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The First Sunday In Lent
Jesus Is Tempted In the Wilderness
A Liturgy For Worship
A Celebration Of the Eucharist†
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For Eucharist each will need a grain based food to represent bread,
and a fruit based drink to represent the wine.
Let us remember that the sharing in Eucharist is more important than
the elements we use to do so. In this time of pandemic when a common loaf
and a common cup poses health concerns and risk, God will certainly not be
absent from our sharing by using what elements are available.
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It is not that Jesus died on the cross to forgive our sins.
Rather, Jesus died on the cross because of our sins.
CENTERING IN PREPARATION
The God who led the people of Israel through the desert wilderness,
providing for their needs, leading them in law of love,
is the same God that is with us in our times of desert wilderness wanderings.
Let us, in a time of silence, sense that God in our heart of hearts.
Even in the chaos of our inner most being, God is there!
SEASONAL SONG
The Glory Of These Forty Days
(Click Here For Music)
—St. Gregory I, Pope (ca. 540-604)
1 The glory of these forty days
we celebrate with songs of praise,
for Christ, by whom all things were made,
himself has fasted and has prayed.
2 Alone and fasting Moses saw
the loving God who gave the law.
And to Elijah, fasting, came
the steed and chariots of flame.
3 So Daniel trained his mystic sight,
delivered from the lion’s might.
And John, the Savior’s friend, became
the herald of Messiah’s name.
4 Then grant, O God, that we may, too,
return in fast and prayer to you.
Our spirits strengthen with your grace,
and give us joy to see your face.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
God of all wisdom, your word is near to us,
on our lips and in our hearts.
Speak to us and speak through us
by the power of your Spirit,
so that what we believe in our hearts
and confess with our lips
will be what we live in our days.
FIRST READING
"Where the Breath Begins"
He fasted forty days and forty nights.
—Matthew 4. 2
Dry
and dry
and dry
in each direction.
Dust dry.
Desert dry.
Bone dry.
And here
in your own heart:
dry,
the center of your chest
a bare valley
stretching out
every way you turn.
Did you think
this was where
you had come to die?
It’s true that
you may need
to do some crumbling,
yes.
That some things
you have protected
may want to be
laid bare,
yes.
That you will be asked
to let go
and let go,
yes.
But listen.
This is what
a desert is for.
If you have come here
desolate,
if you have come here
deflated,
then thank your lucky stars
the desert is where
you have landed—
here where it is hard
to hide,
here where it is unwise
to rely on your own devices,
here where you will
have to look
and look again
and look close
to find what refreshment waits
to reveal itself to you.
I tell you,
though it may be hard
to see it now,
this is where
your greatest blessing
will find you.
I tell you,
this is where
you will receive
your life again.
I tell you,
this is where
the breath begins.
—Richardson, Jan. Circle of Grace: A Book of Blessings for the Seasons (pp. 90-91). Wanton Gospeller Press. Used by permisssion.
SONG
"O, Breathe On Me, O, Breath of God"
(Click Here For Music)
—Hatch, Edwin, D.D., 1878
1 O, breathe on me, O. breath of God,
fill me with life anew,
that I may love the way you love,
and do what you would do.
2 O, breathe on me, O, breath of God,
until my heart is pure,
until my will is one with yours,
to do and to endure.
3 O, breathe on me, O, breath of God,
so shall I never die,
but live with you the perfect life
for all eternity.
SECOND READING
Isaiah 35
1 Let the desert and the wilderness exult!
Let the desert rejoice and bloom like the crocus!
2 Let it blossom profusely,
let it rejoice and sing for joy!
The glory of Lebanon is bestowed on it,
the splendor of Carmel and Sharon.
They will see the glory of God,
the splendor of our God.
3 Strengthen all weary hands,
steady all trembling knees.
4 Say to all those of faint heart:
“Take courage! Do not be afraid!
Look, God is coming, vindication is coming,
the recompense of God—
God is coming to save you!”
5 Then the eyes of the blind will be opened,
the ears of the deaf will be unsealed.
6 Then those who cannot walk will leap like deer
and the tongues of those who cannot speak
will sing for joy.
Waters will break forth in the wilderness,
and there will be streams in the desert.
7 The scorched earth will become a lake;
the parched land, springs of water.
The lairs where jackals used to dwell
will become thickets of reed and papyrus.
8 And through it will run a highway,
a road called the Sacred Path.
The unclean may not travel by it,
but it will be for God’s people alone;
and no traveler—not even fools—will go astray.
9 No lions will be there,
nor will any fierce beast roam about it,
but the redeemed will walk there—
10 for those whom God has ransomed will return.
They will enter Zion shouting for joy,
with everlasting joy on their faces;
joy and gladness will go with them,
and sorrow and lament will flee away.
—Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward.
SONG
Again We Keep This Solemn Feast
(Click Here For Music)
—St. Gregory I, Pope (ca. 540-604)
1. Again we keep this solemn fast
A gift of faith from a ges past, this
Lent which binds us lovingly
To faith and hope and charity.
2. The law and prophets from of old
In figured ways this Lent foretold, which
Christ, all ages’ faithful Guide,
In these last days has sanctified.
3. More sparing, therefore, let us make
the words we speak, the food we take,
our sleep, our laughter, every sense;
Learn peace through holy peni tence.
4. Let us avoid each harmful way
that lures the careless mind astray;
by watchful prayer our spirits free
From scheming of the Enemy.
5. We pray, O blessed Three in One,
Our God while endless ages run,
that this, our Lent of forty days,
May bring us growth and give you praise.
THIRD READING
Luke 4. 1-13
1 Jesus returned from the Jordan filled with the Holy Spirit,
and she led him into the desert
2 for forty days, where he was tempted by the evil one.
Jesus ate nothing during that time,
at the end of which he was famished.
3 The evil one said to Jesus,
“If you are God’s Own, command this stone to turn into bread.”
4 Jesus answered, “Scripture has it, ‘We don’t live on bread alone.’ ”
5 Then the evil one took Jesus up higher and showed him
all the nations of the world in a single instant.
6 The evil one said,
“I’ll give you all the power and the glory of these nations;
the power has been given to me and I can give it to whomever I wish.
7 Prostrate yourself in homage before me, and it will all be yours.”
8 In reply, Jesus said,
“Scripture has it: ‘You will worship the Most High God;
God alone will you adore.’ ”
9 Then the evil one led Jesus to Jerusalem,
set him up on the parapet of the Temple and said,
“If you are God’s Own,
throw yourself down from here,
10 for scripture has it,
‘God will tell the angels to take care of you;
11 with their hands they’ll support you,
that you may never stumble on a stone.’ ”
12 Jesus said to the evil one in reply,
“It also says, ‘Do not put God to the test.’ ”
13 When the evil one had finished all this tempting,
Jesus was left alone.
The evil one awaited another opportunity.
—Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible (p. 2318). Sheed & Ward. Kindle Edition.
SONG
Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer
(Click Here For Music)
William Williams (1745)
1 Guide me, O my great Redeemer,
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with your powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore,
feed me now and evermore.
2 Open now the crystal fountain,
where the healing waters flow.
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
ever be my strength and shield,
ever be my strength and shield.
3 When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside.
Death of death, and hell's Destruction,
land me safe on Canaan's side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever sing to you,
I will ever sing to you.
THANKSGIVING
Sometimes you lead us by your Spirit
into wilderness places
where faith is tested,
but you do not leave us
on our own.
Sometimes you lead us by your Spirit
into difficult places
where words are required,
but it’s your voice that’s heard,
not our own.
Sometimes you lead us by your Spirit
into desolate places
where comfort is needed,
but your hands bring peace,
not our own.
For the places you lead us
and the Spirit you give us,
we bring this offering
of thanksgiving.
—Birch, John. The Act of Prayer: Praying through the Lectionary. Bible Reading Fellowship.
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION—Joe Milner (https://liturgy.slu.edu/1LentC030622)
Loving God, Sovereign and Provider of all that is good and of beauty. We pray:
● For the Church: that the Spirit will lead us closer to God and help us remain faithful children of God . . . God of compassion and mercy, hear our prayer.
● For the grace to be aware: that we may slow down, detach ourselves from the busyness of daily life, and find a quiet place to listen to God . . . God of compassion and mercy, hear our prayer.
● For the gift of listening: that we may be open to the Word of God, allow our hearts to be stretched and transformed, and be enlightened by its wisdom . . . God of compassion and mercy, hear our prayer.
● For wisdom: that God will lead us to freedom of spirit and inspire our choices as we face trials and temptations in life . . . God of compassion and mercy, hear our prayer.
● For a spirit of gratitude: that we may recognize and give thanks for all of God’s gifts to us and place them in the service of the Gospel . . . God of compassion and mercy, hear our prayer.
● For all who are estranged from the Church: that the Spirit will heal their wounds, give them a new understanding, and help them find a welcoming community to support them on their faith journey . . . God of compassion and mercy, hear our prayer.
● For this community of faith: that through our Lenten journey, we may prepare to renew our profession of faith and become more faithful to the Gospel in word and deed . . . God of compassion and mercy, hear our prayer.
● For all who hunger each day, particularly children: that our hearts may be open to sharing our bounty with all who are in need during this Lenten season . . . God of compassion and mercy, hear our prayer.
● For all who fast during this season: that they may grow in their awareness that God is the source and strength of their life . . . God of compassion and mercy, hear our prayer.
● For all who exercise power: that world leaders will remain committed to the values of human dignity and the common good and be united against falsehood and violence . . . God of compassion and mercy, hear our prayer.
● For all who are struggling with life: that God will send angels to assist and support those struggling with addictions, who have lost meaning and purpose in life, and those who are considering suicide . . . God of compassion and mercy, hear our prayer.
● For the Church in Ukraine: that they may experience God with them, hold fast to Christ in their suffering, and draw closer together as they give witness to the Gospel . . . God of compassion and mercy, hear our prayer.
● For all who are celebrating the Rite of Election or Call to Continuing Conversion: that they may grow in their knowledge of God’s love for them and into greater unity with the Church . . . God of compassion and mercy, hear our prayer.
● For healing of racial, ethnic, and religious divisions: that God who is the Lord of all the human family will break down the barriers of prejudice and misunderstanding so that we may work together for God’s glory . . . God of compassion and mercy, hear our prayer.
● For Peace: that God will bring an end to violence in Ukraine, protect the innocent, and help us care for the refugees of the war . . . God of compassion and mercy, hear our prayer.
THE SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST / HOLY COMMUNION
God is with you.
And also with you.
We lift up our hearts.
We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing,
always and everywhere to give thanks to you,
Almighty God, creator of heaven and earth.
You brought all things into being and called them good.
From the dust of the earth you formed us into your image
and breathed into us the breath of life.
When we turned away, and our love failed, your love remained steadfast.
When rain fell upon the earth for forty days and forty nights,
you bore up the ark on the waters, saved Noah and his family,
and made covenant with every living creature on earth.
When you led your people to Mount Sinai for forty days and forty nights,
you gave us your commandments and made us your covenant people.
When your people forsook your covenant,
your prophet Elijah fasted for forty days and forty nights;
and on your holy mountain, he heard your still small voice.
And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Holy, holy, holy God of Hosts, power and might are yours,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Blessed is the one who comes in your Name.
Hosanna in the highest.
Holy are you, and blessed is your Only Begotten and Beloved One.
Your anointed your Servant with the Holy spirit,
to proclaim the good news of your love.
He lived to teach us what our life should be like,
before he began teeaching and showing us your way
your same Spirit led him into the wilderness,
where he fasted forty days and forty nights
to prepare for his ministry.
When he suffered and died on a cross because of our sin,
the sin of humankind that resists and refuses to live in your way,
but, you did not allow death to be the last word.
Rather, you raised him to new life,
presented him thus to the apostles during forty days,
and then exalted him at your right hand.
By the baptism of his suffering, death, and resurrection
you gave birth to your Church,
wherein you continue to remind us
that we have been delivered from our bondage
to our denial and rejection of your love.
You renewed your covenant of old with us—
a covenant by water and the Spirit.
Now, when we your people prepare for the yearly feast of Easter,
you lead us to repentance for sin and the cleansing of our hearts,
that during these forty days of Lent we may be gifted and graced
to reaffirm the covenant you made with us through Christ.
On the night in which he gave himself up for us, he took bread,
gave thanks to you, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said:
"Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you.
Do this in remembrance of me."
When the supper was over he took the cup,
gave thanks to you, gave it to his disciples, and said:
"Drink from this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant,
poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."
And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts,
we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving,
as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ's offering for us,
as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here,
and on these gifts of bread and wine.
Make them be for us the bread of life
and the cup of salvation.
By your Spirit make us one in you,
one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world,
until Christ comes in final victory,
and we feast at his heavenly banquet.
Through your Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church,
all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and for ever.
Amen.
TAKING THE BREAD AND CUP
The loaf of life; the bread of heaven.
Take. Eat. Be thankful.
The cup of blessing; the fruit of salvation.
Take. Drink. Be thankful.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One:
you have fed us this spiritual food
that we may know and remember that you,
and you alone, are the One who heals our brokenness,
and reconciles us one to another.
Send us, thus, into your world
that we may live in your way of love
and bring peace and justice
to this world
as it is in heaven.
Blessed are you and blessed is your Kin-Dom
now and forevermore. Amen.
SONG
"Forty Days And Forty Nights"
(Click Here For Music)
—-G.H. Smyttan (1856)
1 Forty days and forty nights
You were fasting in the wild;
Forty days and forty nights
Tempted, and yet undefiled.
2 Shall not we your sorrow share
And from worldly joys abstain,
Fasting with unceasing prayer,
Strong with you to suffer pain?
3 Then if Satan on us press,
Flesh or spirit to assail,
Victor in the wilderness,
Grant we may not faint nor fail!
4 So shall we have peace divine;
Holier gladness ours shall be;
Round us, too, shall angels shine,
Such as served You faithfully.
5 Keep, O keep us, Savior dear,
Ever constant by your side,
That with you we may appear
At th'eternal Eastertide.
GOING FORTH
May you find the practices that offer you a doorway into the heart of God.
—In the Sanctuary of Women: A Companion for Reflection & Prayer (p. 124). Upper Room.
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