Fourth Sunday in Lent (Year A)

Sentences

Jesus said: I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness
but will have the light of life.
John 8:12

Prayer of Confession

God of mercy, you sent Jesus Christ to seek and to save the lost.
We confess that we have strayed from you
and turned aside from your way.
We are misled by pride,
for we see ourselves pure when we are stained,
and great when we are small.
We have failed in love, neglected injustice, and ignored your truth.
Have mercy on us, O God, and forgive our sin.
Return us to paths of righteousness
through Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Book of Common Worship

Assurance of Pardon / The Law of God

God has rescued us from the power of darkness
and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son,
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:13, 14

Once you were in darkness, but now in the Lord you are light.
Live as children of the light—
for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true.
Ephesians 5:8, 9

Prayer for Illumination

Almighty God, who in Jesus Christ has come to us as the light of the world: illumine our paths and guide our way, that we may not walk in darkness but may follow the way of Jesus Christ and have the light of life.

Hymn Suggestions

"Amazing Grace"
"Shine, Jesus, Shine"
"Be Thou My Vision"

Written by John Paarlberg, pastor of First Church in Albany, New York