Lent | Friday 13 Mar 2026
[Please note the time change to EDT]
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening prayer:
Heavenly Father,
you have made us for yourself,
and our hearts are restless until they rest in you:
Look with compassion
upon the heartfelt desires of your servants,
and purify our disordered affections,
that we may behold your eternal glory
in the face of Christ Jesus;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
“Live a life filled with love,
following the example of Christ.”
(Ephesians 5:2)
__________
From the Psalms: Psalm 23 – Phil Wickham – ft. Tiffany Hudson
The Lord is my shepherd
There’s nothing I need
You lead me to the safest places
You lead me to the safest places
To walk in the meadow
And lie by the stream
You meet me in the quiet places
You meet me in the quiet places
Your goodness and Your mercy
Will follow me
All the days of my life
All the days of my life
And I’ll dwell in Your house
For eternity
I’ll be there by Your side
I’ll be there by Your side
Though I walk through the valley
Of the shadow of death
I don’t have to fear no evil
For I know that You are with me
With oil of blessing
You cover my head
You fill me to overflowing
My cup is overflowing
And Your goodness and Your mercy
Will follow me
All the days of my life
All the days of my life
And I’ll dwell in Your house
For eternity
I’ll be there by Your side
I’ll be there by Your side
All the days of my life
All the days of my life
You prepare a table before me
Right in front of my enemies
You’re the shepherd of my soul
You lead me in the right direction
My comfort and my protection
You’re the shepherd of my soul
You prepare a table before me
Right in front of my enemies
You’re the shepherd of my soul
You lead me in the right direction
My comfort and my protection
You’re the shepherd of my soul
And Your goodness and Your mercy
Will follow me
All the days of my life
All the days of my life
And I’ll dwell in Your house
For eternity
I’ll be there by Your side
I’ll be there by Your side
All the days of my life
All the days of my life
All the days of my life
All my life
I’ll be there by Your side
__________
OT Reading: 1 Samuel 15:22-31 (NLT)
15:22 But Samuel replied,
“What is more pleasing to the Lord:
your burnt offerings and sacrifices
or your obedience to his voice?
Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice,
and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.
+ Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft,
and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols.
So because you have rejected the command of the Lord,
he has rejected you as king.”
Saul Pleads for Forgiveness
15:24 Then Saul admitted to Samuel, “Yes, I have sinned. I have disobeyed your instructions and the Lord’s command, for I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded. But now, please forgive my sin and come back with me so that I may worship the Lord.”
+ But Samuel replied, “I will not go back with you! Since you have rejected the Lord’s command, he has rejected you as king of Israel.”
+ As Samuel turned to go, Saul tried to hold him back and tore the hem of his robe. And Samuel said to him, “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to someone else—one who is better than you. And he who is the Glory of Israel will not lie, nor will he change his mind, for he is not human that he should change his mind!”
+ Then Saul pleaded again, “I know I have sinned. But please, at least honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel by coming back with me so that I may worship the Lord your God.” So Samuel finally agreed and went back with him, and Saul worshiped the Lord.
__________
Forgiven | Sovereign Grace Music
__________
NT Reading: Ephesians 5:1-9 (NLT)
Living in the Light
5:1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
+ Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.
+ Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. Don’t participate in the things these people do. For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.
__________
“Trust And Obey” | 125 Voice Mass Choir for Classic Hymns album ” Amazing Grace”
__________
O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have us do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices; that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path we may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, our heavenly Father, you manifested your love by sending your only-begotten Son into the world, that all might live through him: Pour out your Spirit on your Church, that we may fulfill his command to preach the Gospel to all people. Send forth laborers into your harvest; defend them in all dangers and temptations; and hasten the time when the fullness of the Gentiles shall be gathered in, and faithful Israel shall be saved; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our God, in whom we trust: Strengthen us not to regard overmuch who is for us or who is against us, but to see to it that we be with you in everything we do. Amen. | Thomas à Kempis
Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch
May God our Redeemer show us compassion and love.
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Peanut Gallery 