A possible structure for The Gathering of the Community:
1. Suggested greeting:
Grace and peace to you from God.
God fill you with truth and joy.
2. Hymn
3. Confession and Absolution
4. Collect of the Day
Alternatively, the first hymn could be after the Confession and Absolution. Other penitential elements could be included (from, for example, the options on NZPB pages 405-407). “Glory to God in the highest” is traditionally not used in Lent.
Appropriate Songs of Praise:
Prayer of Manasseh (NZPB page 98) text#52 (link off this site)
He was Despised and Rejected – Isaiah 53:1-5 (NZPB page 99) towards the end of Lent
The Beatitudes – Matthew 5:3-10 (page 81)
Seek the Lord – Isaiah 55:6-11(page 87)
The Exalted Lord – Philippians 2:6-11 (page 83) towards the end of Lent
Invitation to Confession
Alternative to those suggested on NZPB page 407.
God’s love is shown for us in this: while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
Suggested response for The Prayers of the People:
Lord, hear our prayer
and let our cry come to you.
Variation/Addition to the Great Thanksgiving:Lent, Passiontide (in Holy Week).
Alternative introduction to the Lord’s Prayer:
Let us pray for the forgiveness of our sins as Jesus taught us.
Or
Let us ask God to forgive our sins
and to help us forgive those who sin against us.