Downloadable Order of Worship
Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11
Hymn: All Glory Laud and Honor
Call To Worship – from Psalm 22
LEADER:
Whoever turns to God will find relief, for you will save them, taking
pleasure in their faith.
PEOPLE:
For you are the one who broke me
forth from the womb, who taught me trust from my mother’s breast.
LEADER: I
can count all my bones. They gaze at me,
staring with greed. They divide my
clothes among themselves, casting lots upon my garments.
PEOPLE:
But you are God – don’t be
distant! My ram of protection, rush to
my help! Lift my soul from the
sword. From the claws of the dogs, keep
me intact.
LEADER: Those who hold God in wonder – give
praise. All people of God – give thanks
to heavenly glory.
PEOPLE: Tremble before
the Holy One, all people of God, for God does not spurn the affliction cries of
the poor.
ALL: O God, you do not hide from the sorrowful;
when they cry out for salvation, you listen.
Scripture: Matthew 26:14-35
Hymn Go to Dark Gethsemane
Scripture: Matthew 26:36-56
Extinguishing the Candles of Lent
LEADER: During this time of Lenten preparation, we think of those who turned away from the light of Jesus. And we remember that we, too, turn away. Just as those who hailed Jesus as a king when he entered Jerusalem later called for his death, we too often support the way of Jesus only when it is expedient for us. By word and deed, we join Judas and Peter in betrayal and denial of Jesus. In acts of anger and greed, selfishness and thoughtlessness, we crucify the Christ again. We extinguish the sixth candle, confessing our complicity in the death of Jesus.
PEOPLE: Most holy and merciful Creator, you are Father and Mother to us:Â We confess to you and to one another, and to the whole communion of saints in heaven and on earth, that we have sinned by our own fault in thought, word, and deed; by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.
LEADER: We have not loved you with our whole heart, and mind, and strength. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We have not forgiven others, as we have been forgiven.
PEOPLE: Have mercy on us, Lord.
LEADER: Restore us, Loving Creator, and let our guilt depart from us;
PEOPLE: Favorably hear us, for your mercy is great.
LEADER: Accomplish in us the work of your salvation,
PEOPLE: That we may show forth your glory in the world.
LEADER: By the cross and passion of your Son our Lord Jesus,
PEOPLE: Bring us with all your saints to the joy of his resurrection.
(silence)
LEADER: Hear now the Good News – we are forgiven; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
