Second Sunday of Lent

Ezekiel 47:1-12

Psalm 143

John 7:14-39

James 2:(14-17) 18-26 OR James 2:1-26 OR Galatians 2:1-14 (15-21)

    

                 

OPENING PRAYER [from GREATER ATTENTION: LERW, YEAR D]

O LORD our God, you are the One true source of Living Water, the One who has been revealed in Christ Jesus, crucified, risen, and glorified, the One who sends the Spirit to summon your church into life anew. Give us life, O God, for we thirst for you! Give us freedom, O Christ, for we are bound to you! Give us courage, O Spirit, for we would have you lead us into the deep, deep waters that flow from life unto life, from deep unto deep, from the heart of the very temple of God to the heart of those who believe in and love you. This we ask in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

'Tis the season for Salix Babylonicus

If you are looking for a one-off Sunday school lesson or Wednesday night program this Lent, this short story is bound to generate good discussion in this season of self-examination, repentance, and recommitment to the cruciform life. In fact, one could well take several angles on it: the psalms, music therapy, pastoral listening, persecution and exile. Perhaps it needs a study guide?

Previous post with related links here.

First Sunday of Lent

Deuteronomy 10:12-22 OR Nehemiah 9:1-38
Psalm 6
John 7:1-13

Galatians 2:1-14 (15-21) OR Galatians 1:1-24 OR James 1:1-27 OR James 1:17-2:13


   

   

CALL TO WORSHIP [from GREATER ATTENTION: LERW, YEAR D]

You shall fear the LORD your God; him alone you shall worship.

To the LORD you shall hold fast, and by his name you shall swear.  

The LORD is our praise; he is our God, who has done

great and awesome things for us that our own eyes have seen.

Heaven and the heaven of heavens belong to the LORD our God,

the earth with all that is in it!

The LORD, the great God, is God of gods and Lord of lords.

Mighty and awesome, he is not partial and he takes no bribe.

Circumcise your heart, and do not be stubborn any longer,

for what does the LORD your God require of you?

Only to fear the LORD, to walk in all his ways, to love him,

to serve him with all our heart and soul, and to keep

his commandments and decrees for our own well-being.

Ash Wednesday

Isaiah 57:14-21

Psalm 102

John 5:1-18

James 1:1-16 OR Ephesians 2:11-22 OR Galatians 1:1-24

CALL TO WORSHIP (see Isaiah 57:14-21) [from GREATER ATTENTION: LERW, YEAR D]

Build up, build up, prepare the way,

remove every obstruction from my people’s way.
         For thus says the high and lofty one

         who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:

I dwell in the high and holy place,

and also with those who are contrite and humble in spirit,

         to revive the spirit of the humble,

         and to revive the heart of the contrite.

I will not continually accuse,

nor will I always be angry;

         for then the spirits would grow faint before me,

         even the souls that I have made.

I have seen their ways, but I will heal them;

I will lead them and repay them with comfort,

         creating for their mourners the fruit of the lips.

Peace, peace, to the far and the near, says the Lord;

         and I will heal them.

Transfiguration Sunday

Job 36:24-37:24

Psalm 11

Matthew 8:5-13 OR John 4:43-54

Jude (OR Hebrews 13:9-14, 17-25, if Transfiguration preempts Fifth OT)


   

OPENING PRAYER [from GREATER ATTENTION: LERW, YEAR D]

Almighty God, surrounded with golden splendor, you are awesome in your majesty! Who can look upon you in your radiance? You load the clouds with moisture and from your chamber come the whirlwind and the rain. They turn round and round by your guidance, and accomplish on the earth all that you command. You say, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and the showers serve as a sign to everyone, so that all whom you have made may know you are God. Whether for correction, or for your creation, or for love, you cause it to happen, thus providing for people everywhere and giving food from heaven in abundance. Therefore, we praise you, O God. We give you thanks, O Lord, even as we seek sanctuary in you, our refuge; even as we take shelter in your holy loving presence, in the name of Jesus Christ, the Beloved of God.

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time*

Job 34:1-20

Psalm 28

Matthew 6:7-15

Hebrews 13:9-14 (15-16) 17-25

       

OPENING PRAYER [from GREATER ATTENTION: LERW, YEAR D]

O God our Father, your Son and our Lord Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. We realize, in light of the constant changes and challenges we face, that have no lasting city here on earth, but we look for the city, the new Jerusalem, that is to come. Through your Son and in his Spirit, we offer you our continual sacrifice of praise, the fruit of those who confess his name. Accept then our songs and prayers of praise and adoration, and strengthen our hearts with grace, for we seek the bread of your presence, and we gather at the table where your Son has offered the blood of the eternal covenant, in whose name we pray.

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time*

Job 33:1-33

Psalm 34:11-18

Matthew 12:1-21 OR Mark 3:7-19 OR Luke 6:1-16

Hebrews 12:(1-3) 4-17


   

INVOCATION [from GREATER ATTENTION: LERW, YEAR D]

Praise be to you, O Lord of the Sabbath, for you have made the Sabbath for our sake, taking in to account our need for refreshment, renewal, and rest! Yet you have also called us to be disciplined, and you discipline those whom you love, and chastise every child whom you accept. Thank you, LORD, that even your discipline, though it may seem painful rather than pleasant at the time, is a sign of your love and acceptance. Therefore, come! Receive our praise and teach us! Grant each of us a teachable spirit, not concerning ourselves, for the moment, with what our neighbors need to hear, but listening to your voice speaking to our own particular need. Instruct and inspire us, correct and admonish us, that we may share in your holiness, and trust in the knowledge that you only ever discipline us for our good.