20B. THE SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT
(Colour: Violet or Purple)
RCL READINGS:
Exodus 20:1-17 The Ten Commandments
Psalm 19 Glory in Creation
1 Corinthians 1:18-25 Christ the Power and the Wisdom of God
John 2:13-22 Jesus Goes to the Temple
CATHOLIC/ANGLICAN LECTIONS: Romans 7:13-25
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SENTENCES:
"The heavens are telling the glory of God. The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." (Psalms 19:1, 7, 14)
My eyes are ever fixed on the Lord, for he releases my feet from the snare, O look at me and be merciful, for I am wretched and alone. (Psalm 25:15-16)
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, O God, my rock and my redeemer."
"The word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (I Cor. 1:18)
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SELECTIONS:
(John 2:13-16, 22)
The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, "Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father's house a marketplace!"
After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.
(1 Corinthians 1:18, 22-25)
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength.
(Psalm 19:1-4b, 7, 9-10, 14)
The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple;
The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
(Exodus 20:1-4)
Then God spoke all these words: I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
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POSSIBLE THEMES:
A Passionate Way
After the Flood: Remember
Christ the power of God. - 1 Corinthians 1:24
Clearing The Temple
Cords of Love
The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever
God's perfect law reflected on tablets of stone.
God's perfect law rejected on hearts of stone.
The law of God, reverence, zeal, forgiveness
Turn to God, the Source of Life
You will be my very own people
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COLLECTS and PRAYERS:
Eternal Lord, your kingdom has broken into our troubled world through the life, death, and resurrection of your Son. Help us to hear your Word and obey it, so that we become instruments of your redeeming love; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. AMEN.
Almighty God, your Son once welcomed an outcast woman because of her faith. Give us faith like hers, that we also may trust only in your love for us and may accept one another as we have been accepted by you; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. AMEN.
Father, you have taught us to overcome our sins by prayer, fasting and works of mercy. When we are discouraged by our weakness, give us confidence in your love. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. AMEN.
Lord our God, hallowed be Your name. Incline our hearts to Your commandments, and give us the wisdom of the cross; so that, freed from sin, which imprisons us in our own self-centredness, we may be open to the gift of Your Spirit, and become living temples of Your love; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son. AMEN.
(from "Uniting in Worship", Leader's Book, p. 242.)
Almighty God, of ourselves we have no power to help ourselves. Keep us outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
(by Russell McLarty, Regional Interim Minister for Lothians & Edinburgh, Church of Scotland. 'Starters For Sunday', 2009.)
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WCC PRAYERS:
(Week 11: 8-14 March)
Let us pray with the people of Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand:
O God, ease the suspicions that lurk at the back of the mind about people we cannot see and do not know. Lord, we take refuge in Your compassionate name, we take refuge in Your gospel of forgiveness, we take refuge in the fellowship of Your universal church on behalf of all Christians in Buddhist lands. This we pray in Christ's name. AMEN.
(From 'With All God's People', WCC Geneva)
/or/
Give us this day our daily bread.
All good gifts of the earth come from your generous hands, God.
Yet, this abundance is not shared equally among us.
While some are satisfied, others are starving.
Women often become the victims of exploitation
because they are desperate to feed and care for their children.
If only we would be mindful that each and every one of us must pray:
Give us this day our daily bread. AMEN.
(From 'In God's Hands', WCC Geneva. More Prayers at: http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle/week-11-myanmar-thailand.html)
(Week 12: 15-21 March)
Let us pray with the people of Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam: May the grace of our Lord
Jesus Christ protect us; and may Gods love fill our lives with a peace that extends its hand to others in true reconciliation and friendship; through Christ our Lord. AMEN.
(From 'With All God's People', WCC Geneva)
/or/
Look with mercy, O Lord, on all suffering people. Give respite to those who have never known peace. Grant that those who are enlightened by the Buddha may see the light that is in Christ. AMEN.
(from 'With All God's People', WCC Geneva)
=====[ A REFLECTION ON EPIPHANY ]=====
"BROKEN LEGS AND BROKEN TABLES"
In the temple Jesus found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves,
and the moneychangers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords,
he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle.
He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned
their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, "Take these
things out of here! Stop making my Father's house a marketplace!"
(John 2: 14-16, NRSV)
The picture of an angry Jesus, whip in hand, slashing and smashing, driving out the money changers from the Jerusalem temple is shocking and startling to us.
We are never accustomed to a mild-mannered, tender-hearted, long-suffering portrait of the good teacher and good shepherd of Nazareth. Love sometimes hurts and can call for stern measures.
God's love is active, not passive. "Disciple" comes from the word discipline. Discipline can be a proof of caring.
Glendon Harris in a sermon, "Discipline: A High Form of Love," tells the story of Montana shepherds who practice an ancient seemingly cruel means of handling that occasional "black sheep" of independent habit who wanders away from the flock. The shepherd deliberately breaks one of the sheep's legs. This is done so the sheep will follow the shepherd after he has nursed it back to health. If not done, the sheep would invariable stray into dangerous places and get killed.
-- by Dan Benuska
(from "Sermon Illustrations for the Gospel Lessons,
Concordia Publishing House, 1981)
During Lent, let us journey with Christ, in personal faith, study and prayer. Let us stretch our hands out to Jesus for He is the One who will carry us through.
LET US PRAY: Lord our God, hallowed be Your name. Incline our hearts to Your commandments, and give us the wisdom of the Cross. Freed from the sin that imprisons us in our own self-centredness, may we be open to the gift of Your Spirit, and become living temples of Your love. This we pray through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son. AMEN.
====[ IDEAS FOR WORSHIP ]====
Other Worship resources (and useful links) may found at:
STEPPING STONES: A Web Guide to Lectionary-Based Resources for Worship
and Preaching (http://www.digtree.org.au/steppingstones)
AND: Starters For Sunday (Worship on the Web - Church of Scotland)
http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/wpstarters.htm
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21B. THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT
(Sunday, 15th March, 2009.)
===[ WE GATHER IN GODS NAME ]===
(* PRELUDE) /or/
(* PRE-SERVICE SINGING)
PRAYER OF PREPARATION:
O Lord God, You led Your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide us now, the people of Your Church, that, following our Saviour, we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come.
We pray to you this day that you would give us eyes to see and ear to hear you. Give us mouths to sing of your love and lips to proclaim your praise. And when we are done here, give us hands to serve you in our world and feet to walk in your path all our days. Bless us, Lord, we pray, in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour, AMEN.
(adapted from a prayer by Richard F. Fairchild, Lent 2B.)
* INTROIT: CHRIST BE BESIDE ME [Tune: 156-Bunnessan]
Christ be beside me, Christ be before me,
Christ be behind me, King of my heart.
Christ be within me, Christ be below me,
Christ be above me, never to part.
-- from St. Patrick's Breastplate, 8th century.
(adapted by James Quinn)
/or/ "THE DOXOLOGY" (TIS #768ii Tune: Fairhill)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise God all creatures here below,
Praise God above the heavenly host,
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
GREETING: "The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God,
And the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all!
["AND ALSO WITH YOU!"]
"GOD IS HERE; LET US KEEP REVERENCE - ON THIS DAY AND IN THIS HOUR."
Let the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. AMEN.
CALL TO WORSHIP: (from Psalm 19)
Come into this sacred space to worship God
whose teaching is perfect;
whose directions are sure.
Come into this holy place to worship God
whose standards are right;
whose commandment is clear;
whose judgements are true.
Come with holy fear--
to be given life, and made wise,
to have your heart stirred and your eyes opened wide.
Come --- let us worship God.
Let the words of our mouths and the whispering of our hearts
be according to your will, O God. AMEN.
(For use in worship, with acknowledgement. Copyright Jeff Shrowder 2003.)
/or/
Leader: We are glad to be here, O God,
We care about Your church, because we love You.
People: We are glad to be here, O God.
Leader: Here we sing Your praise;
Here we read Your word;
Here we listen for Your voice.
People: We are glad to be here, O God. AMEN.
/or/
Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
People: And also with you.
Leader: Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees;
then I will keep them to the end.
People: Give me understanding,
and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.
Leader: Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.
People: Turn my heart toward your word and not towards selfish gain. AMEN.
(by Richard F. Fairchild, Lent 3B.)
/or/ (based on Psalm 19)
Leader: The heavens declare the glory of God!
People: God's handiwork surrounds us in each new day!
Leader: May the words of my mouth be acceptable in the Lord's sight!
People: May the quiet thoughts of my heart give God glory!
(by Neil Young, Erindale United Church, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada)
* HYMN OF PRAISE: AHB #111 - "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty"
/or/
"TREE OF LIFE" (Tune: Thomas, 87.8.77) 307 GA
Light of life beyond conceiving,
Mighty Spirit of our Lord;
Give new strength to our believing,
Give us faith to live your word.
Give us faith to live your word.
From the dawning of creation,
You have loved us as your own;
Stay with us through all temptation,
Make us turn to you alone.
Make us turn to you alone.
We remember truth once spoken,
Love passed on through act and word,
Ev'ry person lost and broken
Wears the body of our Lord.
Wears the body of our Lord.
Give us eyes to see you clearly,
Make us children of your light;
Give us hearts to live more nearly
As your gospel shining bright.
As your gospel shining bright.
God of all our fear and sorrow,
God who lives beyond our death;
Hold us close through each tomorrow,
Love as near as every breath.
Love as near as every breath.
-- by Marty Haugen
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A PRAYER OF PREPARATION:
We thank you, most loving God, for the opportunity offered by this time in your house of love created by the Crucified One. Do not allow us to be like spectators, but draw us into the soul of the music, prayers, psalms, and Bible readings, and let us be ready to hear within yet beyond the sermon that Living Word which surpasses all human sentences as the sunrise surpasses a candle. Through Christ Jesus, your crucified Son. AMEN.
(by Bruce D. Prewer, Lent 3B.)
WELCOME & INTRODUCTION:
Today is the Third Sunday in Lent. Lent is a time when we are invited to journey with our Lord Jesus in faith, study and prayer. We are invited to reflect upon our lives. We are invited to make a deeper personal commitment to God.
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SHARING WITH THE FAMILY OF GOD: [For the Young and Young at Heart]
OLD TESTAMENT: Exodus 20: 1-17
The Ten Commandments
[God gives the ten commandments to Moses.]
Spark:
Put up signs around the church, e.g., No Men, No Children, and No Families. At the start of the service, spend a moment inviting people's responses to the signs.
(from Gathering, United Church of Canada, 2009.)
With Children:
Talk about rules at home, such as rules about bedtime and watching TV, and rules that are followed while playing games. Ask: Why do we have rules? God gave us rules to help us, and we try to follow them today.
(from 'Gathering', United Church of Canada, 2009.)
/or/
Rules that help us live together: What does a red light mean? A green light? How do you know? Did you know that wherever, in the world, there are traffic lights, red means stop and green means go?
Why do you think we have traffic lights and rules that say we must obey them? What would happen if we didn't? A lot of the time, we think of rules as things we have to do otherwise we'll get in trouble. But most rules, like rules about traffic lights, are really made to help us to live together as best we can. The Ten Commandments were rules like that. (Can you name any? How are they good rules to help people live well together? What rules do you have at home or school that help you live well with others?)
It's always smart to think about our rules. Do they help us to live together well? If it doesn't seem as if they do, we might want to ask more questions and think some more about them. But if they do, we should try to follow them.
(from 'Gathering', United Church of Canada, 2003.)
/or/
CHILDREN'S TIME: The Medicine of God
Theme Things that seem bad can be very good
Object Buckley's Cough Syrup and/or Aspirin
Source Self
Show medicine. Ask kids if they know what it is? How it tastes. (Let
them smell the Buckleys) Ask kids if they would like to drink it - or chew
up the aspirin? No - tastes awful.
Now - ask if they have ever been sick? The medicines helped....
That is a bit like the law of God sometimes not doing things we want to
do doesn't taste right to us we really like being angry - we really want
to hit others - we really want to take other people's stuff - and the law
of God says we can't. But if we follow the law of God - we will have
healthy whole lives - we will not get the sickness of sin.
LET US PRAY - Dear Lord God - we thank you for medicine - and we
thank you for doctors - we thank you they keep us well - we thank
you too o God - for your law and for your love - they show us what
is good, - Help us God to obey you - and to love you and our
neighbours. Amen
(by Richard F. Fairchild, Lent 3B.)
* CHILDREN'S HYMN: AHB #531 - "When We Walk With The Lord" [Trust & Obey]
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MEDITATION: "I NO LONGER PRAY FOR PEACE"
On the edge of war, one foot already in,
I no longer pray for peace:
I pray for miracles.
I pray that stone hearts will turn to tender heartedness,
and evil intentions will turn to mercifulness,
and all the soldiers already deployed
will be snatched out of harm's way,
and the whole world will be
astounded onto its knees.
I pray that all the "God talk" will take bones,
and stand up and shed its cloak of faithlessness,
and walk again in its powerful truth.
I pray that the whole world
might sit down together and share
its bread and its wine.
Some say there is no hope,
but then I've always applauded the holy fools
who never seem to give up on
the scandalousness of our faith:
that we are loved by God ...
that we can truly love one another.
I no longer pray for peace:
I pray for miracles.
(by Ann Weems-Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2003.)
A CALL TO CONFESSION:
O come, let us return unto the Lord: for He will have mercy and abundantly pardon. The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand; repent and believe the Gospel: His will is our peace. His discipline is our hope. His service is perfect freedom. In His presence is fullness of joy.
LET US PRAY:
O God, we are so immersed in the materialism of our age that we find it hard to recognise our own sins and wrong-doings. Open our eyes to see ourselves as You see us. Expose the secret gods within us. Pinpoint the deceits that blur our perception, unmask the poverty of our souls, expose our greed, arrogance, or apathy. Save us from our love of things and use of persons. Deliver us from morbid guilt, cheap discipleship, and sentimental religion ...
LORD, IN YOUR MERCY [Hear our prayer] ... through Jesus Christ who suffered and died for us. AMEN.
/or/
The Psalm for this week concludes with a prayer that is wonderfully appropriate this approaching Lenten season:
"Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.
Keep your servant from wilful sins; may they not rule over me.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."
(Psalm 19:1214 (NIV)).
O Lord our God:
Is it right for us to be angry on account of what we hear and we see?
Is it right for us to be angry for the emptiness of worship?
Is it right for us to be angry for turning away from truth and righteousness?
Is it right for us to be angry for vain and empty promises?
Is it right for us to be angry for the way we treat each other?
Is it right for us to be angry for the nastiness of the nations?
God, we cannot hide the angers and hurts that are deep within us.
Especially we cannot hide them from you.
Help us expose the hidden anger and deal with it in ways that lead us toward your love, for we ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. AMEN.
(by Russell McLarty, Regional Interim Minister for Lothians & Edinburgh, Church of Scotland. 'Starters For Sunday', 2009.)
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ASSURANCE OF GODS LOVE AND FORGIVENESS:
HEAR THE GOOD NEWS! Our assurance is this: "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus ... for God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do." God sent the Saviour, who redeems us of all unworthiness."
BELIEVE THE GOOD NEWS OF GOD'S GRACE AND LOVE!
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven! [THANKS BE TO GOD! AMEN!]
HEAR THE GOOD NEWS! Christ died for us once and for all. He did this so that
* SONG OF THANKSGIVING: TIS #684 Love Will Be Our Lenten Calling
1. Love will be our Lenten calling, love to shake and shatter sin,
Waking every closed, cold spirit, stirring new life deep within,
Till the quickened heart remembers what our Easter birth can mean.
2. Peace will be our Lenten living as we turn for home again,
Longing for the words of pardon, stripping off old grief and pain.
Till we stand, restored and joyful, with the Church on Easter day.
3. Truth will be our Lenten learning: hear the Crucified One call!
Shadowed by the Saviours passion, images and idols fall,
And, in Easters holy splendour, God alone is all in all.
-- Elizabeth J. Smith [Tune: Picardy 87.87.87]
/or/ TIS #727 - In the Presence of Your People
(SIS Blue #361) (Sing Alleluia #52)
SHARING GOD'S PEACE:
God invites us to share with each other the Covenant Promise given to us in Jesus - a promise of Faith, Hope and Love:
THE PEACE OF THE LORD BE WITH YOU ALL!
["And Also with You"]
[NOTICES / INTIMATIONS / MINUTE FOR MISSION]
===[ WE LISTEN FOR CHRISTS WORD ]===
During Lent, let us journey with Christ, in personal faith, study and prayer. Let us stretch our hands out to Jesus for He is the One who will carry us through.
[We centre our hearts and minds upon the readings and reflections of Holy Scripture Let us pray ... ]
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION:
O God, You are the Lord of life and love. As we come to the Scriptures, quiet our souls with the stillness of a wise trust. Lift up our hearts above all cares and anxieties, that we may find Your will for our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
OLD TESTAMENT: Exodus 20: 1-17
The Ten Commandments
[God gives the ten commandments to Moses.]
THE PSALTER: Psalm 19: 7-14
The Law of the Lord
[The heavens declare the glory of God.]
NEW TESTAMENT: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
Christ the Power and the Wisdom of God
[God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom.]
John 2:13-22 Jesus Goes to the Temple
GOSPEL READING: John 2: 13-22
Jesus Cleanses the Temple
["Destroy this temple and I will build it again"]
A MEDITATION:
"Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up."
I watch you storm the temple
hurling the market into the streets.
Is this temple your father's?
Is this temple you?
Or are we to be the temple?
Holy Spirit,
Keep the oxen and sheep
of my all-busyness
beyond my gates.
Watch my running after
things and moneychangers.
Especially watch the moneychangers.
Keep my doors open wide
to all that is you.
(from Centre for Liturgy, St. Louis University,
http://liturgy.slu.edu/3LentB032303/prayerpathmain.html
/or/
A MEDITATION: "THE PAIN"
I was in the temple courtyard that day when this Jesus came
and walked around among the stalls
at first with shoulders squared
like a centurion on inspection
But the more he saw the more his shoulders sagged
like one dismayed and overwhelmed
by some gross indecency institutionalised
and on display without apology
or even hint of reticence.
I watched him move to near a door
and as the common pilgrims looked on
he took some cord and plaited a whip
before squaring his shoulders once more
and storming among the stalls
He upended tables and moneyboxes
while the traders looked on
with shock to see their silver and golden gods
go rolling across the pavement floor
and all the while his whip whirled around
as he drove them with the sheep and cattle
from that holy ground.
The thing I remember most sharply
were the eyes of that young man
not so much glinting with anger
but filled with enormous pain
such as I have never seen before
nor ever have again.
(By Bruce D. Prewer (for Lent 3B.)
SHARING GOD'S WORD: Proclaiming the Good News
Comment:
The tables are turned on the moneychangers! Jesus was angered by their disregard for the Temple; God's house was never intended to be merely a trading place. However, more than the tables get turned, for in His prophecy Jesus predicts how true worship will occur. He points to His resurrection, when believers will worship Him in spirit and in the truth of new life. No longer will God's praise be confined to some building.
(by James G. Kirk, "When We Gather", Year B, p. 58.)
Sermon Starters:
The sermon might explore when rules are meant to be broken. Compare humanity's versus God's rules. We have ambivalent feelings toward rules--they are important for others to follow but not us!
Develop a modern version of the Ten Commandments, e.g. a modern tenth commandment might include references to a Lexus car, designer clothes, and "keeping up with the Joneses" mentality.
(from 'Gathering', United Church of Canada, 2009.)
/or/
John and the other gospel writers disagree on the placement of the cleansing in Jesus' public ministry. As a Lenten reading, it challenges our response to forces around us that would harmonize Christianity with the goals of the world. In the Lenten cycle, this episode marks the beginning of the end, the confrontation between religious and economic interests. We might find reflection on the protests at the G8 and World Bank meetings disturbing and helpful. If Jesus were there, what sort of civil disobedience might he engage in?
(from 'Gathering', United Church of Canada, 2003.)
Prayer:
Lord our God, hallowed be Your name. Incline our hearts to Your commandments, and give us the wisdom of the Cross. Freed from the sin that imprisons us in our own self-centredness, may we be open to the gift of Your Spirit, and become living temples of Your love. This we pray through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son. AMEN.
/or/
Eternal Lord, Your kingdom has broken into our troubled world through the life, death, and resurrection of Your Son. Help us to hear Your Word and obey it, so that we become instruments of Your redeeming love; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. AMEN.
(from the "Lutheran Book of Worship")
===[ WE RESPOND TO THE SPIRITS VOICE ]===
THE CREED: The Nicene Creed /or/ The Apostles Creed
[In unity with Christians through the ages, let us stand and affirm our faith in the words of the Nicene Creed (the Apostles Creed) ... ]
/or/
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.
We believe in Jesus Christ who,
though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death
-- even death on a cross.
Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name
that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
-- Philippians 2:5-11
/or/
* SCRIPTURE HYMN: TIS #674 "INSPIRED BY LOVE AND ANGER"
1. Inspired by love and anger, disturbed by need and pain,
Informed of God's own bias we ask him once again:
"How long must some folk suffer? How long can few folk mind?
How long dare vain self interest turn prayer and pity blind?"
2. From those forever victims of heartless human greed,
Their cruel plight composes a litany of need:
"Where are the fruits of justice? Where are the signs of peace?
When is the day when prisoners and dreams find their release?"
3. From those forever shackled to what their wealth can buy,
The fear of lost advantage provokes the bitter cry,
"Don't query our position! Don't criticise our wealth!
Don't mention those exploited by politics and stealth!"
4. To God, who through the prophets proclaimed a different age,
We offer earth's indifference, its agony and rage:
"When will the wronged be righted? When will the kingdom come?
When will the world be generous to all instead of some?"
5. God asks, "Who will go for me? Who will extend my reach?
And who, when few will listen, will prophecy and preach?
And who, when few bid welcome, will offer all they know?
And who, when few dare follow, will walk the road I show?"
6. Amused in someone's kitchen, asleep in someone's boat,
Attuned to what the ancients exposed, proclaimed and wrote,
A saviour without safety, a tradesman without tools
Has come to tip the balance with fishermen and fools.
(by John L. Bell & Graham Maule)
/or/
"CHRIST BE BESIDE ME" [Tune: Bunessan Morning Has Broken]
1. Christ be beside me, Christ be before me,
Christ be behind me, King of my heart.
Christ be within me, Christ be below me,
Christ be above me, never to part.
2. Christ on my right hand, Christ on my left hand,
Christ all around me, shield in the strife.
Christ in my sleeping, Christ in my sitting,
Christ in my rising, light of my life.
3. Christ be in all hearts, thinking about me,
Christ be in all tongues telling of me.
Christ be the vision in eyes that see me,
In ears that hear me, Christ ever be.
-- from St. Patrick's Breastplate, 8th century.
(adapted by James Quinn)
______________________
[NOTICES / INTIMATIONS / MINUTE FOR MISSION]
PRAYERS OF PETITION & INTERCESSION:
(** Recommended)
/See/ "Traces of Glory", by David Adam, Year B, pp. 52-54.
/or/ "Let Us Pray" by Janet Nelson, pp. 108-109.
/or/ "Companion to the RCL" by Christine Odell, Vol I, p. 77.
/or/ "When We Gather" by James G. Kirk, Year B, p. 59.
/or/ "Prayers for the Seasons of God's People", Year B, pp. 78-79.
/or/ "Lord for All Seasons", by Ted Burge, p. 104.
/or/
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE:
[Lord in Your Love … HEAR OUR PRAYER …]
Gracious God, we come to You today with our prayers and petitions, our concerns
for ourselves, our concerns for others. We ask that You hear our prayers, and that they become as important to You as they are to us. But in Hearing our prayers, O God, allow us to discover ways in which we ourselves can participate in their fulfilment. Lord, make us instruments of Your peace. Use us in redeeming the world. LORD IN YOUR LOVE ...
We pray, O God, for Your Church throughout the world: that it may share to the full the work of the Kingdom, revealing Your Love to all humanity and reconciling every person to you through Jesus Christ. We pray, too, that Christians may learn to love one another, as You have loved us, and that Your church may more and more exhibit the unity that is Your will and Your gift. LORD IN YOUR ...
Father, we pray that we and all Christians may be what You want us to be, and do what You want us to do. We pray for contentment with whatever comes our way. May we attain peace of mind through simple service in Christian love. LORD IN YOUR ...
We pray for our Nation, Lord. May none of us exploit others, may none be neglected or forgotten. We pray for political saneness and economic well-being. In our duties to our sovereign, to our country, and to society, may we be quick to praise those who do their best, and recognise true worth. May all within our shores work for the common good and the well-being of every individual. LORD IN YOUR LOVE ...
Lord, we pray for the life of the world - that every nation may seek the way that leads to peace, and that no person on earth be in want or poverty. We pray that human rights and freedom may everywhere be respected and that the world's resources may be ungrudgingly shared. LORD, IN YOUR LOVE ...
Gracious God, we pray for homes and families That husbands and wives may accept lifelong marriage as their ideal. We pray for broken homes and those in danger of breaking up - that Your Love may redeem and fulfil. We pray for the homeless. We pray that no family or person may have to face a lifetime without a hope or encouraging future. LORD, IN YOUR LOVE ...
We pray, Lord, for those who are ill, at home or in hospital . . . May the illnesses that we experience in life, through body or mind, not break our spirit. May You offer to all who suffer Your healing touch. Bring us and those for whom we pray to health and wholeness. LORD, IN YOUR LOVE . . .
/or/
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE:
[Lord in Your Love … HEAR OUR PRAYER …]
For Our Nation: We give thanks to God for the Commonwealth Games (in Melbourne) where teams and individuals from around the world, meet, compete, and celebrate friendships that know no bounds. May the Leaders of our governments, follow their good example: to build up communities and not tear down or divide. We pray for all cultures within Australia, young and old alike, in all our diverse communities and diverse ways.
For the World: We pray for Peace (God's Shalom) in these troubles times, especially for a quick and just resolution to the situation in Iraq. We pray for peace, understanding and reconciliation between warring peoples, and justice in every place where people live in poverty, terror or fear. We pray for the whole of the Middle East and an end to the long conflict between the peoples of Israel and Palestine. May people of different languages and cultures learn to live in friendship and harmony.
For Families, Friends, and Others in Need: For families we pray: for our parents, grandparents, our children and grandchildren. For families, individuals and couples who live in our neighbourhoods..
For Children and young people seeking to learn about their place in the world. For their growing up, and for those entering the workforce or higher education., We pray especially for the sick, injured, lonely, distressed and bereaved.
Other Prayer Points: {may include WCC Geneva Prayers … See Above … ]
===[ THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORDS SUPPER: THE HOLY EUCHARIST ]===
[SENTENCES]
"The sparrow even finds a home, the swallow finds a nest wherein to place her young, near to your altars, Lord of hosts, my King, my God! How happy they who dwell in your house! For ever they are praising you." (Psalm 84:4-5)
[INVITATION TO THE LORD'S TABLE]
* COMMUNION/OFFERTORY: "Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Come to Us" Have Come To Us" [Living Lord]
[OFFERING and DEDICATION]
O God of justice and mercy, Your way commands our obedience, Your grace gives us encouragement. We can do nothing apart from the blessings You bestow. Alive with the presence of Your indwelling Spirit, we are bold to offer what we have as signs of our devotion. Accept what we bring, and multiply its effectiveness, for the sake of Jesus, Your gift to us. AMEN.
(by James G. Kirk, "When We Gather", Year B, p. 59.)
/or/
Gracious and wise God, you give us the freedom to relate to you through the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. You empower us with the wisdom of your Spirit to proclaim our deliverance from evil through the power of the cross. We offer these gifts and our lives as symbols of our thanksgiving, praying that you will bless them and use them to proclaim the wonders of your love. In Jesus' name, we pray. AMEN.
(by Moira Laidlaw, Lent 3B.)
[SETTING OF THE TABLE - WORDS OF INSTITUTION]
According to Luke when our Risen Lord was at table with His disciples, He took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognised Him. From that day onwards they gave witness to the Risen Lord through Word and Sacrament. Today we do the same.
[THE GREAT THANKSGIVING] (standing)
Leader: The Lord be with you!
People: AND ALSO WITH YOU!
Lift up your hearts.
People: WE LIFT THEM TO THE LORD.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God:
People: IT IS RIGHT TO GIVE OUR THANKS AND PRAISE!
It is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise, O God,
for the Word of your cross, though appearing foolish,
is the power and wisdom which save us.
You created the universe;
the skies tell of your glory
and the earth bears witness to your steadfast love.
You brought your people from slavery to freedom
and gave your holy commandments through Moses;
words that guide the simple and sharpen vision,
reviving the soul and delighting the heart.
When the world, in its sophistication and pride,
made an idol of money
and a marketplace of your temple,
using your name only to boost profits,
you sent your Son, Jesus Christ,
filled with zeal for your honour.
He was torn down by the fury of evil and corruption,
but rose again in three days,
forever establishing the foolishness and weakness of God
as the pathway of life and salvation.
Therefore with all the faithful throughout the world and all time, and every creature in heaven and earth we praise you saying:
ALL: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the One whose coming we await with joy.
Hosanna in the highest.
(Copyright 2003 Nathan Nettleton www.laughingbird.net,
http://www.laughingbird.net/LectionTexts/B20.html#Eucharistic%20Preface)
/or/
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Each year you give us this joyful season,
when we prepare to celebrate the paschal mystery
with mind and heart renewed.
You give us a spirit of loving reverence for you, our Father,
and of willing service to our neighbour.
As we recall the great events that gave us new life in Christ,
you bring the image of your Son to perfection within us.
Now, with the angels and archangels,
and the whole company of heaven,
we sing the unending hymn of your praise:
ALL: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he whose coming we await with joy.
Hosanna in the highest.
(from 'CanticaNova', http://www.canticanova.com/planning/year-b/pln12b_l.htm)
______________________
[PRAYER OF CONSECRATION and ACCLAMATION]
Holy God, you brought a new relationship to birth in Jesus Christ to bring your unconditional love into even greater focus. He graced lives with healing and hope, with compassion and power and as if that were not enough, he gave his very life for us. On the night of his betrayal, as he sat at the table and broke bread with his friends, he said: 'Take and eat; this is my body which is broken for you. Remember me each time you do this.' After they had eaten, he took the cup, and said: 'Remember me as you drink from this, for it is my life, poured out for you - the beginning of a new relationship with God.'
God of all power, breathe your Holy Spirit upon us, and upon these gifts of bread and wine, that they may be for us the life of Christ and that we may make that life visible through our faithful witness to the gospel. In Jesus' name we pray. AMEN.
(by Moira B. Laidlaw, http://www.liturgiesonline.com.au/liturgies/main/index.php?ch_table=link4&PID=2&SID=&year=B)
______________________
[THE LORD'S PRAYER]
(Modern Version)
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come, Your will be done
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial,
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and forever. AMEN.
-- English Language Liturgical Consultation (ELLC)
/or/
(An Alternate Translation)
Our Father in heaven, may Your name be honoured.
May Your kingdom come, and Your will be done
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today the food we need.
Forgive us our wrongdoings
as we forgive those who have wronged us.*
Bring us through the hard-testing times
and deliver us from evil's ways.
For the Kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours
now and forever! AMEN.
[translated and adapted by Rev. John Maynard]
(* = or "Forgive us our offences
as we forgive those who have offended us.")
/or/
(An Adaptation in Verse)
Our Father in heaven, may Your name be kept
in reverence, honour and awe.
Let Your Reign come and Your will be done,
on earth as in heaven for all.
Feed us today with the food we need;
nourish, refresh us, we pray.
Forgive our wrongdoings as we forgive
those who have wronged us along the way.
And as we go through hard-testing times
deliver us from Evils way.
For the Reign, the Power and Glory are Yours
today and forever always. AMEN.
[Translated by Rev. John Maynard, Copyright 2005.
May be used freely for public worship or personal devotion.]
______________________
[THE BREAKING OF BREAD AND POURING OF WINE]
Minister: (in breaking the bread)
Christ is the bread of joy, who shares food with sinners
/or/
Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body,
for we all partake of the one bread.
Minister: (in pouring the wine; or lifting the cup)
Christ is the cup of life, who revives the faint-hearted.
/or/
The cup which we bless is the communion in blood of Christ.
/or/
We break this bread and take this cup so that we can all share
in the life of Christ: God's gifts for God's people.
/OR/
The bread we now break and the cup we take are a sharing in the life of Christ (fraction) As we take this cup of blessing and as we share this bread of life we proclaim his death with gratitude and celebrate his resurrection with joy
The minister holds out the bread and the cup to the people and says:
Let us receive what we are;
let us become what we receive.
The body of Christ.
[LAMB OF GOD THE AGNUS DEI]
Jesus, Firstborn of Mary: HAVE MERCY ON US.
Jesus, Saviour of the world: HAVE MERCY ON US.
Jesus, Monarch of heaven: GRANT US PEACE.
/or/
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: HAVE MERCY ON US.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: HAVE MERCY ON US.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: GRANT US YOUR PEACE.
ALL: Lord, we are not worthy to receive You,
but only say the word and we shall be healed. AMEN.
[PROCLAMATION]
Jesus said: I am the Bread of life.
The one who comes to me shall never be hungry,
and the one who believes in me shall never thirst!
Come to the Table:
Here is the Bread of Life for You;
The Cup of Salvation for You.
/or/
Receive this holy sacrament of the body and blood of Christ,
and feed on him in your hearts by faith with thanksgiving.
[DISTRIBUTION OF THE ELEMENTS]
/ according to local custom /
Ministering Words:
The Bread of Life for You
The Cup of Salvation for You
/or/ The Body of Christ for You
The Blood of Christ for You
/may be sung or played during the distribution .../
Eat this bread, drink this cup: Come to me and never be hungry.
Eat this bread, drink this cup: Trust in me and you will not thirst.
(TIS #714 - "Eat This Bread" from the Taizé Community)
______________________
AFTER DISTRIBUTION: (If the 'Agnus Dei' is not used)
Jesus is the lamb of God
Who takes away the sin of the world.
Happy are they who have been called to His supper.
[DEPARTING PRAYER]
Leader - Bless the Lord, O my soul!
PEOPLE - And that is within us, bless God's holy name!
Leader - Bless the lord, O my soul!
PEOPLE - And forget not all God's benefits!
LET US PRAY:
Lord, we give thanks for these holy mysteries which bring to us here on earth a share in the life to come. We rejoice that you are our creator and ruler. As we call upon your generosity, renew and keep us in your love.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. AMEN.
(from 'CanticaNova' Publications)
/or/
Teach us, good Lord, to serve you as you deserve:
to give, and not to count the cost;
to fight, and not to heed the wounds;
to toil, and not to seek for rest;
to labour, and not to ask for any reward,
except that of knowing that we do your holy will;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
-- Ignatius Loyola, 1491-1556
* HYMN OF FAITH: TIS #674 "Inspired by Love and Anger" (vs. 5-6)
5. God asks, "Who will go for me? Who will extend my reach?
And who, when few will listen, will prophecy and preach?
And who, when few bid welcome, will offer all they know?
And who, when few dare follow, will walk the road I show?"
6. Amused in someone's kitchen, asleep in someone's boat,
Attuned to what the ancients exposed, proclaimed and wrote,
A saviour without safety, a tradesman without tools
Has come to tip the balance with fishermen and fools.
(by John L. Bell & Graham Maule)
/or/ TIS #546 (AHB #122) "Lord Jesus, Think on Me"
/or/ TIS #628 (AHB #555) - In Faith and Hope and Love"
[COMMISSIONING PRAYER]
Alone with none but You, my God, I journey on my way;
What need I fear when You are near, O Lord of night and day?
More secure am I within Your hand
Than if a multitude did round me stand.
- St. Columba (AD 521-597)
[WORD OF MISSION]
In the power of the Holy Spirit, we now go forth into the world
- to fulfil our calling as the people of God, the Body of Christ.
(by Richard F. Fairchild, Lent 3B.)
/or/
Leader: The law of the Lord is perfect,
People: refreshing the soul!
Leader: God's commandment is pure,
People: and gives light to my eyes!
Leader: To fear the Lord is a clean thing
People: and gives a clean heart!
Leader: The judgments of the Lord are true
People: and righteous altogether!
(by Neil Young, Erindale United Church, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada)
[BLESSING and DISMISSAL]
May the good gifts that God gives you flow in and through your life and ministry all the day long ...
May God the giver of life, give you hope.
Christ the Redeemer, give you peace.
And the Holy Spirit, who inspires all, give you joy.
All the days of your life and forevermore. AMEN.
(adapted from a prayer by David Adam, "Traces of Glory", Year B, p. 52.)
/or/
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. [IN THE NAME OF CHRIST]
May the Lord be your source of peace and power all the day long.
May God give you grace to do His will;
Christ lead you into the way of all truths;
The Spirit guide you in your dealings;
Both now and forevermore. AMEN.
(Adapted from a prayer by David Adam, "Traces of Glory", Year B. p. 54.)
/or/
Go in peace - love and care for one another in the name of Christ;
- And may the love of God's holy law and devotion to God's holy will fill
your hearts;
- may the living presence of Christ cleanse you from all unrighteousness,
- and may the Spirit of God uphold you and show you the way you should go
both now and always.
(by Richard F. Fairchild, Lent 3B.)
/or
May God be your source of peace and power all the day long
... and may the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
be with you now and always. AMEN.
/or/
Go from here today,
empowered by the wisdom of God,
the love of Jesus Christ,
and the energy of the Holy Spirit
to witness to the foolishness and the glory of the cross.
(by Moira Laidlaw, Lent 3B.)
* BENEDICTION: CHRIST BE BESIDE ME [Tune: 156-Bunnessan]
Christ on our right hand, Christ on our left hand,
Christ all around us, shield in the strife.
Christ in our sleeping, Christ in our sitting,
Christ in our rising, light of our life.
-- from St. Patrick's Breastplate, 8th century.
(adapted by James Quinn)
/or/
"THE DOXOLOGY" (TIS #768ii Tune: Fairhill)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise God all creatures here below,
Praise God above the heavenly host,
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
/or/
TIS #531, vs. 1 - "Sent Forth by God's Blessing" [The Ash Grove]
Sent forth by God's blessing, our true faith confessing,
The people of God from His table take leave.
The supper is ended; may now be extended
The fruits of His service in all who believe.
The seed of His teaching, our hungry souls reaching,
Shall blossom in action for all human kind.
His grace shall incite us, His love shall unite us
To work for His kingdom, His purpose to find.
(by Omer Westendorf)
===[ ANOTHER SUNDAY REFLECTION ]===
"CLEANSING THE TEMPLE" (by David Beswick)
A sign of death and new life
There is a deep meaning to the cleansing of the temple. Essentially it has to do with the replacement of the old way of worshipping God with a new way of relating to God. The old temple was to be replaced by a new temple which was Christ himself.
The way John tells the story seems at first a simple straight forward case of "zeal for the Lord's house" [John 2:13-16]. People have sometimes taken this to be justification for righteous anger, which we all feel at times when we perceive some great injustice -- see the new hymn in the order of service, Inspired by love an anger.
Access to God for all his children
We know from many other things that Jesus did that he wanted people of all nations to be accepted as children of God, that he had special concern for the poor and that he disapproved the superior exclusive attitudes of the religious leaders of the time. So it makes sense that he would have had a sense of justice combined with a religious zeal for the proper worship of God when some were excluded. [For ancient examples see Isaiah 56:3,6-8; Jeremiah 7:11; compare Mark 11:17; the temple and people of Israel were to be a means of blessing to all nations 1 Kings 8:41-43; Zechariah 14:21; Genesis 18:18; 22:18; 26:4.]
The deeper meaning
You might say that an exclusive attitude on the part of the authorities is reason enough for the zeal with which Jesus cleansed the temple. Jesus knew that more needed to be done than to provide an example of firm action to deal with privileges which were unfair. Was there to be a new temple to replace the old one? [John 2:21] Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. [John 2:18-19] The resurrection was the sign of his authority. Later the understanding of his body as the temple of the Holy Spirit developed: [1 Corinthians 3:16; and see 1 Corinthians 12:27] Remember as we prepare to celebrate Easter, that the new body of the resurrection came through his sacrificial death. It was a new covenant in his blood. [See Psalms 69:7-9; Hebrews 9:11 to 10:18; Revelation 21:1-4].
(by David Beswick, Full Sermon may be found at -
http://www.beswick.info/rclresources/L3B97Ser.htm )
===[ MORE REFLECTIONS FOR LENT 3B ]===
By the time of Jesus the temple, which was supposed to Israel's supreme place of worship, had become a place of corruption. The outer courts resembled a market-place where the licensed vendors did a roaring trade in approved livestock and money-changers turned a nice profit.
The regulations about acceptable sacrifices were intended to enhance the worship of God: only the perfect and flawless was fit to be an offering. But the system was open to abuse. Pilgrims must pay the inflated prices demanded by the official vendors or have their sacrificial animals rejected by the inspectors.
Two things were wrong here. The faithful who came to make their offering to God
were being exploited. And the temple itself was being misused. In a dramatic demonstration of His authority and of His devotion to God, Jesus took action, scattering the traders and enraging the priests. What He did raises for us the question of how far *we* are prepared to go in showing our love for God.
------------
AN AUSTRALIAN PSALM: "DON'T TEST GOD"
by Bruce Prewer
The Scripture also says, "Do not put the Lord your God
to the test." (Matthew 4:7, GNB)
You must not test the Lord your God,
nor ask for a sign of His presence;
His commandments are already given,
guide-posts on the road to life.
His sign is embedded in our history,
the child of a young woman - Immanuel.
Only a wicked and perverse generation
dare seek a greater sign than this.
Christ-given signs of His presence are with us:
the haunted eyes of the starving
looking at the camera of the tourist,
and the pitiful band of refuges
through whom Christ cries to us.
As we sit at plenteous tables,
or sleep in secure comfort,
should we ask for other signs?
Dare we test the Lord our God?
His signs are in our hospitals:
thousands of road-accident victims,
some dying, but not quickly enough,
and many with no future
except wheelchairs, callipers, or mindless years.
Dare we test the Lord our God
by saying prayers
and then driving carelessly
on our streets and highways?
The signs are in our churches:
ordinary people with simple faith
who humbly extend themselves
with an extraordinary compassion
in a thousand little actions;
the unpretentious, grass-roots love
which asks for no reward.
Dare we test the Lord our God
by demanding signs more grand?
Precious signs are in the Supper:
fruits of our toil and the generosity of God;
where the grace of soil, rain, and sunshine
condense in a chalice
and a piece of daily bread;
where people meet with an ever loving Host.
Dare we test the Lord our God
by asking for signs more profound?