Chapel for Lent: Morning Prayer

Morning Prayer is both an ancient and global practice. The genius of this spiritual discipline is a daily rhythm that, over time, forms our imagination through confession, Bible readings, the Creeds, and  intercessory prayer, which together teach us the unique language of God’s kingdom.

~ Gathering ~

Welcome

Opening Refrain:   Bless the Lord, My Soul   (Taizé ) 
Whether whispered or sung in full voice, enjoy the harmony of this refrain as an illustration of the harmony that God desires for Christian community.

~Confession and Assurance ~

L:  Brothers and sisters, let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.  

(Sit forward or kneel, as you are able)

P:  Most merciful Father, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have not done. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy upon us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name.  Amen.     

~ Reading of the Word ~

(If able, please stand)

Old Testament Reading:       Isaiah 52:13-15   “The Suffering Servant: He shall be high and lifted up”

L:  The Word of the Lord   
P:  Thanks be to God.          
Sung Refrain  Bless the Lord, My Soul   (Taizé )

Psalm:                                Psalm 98   “The Glory of God’s Reign”

New Testament Reading:     Philippians 2:1-11   “Taking the form of a Servant …Therefore God also highly exalted him.”

L:  The Word of the Lord   
P:  Thanks be to God.          
Sung Refrain Bless the Lord, My Soul   (Taizé ) 

~ The Creed ~

L: With joy and hope, we confess our faith with believers across continents and centuries:
P: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.  He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell. The third day He arose again from the dead.  He ascended to heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.  From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

~Apostles’ Creed [The Nicene Creed may be used in place of the Apostles’ Creed]

(Sit or kneel, as you are able)

~ Prayers of the People ~

L: Lord, show us your love and mercy; for we put our trust in you.
P: In you, O Lord, is our hope; and we shall never hope in vain.

            (Quiet Reflection)

Prayers for the World, the Church, the Calvin Community

L: God of all mercy,
P: Hear our prayer.

(Quiet Reflection & Prayer, as time allows)

L: With joy and hope, we pray together,
P: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

~Closing~

Closing Song:   Friends In Faith Who Follow Jesus (Delores Dufner)

Parting Words                                                                                                                                   

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

To watch this service on Vimeo, click here 

More resources for worship during Lent