If you missed the liturgy for last week, you can find it here. This week’s liturgy draws on the story of Nicodemus coming to Jesus at night (John 3:1-17). What is he searching for? Why does he think Jesus might have answers for him? And does he ever find what he’s seeking?

At the beginning of worship, light all the candles except the one extinguished last week.

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LENT 2A        The Candle of Searching

Have you ever tried to find something in the dark? How would you look for something when you can’t see where you are going? Would you feel your way around? There was a man named Nicodemus who was trying to find something, and he came to Jesus at night, when it was really dark, to see if Jesus could help him find it. Do you know what Nicodemus was looking for? He wanted to find out if Jesus was really Christ, or Messiah.

Today’s candle represents searching. During Lent, we are searching for Jesus. As we extinguish this candle, it reminds us that Jesus will still be where we can find him, whether it is light or dark. Let’s pray our prayer of confession together.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry, and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen.