Sunday Night – February 26, 2012 (Lent 1B)

The following is the liturgy from Grace and Main Fellowship’s Sunday Night Service of Worship and Prayers on the First Sunday in Lent: February 26, 2012. It is patterned after, and uses the benedictory blessing from, Morning Prayer in Common Prayer.

The sacrifice of God is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Even as we journey through Lent : let us raise our voices in song.

Song: O Lord, Hear My Prayer

“O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer: when I call, answer me. O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer: Come and listen to me.”

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us, sinners that we are : and hear these our prayers.

Psalm 25:1-10

To you, OLord I lift up my soul.
O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.
Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.
Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!
Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.
All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us, sinners that we are : and hear these our prayers.
Genesis 9:8-17
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us, sinners that we are : and hear these our prayers.
Mark 1:9-15
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us, sinners that we are : and hear these our prayers.

Group Reflection on the Scripture

The 4th century Church Father we know as John Chrysostom was given the name “Chrysostom” because it means “golden-mouthed” and the Archbishop of Constantinople was known to be eloquent and gifted in speech and word. He was also an outspoken opponent of Church leaders abusing the power invested in them. In one of his homilies, he said, “But why [did the Holy Spirit appear] in the form of a dove? The dove is a gentle and pure creature. Since then the Spirit, too, is ‘a Spirit of gentleness,’ he appears in the form of a dove, reminding us of Noah, to whom, when once a common disaster had overtaken the whole world and humanity was in danger of perishing, the dove appeared as a sign of deliverance from the tempest, and bearing an olive branch, published the good tidings of a serene presence over the whole world.”

Prayers for Others

The Lord’s Prayer

Renew us, Lord. For those who have been baptized as your followers, remind us of the vows to you and to our sisters and brothers that we claimed in that moment. For those who have yet to be baptized, move in our hearts even now and bring us the peace that passes all understanding. Amen.

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you : wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness : protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing : at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing : once again into our doors.

Amen.