19B. THE FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT
(Colour: Violet or Purple)
RCL READINGS:
Genesis 9:8-17 God's Covenant With Noah
Psalm 25:1-9 (1-10 NRSV) A Prayer for Guidance and Protection
1 Peter 3:18-22 Christ Suffered for Sins Once for All
Mark 1:9-15 The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus
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SENTENCES:
"Teach me Your ways, O Lord; make them known to me." (Psalm 25:4)
"When he calls to me, I will answer; I will rescue him and give him honour. Long life and contentment will be his." (Psalm 91:15-16)
"For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit." (1 Peter 3:18)
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SELECTIONS:
(Genesis 9:8-10, 15-17)
Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, "As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark.
I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth." God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth."
(Psalm 25:1-2, 7-10)
To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.
Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness' sake, O LORD! Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
(1 Peter 3:18, 21-22)
For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit ...
And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you--not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.
(Mark 1:9-15)
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news."
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POSSIBLE THEMES:
God's Faithful Love Lasts Forever
Lent - a time for action?
People of the Covenant Community
Signs of God's Promise
Temptations of our times and the angels who feed us along the way!
The covenant community and signs of our times of hope and restoration!
The covenant community - Jews and Christians and the Holocaust!
What can I give up this Lent?
You are my Son, the Beloved. (Mark 1:11)
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COLLECTS and PRAYERS:
Lord God, you led your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them to the Promised Land. Guide 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; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. AMEN.
Lord God, our strength, the battle of good and evil rages within and around us, and our ancient foe tempts us with his deceits and empty promises. Keep us steadfast in your Word and, when we fall, raise us again and restore us through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. AMEN.
Father, through our observance of Lent, help us to understand the meaning
of your Son's death and resurrection, and teach us to reflect it in our lives. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN.
(from 'CanticaNova', http://www.canticanova.com/planning/year-b/pln1lb_l.htm)
Almighty God, your Son fasted forty days in the wilderness, and was tempted as we are but did not sin: give us grace to discipline ourselves in submission to your Spirit, that as you know our weakness, so we may know your power to save; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN.
(from 'Uniting in Worship', Leader's Book, p. 240.)
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WCC PRAYERS:
(Week 9: 22-28 February)
Let us pray with the people of France and German: For all members of minority groups, immigrants and migrant workers, that they may experience tolerance and consideration, and for those involved in programs to combat racism, promote peace with justice and provide bread for a hungry world.
God, purify us in our solidarity with others; may it be genuine, fruitful, fervent and humble. Teach us to extend our lives beyond ourselves and to reach out in sympathy to the frontiers where people are suffering and changing the world. God our Father, we thank You for putting new life into Your people. Help us to enjoy all new things which show us that You are still at work in our world; through Christ our Lord. Amen
(from 'With All God's People', WCC Geneva)
(More Prayers at: 'In God's Hand's', WCC Geneva, http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle/week-9-france-germany.html)
(Week 10: 1-7 March)
Let us pray with the people of Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino:
Lord, save us from being self-centred in our prayers; teach us to remember to pray for others. Let our chief end, O God, be to glorify Thee and to enjoy Thee forever, and let our second endeavour be for share with others what we so richly enjoy; through Christ our Lord. Amen through Christ our Lord. AMEN
(from 'With All God's People', WCC Geneva)
/or/
You, my Lord and my God, give me all that leads me to you. You, my Lord and my God, take away from me, all that separates me from you. You, my Lord and my God, take me away from myself and offer me entirely to you. AMEN.
(from 'In God's Hand's', WCC Geneva. More Prayers at: http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle/week-10-andorra-austria-liechtenstein-monaco-san-marino-switzerland.html)
(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 Gods People, WCC Geneva)
=====[ A REFLECTION ON EPIPHANY ]=====
"TRUE OPTIMISM IN TEMPTATION"
The problem of many people who talk about fighting temptation is that they assume we have the reserve and resolve, the will power and strength to do it. They often have an optimistic understanding of the nature of people. Ogden Nash satirically wrote, "I can resist anything except temptation!" and "The only way to get ride of temptation is to give in to it!" There's more truth in his words then we'd like to admit.
La Rochefoucould in "Maxims" (1665) put it this way: "When we resist temptation, it is usually because temptation is weak, not because we are strong."
It's extremely important that we recognise both the strength of our temptations and our limited strength in dealing with them. Only then will we begin to under-stand all that Christ has done for us. It is not because we have won the battles of life that we are confident but because Christ has. It is not because we are so sure of our strength that we face temptation but because we're sure of His presence by us and His power for us.
In a TV movie "Eric", Eric struggled with cancer. In the movie he stands on the beach of the family summer home with his father. "Daddy," he says, "remember how I wanted to swim across the bay with you. We got half way across and I said I couldn't make it. You reached out and held onto me? Well, Daddy, I don't think I can make it now."
Eric's father quietly spread his arms around him and said, "I won't let you go down. Put your arms around my neck, and we'll go on together.
That's Jesus' invitation: Put your arms around Him and together go on.
-- Dan Benuska
====[ 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)
SEE ALSO: Starters For Sunday (Worship on the Web - Church of Scotland)
http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/wpstarters.htm
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19B. FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT
(Sunday, 1st March, 2009.)
===[ WE GATHER IN GOD'S NAME ]===
(* PRELUDE) /or/
(* PRE-SERVICE SINGING)
PRAYER OF PREPARATION:
Your paths are straight and true, O God - they guide all who seek the way of salvation. Uphold us by Your covenant and guide us by Your truth. Hear us now as we lift our souls in praise to You. Accept our songs and prayers of glad adoration; through Christ our Lord. AMEN.
(from "When We Gather", Year B, p. 54)
* 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!"]
CALL TO WORSHIP:
To You, O God, I lift up my soul.
In You, O God, I trust.
Let me know Your ways, O God - teach me your paths.
So that I may walk the journey that leads to everlasting life.
/or/ (based on Psalm 25)
To you, O God, we lift up our souls!
In you we trust!
Show us your ways, O Lord, teach us your paths!
Lead me in your truth, O Lord, and teach me!
Commissioning
You are upright and good, O God,
show us your path!
Guide us to do what is right,
and teach us your way!
Your ways are loving and sure, O Lord our God!
Let me keep our covenant and commandments!
(by Neil Young, Erindale United Church of Canada, Mississauga, Ontario)
/or/
The God of Rainbow and Covenant
The God of Wilderness experiences
The God of Dark Nights of the Soul
The God of abundant love and gracious calling
Journeys with us throughout Lent;
To guide and guard us in Temptation and Trust
In Fear and in Faith
In Sadness, Joy, Death and Resurrection.
Therefore let us bless the Father's name,
Rejoice in Christ's presence,
And seek the strength of The Holy Spirit
and worship God
(by Rev Karen Watson, Minister at Marchmont St Giles, Edinburgh, Church of Scotland, from 'Starters For Sunday', www.churchofscotland.org.uk)
* HYMN OF PRAISE: TIS #564 (AHB 49) - "O God of Bethel By Whose Hand"
/or/ AHB #162 - "Come, Children, Join to Sing"
/or/ TIS #14 - "To You, O Lord, I Lift My Soul..." (Psalm 25)
/or/ TIS #593 - "Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me"
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PRAYER OF PRAISE AND ADORATION:
Great God of the universe, Your wisdom pervades all creation: We gather before You to give You all praise and honour. Wonderful and majestic are Your works; justice & goodness is seen in all that You do. You make a covenant and call us to be heirs of Your promise. You have spoken your commandments and word, showing all people that You are to be trusted. In company with the redeemed of all ages, we lift our hearts to acclaim your presence; through Christ our Lord. AMEN.
/or/
God of storms and rainbows, God of rain and sunshine, God of all creation we worship and adore you. We gaze in wonder at the beauty of your creation and marvel at stormy skies transformed with the vibrant colours of a rainbow. Like Noah and his family, we praise you for this everlasting sign of your love and care for the whole creation in your desire to preserve and not destroy life. And at Jesus' baptism, the sky again revealed your love when you identified him as your beloved Son, strengthening him with the same Spirit who empowers and strengthens each of us. For all these assurances of your love for us and for the whole creation, we praise and worship you, O God, in the power of the Holy Spirit and in the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. Amen
(by Moira B. Laidlaw, http://www.liturgiesonline.com.au/liturgies/main/index.php?ch_table=link4&PID=2&SID=&year=B)
WELCOME & INTRODUCTION:
Today is the First 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.
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.
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SHARING WITH THE FAMILY OF GOD: [For the Young and Young at Heart]
Spark:
Prior to this Sunday, invite the congregation to come dressed in bright colours, or provide strips of different colours of broadcloth or sheets of paper to form a "human rainbow."
(from 'Gathering', United Church of Canada, 2009.)
With Children:
Children build and become a rainbow using fabric, paper, or their clothes.
Ask them: What is a covenant? Have you ever made a promise?
A rainbow is a sign of God's promise to us. Promises are made in church too, for example, we make them in baptism with parents, child, and the whole congregation.
(from 'Gathering', United Church of Canada, 2009.)
/or/
Have you ever made a deal? Traded your fruit treat for a granola bar at play school? Traded X-box games with a friend? What was your deal like? I'll let you play with my game till next Saturday, if you'll let me play with your game. I'll give you my apple and two cookies if I can have your Shrek II candy. Was your deal fair? Did you both get what you wanted? (You might bring in some appropriate snack food items and invite the children to set up a trade.) Go on to talk about the one-sided deal that God gave to Noah and to the whole world. We got the better part of the deal. We're very lucky that God loves us so much that the deal doesn't have to be "fair." God loves us always.
(from 'Gathering', United Church of Canada 2006.)
/or/
COVENANT (Based on Genesis 9:8-17)
During Lent we Jesus' journey to the cross. We remember, too, that as disciples of Jesus, we are friends on the journey with Him. When Jesus went to the cross, a promise that God made long, long ago came true. (How long ago was that?) very long ago. It was an everlasting promise that God made with a man and a family that sailed in this boat: /show boat/ Who knows his name? /Noah!/ And why did they have to sail in this boat? Who can tell me? /......./ Well, our Bible reading today is about an everlasting promise that God made with Noah and his family: Let's listen carefully ... try to guess what the promise was that God made and the sign of that promise:
OLD TESTAMENT: Genesis 9: 8-17
God's Covenant With Noah
[After the flood, God establishes a new covenant with Noah.]
What was the promise? /Never again will I let a flood destroy the things I made/ And what was the sign? /the rainbow/ There's a special word in the Bible for an everlasting promise; it was in the reading. Do you know what that word is? /covenant/ Here's a poster to let us remember the word:
Covenant
Pr Omise
E Verything
Agre Ement
Sig N
R Ainbow
Never again
To everyone
Many, many years later God's everlasting covenant promise came true when Jesus went to the cross. How's this so? Well, in the rainbow God said "I WILL NOT DESTROY" In the cross God says: "I WANT YOU TO LIVE"
Two different signs (the rainbow & the cross) Two different stories (Noah & Jesus) But all are a part of God's special promise that He's made for you & me. God says: I want you to have life abundantly. I don't want you to die; I want you to live forever!
Sometimes Christians are called *God's Covenant People" because Jesus wants us to tell others about the special promise that God has made. God wants you and me to be part of that same promise. And we can! - When we make friends with Jesus, and try to follow Him in our lives all the way.
In our worship and in our learning time we'll hear a bit more about Noah, and the rainbow and God's /what kind of promise? .../ God's Covenant Promise: a promise that lasts forever/.
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A PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING:
Our loving God, we thank You for all the signs You have given us as promises of that love. We thank You for the rainbow that tells us of beauty and brings us a sign of hope. We hope for a true that allows us to be who You created us to be, fulfilling the Kingdom of God.
We thank you for the dove, sent from the ark, that brings to us a sign of peace. We wish for peace that will unite us so we can serve and care for each other in the name of Your Kingdom.
We thank You for Your covenant with Israel, a symbol of Your presence with us. We ask that we may experience each day Your presence with us as we journey forth as travellers together.
We thank You for the life of Jesus, who brings to us Your peace in our lives, Your hope for our future, Your presence with us, and gives to us Your eternal love, which is our source of life.
We thank You, Lord. AMEN.
/or/
We give thanks for those things
which keep our hearts light
and our minds excited and stimulated by life.
Not that we may be heedless of the brokenness of our world -
but that we may also be truly thankful
for all that is good and hopeful in our lives.
We praise You,
For the right use of power and imagination
and the people who inspire us
by their actions and creativity,
O God of the soil and the air.
We praise You,
For the nurture and care of children;
and those things which the young can teach us
about the world because of the wonder
which they feel in seeing things for the first time.
O God
We praise You,
For the blessing of new relationships and enduring partnerships;
Which teach us that our knowledge of each other
As our knowledge of God
Grows and moves and changes over the course of our lives.
O God of Sun and Snow.
(by Rev Karen Watson, Minister at Marchmont St Giles, Edinburgh, Church of Scotland, from 'Starters For Sunday', www.churchofscotland.org.uk)
* PSALTER HYMN: TIS #703 - "As the Deer Pants for the Water"
/or/ (Chorus) "Praise Him, Praise Him, God of Creation"
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PRAYER OF CONFESSION: [Let us come to God in humble prayer, that we may acknowledge those things that lead us away from God, and receive again God's promise of forgiveness and love ... ]
Have mercy upon us and hear our prayer, O God. We have failed to live in the light of Your covenant. You set Your rainbow above us, yet clouds of unbelief darken our days. Distrust wells within us. Fear, not hope, is our watchword. Your Son bids us to follow him, but we are slow to respond and reluctant to obey. Father forgive us. Without Your grace, our lives are empty and we bear no good fruit. Yet in Your love You can revive us and renew us. Restore within us Your life-giving Spirit, and the heart that desires to walk the way that leads to everlasting life. [Lord in your mercy...] By the precious Name of Christ Jesus we pray. AMEN.
(adapted from "When We Gather", Year B, p. 54.)
/or/
Gracious God, as we begin our Lenten journey, we do want to follow Jesus but we confess our reluctance to face the stress and temptation that the journey might hold for us. We confess that we are sometimes tempted to wish for miracles which would make life easier rather than more stressful. We admire the difficult and risky journey that Jesus took, challenging systems which put conditions on God's love, but confess that we want our journeys of faith to be devout but not too daring; comfortable and not too threatening. We cherish the faithfulness and humility of Jesus, yet we confess our fear of treading Jesus' way of obedience - the way of the cross.
--{ A time of silence for personal confession }--
Lord Jesus Christ, save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. Forgive us our sins and fill us with the joy and peace of your salvation, and strengthen us during this Lenten season to follow you wherever you choose to take us. AMEN.
(by Moira B. Laidlaw, http://www.liturgiesonline.com.au/liturgies/main/index.php?ch_table=link4&PID=2&SID=&year=B)
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ASSURANCE OF GOD'S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS:
HEAR THE GOOD NEWS! Christ died for us once and for all. He did this so that we may be cleansed of all unrighteousness. Remember your baptism, and live in new life. Accept the love of Christ, who intercedes on our behalf. And hear once again that word of Grace: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven! [THANKS BE TO GOD! AMEN!]
* THANKSGIVING: TIS #598 (AHB #519) - "Dear Father, Lord of Humankind"
("Dear Lord and Father of Mankind")
/or/
TIS #94 - "GLORY TO GOD ABOVE" [Wellington Hall]
1. Glory to God above! Heavens declare his love;
praise him, you angels, praise him all you high and heavenly host.
Worship him, sun and moon; stars, complement their tune;
grounded in God's good purpose let his grace become your boast.
O sing hallelujah and praise God for evermore!
2. Glory to God below let depths of ocean show;
lightning and hail, snow wind and cloud perform at his command!
Let every mountain range, forest and grove and grange,
creatures of earth and air and sea praise God in every land.
O sing hallelujah and praise God for evermore!
3. 'Glory to God! Your King!' leaders and people sing;
women and men of every age unite to praise the Lord.
Worship God's holy name and let your lives proclaim
God's saving power extends to those who love and serve his word.
O sing hallelujah and praise God for evermore!
-- Words & Music by John L. Bell
/or/ Scripture in Song #131 - "Praise Him, Praise Him, God of Creation"
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 CHRIST'S WORD ]===
[We centre our hearts and minds upon the readings and reflections of Holy Scripture … Let us pray ... ]
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION:
Almighty Father, Your Son Jesus Christ was revealed in majesty before he suffered death upon the cross. We come today to hear your word anew. Give us grace to perceive Christ's glory. May we may be strengthened to suffer with him and be changed into His likeness, from glory to glory. AMEN.
/or/
Lord, Open our ears to hear Your word. Open our hands to embrace it. Open our eyes to see things in a new light. Open our mouths to proclaim your love. Open our hearts to embrace it.
AMEN.
(by John R. Maynard, Cowes, Australia)
OLD TESTAMENT: Genesis 9: 8-17
God's Covenant With Noah
[After the flood, God establishes a new covenant with Noah.]
A PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING:
Our loving God, we thank You for all the signs You have given us as promises of that love. We thank You for the rainbow that tells us of beauty and brings us a sign of hope. We hope for a true that allows us to be who You created us to be, fulfilling the Kingdom of God.
We thank you for the dove, sent from the ark, that brings to us a sign of peace. We wish for peace that will unite us so we can serve and care for each other in the name of Your Kingdom.
We thank You for Your covenant with Israel, a symbol of Your presence with us. We ask that we may experience each day Your presence with us as we journey forth as travellers together.
We thank You for the life of Jesus, who brings to us Your peace in our lives, Your hope for our future, Your presence with us, and gives to us Your eternal love, which is our source of life.
We thank You, Lord. AMEN.
THE PSALTER: Psalm 63
Longing for God
/or/ Psalm 25: 1-10
A Prayer for Guidance & Protection
/or/
To you, O LORD, I lift up my inmost being.
In you, O LORD, have I trusted,
let me not be ashamed;
do not let my enemies rejoice over me.
Indeed, those who wait for you
will not be put to shame;
the unprincipled who act faithlessly
will be put to shame.
Make your ways known to me, O LORD,
teach me your ways (of behaviour)
Make me walk in your way, and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation.
I have waited for you all the day.
[on account of your goodness]
Remember your acts of mercy, O LORD,
and your loving-kindness,
for they are from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellions,
remember me according to your loving-kindness.
The LORD is good and upright,
therefore he is showing sinners (in) the way.
He will make the humble walk in justice
and teach the humble his way.
All the paths of the LORD are loving-kindness
and faithfulness
for those keeping his covenant and his decrees.
(Copyright Jeff Shrowder 2003.For use in worship, with acknowledgement.)
NEW TESTAMENT: 1 Peter 3: 16b-22
"Christ Suffered for Sins Once For All"
* ANTHEM: "How Deep the Father's Love For Us" (by Stuart Townend)
1. How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory
2. Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocing voice,
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that helf Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I knoww that it is finished
3. I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
(Reprise)
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
(His wounds have paid my ransom)
-- by Stuart Townend
YouTube Video Segments:
(Sung by Sarah Sadler) http://www.youtube.com/watch v=Voawjjqg8zw&feature=related
(Sung by Joy Williams) http://www.ilike.com/artist/Joy+Williams/track/How+Deep+The+Father's+Love+For+Us
(Sung by Invisible Ally) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV2zMZ-nZ7k
GOSPEL READING: Mark 1: 9-15
The Baptism & Temptation of Jesus
[Mark tells about Jesus' Baptism, Temptation and Ministry.]
* SCRIPTURE HYMN: TIS #598 - "Dear Father, Lord of Humankind"
(AHB #519 - "Dear Lord and Father of Mankind")
/or/ TIS #235 (AHB #176) - "A Man There Lived in Galilee"
/or/ TIS #703 - "As the Deer Pants for the Water"
/or/ TIS #427 (AHB #333) - "Lord, Your Word Abiding" [Ravenshaw]
SHARING GOD'S WORD: Proclaiming the Good News
Sermon Starters:
Building on the Genesis story, what are the promises we make? What is our response to God's invitation? The preacher might want to pose the questions: When was the last time you saw a rainbow and what did you do? Stop? Share it with others? Reflect? What about the storm or rain before the rainbow?
Perhaps explore the struggles before "the rainbows" in our lives. Another avenue might be to consider dimensions of patience versus impatience in our living.
(from 'Gathering', United Church of Canada, 2009.)
/or/
In initiating covenant with humanity and creation (Genesis), God says, "As for me... " and invites us to decide how to respond. Baptism imagery pervades the lections, and this would be a good Sunday to explore what baptism is all about whether the sacrament is being celebrated or not. Inadequate and mistaken understandings abound: the anxious quest for "fire insurance" and the belief that it is the passport to Sunday school are among the more common ideas. Today's readings offer an opportunity to crack open that picture and place baptism within its proper setting of response to God's initiative. Named as beloved and invited into a new life, we can face desert testing times with the confidence that God's messengers will be there to support and guide us.
(from 'Gathering', United Church of Canada 2006.)
Prayer:
O Lord God, You led your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide 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; through Christ our Lord. AMEN.
===[ WE RESPOND TO THE SPIRIT'S 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: "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 THE PEOPLE:
/See/ "Traces of Glory", by David Adam, Year B, pp. 48-49.
/or/ "Let Us Pray" by Janet Nelson, pp. 108-109.
/or/ "Companion to the RCL" by Christine Odell, Vol I, p. 75.
/or/ "When We Gather" by James G. Kirk, Year B, p. 53.
/or/ "Prayers for the Seasons of God's People", Year B, pp. 62-63.
/or/ "Lord for All Seasons", by Ted Burge, p. 102.
/or/
God, our hope, we pray for those who live in despair:
those caught up in the power struggles of others,
becoming the victims of warfare and persecution.
We pray for ... /intercessions/ ...
those blinded by false promises,
and now living under unjust and uncaring regimes,
We pray for ... /intercessions/ ...
Loving God, when hope is lost and faith destroyed:
CALL US TO REPENTANCE, RENEWAL AND TRUST.
God, our hope, we pray for those who live in despair:
those caught in the poverty trap
and unable to find a way out,
We pray for ... /intercessions/ ...
those dreading the next moment, the next day
because of illness, anxiety or loss,
We pray for ... /intercessions/ ...
Loving God, when hope is lost and faith destroyed:
CALL US TO REPENTANCE, RENEWAL AND TRUST.
God, our hope, we pray for those who live in despair;
those caught in the web of sin, guilt and fear
unable to change and escape ... /silence/ ...
ourselves, when our pilgrimage of faith
takes us through dark places of suffering and doubt ... /silence/...
Loving God, when hope is lost and faith destroyed:
CALL US TO REPENTANCE, RENEWAL AND TRUST.
God, our hope, through baptism You have claimed us as Your own. May we never despair, but live by faith in Your promise of unfailing love, made known to us in the life, death and resurrection of our Lord and Brother, Jesus Christ. AMEN.
(from "Companion to the RCL", Vol. I, p. 75.)
/or/
O God of the covenant, You turned the waters from a cause of death to a source of life, we praise You for our baptism received in Christ's name. We give thanks that through Him You saw fit to set us apart for ministry. You gave us the rainbow as a sign of Your covenant, an everlasting promise that You will never separate Yourself from us. You have given Your Spirit to rest upon us and dwell within us, so that we are empowered for service. Truly, in You we live, and move, and have our being. By You alone are we sustained and upheld.
Continue to make Your presence known as we face the barren times of life. Help us to see in the creation the manifold signs of Your care for us. Instil within us that confidence to trust in You, the courage to face the unknown, and the boldness to praise Your name in all circumstances. Set Your covenant rainbow above us as the sign of Your faithfulness, and beyond us as the beckoning light of Your righteous love.
When Christ bids us come, give us strength to forsake all that would get in the way or hold us back. Help us to follow Him and catch the vision of true discipleship and service. Give us the strength to obey and serve you in all aspects of our life. Frustrate our efforts when we are headstrong and ignorant.
Keep us faithful to our baptism and open to the leading of Your Spirit. May we receive Your Covenant with acceptance and faith. In grace sustain us as we journey forth in faith, hope and love; through Christ our Lord. AMEN.
(from "When We Gather", Year B, p. 55.)
/or/
O Lord our God,
who knows far better than we ever could
what is good and just and true,
hear the prayers of people around the world
who cry out in wonder and praise
and perplexity and pain;
for such is the diversity of the prayers
that will rise to you this day.
Your teaching, O Jesus Christ,
tells us that no matter what we face
we are never out with the sphere of your love or concern.
Even through the very gates of death
you hold us in your arms, keeping us as your own.
And so we pray for our world.
We join with the people of Gaza and Israel
And peoples around the world in similar situations
who raise prayers for peace and hope;
that people of every place and perception
may have the hope and strength to continue,
as well as the humanity
to pray for those opposed to their point of view.
We join with people who are weakened by illnesses.
For them and their carers
we pray for forbearance and humour;
in whatever they face or fear.
We join in prayer with people who are frightened;
Of the dark, or the knock at the door,
Of loneliness or ill health;
Strengthen us and all people
To seek or accept help and hope
In its many forms.
We join with people who have much to be grateful for.
For opportunities to work and play
For exciting challenges and overseas travel,
For kindly and encouraging friends,
And all signs of the grace of God in our lives.
We pray for the health and happiness;
fulfilment and hope for all people
in every walk of life and in every situation;
yet we do not pray as those who are unaware
of injustice or violence or discrimination -
but in the faith that with you,
O Lord our God, nothing is impossible.
We join with the people of yesteryear
who now experience the fullness and joy of Your Kingdom.
May we be aware of our link with their past
and the intercession which they offer us.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
whose offer of grace and love is for each of is
wholly and truly without reserve or condition
Amen.
(by Rev Karen Watson, Minister at Marchmont St Giles, Edinburgh, Church of Scotland, from 'Starters For Sunday', www.churchofscotland.org.uk)
===[ THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD'S SUPPER: THE HOLY EUCHARIST ]===
[SENTENCES]
"Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4)
[INVITATION TO THE LORD'S TABLE]
* OFFERTORY HYMN: TIS #194 - "O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High" (vs. 1-4, 7)
[Tune: 342-Rockingham]
/or/ TIS #668 - "Touch the Earth Lightly"
/or/ AHB #168 - "Immortal Love, Forever Full" (vs. 1-3, 7-8)
/or/ TIS #510 (AHB 432) - "My God, Your Table Now is Spread"
[OFFERING and DEDICATION]
God of our hope and salvation, Your Covenant names us - Your grace sustains us. You call us together to minister to the world in love and service. Accept our offerings as signs of our faithfulness. Through them may great things be accomplished, in this place, and in places beyond; through Christ our Lord.
AMEN.
/or/
Father God, with these gifts we want to show our great love for You. Bless them, Lord, for the good work you want to do here on earth. Bless us, too, Lord, for we want to be Your "Children of the Promise", Your covenant people. Help us to be so, Lord, by following the great way of Jesus; for it is in His name we pray. AMEN.
/or/
O God, Your covenant with Your people is as old as the rainbow. It is sealed in the waters of our baptism and renewed each time we break the bread and share the cup. With gratitude we commit ourselves again to You and the work of Your Kingdom. Make Your paths known to us and teach us Your ways; through Christ our Lord. AMEN.
/or/
Living God, as we embark once more on this journey through Lent, we give thanks for the assurance of your presence with us in Jesus Christ, Saviour, Redeemer and Friend. We offer these gifts and our lives with the prayer that they will be used to proclaim the story of his sacrificial love in word and deed. 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)
[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 in tenderness and faithful love
you forgive our sins and guide us when we stray.
When the ancient flood destroyed the world you had created,
you saved Noah and his family from the waters,
and established a covenant with them
and with every living creature for all time.
In later times your Son, Jesus,
came forth from the waters of baptism,
and after proving himself in the wilderness
where waves of temptation threatened to engulf him,
he began proclaiming the good news of your kingdom,
calling people to repent and believe in the gospel.
He was cast down to the land of the dead
where he preached even to those lost in the flood,
but you raised him to new life
and seated him at your side
to reign over every authority and power for ever.
Therefore with .....
(Copyright 2003 Nathan Nettleton www.laughingbird.net,
http://www.laughingbird.net/LectionTexts/B18.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.
His fast of forty days
makes this a holy season of self-denial.
By rejecting the devil's temptations
he has taught us
to rid ourselves of the hidden corruption of evil,
and so to share his paschal meal in purity of heart,
until we come to its fulfilment
in the promised land of heaven.
Now we join the angels and the saints
as they sing their unending hymn of praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord...
(from 'CanticaNova', http://www.canticanova.com/planning/year-b/pln1lb_l.htm)
/or/
Living God, we do give you thanks and praise. At the very beginning of time, you spoke the word which replaced the darkness of chaos with life-giving light. A light which has nurtured generations of people, and plants and creatures, great and small. A light almost destroyed when engulfed by people's corrupt and faithless actions. But you, O God, taking the initiative once more, painted the sky in rainbow colours as a sign of your everlasting relationship with all creation. And so, with all the company of heaven and earth we praise your holy name saying:
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord …
(by Moira B. Laidlaw, http://www.liturgiesonline.com.au/liturgies/main/index.php?ch_table=link4&PID=2&SID=&year=B)
______________________
And so, with all the choirs of angels in heaven
we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise:
/or/
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.
[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 Evil's 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:
God our Father, you gave us a share in the one bread and the one cup and make us one in Christ. Help us to bring your salvation and joy to all the world.
"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."
-- by Ignatius Loyola, 1491-1556
/or/
Most gracious God, source of all blessing, we give you thanks for inviting us to share this meal as your family. Strengthen us to be a blessing to one another and to all people, glorifying you in everything we do and say, through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
(by Moira B. Laidlaw, http://www.liturgiesonline.com.au/liturgies/main/index.php?ch_table=link4&PID=2&SID=&year=B)
* HYMN OF FAITH: TIS #569 (AHB #478) - "Guide Me, O My Great Redeemer"
("Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah")
/or/ TIS #684 - "Love Will Be Our Lenten Calling"
/or/ TIS #496 - "Strengthen for Service, Lord the Hands"
[BLESSING and DISMISSAL]
Be filled with hope, joy, and peace by the power of the Holy Spirit ... giving our thanks to God in all that we do and say.
May the blessing of God Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth; our Saviour Jesus, in the Holy Spirit, be with you now and always. Amen.
/or/
Let us bless the Lord, by giving our thanks to Him in all that we do and say. For He is our God and we are His people. May the blessing of God Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth; our Saviour Jesus, in the Holy Spirit, be with you now and always. AMEN.
/or/
Go, secure in the knowledge of God's presence, empowered by the love of Jesus Christ, energised by the stamina of the Holy Spirit.
(by Moira B. Laidlaw, http://www.liturgiesonline.com.au/liturgies/main/index.php?ch_table=link4&PID=2&SID=&year=B)
/or/
May God bless us in all our wanderings and homecomings
That our lives may glorify God's name
May God's presence guide us
The Father's love to encourage us
The Son's life and witness to strengthen us
The Spirit's call to sustain us
With the whole of creation may we sing praises
And be at peace in the knowledge that we are loved,
wholly and without limit, Amen.
(by Rev Karen Watson, Minister at Marchmont St Giles, Edinburgh, Church of Scotland, from 'Starters For Sunday', www.churchofscotland.org.uk)
* 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.
===[ ANOTHER SUNDAY REFLECTION ]===
"REPENT AND BELIEVE"
After his baptism by John, Jesus was driven by the Spirit into the wilderness for forty days [Mark 1:13-15]. We can imagine that those forty days in the wilderness before beginning his main work must have been a very significant time of preparation for Jesus. Matthew [4:1-11] and Luke [4:1-12] tell us more of what happened there. Mark says he was driven by the Spirit [Mark 1:12 compare Mark 11:15]. He had just been baptised and he heard a voice from heaven [Mark 1:10-12]. So his true nature as the Son of God was affirmed to him. Does it not make sense that he would have immediately faced temptations about how he would use his special powers? He chose to work for others and even to die the death of a criminal, as we said with Paul last week in the ancient song 'he emptied himself and took the form of a servant' rather than claim equality with God [Philippians 2:6-11].
Rebellion: the temptation to act like God
Do we have to deal with that kind of question? Of course, Jesus was different. We believe he really was the Son of God, the Messiah. Are we not tempted as Adam and Eve were: you will be like God [Genesis 3:4-5]? Do we need sometimes to come apart from the concerns of daily life and face the question: do we want to be like God? It was because people were in rebellion against God that Jesus went on after his time in the wilderness to begin his public ministry with a call to repentance [Mark 1:15] Repent and believe the good news.
The covenant with all creatures
Going back to the days of Noah in that obscure saying in 1 Peter 3:20 [cf. Apostles Creed and Ephesians 4:9b] also has significance. We read today about the covenant God made with all living creatures after the great flood [Genesis 9:9-10]. A sinful world had been destroyed by the flood, and only a few survived, but now God promised not destroy all life in that way again and the rainbow is the sign of that general covenant with all creatures. It is not hard to see how human sinfulness, our rebellion against God, damages creation. Our wilful ways, seeking our own immediate satisfactions despoils the earth. Jesus came with the message Repent and believe the good news.
(by David Beswick. Complete Sermon at, http://www.beswick.info/rclresources/L1B97Ser.htm)
===[ MORE REFLECTIONS ON LENT ]===
Deep in thought, my head bowed
I sit with ash upon my forehead -
The sign of the cross visible to the world.
Silent reflection brings forth soul searching
And I realise a sacrifice should be made.
Dilemma strikes and perplexed, I ponder my predicament.
Will I sacrifice watching television? How can I?
That's how I relax when I get the time ...
Will I sacrifice lovely "skinny" cappuccinos? No.
That's how I am sociable with those who need me ...
Will I sacrifice almond milk chocolate? I just can't,
It gives me energy after a long draining day. Maybe,
I should simply sacrifice my doubt,
And let God get on with being ... God.
God of ash and rainbows,
Awaken within us life-bringing seeds of hope.
Startle us with the beauty of Your renewing love.
Water us with the gentle rain of Your Spirit.
Show us the creative possibilities within us. AMEN.
- Keree Louise Casey (from "With Love to the World")
---An Australian Psalm-----
"If anyone wants to come with me, they must forget self, take up their cross every day, and follow me." (Luke 9:23)
Lord, this is a troublesome saying, heavy and hard.
We jealously protect our gains, always on guard.
The more we have the more we crave, success self-made.
When you speak of losing all, we are afraid.
Lord, this is an embarrassing saying for folk like us.
Even over the smallest disciplines we make a great fuss.
We are not made of the stuff of heroes, without complaints.
We are just Your little people, not noble saints.
Lord, this is a persistent saying, giving no rest.
In mind and soul we know it is sane, offering the best.
By gaining and grasping we know we lose life's deeper scope.
The strange logic of Your cross remains life's only hope.
Lord, this is a saving saying, divine outlay.
The path of the cross the only glory all the way.
Willing, though fearful, help us to bear it, not growing slack.
Laughing and crying, help us to follow, not turning back.
-- by Bruce D. Prewer (from "The Australian Psalms")