LENTEN RECONCILIATION SERVICE

The rite of reconciliation ought to be offered on a regular day throughout Lent. This establishes a pattern in time and space. This pattern or habit helps the congregation break away from everyday distraction, encouraging them to truly ask for forgiveness. The rite ought to be avoided during Holy Week which is quite busy already.

PROCESSIONAL & INTRODUCTION

A darkened Church. From the back of the Church, the presider proclaims.

Presider

Rise O Lord!
O God, lift up your hand!
Do not forget the afflicted! (Ps 10)
A clean heart create for us, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within us! (Ps 50)

A silent processional of presider, lectors, with Candles only escorting the Lectionary. The lectors ought to hold the lectionary and candles. This will visually reinforce the image of the Word of God as source of illumination, the light of the World. Moderate pace. All stand. As the processional reaches the altar steps, each ministry should pause then climb to their positions. Each ministry should have completed their action, i.e. placing of the lectionary, candles and cross, before the presider greets the people.

GREETING

Presider

Father in Heaven, heal our wounds
and make us again one family,
through the love of our Lord Jesus Christ,
in the power of the Holy Spirit.

R: Amen.

OPENING PRAYER

Presider

Let us pray as we gather to submit ourselves to the scrutiny of the gospel.
(Pause)
Father in Heaven,
the heart of your people aches;
our sin drags us into despair;
listen to our pain;
by your Word, wash us clean;
Let us live new lives.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

R: Amen

LITURGY OF THE WORD

If possible have a deacon and two lectors make up the ministry to the Word. The deacon will have carried the lectionary and the two lectors the candles. Let the deacon and lectors stand together near the lectern for the liturgy of the Word. Each will go to the lectern and return to this standing position in his/her turn. This grouping visually reinforces the ministry to the Word.

First Reading: "I did not cover my face against insult"

Isaiah 50: 4-7, Lectionary # 38

All

Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me. (Ps 51)

Second Reading: "Faith without Good Works is Dead"

James 2:14-18, Lectionary #132

All

Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me. (Ps 51)

Gospel: "He who loses his life for my sake"

Mark 8:34-9:1. Lectionary 339

All

Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me. (Ps 51)

HOMILY

DISPOSITION

Presider

We pray to you, O Lord,
for the time of your favor, O God!
In your great kindness answer us
with your constant help.
Rescue us out of the mire;
may we not sink.
Do not hide your face from your servants;
in our distress, make haste to answer us. (Ps 69)
Let us prepare to confess our sin.

The presider sits for a while in silence for the examination of conscience.

GENERAL CONFESSION/ SIGN OF SINNERS

The presider goes to the front of the altar and invites all to kneel. He kneels as well.

Presider

Let us confess our sins with humility.
Let us pray, for each other, for God's forgiveness.

ALL

I confess to Almighty God, etc. Amen.

Presider

The Lord is our refuge and our strength,
He helps us always in our distress.
Come behold the deeds of the Lord,
the astounding things he has wrought on earth. (Ps 46)
(Pause)
The Lord is merciful.
(Pause)
Let us ask the Lord to forgive us our sin.
Let us ask the Lord to heal us.
Let us ask the Lord to give us peace.
(Pause)
Let your spirit of repentance come down on us.

R: Lord have mercy.

Forgive us our hate and temper.

R: Lord have mercy.

Forgive us our ignorance and silence.

R: Lord have mercy.

Release us from the burden of our shame.

R: Lord have mercy.

Heal the deep ache in our spirit.

R: Lord have mercy.

Wash away the debris which clings to our sin.

R: Lord have mercy.

Help us to put temptation behind us.

R: Lord have mercy.

Give us eyes to see your creation, your people as Jesus did.

R: Lord have mercy.

Give us the courage to walk in Jesus' path.

R: Lord have mercy.

Give us the strength of Jesus' cross in this world.

R: Lord have mercy.

Bring your family together in joy and love.

R: Lord have mercy.

Let your spirit guide us in your commandments.

R: Lord have mercy.

Let your spirit wake up our heart to proclaim your love.

R: Lord have mercy.

Let your spirit fill us with new life.

R: Lord have mercy.

All

Into your Hands

Presider

Let us again pray for forgiveness and protection from evil, in the words our Savior gave us:

All

Our Father....

Presider

Father in heaven, from whom every good thing comes, may we turn around and hold your gift of loving closer and closer to us. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

R: Amen.

GENERAL ABSOLUTION

Presider

Our God of mercy offers us new life,
through the death on the cross and resurrection of His Son.
Through His spirit, He gives us forgiveness and fellowship.
Through the ministry of His church,
may God give you all pardon and peace;
and I absolve you from your sin,
in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

R: Amen

PROCLAMATION OF PRAISE FOR GOD'S MERCY

As the presider lifts his hands, let the lights in the Church be turned up high.