Worship Elements: March 6, 2022

March 2nd, 2022

First Sunday in Lent

COLOR: Purple
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16; Romans 10:8b-13; Luke 4:1-13

THEME IDEAS

As we enter the season of Lent, we enter a time of self-examination and repentance, a time of preparation for the transforming power of Easter. Today’s scriptures focus on God’s provision and God’s protection. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus alludes to Deuteronomy 26, and the devil quotes Psalm 91. In the Epistle reading, Jesus assumes the role of protector and provider for all who confess that Jesus is Lord and believe in their hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead.

INVITATION AND GATHERING

Call to Worship (Psalm 91)

You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
say to the Lord:
You are my refuge and my fortress.
You are my God in whom I trust.
Because you have made the Lord your refuge,
the Most High will be your dwelling place.
No evil shall befall us.
No scourge shall come near our tents.
Those who love the Lord, God will deliver.
God protects those who know the name of the Lord.
God saves them and honors them in times of trouble.
Show us our salvation, O God.
Show us your favor as we offer you our worship.

Opening Prayer (Romans 10, Psalm 91, Deuteronomy 26, Luke 4)

In the quiet of this moment,
in the stillness of this place,
draw near to us, O God.
As we seek the shelter of your refuge,
as we celebrate the bounty of your provision,
hearken to our need, Holy One.
Transform this time and place
into our land of milk and honey—
a land where you are among us,
a land where your mighty hand
and your outstretched arm
protect us,
a land where you alone are worthy
of our worship and service.
We ask this in the saving name of Jesus, our Lord.
Amen.

PROCLAMATION AND RESPONSE

Prayer of Confession (Luke 4, Deuteronomy 26)

Holy Lord,
as we enter this Lenten season,
we are reminded of our weakness
and our need for your strength.
We ask your forgiveness
when we succumb to the temptations of this world,
when we tread paths
that are contrary to your will.
We ask your forgiveness
when we fail to look beyond our own desires
to see another’s need.
We ask for your presence
in our wilderness wanderings.
May your hand guide us from the arid land of sin
into a land flowing with milk and honey—
a land made rich and abundant
by your saving love. Amen.

Words of Assurance (Romans 10)

No one who believes in Jesus will be put to shame.
And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
shall be saved.
Rejoice and celebrate, for forgiveness is ours
through the confession of faith in Christ.

Passing the Peace of Christ (Romans 10:9)

Joyously greet one another with the words, “Jesus is Lord!”

Introduction to the Word or Prayer of Preparation (Deuteronomy 26:8, Romans 10:8)

God of signs and wonders,
who speaks the world into being,
speak again your words of life and death.
May your word be ever near us,
on our lips, and in our heart.
Transform us as we hear your word this day,
that we may respond with faithful praise. Amen.

Response to the Word

O God,
you have spoken to us today
through this word of faith.
Embolden our spirits by your Spirit,
that your words may be made manifest
in all that we say and in all that we do
to bring your kingdom on earth.
In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen.

THANKSGIVING AND COMMUNION

Invitation to the Offering (Deuteronomy 26:1-2)

Hear the word of the Lord:
“When you have come into the land
that the LORD your God is giving you . . .
you shall take some of the first of
all the fruit of the ground . . .
and go to the place that the LORD your God will choose
as a dwelling [place].”
We bring our best before God in recognition
that all that we have is an inheritance from God.
In celebration of the bounty that God has provided,
let us give generously as we collect today’s offering.

Offering Prayer (Deuteronomy 26)

We bring these gifts to you, O God,
in recognition and gratitude
for your loving provision.
We offer you our very lives and bow before you
in tribute to your many blessings.
Take us and use us,
that your will may be done on earth
as it is in heaven.
This we pray in the name of the One
who came in holy love,
that we might have abundant life. Amen.

SENDING FORTH

Benediction (Psalm 91:9-12)

God will command the angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.
On their hands they will bear us up.
Because you have made the Lord your refuge,
the Most High will be your dwelling place.
No evil shall befall us.
Go in peace, in the provision and protection
of the Lord.
Thanks be to God! Amen.

CONTEMPORARY OPTIONS

Contemporary Gathering Words (Romans 10)

Call upon our God,
for God will hear our cry!
Calling, you will be saved,
for God will hear our cry!
In confidence and faith,
come and gather in the protective love of God,
for God will hear our cry!

Praise Sentences (Psalm 91:1-2)

You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress;
my God, in you I trust!”
My God, in you I trust!