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Call to Worship (based on Psalm 32)

L: Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
P: Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
L: While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long.
P: Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
L: Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them.
All: Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

 

Call to Worship (reflecting themes from Psalm 51)
L: Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!
P: God has blessed us, let all the ends of the earth fear God!
L: Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon God while he is near.
P: The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart God will not despise.
L: Let us draw near God and worship at his footstool.

 

Prayer based on the Gospel Lesson:

Almighty God, your blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan.  Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations.  And, as you know the weakness of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord. Amen.

 

Prayer of Confession

Merciful God, we come to you in the name of Jesus, your Son and our High Priest. We confess that there are times when we go against your hopes for us as your people.   We confess that there are times when we go against your Word for us.  In silence, O LORD, hear us as we confess those things we have done, and those things we have neglected to do; times when we have failed you and each other. . .

(Time of silence)

Loving God, we ask you once again to receive us into your compassionate, forgiving arms that we might find favor with you for all the days of our lives, now and forevermore.   Amen.

Assurance of Pardon:
L: God loves us and forgives us.  God gives us the chance to begin again.
All: Thanks be to God.  Amen!

 

Prayer of Discipleship

God of Love and Grace, you have called us into radical discipleship in the name of your son Jesus.  To you alone belong all of our heart and our devotion. You freed us from the burden of sin and by your Spirit enabled us to serve you and our neighbor. Help us, we pray, to continue in our commitment to you.  Empower us to resist temptation and sin. Free us to a life lived in the shadow of Jesus' cross and ultimate victory.  Amen.

 

Closing Prayer

O Lord our God, teach us temperance and self-control, that we may live in the Spirit and be mindful of all that Jesus endured and sacrificed for our sakes, and how he was made perfect through sufferings.
Help us so to keep the fast that you have chosen, that we may loose the bonds of wickedness, undo the heavy burdens, and let the oppressed go free; through the grace of Christ Jesus our crucified and risen Savior. Amen.