A Traditional Service For The Sundays Of Lent

The following service is a creative adaptation of the traditional pattern and texts for worship in the season of Lent. It will be of particular help for those who plan more formal Lenten worship. For those with nonliturgical backgrounds, the commentary included with this service will provide a guide to thoughtful planning for the Lenten season. This basic service, with variation of Scripture, hymns, and prayers, may be used for all the Sundays of Lent. ENTRANCE INTO GOD'S PRESENCE Commentary: The visual environment for Lenten worship should suggest the penitential nature of the season. Purple, suggesting penitence, is most commonly used color, in addition to dark grays and earth tones. Common Lenten symbols include the cross and images of a desert or a pilgrimage. Fabrics used for communion table, paraments, or banner construction can appropriately be of rough, unrefined quality. The presentation of any colors or symbols should be understated, both to reflect the meditative nature o…