Third Sunday In Lent
Worship
Lectionary Worship Aids
Series VI, Cycle C
Theme: God's Mercy
Call To Worship
Leader: O God, you are my God; how mighty and glorious you are.
People: Your constant love is better than life itself, and so I will praise you.
Leader: I will give you thanks as long as I live.
People: I will raise my hands to you in prayer, and I will sing glad songs of praise to you. Amen.
Collect
O Lord, our God, we hunger and thirst after righteousness. We spend our time and money following the ways of the world, but we have no satisfaction. We come to you, merciful God, seeking that which only you can give, knowing that you can provide the sustenance that will give us true life. We come to you now, our Father, because you are merciful and quick to forgive, asking for your blessing. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
O Lord, our God, we need to leave our way of life and change our way of thinking. By your mercy and through your Holy Spirit, we turn to you that we may find new life. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Offertory Prayer
Heavenly Father, we know that no gift of ours would be adequate to compensate for your many blessings and the great love you have shown us through your Son, Jesus Christ. "Love so amazing, so divine demands our lives, our souls, our all." Accept these gifts, we pray, as tokens of the commitment of our lives to you. Amen.
Hymns
"Depth Of Mercy"
"There's A Wideness In God's Mercy"
"To Mock Your Reign, O Dearest Lord"
Third Sunday In Lent
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Theme: The Power Of God Helps Us Keep The Faith
Call To Worship
If you have ever felt that God has forgotten you, and left you to face life's problems alone; if you have ever tried to carry out God's will for your life, but did not feel adequate to the task; then welcome to this time of worship. May each of us experience a renewal of our faith, a reminder of God's constant love and presence, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Collect
Eternal God, you know our needs and concerns. We know that you stand ready to hear our prayers whenever we turn to you. We come now, each of us with our own particular concerns, seeking your help, your reassurance, your power to be faithful witnesses of your love in the world. In Jesus'Êname we pray. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
Lord, there are times when our burdens are too heavy, and we are tempted to believe you have given us more than we can carry. Forgive our doubts, we pray, and help us to call upon you in our time of need that with your help we may be victorious in our struggle. When we have thus accomplished our task, use us to testify to others of your constant love and care. Amen.
Offertory Prayer
God, our Father, we know from our experience that faith needs renewing from time to time, and so we ask your blessing on these gifts that they may be used to rekindle the faith of many who have strayed away from your Church and let their lights of faith grow dim. Amen.
Hymns
"I Know Whom I Have Believed"
"My Faith Looks Up To Thee"
"Faith, While Trees Are Still In Blossom"
Third Sunday In Lent
Gospel Lesson: Luke 13:1-9
Theme: The Gospel Of A Second Chance
Call To Worship
Leader: Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
People: I will cling to the Lord, and his hand will keep me safe.
Leader: Remember that the Lord your God will always be your help, your strength, and your redeemer.
People: In the shadow of God's wings I will sing for joy.
All: Praise be to God!
Collect
Lord, we take courage and feel new hope as we hear again the Parable of the Unfruitful Fig Tree. Our lives have not borne the fruit they should have because of our sinful ways. We give you thanks for the promise of another chance, and for the gardener in your vineyard, even Jesus Christ, who offers to work with us in overcoming our shortcomings. May this time of worship be for us the nurturing we need to develop more fruitful lives, for Jesus' sake. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
Almighty and Everlasting God, you have created us to bear fruit for your kingdom, but we have neglected your Word. We have failed to love you with our whole being and neighbors as ourselves. Forgive us, we pray, and through your Spirit so enrich our lives that we may be found worthy of a place in your kingdom. Amen.
Offertory Prayer
Lord, accept these gifts, we pray, and use them to proclaim your love and forgiveness to people everywhere who need another chance to change their lives. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Hymns
"Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed"
"Amazing Grace"
"Now Thank We All Our God"
Call To Worship
Leader: O God, you are my God; how mighty and glorious you are.
People: Your constant love is better than life itself, and so I will praise you.
Leader: I will give you thanks as long as I live.
People: I will raise my hands to you in prayer, and I will sing glad songs of praise to you. Amen.
Collect
O Lord, our God, we hunger and thirst after righteousness. We spend our time and money following the ways of the world, but we have no satisfaction. We come to you, merciful God, seeking that which only you can give, knowing that you can provide the sustenance that will give us true life. We come to you now, our Father, because you are merciful and quick to forgive, asking for your blessing. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
O Lord, our God, we need to leave our way of life and change our way of thinking. By your mercy and through your Holy Spirit, we turn to you that we may find new life. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Offertory Prayer
Heavenly Father, we know that no gift of ours would be adequate to compensate for your many blessings and the great love you have shown us through your Son, Jesus Christ. "Love so amazing, so divine demands our lives, our souls, our all." Accept these gifts, we pray, as tokens of the commitment of our lives to you. Amen.
Hymns
"Depth Of Mercy"
"There's A Wideness In God's Mercy"
"To Mock Your Reign, O Dearest Lord"
Third Sunday In Lent
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Theme: The Power Of God Helps Us Keep The Faith
Call To Worship
If you have ever felt that God has forgotten you, and left you to face life's problems alone; if you have ever tried to carry out God's will for your life, but did not feel adequate to the task; then welcome to this time of worship. May each of us experience a renewal of our faith, a reminder of God's constant love and presence, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Collect
Eternal God, you know our needs and concerns. We know that you stand ready to hear our prayers whenever we turn to you. We come now, each of us with our own particular concerns, seeking your help, your reassurance, your power to be faithful witnesses of your love in the world. In Jesus'Êname we pray. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
Lord, there are times when our burdens are too heavy, and we are tempted to believe you have given us more than we can carry. Forgive our doubts, we pray, and help us to call upon you in our time of need that with your help we may be victorious in our struggle. When we have thus accomplished our task, use us to testify to others of your constant love and care. Amen.
Offertory Prayer
God, our Father, we know from our experience that faith needs renewing from time to time, and so we ask your blessing on these gifts that they may be used to rekindle the faith of many who have strayed away from your Church and let their lights of faith grow dim. Amen.
Hymns
"I Know Whom I Have Believed"
"My Faith Looks Up To Thee"
"Faith, While Trees Are Still In Blossom"
Third Sunday In Lent
Gospel Lesson: Luke 13:1-9
Theme: The Gospel Of A Second Chance
Call To Worship
Leader: Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
People: I will cling to the Lord, and his hand will keep me safe.
Leader: Remember that the Lord your God will always be your help, your strength, and your redeemer.
People: In the shadow of God's wings I will sing for joy.
All: Praise be to God!
Collect
Lord, we take courage and feel new hope as we hear again the Parable of the Unfruitful Fig Tree. Our lives have not borne the fruit they should have because of our sinful ways. We give you thanks for the promise of another chance, and for the gardener in your vineyard, even Jesus Christ, who offers to work with us in overcoming our shortcomings. May this time of worship be for us the nurturing we need to develop more fruitful lives, for Jesus' sake. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
Almighty and Everlasting God, you have created us to bear fruit for your kingdom, but we have neglected your Word. We have failed to love you with our whole being and neighbors as ourselves. Forgive us, we pray, and through your Spirit so enrich our lives that we may be found worthy of a place in your kingdom. Amen.
Offertory Prayer
Lord, accept these gifts, we pray, and use them to proclaim your love and forgiveness to people everywhere who need another chance to change their lives. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Hymns
"Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed"
"Amazing Grace"
"Now Thank We All Our God"
