Third Sunday in Lent

Color: Purple
Scripture Readings: Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; John 2:13-22

Theme Ideas

Lenten themes of denial, doctrine, and the dusty wilderness focus these readings upon the coming cross of Christ. The lectionary texts call for additional opportunities of natural revelation, covenant, wisdom, purity, and teachings about the nature of worship. Specific doctrinal issues involve the necessity of preaching, general versus specific revelation, the Ten Commandments, law and gospel, salvation, and sacrifice. Social and contemporary themes could include corruption and abuses within the church, adultery and family issues, environmental concerns, missions, and the Christian message in cultural contexts.

Call to Worship (Psalm 19)

Heaven declares your glory.
The church proclaims your glory.
Creation praises you.
Our voices join with nature.

Call to Worship (1 Corinthians 1)

Where is the wise person?
She seeks God the Father.
Where is the scholar?
He learns from the Holy Spirit.
Where is the philosopher?
She worships Jesus at the foot of the cross.
The foolishness of God is the wisdom of the ages.

Gathering Words (John 2, Lent)

In this penitent season, we are passionate for your house.
Holy Spirit, examine us by the power of your word,
the righteousness of your law,
and the awareness of our sin.

Contemporary Gathering Words (John 2)

Zeal for your house consumes us.
May this be a place of prayer and peace.

Praise Sentences (Exodus 20)

The Lord is the one true God!
We honor our God in Heaven: Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit.
The Lord is the one true God!
The Spirit guides us in good works.
The Lord is the one true God!
The Son makes atonement for our many sins.
Give glory to the Triune God for ever and ever. Amen.

Opening Prayer (Psalm 19)

May the words of my mouth,
and the meditations of our hearts
be pleasing and acceptable to you today,
Lord Jesus Christ,
our rock and redeemer. Amen.

Prayer of Confession (Exodus 20)

Hear the commandments of God:
I am the Lord your God, who brought you
out of bondage.
You shall have no other gods before me.
Lord, forgive our idolatry.
You shall not make for yourself any idol.
Lord, forgive us for chasing lesser gods.
You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
Lord, forgive our blasphemy.
Remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy.
Lord, forgive our forgetfulness.
Honor your father and your mother.
Lord, forgive us for neglecting our elders.
You shall not murder.
Lord, forgive us for celebrating violence.
You shall not commit adultery.
Lord, forgive our lustful hearts.
You shall not steal.
Lord, forgive us for oppressing the poor.
You shall not be a false witness.
Lord, forgive our lying lips.
You shall not covet.
Lord, forgive our greedy hearts.
This is the Word of the Lord.
Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Lord have mercy.

Benediction (1 Corinthians 1)

Let us live in the wisdom of God.
May we leave in the power of the cross.
We depart to serve in a perishing world.
Let us live in the wisdom of God.

Benediction

May the promises of the Lord
and the nearness of God’s Spirit
draw you all closer to Christ.

---

From “The Abingdon Worship Annual 2006,” edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright © 2005 by Abingdon Press. “The Abingdon Worship Annual 2015” is now available.