21st Century Africana Worship Resources for the Fifth Sunday in Lent, Year B

Call to Worship
(From Psalms 51:1-12 and Jeremiah 31:31-34)
Leader: We are alive to see this new day. Shout hallelujah, my brothers and sisters!

People: Hallelujah! We are God's people.

Leader: Behold, the Lord has made a new covenant with us. Our hearts and minds will be renewed and restored. Rejoice and be glad, for now we will know and see God's awesome power more clearly.

People: Hallelujah! We are God's people.

ALL: Hallelujah! We are God's people.

Prayer of Reflection and Confession
Lord, we know Easter is coming soon; and while we anxiously wait to celebrate your triumphant victory over sin and death, there are still difficult days between now and then. And try as we might, we cannot comprehend love and mercy so great as this. There is nothing perfect about us, yet you beckon us with hands that soon will be scarred by betrayal, greed, selfishness, pettiness, pride, and apathy. You see us and our imperfections with compassionate and patient eyes as we struggle to rid our lives of all the worldly things that distort, distract, and entangle us. As the cross looms ahead, our eyes and our focus are on you and you alone for our redemption and salvation.

Offertory Prayer
Lord, we offer you our hearts, our souls, our lives ?? everything ?? for they are already yours. Amen.

Benediction
(Based on John 12:20-33)
Lord, we will glorify your name and confidently go forth where you lead. We bless and honor your holy name. Amen.

Suggested Music

• O How He Loves You and Me (African American Heritage Hymnal, 228)
• Your Grace and Mercy (African American Heritage Hymnal, 270)
• He Touched Me (United Methodist Hymnal, 367)
• God Has Smiled on Me (Songs of Zion, 196)
• Lord Help Me to Hold Out (Songs of Zion, 194)
• Open My Eyes, That I May See (United Methodist Hymnal, 454)
• I Am Redeemed (African American Heritage Hymnal, 512)
• We've Come This Far by Faith (Songs of Zion, 192)

About the Author: Cynthia A. Bond Hopson, Ph.D., is Assistant General Secretary of the Black College Fund and Ethnic Concerns for the United Methodist General Board of Higher Education and Ministry and author of Bad Hair Days, Rainy Days and Mondays