Lenten Midweek "Virtual" Worship #5 (April 1, 2020)
A “Virtual” midweek Lenten Service
Suitable for home use
Overview
Week of Lent 5: Change of Plans
God’s ways are not our own. We expect a conquering king and hero, but Jesus instead leads us down the road to Jerusalem and humbles himself on the cross. God changes our plans and replaces them with a love broader and deeper than anything we could imagine.
Preparation
Early in his career, J.S. Bach was faced with death and disappointment. In this midst of funerals for family members he composed a cantata, based on Old and New Passages, called (in Englsh) What God Wills is Best.
I’ve always loved it and find it hauntingly beautiful.
· Here it is played by “four hands” on piano
· Here is a version for classical guitar
· Here it is played on organ by E. Power Biggs.
Opening Dialogue
Week 5 (Mark 10:32-34, Luke 18:31-34, Matt. 16:22)
We see Jesus walking ahead on the road.
He leads us toward Jerusalem.
We follow but are very afraid.
He says the Son of Man will be handed over.
We understand nothing about all these things.
He says the prophets’ words will be fulfilled.
We hear him talk of suffering and death.
Forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you!
Gathering Song:
Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart
· Here’s a great sing along version.
· A contemporary setting to an alternate setting (available to sing along)
· If you’d like to know the history of the song and songwriter before singing along click here!
1 Spirit of God, descend upon my heart;
wean it from earth, through all its pulses move;
stoop to my weakness, strength to me impart,
and make me love you as I ought to love.
2 I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies,
no sudden rending of the veil of clay,
no angel visitant, no op'ning skies;
but take the dimness of my soul away.
3 Have you not bid me love you, God and King;
all, all your own, soul, heart, and strength, and mind?
I see your cross; there teach my heart to cling.
Oh, let me seek you and, oh, let me find!
4 Teach me to love you as your angels love,
one holy passion filling all my frame:
the baptism of the heav'n-descended dove,
my heart an altar, and your love the flame.
Greeting
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
Prayer
Week 5
O God our surprise, you offer so much more than our own limited plans envision. You take our place, becoming our salvation through the cross. As we prepare for Holy Week, strengthen our hearts and minds to follow Jesus on the road to Jerusalem. When we betray like Judas, deny like Peter, and scatter like the disciples, forgive our frailties. Bring us the promise of resurrection and new life in you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Word
Reading: Isaiah 52:13–15 (emphasis added)
See, my servant shall prosper;
he shall be exalted and lifted up,
and shall be very high.
Just as there were many who were astonished at him
—so marred was his appearance, beyond human semblance,
and his form beyond that of mortals—
so he shall startle many nations;
kings shall shut their mouths because of him;
for that which had not been told them they shall see,
and that which they had not heard they shall contemplate.
Gospel Reading: Mark 10:32–34
They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles; they will mock him, and spit upon him, and flog him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise again.”
Reflection: Change of Plans
· A text copy of the reflection is available here.
· A video version of the reflection is available here.
Hymn of the Day:
Take My Life, That I May Be
This hymn is set to so many different tunes!
· Here is one (not a sing along) from a Lutheran church much like ours
· Here is a more contemporary Latin setting (for sing along).
· Here is yet another familiar setting (for sing along)
· An organist explains the background and the musical setting before performing it for us.
1 Take my life, that I may be
consecrated, Lord, to thee;
take my moments and my days;
let them flow in ceaseless praise.
2 Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love;
take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee.
5 Take my will and make it thine,
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is thine own,
it shall be thy royal throne.
6 Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure store;
take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee.
Prayers
O God our help,
you walk with us through all of life’s changes.
Grant us strength, patience, wisdom, and understanding.
O God our hope,
you come to us in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.
Show us your salvation,
and lead us in the way of the cross.
O God our shelter,
you enfold us like a mother hen gathering her chicks.
Watch over all who are sick, grieving, lonely, and in need this day.
O God our home, you claim us as your beloved children.
Lord, remember us when you come into your kingdom.
Here other prayers may be offered.
All this we ask through the one who gave himself for us, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Let us pray together:
O triune God in heaven above,
your blessed name we hallow.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done
in this world as in heaven;
give bread for each new day begun;
our sins be all forgiven,
as we forgive what others do;
in every trial see us through;
from evil save us. Amen.
Offering
While you may, of course, mail your offering to the church, you can also make a contribution online by safely clicking here.
Offering Prayer (Matt. 25:35)
Steadfast God, you bless us amid all the changes and chances of life. Grant us servant hearts, that we may feed the hungry and welcome the stranger in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Blessing
Based on 2 Thessalonians 3:16
The Lord of peace give you peace at all times and in all ways.
In the name of the Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Sending Song:
God Be With You Till We Meet Again
When I chose this as a closing song weeks ago, little did I know how poignant its words would become. It brings tears to my eyes as we close our midweek Lenten services!
A gorgeous version by our own Robert Prester and Adriana Samargia.
A choral sing along with gorgeous pictures
An acoustic guitar version with some background on the hymn and tune (not sing along)
A simple setting from the group Selah (not sing along)
1 God be with you till we meet again;
by good counsels guide, uphold you,
with a shepherd's care enfold you;
God be with you till we meet again.
Refrain
Till we meet, (till we meet,)
till we meet, (till we meet again,)
till we meet at Jesus' feet; (till we meet,)
till we meet, (till we meet,)
till we meet, (till we meet again.)
God be with you till we meet again.
2 God be with you till we meet again;
holy wings securely hide you,
daily manna still provide you;
God be with you till we meet again. Refrain
3 God be with you till we meet again;
when life's perils thick confound you,
put unfailing arms around you;
God be with you till we meet again. Refrain
Dismissal
Go now in peace, for nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Thanks be to God.
Postlude
· Why not let the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing us out!