Worship Notes for Sunday, February 26, 2012
As we enter the season of preparation and repentance known as Lent, this is a perfect time to deal with the issue of the snares of the devil and the lures of temptation. As we talk through the very practical ways to “resist the devil,” we will focus on themes of God’s Word, sanctification, and God’s help in times of trouble. We begin with a new Introit for the season of Lent: Lift Up Your Heads—the anticipation for the coming of the King of kings. The Call to Worship is from Psalm 77 and tells of the mighty deeds of the Lord that we are called to remember for His way is holy.This point is further emphasized in the singing of A Mighty Fortress; for our God is never failing and though this world is filled with devils His truth triumphs. The Word of God spells the doom and overthrow of the “Prince of Darkness.” Today we also start the first of two Psalms for Lent—From Depths of Woe (Psalm 130). This is one of the “penitential” Psalms.
The Prayer of Confession from 1 Thessalonians 4 reminds us that God desires our sanctification and has given us instruction in abstaining from immorality and in controlling our passions. We are assured that God has overcome the world through Christ even as we keep his commandments through faith. We then sing of God’s redeeming love in Isaiah 43 through the watery and fiery trials of life. Our Communion Hymns include Holy Father, Hear My Cry and There is a Fountain Filled With Blood that both sing of the saving grace of the blood of the Lamb. Our final hymn, Teach Me, O Lord, Thy Holy Way, explicitly prays for guidance to control our thoughts and deeds, walk in the way of Christ, and to stand strong against temptation—so that God will fulfill His perfect work in us.
