is king; let the peoples tremble!           He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake! 2   The LORD is great in Zion;           he is exalted over all the peoples. 3   Let them praise your great and awesome name.           Holy is he! 4   Mighty King, lover of justice,           you have established equity;      you have executed justice           and righteousness in Jacob. 5   Extol the LORD our God;           worship at his footstool.           Holy is he! 6   Moses and Aaron were among his priests,           Samuel also was among those who called on his name.           They cried to the LORD, and he answered them. 7   He spoke to them in the pillar of cloud;           they kept his decrees,           and the statutes that he gave them. 8   O LORD our God, you answered them;           you were a forgiving God to them,           but an avenger of their wrongdoings. 9   Extol the LORD our God,           and worship at his holy mountain;           for the LORD our God is holy. Second Reading 2 Peter 1:16-21 16For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” 18We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain. 19So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. Gospel Matthew 17:1-9 1Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 6When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” 8And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. 9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202

Looking into the lectionary - For Ash Wednesday...

Matthew 4:1-11 First Sunday of Lent February 22, 2026 Jazz legend Louis Armstrong’s voice uniquely intones, “Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen. Nobody knows but Jesus.” The author is unknown, but the song is attributed to the oral tradition of enslaved communities in the US. It is a testament to a people’s resilience in the face of great adversity and turmoil. The song is not a sorrow song but a song of joy that affirms Jesus’s solidarity with those who suffer. We are in the first week of Lent, which is a time of testing. Beginning with Ash Wednesday, when we are reminded of our own mortality, we enter the story alongside Jesus as he is lured into the wilderness to be tempted by an adversary. This year feels especially Lent-y to me, so it does not take too much imagination to feel like you’re in the desert, pondering the current state of our world. Our text from Matthew’s gospel tells us it is the Spirit who leads Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted. This excursion immediately follows Jesus’s baptism, showing how the Spirit’s presence descending upon him compels him into a time of refinement before his ministry begins In Matthew’s Gospel, it is clear that the Spirit is the animating force of Jesus’s ministry. And rather than leading Jesus away from the chaos, the Spirit sends Jesus directly into it. How ironic that we pray, “lead us not into temptation,” when that is exactly what the Spirit does here! Jesus is tested in three places: the wilderness, the pinnacle of the temple, and a mountaintop. The wilderness was known as a place where evil spirits lurked. The apex of the temple speaks of a place of ultimate religious authority and worship, and the mountaintop is the sacred landscape of the Law. At each of these locations, Jesus is challenged: to make bread in the wilderness, to summon angels at the temple, and to worship the devil on the mountaintop. Each enticement would require Jesus to assert his power. However, each time, Jesus confidently responds to the tempter with Scripture. After the third rebuttal, the devil leaves. ... Read the rest of the commentary at pres-outlook.org. Thank you to this week's writer, Shea Watts. Want the worship resources for February 15, 2026? You can find them here. Order of worship — February 22, 2026 by Shea Watts Even now: an Ash Wednesday lament by Jennifer L. Aycock Empathy as resistance by Matthew Frease 40 community organizing actions you can practice during Lent by Shani Mcilwain IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Damned Whiteness: How White Christian Allies Failed the Black Freedom Movement "Damned Whiteness" is a sharp call to move beyond White allyship toward real, liberating action, writes Jessica Rigel. Conservative influencers don’t actually believe empathy is toxic Allie Beth Stuckey and Joe Rigney just want to make sure you're empathizing with those they deem worthy of empathy. — Elena Trueba Presbyterians advocate for Haitian neighbors as a federal judge blocks, for now, an end to temporary protective status From Springfield, Ohio, to Spokane, Washington, Presbyterians joined other people of faith to rally for their friends. — Cindy Corell Clipse: Survivor’s guilt and irresistible grace Chris Burton traces Clipse’s catalog as testimony — where survivor’s guilt, grace, and honesty refuse easy narratives. Our longing to be understood Teri McDowell Ott reflects on Leslie Jamison's “The Empathy Exams” to show that real empathy isn’t about fixing pain, but choosing to truly see and understand it. Maine clergy form spiritual ‘shield’ outside workplaces to protect immigrants from ICE Presbyterian clergy join an ecumenical coalition in Maine, forming a daily “spiritual shield” to stand with immigrant workers facing ICE enforcement. — Jack Jenkins Faith leaders gather in Washington, D.C. to urge Senate vote against DHS funding Faith In Action coalition of 40 faith-based organizations and dozens of denominations join in advocacy and action. — Gregg Brekke Celebrating Ash Wednesday on fraternity row Trip Porch and Indianola Presbyterian Church partner with fraternities at The Ohio State University to host an outdoor Ash Wednesday service. A daily Lenten devotional Explore how to live faithfully amid division and uncertainty through Matthew’s Gospel.