Worship Resources

for Sunday, February 25, 2007

First Sunday in Lent, Year C

Leader: Although we are dust

Leader: Jesus the Messiah has died to give us life.

Leader: We gather to worship our merciful God,

Leader: the one who leads us out of the wilderness

Leader: May God bless these forty days of Lent,

Holy Spirit, just as, for our benefit, you led Jesus Christ into the wilderness, lead us now and throughout these forty days, that we may understand better the enormity of our sin and the greatness of the saving power you give us when we call on the one in whose name we pray. Amen.

Leader: God our refuge and stronghold, just as Adam and Eve gave in to temptation, so do we.

Leader: We are quick to reject holy discipline and instead feed our appetites, strive for selfish power, and try to subject you to foolish tests.

With a mighty and merciful hand, the God of our ancestors has led us to the milk and honey of forgiveness. We have called; the Lord has answered. God has chased the devil away. Through the cross, Christ has rescued us, the baptized. Thanks be to God.

(Congregational response: Amen.)

Holy Spirit, lead us to a wiser hearing and speaking of the Word, that we may be stronger against temptation. Discipline and direct us, that, with greater faith, we may confess with our lips and believe in our hearts that the Lord has saved us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Shelter and Guide, you led our wandering ancestor the Aramean and his descendants out of slavery. Throughout these forty days, take us, your baptized children, by the hand. Lead us not into temptation, and deliver us from the Evil One. Guide us, the Church, to be strong in our disciplined commitment to you, that this season may be a spring-cleaning of our souls that glorifies the one who died and rose for us. Forgiving God,

(Congregational response: Hear us with mercy.).

God, you are the true ruler of the world’s kingdoms. We thank you for the United States of America and all nations. We entrust to your care every citizen and leader. Teach us to put aside our selfish appetites for possessions and power, that each nation, including the United States, may serve you and one another better. Forgiving God . . .

Lord of signs and wonders, from Egypt to Rome, in the wilderness and in the Promised Land, you are our salvation. Thank you for good family and good friends. Bless us in our relationships that we may drown out the devil’s hissing with words of compassionate love. Help us to listen to the Holy Spirit, who calls us to make peace with our enemies and to call the lost back to you. Forgiving God . . .

We praise you for the gift of movies. They have the power to entertain us, instruct us, and revive us. Direct us so that we use this exciting art form for your glory and for the benefit of others. Forgiving God . . .

Over and over you have seen our affliction, toil, and oppression, and have rescued and honored us. Bring healing to the sick, the depressed, the addicted, the abused, the lonely, the poor, the forgotten. Use us, your baptized servants, as instruments of healing. Forgiving God . . .

You may add other petitions and praises here.

Although the devil constantly seeks an opportune time to tempt us, you are forever our Mighty Fortress, to whom we commend all our prayers, trusting you to be our refuge and habitation. In the name of the indestructible Word we pray. Amen.

We present at your altar some of the fruits you have given us, thankful for the bounty that comes only from you. Bless them, God. Keep them away from the devil. Use these gifts for your glory and for the good of those in need. In the name of Jesus the Giver we pray. Amen.

Leader: Although we are merely sinful dust,

Leader: Go with trust in the might of our saving Lord, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

David von Schlichten

Poet and Pastor