Download

FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT

  • The Gathering of the Community
  • Confession and Absolution
  • Kyrie
  • The Collect of the Day
  • First Reading: Genesis 9:8-17
  • Second Reading: 1 Peter 3:18-22 (reading in French)
  • Hymn: “Jesus, Tempted in the Desert” – Sing a New Creation #46 (words below)
  • Gospel: Mark 9:2-9
  • Sermon: The Rev. Canon Pat Johnston
  • Prayers of the People
  • The Lord’s Prayer (sung)
  • Prayer after Communion, Doxology & Blessing
  • Hymn: “Forty Days and Forty Nights” – Common Praise #175 (words below)

 

Jesus, Tempted in the Desert

Jesus, tempted in the desert, lonely, hungry, filled with dread:
“Use your power,” the tempter tells him; “turn these barren rocks to bread!”
“Not alone by bread” he answers, “can the human heart be filled.
Only by the Word that calls us is our deepest hunger stilled.

Jesus, tempted in the temple, high above its ancient wall:
“Throw yourself from lofty turret; angels wait to break your fall!”
Jesus shuns such empty marvels, feats that fickle crowds request:
“God whose grace protects, preserves us, we must never vainly test.”

Jesus, tempted on the mountain by the lure of vast domain:
“Fall before me! Be my servant! Come and be our living bread.
By your grace protect, prevision, turns his eyes another way:
“God alone deserves our homage! God alone will I obey.”

When we face temptation’s power, lonely, struggling, filled with dread,
Christ, who knew the tempter’s hour, come and be our living bread.
By your grace protect, preserve us, lest we fall, your trust betray.
Yours, above all other voices, be the Word we hear, obey.

 

Forty Days and Forty Nights

Forty days and forty nights you were fasting in the wild,
Forty days and forty nights tempted and yet undefiled:

Burning heat throughout the day, bitter cold when light had fled,
Prowling beasts around your way, stones your pillow, earth your bed.

Shall not we your trials share, learn your discipline of will,
Sand with you by fast and prayer wrestle with the powers of hell?

So if Satan, pressing hard, soul and body would destroy,
Christ who conquered, be our guard; give to us the victor’s joy.

Saviour, may we hear your voice – keep us constant at your side;
And with you we shall rejoice at the eternal Eastertide.