THE SEASON OF LENT
The word Lent comes from an Old English word for Spring (“lengten,” the time of the year when the days grow longer). For the last 1700 years, the Church has set aside the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter as a time of special preparation. It is a time of repentance and renewal. During Lent, our rejoicing is muted as we remember our Lord’s suffering and death. But it is with a purpose: we know that the Lord who died took up his life again on Easter Sunday morning. So our 40 days of Lent are ones lived in the certain hope of the resurrection. The color of the season is purple. Purple is the ancient color of royalty. We have this kind of king: he wore a crown of thorns and carried a cross for us.
PRAYER IN PREPARATION FOR TODAY’S WORSHIP
Lord Jesus, you gave your life to save me. Help me dedicate my life to you. Strike me with the power your law tonight, that I can see my sins of loving this world and seeking my own glory. Comfort me also with the life-giving message of your grace, that I may strive to live my life here on earth to the glory of your name. In that name I pray. Amen.
CHIMES When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
OPENING HYMN Enslaved by Sin and Bound in Chains | 102
INVOCATION
CONFESSION OF SINS
ABSOLUTION
PSALM Psalm 119b, p.110
PSALM PRAYER
THE PASSION HISTORY Lesson Four
HYMN OF THE DAY Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed | 129
SERMON John 11:1-7, 11-15, 20-27, 32-33, 38-53 His Final Steps Led to a Tomb
OFFERING
HYMN Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle | 122
PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
CLOSING HYMN Glory Be to Jesus | 103