Sunday, March 9, 2014

First Sunday in Lent

A Mighty Fortress Lutheran Service Book #656
Psalm 46:1, 7, 11; Revelation 19:11-16; Romans 8:31-39; Ephesians 6:10-17


A Mighty fortress is our God,
A trusty shield and weapon;
He helps us free from ev’ry need
That hath us now o’er taken
The old evil foe, Now means deadly woe;
Deep guile and great might
Are his dread arms in fight;
On earth is not his equal.



It is Christ who give us peace in troubled times. Today is the first Sunday in the season of Lent. We will read of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. (Matthew 4:1-11) As He withstood the wiles of the devil, so He helps you in your struggles. He lived the perfect life for you. He laid down His life and took it up again to win for you salvation and life eternal. Christ your Savior and champion fights for you. It is only in Him that you stand.

A Mighty Fortress is our God! As you abide in Him all that would distress and harm you melts away. His perfect peace, which only He can provide, gives you the strength you need as you live for Him in this world. Christ, who has made you a child of God your Father, bestowed on you the peace that passes all understanding.

God is your refuge and our strength. Your ever-present help in times of trouble!

O Lord God, You led Your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them to the Promised Land. Guide the people of Your Church that following our Savior we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [1]


[1] Lutheran Service Book, Collect for Lent 1; © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis 

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