Dare to Prepare March 19, 2023 (some of the text is adapted from Ministry Matters)
This week’s World Church theme is “Live in the Light”. It’s also the Fourth Sunday of Lent.
Remember that Lent is a time of preparation. A time when we move toward the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. A time to move intently towards God ridding ourselves of the distance and distractions we have built into our relationships. Lent is when we are called to respond with radical generosity and spiritual discipline to God’s covenants that we may draw near to the One we seek. This week’s theme and scripture lends itself very well to the lenten ideal.
The main scripture for this week comes from Ephesians 5:8-14 and can be found here.
Words of Assurance
Christ came to lead us in from darkness into light
and to guide us through our lives with that light.
Christ is with us in times of trouble, sadness, grief, fear and in times of happiness, serenity, and peace.
The goodness and mercy of God
are given to us each and every day of our lives.
In the light of God, all is made clear. We see how much God loves us and how much God loves all people. We see Christ, the Light of the World, in Scripture and in our lives; and although we once were blind, now we see!
Prayer of Gratitude
Gracious God, who created us in God’s own image,
we are grateful for all that you have done for us,
for all that you are doing in us,
and for all that you will do through us.
Open our eyes to see your presence among us,
moving in powerful ways at all times
and in all places.
Open our ears to hear familiar words in new ways—
ways that will change us and challenge us
to become the people you created us to be.
Grant us the power and the courage
to come out of the darkness
and into the light of Jesus Christ,
that we may serve you by serving others.
We love you with all our heart, soul, mind,
and strength. Amen.
Please pray for the presider, speaker and other participants wherever you choose to worship this Sunday.
The song this week reminds us to live in the light and be the light for those still living in darkness.
“Go Light Your World” sung by Kathy Troccoli