A Lenten Service

This is a Lenten Communion Service in which the sermon is presented entirely through readings, songs and actions… there is no “preaching” involved. Using one passage from chapter twenty- two and the entire twenty-third chapter of Luke’s gospel, every verse should be read (probably by different voices) as the service progresses.

This could follow the Tenebrae format with nine candles lit to begin the service, extinguishing one at each point in the telling of the passion events… ending in darkness.

We have suggested a recurring simple chorus (“Worthy Is the Lamb”) to hold the service together. This is one of those unknown-composer choruses that does not require any copyright permissions! You may want to choose another similar somber, simple chorus on the same words or theme. (See Congregational Songs for this chorus in several keys.)

THE PREPARATION

Prelude on “O Sacred Head Now Wounded”

Welcome and Introduction of the Service

Singing – Worthy! Worthy! Worthy is the Lamb!

Prayer of Preparation

THE SERMON

LUKE 22:39-46 – THE GARDEN PRAYER

Hymn – “Go to Dark Gethsemane” [Please observe a time of silence between stanzas.]

LUKE 23:1-12 – STANDING TRIAL

Hymn – “A Purple Robe”

Worthy! Worthy! Worthy is the Lamb!

LUKE 23:13-25 – SENTENCED TO DEATH

The Bread… symbol of His broken body

LUKE 23:26-31 – LED AWAY TO DIE Solo – “Via Dolorosa”

LUKE 23:32-38 – NAILED TO THE CROSS

Hymn – “Lead Me to Calvary” [stanza one only] OR Chorus – “Crown Him King of Kings”

Hymn – “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” OR another hymn about the cross

Singing – Worthy! Worthy! Worthy is the Lamb.

LUKE 23:39-43 – “REMEMBER ME”

Prayers for Forgiveness and Acceptance (Do this is a way that is comfortable with your congregation; if you are accustomed to a call-and-response format, that would work well here with the congregation responding with something like, “Lord, have mercy,” or “Lord, hear our prayer.”)

Hymn – “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior”

LUKE 23:44-46 – “FATHER, I COMMIT MY SPIRIT TO YOU”

The Cup… symbol of His spilled blood

LUKE 23:47-49 – “SURELY, THIS IS THE SON OF GOD”

Hymn – “Were You There?” [stanzas one and two]

LUKE 23:50-56 – LAID IN THE TOMB

Singing – Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?...

Low in the grave He lay, Jesus my Savior, Waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord. Vainly they watch His bed, Jesus my Savior; Vainly they seal the dead, Jesus, my Lord.

Amazing love! How can it be that Thou, my God, should die for me? Worthy! Worthy! Worthy is the Lamb.

THE RESPONSE

Ministry of Silence

Voiced Prayer

Postlude on “Blessed Redeemer” AFTER the postlude, please exit in silence.