Sunday 13th March 2022
(Second Sunday of Lent)
(Earlier Online Services can be found at this page.)
The videos for ‘standard’ parts of the service were recorded at earlier services. As yet we have not recorded and edited the liturgy for Lent. Each week the Bible readings, sermon and prayers are recorded for you to use.
Before you begin, take a moment to pray. Ask your heavenly Father to show you the grace of Jesus, and to fill you afresh with his Holy Spirit. Think of a few other members of the church (if you are from St George’s) and pray also for them.
CALL TO WORSHIP
In the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith,
who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,
scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners,
so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. [Hebrews 12:2-3]
The day of the Lord is coming. The day of the Lord is near.
The time is fulfilled. The kingdom of God is at hand.
O Church of God, repent. Believe the good news!
Come, let us turn and follow the Lord!
CONFESSION
When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, “Repent”, he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance. So let us turn from sin and turn to Christ, as we make our confession to Almighty God.
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
maker of all things, judge of all people,
we acknowledge and confess the grievous sins and wickedness
which we have so often committed
by thought, word and deed against your divine majesty,
provoking your righteous anger and indignation against us.
We earnestly repent,
and are deeply sorry for these our wrongdoings;
the memory of them weighs us down,
the burden of them is too great for us to bear.
Have mercy upon us,
have mercy upon us, most merciful Father,
for your Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake,
forgive us all that is past;
and grant that from this time onwards
we may always serve and please you in newness of life,
to the honour and glory of your name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Almighty God, our heavenly Father,
who in his great mercy has promised forgiveness of sins
to all those who with heartfelt repentance and true faith turn to him:
have mercy upon you; pardon and deliver you from all your sins;
confirm and strengthen you in all goodness;
and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
His mercies never come to an end;
They are new ev’ry morning, new ev’ry morning,
great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord,
great is Thy faithfulness. [Lamentations 3:22-23]
bible readings and sermon
Having spent some time in the early chapters of Luke, we now jump ahead to Luke 18:31-43. Over the next few weeks Luke will help us follow Jesus and the disciples on the road to Jerusalem, the cross and the empty grave. The first reading today is Psalm 130.
After the sermon, take time to respond to God’s Word to you. Whenever we hear from God a good practice is to think of TSP (“teaspoon”):
T for Thank You - what do you need to praise God for?
S for Sorry - what do you need to confess?
P for Please - what do you need to ask of God, for yourself and others?
We sang a version of Psalm 51 during the service but cannot find it on YouTube. So here is a different version of that great Psalm of repentance and mercy.
creed and prayers
The prayers were led by Rev John Roberts.
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.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power
and the glory are yours,
now and forever.
Amen.
commissioning and blessing
We have not yet recorded and edited the Lent version of the Commissioning and Blessing.
Father God, you have adopted us as your daughters and sons:
help us to live as children of light
bringing glory to your holy name.
Jesus Christ, you suffered and rose again for us:
teach us to seek first your kingdom
as we deny ourselves, take up the cross and follow you.
Holy Spirit, you stir us to love and good works:
strengthen us to fight against sin, the world, and the devil
so that your will, not ours, may be done.
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you have saved us:
send us into the world to proclaim your gospel. Amen.
Behold, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord,
who by night stand in the house of the Lord!
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord.
The Lord who made heaven and earth
bless you from Zion. [Psalm 134]
The peace of God,
which passes all understanding,
keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God,
and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord;
and the blessing of God Almighty,
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen!
If you are not a regular member of St George’s but want to connect with us, please please contact us via this page. We have Evening Prayer using Zoom every day (except Saturdays) at 5pm and you are welcome to join us. Contact us for details. Our Prayer page gives you Bible readings and reflections for each day and many of us are finding these such an encouragement.
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