Driving Spirit

Driving Spirit is our worship theme for the First Sunday in Lent, February 26, 2012. Our focus scripture is Mark 1:9-15.

In Mark’s compact writing, he tells us in just a few verses of Jesus’ baptism, sojourn and temptation in the wilderness, and first preaching of the good news of the kingdom. What jumps out at us is how Spirit-driven these first days of Jesus’ ministry are. At his baptism, the Spirit comes down and settles on Jesus like a dove. Immediately this same Spirit drives him out into the wilderness for forty days where he is both tempted by Satan and cared for by angels. Then as John is arrested, Jesus comes into Galilee and begins to preach that the time is at hand for God’s kingdom to appear, blossoming in his own Spirit-filled ministry of healing and teaching.

As we enter the season of Lent, it is good to do so with empty, humble hearts and souls. If Jesus needed to be filled with God’s Spirit to carry on his ministry, then we need God’s Spirit even more. Instead of choosing our own path, what would it mean for us to be led by the Spirit?

Here is a Call to Worship from Psalm 25:1-10 that makes clear our need to be forgiven, taught and led by God. Please feel free to use or adapt anything in this post that is helpful to you.

Call to Worship   from Psalm 25:1-10

L: God, we give our whole lives to you… heart, mind and soul.

P: We trust you. We know you won’t let us down.

L: We want to walk the path you set before us. Help us know the way.

P: You are the God who saves us. Teach us your truth. We want to learn.

L: Long ago you gave our forbearers your mercy and love. Be merciful now.

P: Forgive the senseless sins of our youth. Wipe our slates clean!

L: You are always good and upright. Teach us to be like you.

P: We realize now the mistakes we have made.

With humble hearts we wait for you.

All: Yours is the path of covenant love and faithfulness.

Help us keep covenant with you!