Liturgy
Let us pray
that this Lent will help us reproduce in our lives
the self-sacrificing love of Christ.
Father,
through our observance of Lent,
help us to understand the meaning
of your Son’s death and resurrection,
and teach us to reflect it in our lives.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Congregational Prayer
Lord God, it is hard to think that we are mortal beings.
We dream, make plans,
and talk about what well do in the near future.
We don’t always think about what you want.
Instead, we make choices that we think are good for us,
But we are only here because of the care you give us.
We confess that we forget our need for you daily.
We confess that at times,
our choices are far from your desires.
We confess that we do not know what is best for our lives.
Holy God, we are sorry for our sins.
Help us to remember we live because of you.
Help us to do what you want us to do
through Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
Amen.
Reflection
How are you preparing for Lent this season?
How might the temptations in your life be part of a larger test?
How are you engaging scripture and prayer?
What are some things you might be avoiding that God has called you to do?
Benediction
Jesus Christ, we want always to remember
that you love us, died for us,
and rose from the dead for us.
In the next weeks, help us to remember,
and help us trust in you
more and more …
May God the Father,
who does not despise the broken spirit,
give you a contrite heart.
May Christ, who bore our sins in his body on the tree,
heal you by his wounds.
May the Holy Spirit, who leads us into all truth,
speak to you words of pardon and peace.
In the name of the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Spirit, we pray.
Amen.
Go in peace and live the church. See you throughout the week.
[Photo by celedena @ Flickr]