The First Sunday in Lent
Centering Practice
We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself. Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths.
- The season of Lent reminds us of our shared humanity, including all that is broken and beautiful in ourselves and in our world
- As you breathe slowly, invite you to warm up your hands and show special care for a part of yourself that may need attention, inviting God to make you whole, holy, and fully yourselves today
Call to Worship
Adapted from Cole Arthur Riley
As we journey together through Lent,
we remember this sacred truth:
We are born of dust and ash and dirt;
brought to life by the breath of God.
We are not what we once were.
The steadfast love of God guides us,
even through the wilderness. Amen.
Worship Songs
Sound of Adoration
When we were lost ones
You were the Shepherd that carried us home
When we were prodigals
You ran to meet us with open arms
And we can’t hold back our praise
When we were refugees
You were the One who took us in
When we were enemies
You paid the price for all our sin
And we can’t hold back our praise
This is the sound of adoration
Oh, how we love You
Jesus, we love You
You are the joy of all creation
Oh, how we love You
Jesus, we love You
You are the Risen One
You conquered death and made a way
You sang our freedom song
Now we are dancing on our chains
And we can’t hold back our praise
By the cross, I am free
Your grace changes everything
I was blind, now I see
Your grace changes everything
Here For You
Let our praise be Your welcome
Let our songs be a sign
We are here for You, we are here for You
Let Your breath come from heaven
Fill our hearts with Your life
We are here for You, we are here for You
To You our hearts are open
Nothing here is hidden
You are our one desire
You alone are holy
Only You are worthy
God, let Your fire fall down
Let our shout be Your anthem
Your renown fill the skies
We are here for You, we are here for You
Let Your Word move in power
Let what’s dead come to life
We are here for You, we are here for You
We welcome You with praise
We welcome You with praise
Almighty God of love
Be welcomed in this place
Let every heart adore
Let every soul awake
Almighty God of love
Be welcomed in this place
Prayer of Confession
O God,
You are our shelter from the storm,
a refuge in times of sorrow.
We find our home in You.
Rescue those who cry out for help;
Let Your light shine upon those in the dark;
Renew the face of the earth with Your love;
Hear us, O God, we pray:
— Moment of silent prayer —
God of mercy,
transform and direct what we shall be,
that we would walk in Your ways, always.
Amen.
Assurance of God’s Love
Prayers of the People
A collect from our community, written by Elle Kim
Light of the world,
Who knows us better than we know ourselves
Comfort those who are frightened
and fill them with Your hope, light, and goodness.
Because You always shine bright,
holding our hand and leading us out of the dark.
Through God the Father’s love,
the grace of Jesus Christ,
and the power of the Holy Spirit,
Amen!
Communion
Offering Prayer
Announcements
- Thanks for worshiping with us today! We hope you experience meaningful connection with God and others in our community. If you’re visiting for the first time today, we’d love to get to know you better. Please take home a visitor’s card with QR code so that we can stay in touch & build a relationship!
- Lenten Community Prayer: Throughout Lent, we will gather every Wednesday at 8:00 pm for a 15 minute Zoom prayer meeting.
- Reset Sunday: Our next Reset Sunday will be March 8th. Usually, our Reset Sundays are the last Sunday of the month with five Sundays, but that falls on Palm Sunday (when we will gather as a community!).
- Run/Walk Club: We will host a run/walk at Lake Miramar on Saturday, March 14th. If you’re interested, please talk to Jin today! There’s also a 5k on Sunday, March 15th.
Passing of the Peace
Let’s greet each other at this time!
Blessing of the Children
Go in peace and go in joy;
Filled with wonder for this day.
Go in faith and go in love;
God will guide you on your way!
Worship Song
Lord I Need You
Lord I come, I confess
Bowing here, I find my rest
Without You, I fall apart
You’re the One
That guides my heart
Lord I need You
Oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My One defense
My righteousness
Oh God how I need You
Where sin runs deep
Your grace is more
Where grace is found
Is where You are
And where You are
Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me
So teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
When I cannot stand I’ll fall on You
Jesus, You’re my hope and stay
Scripture Reading
Psalm 32
1 Blessed is the one
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the one
whose sin the Lord does not count against them
and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night
your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.”
And you forgave the guilt of my sin.
6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
while you may be found;
surely the rising of the mighty waters
will not reach them.
7 You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
9 Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you.
10 Many are the woes of the wicked,
but the Lord’s unfailing love
surrounds the one who trusts in him.
11 Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!
This is the Word of the Lord.
Together: Thanks be to God.
Sermon
Practices You Should Know:
Repentance & Examen
Pastor Jeya
Daily Examen
- Ask God for light
I want to look at my day with God’s eyes, not merely my own. - Review the day with gratitude and joy
Reflect back on the day. Where did you notice God’s presence? - Reflect on transformation
As you reflect back on the day, where did God feel farther away?
In what ways do you wish the Holy Spirit to change you? - Look toward the day to come
Where do you need God in the day to come? - Rest in God’s presence
Take a moment being in God’s presence as you prepare to end the day.
Worship Song
Open Space w Hosanna tag
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes
to the things unseen
Show me how to love like You
have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks Your
Everything I am
for Your Kingdom’s cause
As I walk from earth into eternity
Pull me in closer
Close to Your heart
May I be a pure reflection of all You are
Love that is patient
Love that is kind
And love that keeps no offences
or wrongs in my mind
Make me like Jesus
Make me like Jesus
You’re faithful to find me
Right where I am
Though even in my wandering You call me friend
And mercy receives me
and lifts me to my feet
And I’m caught up in the wonder and mystery
Of knowing Jesus
Of knowing Jesus
My heart is an open space
for You to come and have Your way
I’m open, I’m open
Hosanna, Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Anchor & Hope Church 