These opening words for worship were created to accompany the Lenten sermon series “Meeting Jesus.” The bolded words are spoken by the congregation. You are welcome to use or adapt these liturgies for worship, with credit. When printing these liturgies, please use the following credit line: “Prayer by Rev. Carol Holbrook Prickett.”
Week 1: “When Satan Met Jesus”
Spirit, lead us into the wilderness
so we can learn to trust you there
Spirit, lead us into repentance,
so you can transform our lives
Spirit, lead us into Lent
so we might meet Christ face-to-face.
Spirit, be our guide.
We follow you!
Week 2: “When Nicodemus Met Jesus”
God so loved the world
this world, our world
that he gave his only Son
God coming to walk with us
so that everyone who believes in him won’t perish
and get lost in the darkness
but will have eternal life
singing God’s praise forevermore.
Week 3: “When the Samaritan Woman Met Jesus”
*Adapted from the hymn Come Now to the Water, Alexander M. Peters
All who thirst, come now to the water;
all whose souls are parched and weary, come and drink.
Why forsake the Lord, the fount of living water,
choosing broken cups that cannot be filled?
All who come may take this gift of living water;
they will thirst no more, for they shall be filled.
Week 4: “When the Blind Man Met Jesus”
Precious Lord, open our eyes to see you here
Open our ears to hear your word
Open our hearts to love you more
Open our mouths to sing your praise
We will worship you in spirit and truth
We will worship you with all we are!
Week 5: “When Martha and Mary Met Jesus”
*Adapted from Psalm 130:5-7
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord
more than those who watch for the morning.
O people, hope in the Lord!
For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
and with God is great power to redeem.
Week 6: “When Jerusalem Met Jesus“ (Palm Sunday)
Look, in the distance, a man on a donkey:
Could he be our Messiah?
Prepare his way, our Lord and King;
Carpet his path with palms.
Sing your loudest praises.
Hosanna, save us Lord! Hosanna!
Week 7: “When Mary Magdalene Met Jesus” (Easter)
Christ is risen
Alleluia!
Christ is risen
Shout for joy!
Christ is risen
Let the earth laugh!
Christ is risen
And is with us now!
Deep Well Worship 