Liturgy for the First Sunday of Lent
Introduction
The First Sunday in Lent draws the church into the wilderness. Having begun the season with ashes and the call to return, we now face the deeper questions of trust, temptation, and obedience. Lent does not rush toward resolution. It invites honest examination of the powers that shape us and the voices we choose to follow. In these readings, humanity’s first disobedience is set beside Christ’s faithful resistance, revealing both the depth of human frailty and the greater reach of God’s grace.
This liturgy follows the Revised Common Lectionary for the First Sunday in Lent (Year A) and is shaped by themes of temptation, confession, trust, and the costly obedience of Christ.
The Lectionary Readings at a Glance
The readings for the First Sunday in Lent place human temptation and divine faithfulness side by side.
In Genesis 2:15–17; 3:1–7, the story of the garden exposes humanity’s struggle with trust and desire. The temptation is not merely about disobedience, but about grasping for autonomy and doubting God’s goodness. Shame and separation follow, marking the rupture that echoes throughout human history.
Psalm 32 gives voice to the relief of confession and forgiveness. What was hidden is brought into the light, and silence gives way to joy as God restores the one who turns back in honesty and trust.
In Romans 5:12–19, Paul contrasts Adam and Christ, tracing how sin and death entered the world through one act, and how grace and life abound through another. The passage frames Lent not as despair over sin, but as hope rooted in Christ’s obedience.
Matthew 4:1–11 leads Jesus into the wilderness, where he faces temptation without yielding. Jesus refuses shortcuts to power and sustenance, choosing trust in God’s word over self-protection. His faithfulness marks the beginning of a path that leads through suffering toward redemption.
Together, these readings invite the church to face temptation honestly while trusting the grace made known in Christ.
Call to Worship
One: God calls us into the wilderness, not to abandon us, but to meet us there.
All: We come, trusting the God who provides and sustains.
One: Christ faced temptation and did not turn away from God’s way.
All: We come, seeking strength to follow in faith.
One: The Lord offers mercy, forgiveness, and new life.
All: Let us worship God with humility and hope.
Opening Prayer
Faithful God,
You meet us in places of testing and uncertainty. As we begin this Lenten journey, draw us deeper into trust. Quiet the voices that pull us away from you and ground us again in your word. Shape us by Christ’s obedience, that we may walk this season with honesty, courage, and hope. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Holy and merciful God,
We confess that we do not always trust your goodness. We listen to voices that promise control, comfort, or power instead of life with you. We grasp for what is easy and turn away from what is faithful. Forgive us, O God. Uncover what we hide, heal what is broken, and lead us back into right relationship with you. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news: “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.” (Romans 5:20)
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, restored, and given new life.
Thanks be to God!
Prayer for Illumination
God of truth,
As your Word is read and proclaimed, open our hearts to what you reveal. Give us courage to face temptation honestly and grace to trust your way. By your Spirit, lead us into deeper faith and faithful obedience. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Prayers of the People
God of mercy and strength,
We come before you aware of our weakness and in need of your grace. We pray for your church, that it may walk the Lenten path with humility and faith. We pray for those facing temptation, fear, or isolation, that they may know your presence and care. We pray for a world shaped by broken trust and misuse of power, that your justice and compassion may prevail. Sustain us in the wilderness, and lead us toward life through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Closing Prayer
Eternal God,
You do not leave us alone in places of testing. As we continue this Lenten journey, keep us grounded in your grace and attentive to your voice. Strengthen us to resist what leads away from life and to trust the path Christ has shown us. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
