Call to Worship & Prayer: Lent 2 B

Here is a call to worship and opening prayer based on the scripture passages for the second Sunday of Lent, Year B (March 4, 2012).  They were written by Thom Shuman, and posted on his excellent Lectionary Liturgies blog.

Call to Worship
(based on Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Mark 8:31-38; Romans 4:13-25)

Pilgrims, we are invited to journey through this season of Lent
towards the One who calls us each by a new name.
Disciples, we walk with Jesus wherever he leads us,
pulling our fears, our doubts, our longings behind us.
Believers, we seek to trust the God who always surprises us,
whose promises take on flesh and blood in the good news called Jesus.

Prayer of the Day
(based on Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Mark 8:31-38; Romans 4:13-25)

Though people may turn
their backs on us,
you do not hide
your face from us.
Though others may try
to take away our hope,
you assure us of
that future waiting for us.
You speak your name,
Inscrutable Creator,
and it is enough.

When we try to dictate
our fears to you,
you invite us to follow you
into self-denial and service.
As we struggle to shape
our lifestyle to yours,
you carry us with you
wherever we go.
You speak your good news,
Teacher of open hearts,
and it is enough.

Though we have done
nothing to earn them,
you pour out the gifts
of grace and mercy upon us.
When we stumble
over our lack of trust,
you set us back on our feet,
to follow you into the kingdom.
You speak your peace,
Breath of Holiness,
and it is enough.

God in Community, Holy in One,
it is enough that you hear us
even as we pray as we are taught,
Our Father . . .

— written by Thom Shuman, and posted on his wonderful Lectionary Liturgies blog. http://lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.com/

For more worship resources for March 4, 2012 (the second Sunday of Lent), click on Lent 2 B in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page. For more prayer resources on this blog, see the Scriptural Index of Prayers at the upper right side of the page.  For more calls to worship on this blog, click on Calls to worship in the list of “Labels” at the lower right, or see the Call to Worship Index at the upper right.