January 15, 2023 Liturgy (Matthew 4:1-17)
Narrative Lectionary: year 1, week 22
Call to Worship: (Psalm 91:1-2, 9-12 NRSV)
Leader: You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
People: will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”
Leader: Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place,
People: no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.
Leader: For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
People: On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.
Call to Confession:
Even though God has promised to be with us each and every day, in times of trouble many of us are tempted to wander from the path that Christ would have us tread. Confession is our opportunity to call out for help, knowing that the Holy Spirit will hear us and reassure us of the salvation we have received in Jesus. Please join me in the prayer of confession…
Prayer of Confession:
God of the wilderness, we thank you for the many ways you meet us in the wilderness of our lives. Even though we know that your faithful people are called to live by the Word that comes from you, we admit that we fall into temptation on a regular basis. We allow ourselves to be deceived by the security of possessions, power, and prestige. We mistake the kingdoms of this world for Christ’s heavenly realm. Call us back to you. Pour your Holy Spirit upon us that we might once more become the disciples you have called us to be. Amen.
Words of Assurance:
Friends, Jesus is with us in our moments of trouble and promises to rescue us from our sin. The psalmist promises us that God is our refuge and strength. We need not fear the terror of the night, or the destruction that wastes at noonday. God has commanded the heavenly angels to bear us and satisfy us with salvation and eternal life. Know that we are forgiven and be at peace. Amen.
Passing of the Peace:
As the forgiven people of God, let us now share the grace we have received through the passing of the peace.
Scripture: Matthew 4:1-17
Communion Prayer:
Lord our God, your Son became for us the bread of life. In this sacrament we have tasted your salvation and been covered by the grace he provides. As we leave this time of worship, guard us in all your ways throughout the week ahead, this we ask in the blessed name of Jesus. Amen.
(Permission is granted to use or adapt this liturgy with credit given to Rev. Mike Williams)
