The First Sunday in Lent - Online Worship - February 22, 2026
The First Sunday in Lent
This Sunday!
Sunday Worship - The First Sunday in Lent
”Father, Forgive Them”
February 22, 2026 - 9:30AM
Faith Quest Sunday School meets today!
Annual Meeting
In-Person and on Zoom!
Zoom details posted on website and facebook pages!
February 22, 2026 - 10:30AM
9th Grade Confirmation
Follows Annual Meeting!
February 22, 2026 - 11:00AM - 12:30PM
Join us next Week!
Midweek Lenten Soup Supper & Devotional Service
February 25, 2026 -
Soup Supper: 6:30PM-7:15PM
Devotional Service: 7:15PM-7:30PM
All are welcome!
Sunday Worship - The Second Sunday in Lent
”Today, You Are With Me In Paradise”
March 1, 2026 - 9:30AM
Faith Quest Sunday School resumes next Sunday!
Upcoming Events:
All are welcome, encouraged to visit the Prayer Cross as moved to do so.
Litany Renewed in the Forgiveness and Grace of Jesus Christ
BASED ON PSALM 22
Today, as we share our Lenten journey, we pray the simple power and grace of these words renew us; “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do,” so we worship, in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen. O Lord, in the midst of the congregation, I praise your name. You have delivered my soul. Yet even now, as I come to you, Jesus, I see you are the One who comes so quickly to my aid.
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, for we come, just as we are.
Amen.
Song of Renewal in Grace
Just As I Am
Elliot & Bradbury
vs. 1
Just as I am without one plea
But that thy blood was shed for me
And that thou bidd’st me
Come to thee
O Lamb of God I come
I come
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
(silence for reflection)
Most merciful God, ...
We confess that we are bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. 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. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us, for we know not all we do. Save us and renew us, in Christ alone.
In the mercy and grace of Almighty God, Jesus Christ alone was given to die for you, Jesus saves, and for his sake, God forgives you all your sins, just as you are. Hear again the simple power of these words: To those who believe in Jesus Christ alone, he gives power to become the children of God and bestows on them the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Song of Renewal in Grace
Just As I Am
Elliot & Bradbury
vs. 5
Just as I am thou wilt receive
Wilt welcome pardon cleanse relieve
Because thy promise
I believe
O Lamb of God I come
I come
The Lord has named me and claimed me, just as I am. I am his child born again through Holy Baptism. The Father forgives me. Even though I know not all I do, Jesus keeps coming to me. I watch for him. He is forever with me. This is his holy covenant.
People of God: Trust the Lord will not hide his face from you. You are renewed and forgiven. Return to the Lord with all your heart, then go in the grace and power of Jesus’ every word, just as you are.
Song of Renewal in Grace
Just As I Am
Elliot & Bradbury
vs. 6
Just as I am thy love unknown
Has broken ev’ry barrier down
Now to be thine
Yea thine alone
O Lamb of God I come
I come
Almighty and loving God, the battle between good and evil rages within and around our lives. Satan is real; we are tempted often with deceit and empty promises. Give us the simple renewing power of your Word and grace during this Lenten season, to come just as we are, to worship you alone, to believe in you alone. When we do fall, Father forgive us, raise us up, to return to you with all our heart. In Jesus’ name alone, we pray. Amen.
Faith Quest Sunday School meets today!
Old Testament Lesson
GENESIS 2:15–17, 3:1–7
The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die.” ...
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God say, ‘You shall not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.
(New Revised Standard Version)
New Testament Lesson
ROMANS 5:12–19
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned – sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law. Yet death exercised dominion from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who is a type of the one who was to come. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man’s trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many. And the free gift is not like the effect of the one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification. If, because of the one man’s trespass, death exercised dominion through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. Therefore, just as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. For just as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Song of Hope & Grace Anew
O Lord, Throughout These Forty Days
Hernaman & Doan
vs. 1
O Lord throughout these forty days
You prayed and kept the fast
Inspire repentance for our sin
And free us from our past
vs. 2
You strove with Satan and you won
Your faithfulness endured
Lend us your nerve your skill and trust
In God’s eternal Word
vs. 4
Be with us through this season Lord
And all our earthly days
That when the final Easter dawns
We join in heaven’s praise
Gospel
MATTHEW 4:1–11
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But Jesus answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to Jesus, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Statement Of Faith During Lent
BASED ON PSALM 116:1–11
I love the Lord because he has heard my voice
and my supplications.
Because he inclined his ear to me,
Therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
The snares of death encompassed me;
The pangs of Sheol laid hold on me;
I suffered distress and anguish.
Then I called on the name of the Lord:
“O Lord, I beseech thee, save my life!”
Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful.
The Lord preserves the simple;
When I was brought low, he saved me.
Return, O my soul, to your rest;
For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.
For you have delivered my soul from death,
My eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling;
I walk before the Lord in the land of the living.
I kept my faith, even when I said, “I am greatly afflicted”;
Even when I said in fear, “No one can be trusted.” Amen.
“Father, Forgive Them”
GENESIS 2:15-17,3:1-7; ROMANS 5:12-19; MATTHEW 4:1-11
“The trouble with trouble is, it can start out as fun.” At times, what we do seems innocent, we seem innocent, so good, able, nothing could go wrong, we could do no wrong. `We can overcome the wilderness, temptation; we can even take on Satan.’ Times we trust ourselves rather than the faithful power of our God, are when `we know not what we do!’ `Father, forgive them; Father, forgive us, for we know not what we do.’ Today, God’s grace speaks loud and clear. Let us know today more of what we do: we feed on more than God’s Word and we are left empty; we test rather than trust our God; we bow to and worship other powers in our life, rather than surrender to and worship Christ alone! Do not wait for Good Friday to hear and to take hold of forgiveness! The renewing grace and simple power Christ gives in the first of his seven last words on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” fill us, sustain us even in the wilderness, calm and quiet us in the midst of temptation, call us to worship, to trust The Spirit leads us, watches over us, renews us, saves us!
1. `Father, forgive them; Father, forgive us, for we know not what we do, we fail to see you as our source of daily bread.’
Genesis 3:1-3; Matthew 4:2-4
A. We know not what we do; we think other things will fill us, and we are left feeling empty.
B. Father, forgive us, when we binge, fast and diet for unhealthy reasons, rather than feasting more on all you feed us with.
Lent can be a time to add a healthy serving of `p’s’: prayer, praise, patience, private/personal vs. public, prepare and plan, practice (practice, practice), path & purpose, persistence, perseverance, pardon, price paid, promise, priceless, peace & power
C. Jesus dies and rises again to feed us, to grace us, to fill us with forgiveness and so much more!
2. `Father, forgive them; Father, forgive us, for we know not what we do, for we test you rather than trust you.’
Romans 5:15-19; Matthew 4:1,5-8
A. We know not what we do; we call only when we are falling.
B. Forgive us when we fail to call on your power in all we do.
C. `Forgiveness,’ `mercy,’ `grace,’ these are words of power!
i. The Spirit helps us, leads us, drives us!
ii. Like Jesus, we were baptized to overcome!
3. `Father, forgive them; Father, forgive us, for we know not what we do, for we bow to more than you, we worship more than you.’
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Romans 5:17-19; Matthew 4:8-10
A. We know not what we do; we fail to worship Christ alone.
B. Temptation is real. Satan is real. Satan wants you.
C. Thanks be to God, God’s power and promise, forgiveness, grace and salvation do not depend on us! God is first, even when we do not make God and our neighbors first; therefore, worship God first!
D. God is real! God’s grace is real, even in the wilderness! God wants you more! Seven more simple, powerful words:
`Return to me, with all your heart.’
`Even now, is the day of salvation.’
`Where your treasure is, your heart is.’
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Father! The Son! The Holy Spirit!
4. `Father, forgive them; Father, forgive us.’ Do you think forgiving us seems illogical? Why would God send angels to wait on us, if we were unforgivable? Why would Jesus die on the cross, if our trespasses were too much? Why the cross if we are to die, if Satan gets to have us anyway? Trust anew, The Spirit leads you, God’s simple, powerful, renewing grace is in these words; “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!”
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Romans 5:15-19; Matthew 4:1,11
Offering is available for our indoor services. Find a Lord of Life with a volunteer bucket to deposit offering in person as you leave worship today. If you find yourself wanting to offer your gifts to Lord of Life, you can do so online using the link below. You can also drop offering at anytime in our secure mailbox at Lord of Life located in the parking lot.
Living Anew In Glory & Grace
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
Dorsey
vs. 1
Precious Lord take my hand
Lead me on let me stand
I am tired I am weak I am worn
Through the storm through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord
Lead me home
vs. 2
When my way grows drear
Precious Lord linger near
When my life is almost gone
Hear my cry hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand precious Lord
Lead me home
vs. 3
When the darkness appears
And the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand
Guide my feet hold my hand
Take my hand precious Lord
Lead me home
Take my hand precious Lord
Lead me home
... as we pray to you, Jesus,
The Spirit intercedes for us
With sighs too deep
For words to express
Oh oh oh
All these things and whatever else you see we need, grant to us we pray, for into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Holy Communion will take place during our service. For those worshiping with us in person, we receive communion through intinction; that is, you will receive the bread, the host, then dip into the glass of choice, either a red wine in the chalice closest to the host, or in a light colored non-alcoholic grape juice. All are welcome.
We also offer gluten free and pre-packaged options. Please take these options before arriving at the host to receive a blessing.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
Forever and ever. Amen.
Song During Holy Communion
Be Not Afraid
Dufford
vs. 1
You shall cross the barren desert
But you shall not die of thirst
You shall wander far in safety
Though you do not know the way
You shall speak your words
In foreign lands
And all will understand
You shall see the face of God
And live
refrain:
Be not afraid
I go before you always
Come follow me
And I will give you rest
vs. 2
If you pass through raging waters
In the sea you shall not drown
If you walk amid the burning flames
You shall not be harmed
If you stand before the pow’r of hell
And death is at your side
Know that I am with you
Through it all
(refrain)
vs. 3
Blessed are your poor
For the kingdom shall be theirs
Blest are you that weep and mourn
For one day you shall laugh
And if wicked men insult and hate you
All because of me
Blessed
Blessed are you
(refrain)
The body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, strengthen you and keep you in his grace this day, this most holy and blessed season, and on into life everlasting.
Amen.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, you gave your Son both as a sacrifice for sin and a model of the godly life. Enable us to receive him always with thanksgiving, and to conform our hearts, and our lives to his, through Jesus Christ, the Lord of life. Amen.
Friends, return to The Lord your God with all your heart; take hold of the simple power of God’s saving Word and grace! The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace. In the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Going Going in Grace Alone
Satan, We’re Gonna Tear Your Kingdom Down
Capers
Satan
We’re gonna tear your kingdom down
Satan
We’re gonna tear your kingdom down
You’ve been building your kingdom
All over this world
Satan
We’re gonna tear your kingdom down
Satan
We’re gonna pray your kingdom down
Satan
We’re gonna pray your kingdom down
You’ve been building your kingdom
All over this world
Satan
We’re gonna pray your kingdom down
Satan
We’re gonna sing your kingdom down
Satan
We’re gonna sing your kingdom down
You’ve been building your kingdom
All over this world
Satan
We’re gonna sing your kingdom down
Satan
The cross has torn your kingdom down
Satan
The cross has torn your kingdom down
You’ve been building your kingdom
All over this world
Satan
The cross has torn your kingdom down
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Today, February 22, we share The First Sunday In Lent, “Father, Forgive Them!” Faith Quest Sunday School meets today! Today we share our Annual Meeting following worship! Our Annual Meeting today is available in-person and via Zoom!
Join us beginning this Wednesday, February 25th, thru Wednesday, March 25th, For Our Midweek Lenten Soup Suppers & Devotional Services:
Soup Suppers: 6:30-7:15 PM
Devotional Services: 7:15-7:30 PM
All are welcome! If interested in supporting our Soup Suppers, a signup is available in the narthex. Thank you!
Join us next Sunday, March 1, as we share The Second Sunday In Lent, “Today, You Are With Me In Paradise!” Faith Quest Sunday School meets next Sunday!
As we share our worship, we give thanks for every volunteer as you bless our ministry, greeting, ushering, nursery, serving communion, live streaming, AV ministry, set up, clean up, fellowship, worship leaders, and more! You can access details and ways to sign up on our website and Facebook page! Thank you!
Friends, today as always, all who proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, are welcome to God’s table of grace as we share Holy Communion. For those sharing their generosity today, we thank you for your faithful giving! Offering is collected in baskets by the ushers as you exit the sanctuary.
We hope our worship will touch you, comfort you, reassure you, and grace you in some way! If you believe others you know would be blessed to receive this bulletin, the sermon notes, or our live stream links, please forward these to them.
From everyone on every level of leadership and service, we continue to pray for you and to give thanks to God for each of you! Please contact Pastor Jamie if he can serve you in any way: jamie.thompson@lordoflifemn.org
We pray The Holy Spirit breathes anew on us to be God’s people and to be God’s Church, as together we make known and we trust anew God’s gifts of hope, peace, justice, clarity, calm, and comfort forever break forth in new ways for you and your loved ones, today, and as we share every gift of God’s light, love and grace!
Acknowledgments for today’s service include:
Litany Renewed In The Forgiveness And Grace Of Jesus Christ, written based on Psalm 22. “Prayer of The Day,” “Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction,” based on the LBW. © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW) and With One Voice Hymnal Supplement © 1995 Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis & Board of Publication, Lutheran Church In America, Philadelphia; and Evangelical Lutheran Worship © 2006 Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis, MN. Used with permission. “Just As I Am, Without One Plea,” Words & Music Public Domain, CCLI #23206 “O Lord, Throughout These Forty Days” © 1978 Augsburg Fortress, OL #11862 “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” This Far by Faith, © 1999; An African American Resource for Worship, Augsburg Fortress, “Be Not Afraid” © 1975, 1978, Robert J. Dufford, S.J. and New Dawn Music “Satan, We’re Gonna Tear Your Kingdom Down” ©1999 Augburg Fortress, OL #72593 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.