First Sunday of Lent
Today our written service offers prayers, music and the readings for home worship, this First Sunday of Lent.
Opening Prayer
Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness,
and was tempted as we are, yet without sin:
give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit;
and, as you know our weakness,
so may we know your power to save;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Opening Hymn
.
The Readings
Thanks be to God.
Praise to you, O Christ.
.
The Psalm
.
The Anthem
.
The Intercessions
You call us to worship today and remind us that Jesus refused the temptation to worship the evil one. Rather than receive the glorious kingdoms of this world, he endured first, the time in the wilderness and ultimately the pain and suffering of the cross. Help us during our Lenten journey to fix our eyes on him.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayerWe pray for all of our Lent activities here in Haarlem along with the special services and those preparing, presenting and assisting them. May they all lead us together to a Holy Easter and a joyful celebration of the Resurrection.
We give you thanks for the Ministry of women in the Church; especially as on the 12th March we celebrate the 28th Anniversary of the first 32 women who were ordained as Church of England priests in Bristol Cathedral.Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayerYour son Jesus was offered all the kingdoms of the world and their authority and splendour if he would worship the devil rather than you. Help those who govern and rule all nations today to resist the temptation to use evil, violent and corrupt ways to bring about their personal desires rather than ruling with justice, mercy and benevolence.Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Help us Lord during this penitential season to follow the commands of Jesus and to fast cheerfully. May we demonstrate the joy of our Christian faith to all our family, friends and neighbours.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Merciful, loving God, friend of those in need, your Son Jesus can free us from our burdens and heal our bodies and spirits. We pray for those still burdened, those seeking healing, those in need within the church and the world. We pray too for those suffering from addiction of any kind and ask that you help them to put the temptation of Satan and the world behind them. (add names of those requesting prayer)
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
We pray for all who have died; especially those who encouraged us in our faith by their example. As we pray for them, may they in turn continue to pray for us that we may stay true to our faith.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
You have taught us to overcome our sins by prayer, fasting, and works of mercy. When, during the coming weeks of Lent, we are discouraged by our own weakness, give us confidence in your love to help us through to the glories of Easter.
Merciful father: accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
.
The Closing Hymn
.
Closing Prayer
Your Word reveals to us a simple truth,
that sin entered this world
through human folly
in believing we could be like you,
and permeated history
through envy, selfishness and greed.
Yet sin, which holds us tight
within its grasp
cannot resist a heart that is touched
by your grace through Jesus Christ,
cannot contend with Living Water
pouring into hearts and souls.
Your Word reveals to us a simple truth,
that sin is defeated
and we can become
the people we were always meant to be,
by your grace through Jesus Christ. Amen.
.
The Blessing
The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
