Scripturally Based Worship Resources

Lent 3C

Call to Worship (adapted from Isaiah55: 1, 2-3 and Psalm 63:1, 3-5,7)

L: Listen, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
P: O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
L: Listen carefully, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. “Incline your ear, and come to me,” says our God; “listen, so that you may live.” God will make with us an everlasting covenant just like that of our ancestors.
P: Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you, O God, as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name. My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips, for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.
L: Let us worship God.

Unison Prayer of Confession (a meditation on the lectionary texts for Lent 3C)

Gracious God, Holy One, be merciful to us. We trust that you do not think as we do. Your thoughts are far beyond ours. Therefore, though we may deserve judgment you show patience; though we are quick to judge others your forgive; though we are quick to complain when things don’t go our way, you remain above reproach; though we test your patience, love, mercy and impartiality, you remain steadfast; though we throw our lot with the gods of merchandise, nationality, lifestyle and self, you call us back with a word and welcome us with an embrace. Welcome us now, we pray, as we come begging your forgiveness. Please, look upon us with twinkling eyes. Pardon us with a smile. Love us and help us to love ourselves. Celebrate the joyful return of hearts that are deeply sorry for our failure to follow, to trust, to love you and all whom you love. In the name of your Son, our teacher, savior and friend, Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon (adapted from Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8 and 1 Corinthians 10:1-13)

L: As the prophet implored, “Seek the LORD while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the LORD, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”
P: So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
L: No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.
P: Thank you God that you are merciful and forgive us when we fall. Lift us up and help us to accept the forgiveness that you offer through lives transformed by your Grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Commission and Benediction (based upon the lectionary texts for Lent 3C)

L: Let us bless God as long as we live; and lift up our hands and call on God’s name.
P: God has been our help, and in the shadow of God’s wings we will sing for joy. Our souls cling to you; your right hand holds us up.
L: See, you shall call nations that you do not know, and nations that do not know you shall run to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for God has blessed you.
P: Trusting in God, we will seek to be a blessing to others: doing what is right; loving God; feeding the hungry with good things; pursuing peace; giving hope, rejoicing in the life that God gives.
L: Go in peace, to love and serve God. Amen

Blessings,

Rick