Liturgy for the Fourth Sunday in Lent
Introduction
The Fourth Sunday in Lent is often called Laetare Sunday, which is a pause of light and promise in the midst of a penitential season. Yet the joy of this day does not come from escape, but from clarity. God’s light exposes what has been hidden and opens eyes long accustomed to darkness. The readings for this Sunday speak of seeing and being seen, of light that reveals truth, and of God’s persistent work to bring people from blindness into life.
This liturgy follows the Revised Common Lectionary for the Fourth Sunday in Lent (Year A) and is shaped by themes of light, sight, discernment, and God’s transforming grace.
The Lectionary Readings at a Glance
The readings for the Fourth Sunday in Lent center on God’s gift of sight—both physical and spiritual—and the light that leads people into truth.
In 1 Samuel 16:1–13, God directs Samuel to anoint David, overturning human expectations about strength and worth. God sees not as humans see, but looks upon the heart, revealing that divine calling often appears where it is least expected.
Psalm 23 proclaims trust in the Lord as shepherd and guide. Even in the valley of deep darkness, God’s presence brings comfort, direction, and life.
In Ephesians 5:8–14, the church is reminded that those who were once in darkness now live in the light of the Lord. Awakening, exposure, and transformation mark the life shaped by Christ’s light.
John 9:1–41 tells the story of a man born blind whose sight becomes a sign of deeper revelation. As the man comes to see, others reveal their blindness. Jesus exposes fear, challenges assumptions, and invites all into the truth that brings freedom.
Together, these readings proclaim a God who sees clearly, shines light into hidden places, and leads people from darkness into life.
Call to Worship
One: The Lord calls us out of darkness into light.
All: We come, trusting the God who opens our eyes.
One: God sees beyond appearances and knows the truth of our hearts.
All: We come, longing to live as children of the light.
One: Awake, O sleeper, and rise from the dead.
All: Let us worship the Lord, who shines upon us.
Opening Prayer
God of light and truth,
You see us as we are and call us into new life. As we gather in worship, open our eyes to your presence and our hearts to your grace. Lead us through shadow and uncertainty, and shape us to live as people awakened by your light. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God,
We confess that we often prefer the comfort of what we know to the truth you reveal. We judge by appearances, cling to assumptions, and resist the light that would change us. We turn away from those who see differently than we do. Forgive us, O God. Heal our blindness, soften our hearts, and lead us into the freedom of your truth. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news: “Once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light.” (Ephesians 5:8)
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, restored, and called to walk in the light.
Thanks be to God!
Prayer for Illumination
Holy God,
Send your Spirit to open our eyes as Scripture is read and proclaimed. Give us courage to see truth clearly and grace to follow where your light leads. Shape us by your Word, that we may live as children of the light. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Prayers of the People
God of mercy and vision,
We give thanks that you see us fully and love us deeply. We pray for your church, that it may reflect your light with humility and compassion. We pray for those who walk in darkness—through fear, injustice, or misunderstanding—that your light may bring healing and hope. We pray for ourselves, that we may learn to see as you see and to walk faithfully in your ways. Lead us from blindness into trust, and from fear into witness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Closing Prayer
Eternal God,
You have opened our eyes and called us into the light of Christ. As we continue this Lenten journey, keep us attentive to your truth and faithful in living what we have seen. May our lives reflect your light in the world, for the sake of your love and glory. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
