Created in the Image of God, Shaped by Jesus
The First Sunday of Lent
Created in the Image of God, Shaped by Jesus
Prelude
Welcome and Announcements
Call to Worship:
Leader: Sing together! Celebrate God!
People: God protects us from all our trouble.
Leader: God forgives us and covers our sins.
People: God surrounds us with songs of deliverance.
All: Therefore, let all God’s people pray with thanksgiving and worship God.
Hymns: VT #75 Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven!
VT #81 vs. 1-4, 7 All Creatures, Worship God Most High
Prayer of Confession:
Leader: Lord, our desire for control has separated us from you.
In our stubborn independence, we have turned from your love.
We hide our failure and guilt, yet we feel their weight.
We acknowledge our sins before you and confess…
(silent prayer)
Leader: Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven. Our slate is wiped clean. We are free to follow Jesus in obedience and experience love in every test we face. Amen
Leader: On each of the Sundays of Lent and on Good Friday, we will extinguish a candle as we mark Jesus’ journey toward the cross.
As we extinguish the first candle, we acknowledge the darkness and pain of injustice in the world.
(a candle is extinguished)
Let us Pray:
All: Loving God, as we journey through this season of Lent, give us strength and courage to make the changes that are needed in our lives. Open our hearts and minds to your steadfast presence and help us to put our trust in you. Amen
Hymn: VT #163 Amazing Grace!
Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11
Message: Shaped by Testing
Hymn of Response: VT #306 I Want Jesus to Walk with Me
Congregational Prayer
Prayer for the Offering: VT #1015
Sending Hymn: Lead Me, Guide Me
Benediction:
Leader: Many are the woes of the wicked.
People: But the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds those who trust in God.
Leader: Rejoice in the Lord and be glad!
People: Sing, all you who have been forgiven!
All: The Lord’s unfailing love surrounds those who trust in God.