Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, February 22, 2026, A, 1st Sunday in Lent
Sola/LSB: Genesis 3:1-21 (The serpent tempts Adam and Eve to disobey God)
RCL/ELW: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
All: Psalm 32:1-7 (Happy are they whose sins are forgiven!)
All: Romans 5:12-1 (Sin came through Adam; righteousness, through Christ)
All: Matthew 4:1-11 (Satan tempts Jesus to disobey his Father)
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Opening Hymn: A Mighty Fortress is Our God: LBW #229, ELW #504, LSB #657
OR In Adam We Have All Been One: LBW #372, LSB #569
Lenten Hymn, if desired: see Ash Wednesday
Hymn of the Day: O Lord, Throughout These Forty Days: LBW #99, ELW #319, LSB #418
OR Rise! To Arms! With Prayer Employ You: LSB #668 (Tune is “Wake, Awake, For Night is Flying.” Words are gutsy encouragement against temptation. Pretty cool.)
OR The Tree of Life, With Ev’ry Good: LSB #561 (Tune looks straightforward. Beautiful words that tell of the Fall, and of our Redemption through the various trees – life, knowledge, Cross, life)
OR Lent 1 stanza, Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery: ELW #334, v. 1-3
Communion Hymn 1: Lord Jesus, Think on Me: LBW #309, LSB #610
OR That Priceless Grace: ELW #591
Communion Hymn 2: All Who Would Valiant Be: LBW #498
Closing Hymn: Jesus, Still Lead/Lead Thou On: LBW #341, ELW #624, LSB #843
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Sola/LSB: Genesis 3:1-21 (The serpent tempts Adam and Eve to disobey God)
RCL/ELW: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
Psalm 32:1-7 (Happy are they whose sins are forgiven!)
Romans 5:12-1 (Sin came through Adam; righteousness, through Christ)
Matthew 4:1-11 (Satan tempts Jesus to disobey his Father)
Let us lift our hearts and voices to the Lord in prayer, that he would be merciful to his people.
A brief silence
Father, thank you for Jesus. Thank you for letting him be tempted just as we are when we’re at our weakest! Thank you because he stands with us, and for us. Thank you for causing him to dwell in us, through the worst temptations and struggles we face.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord, forgive your Church when it falls into lukewarm worship, wayward teaching, fractured fellowship, stingy charity, and halfhearted witness. Forgive it when it condemns certain sinners, but re-brands its favorite sins as virtue. Help it to stand firm in your Word when it is tempted by sins of faithlessness.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Forgive our persecuted brethren throughout the world when their anguish curdles into bitterness, retribution, or loss of faith. Strengthen and heal them, so by their witness, you lead their tormentors to repentance and true faith.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Forgive missionaries and all who seek to be your disciples, when their passion for the Gospel cools, or when they become impatient or distracted. Kindle the fire of your Holy Spirit within them, so that they glorify you in all they say and do.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Forgive this congregation when we focus on the speck in another’s eye, ignoring the log in our own. Forgive us when we seek our own will, not yours. Forgive us when we boast of ourselves, not the Cross of Christ. Fashion us into the image of Jesus, so others, seeing our good works, glorify you alone.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Strengthen us when we are tempted to sin. Warn and rebuke us, so we resist and repent. Guide us, so we feed on your Word and commit ourselves into your care. Humble us, so we rely only on our Savior, who in all things was tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Forgive the nations and leaders of the world, including our own. Forgive the arrogance and ambition that drive decisions. Forgive the cruelty, suspicion, and hatred that fuel wars. Forgive the apathy and prejudice that fuel neglect and injustice. Create new hearts within us, and grant us your peace.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Forgive our military and all first responders when their hearts become hardened by vengeance or hatred. Heal, guide, and strengthen them to act in accordance with your will.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord, have mercy on all who are sick, injured, or handicapped; addicted, abused, or abandoned; despairing, frightened, or ashamed; frightened, grieving or dying. Today we pray for: {List}. Deliver them from the powers of sin, death, and the devil. Restore them to fellowship with all who love them. Renew their faith in you, their Savior and Lord.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Father, thank you for showing mercy to all who have died trusting in your promises. Keep us steadfast in faith. Forgive us when we give in to temptation. When the long Lent of this life is complete and the hour of death draws near, let the Cross of Christ sustain us in faith and hope. By his glorious Resurrection, raises us from our tombs. Through the Holy Spirit, breathe your life and love into us forever.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Into your hands, gracious Father, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
