Liturgy–Servants of Christ
Prayer Celebration Directions

GATHERING SONG
GATHERING PRAYER
Leader		In this season of Lent, we consider how we are to live the gospel message each day through almsgiving, fasting, and prayer. Christ showed us how to be true servants of God. He lived for others, not for himself. Christ gave a specific example of this at the Last Supper when he humbly washed his disciples’ feet. May we open our hearts and minds to listen to that Gospel message.
READING
Reader		A reading from the Gospel of John. (Read John 13:1-9.) The Gospel of the Lord.
All		Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
RESPONSE
Leader		Let us respond with the words of the Prophet Isaiah.
Group 1		Here is my chosen servant whom I raise up, and with whom I am pleased. I have put my spirit upon my servant. This servant shall bring forth justice to the nations.
Group 2		My servant shall not scream or shout. My servant’s voice will not be heart in the streets. A bruised reed my servant shall not break until justice is established on the earth.
Group 1		Thus says the Lord who created the heavens and earth; who gives breath to all people and spirit to those who walk the earth. I have called you for the victory of justice. I have grasped you by the hand and formed you to be a light for all the nations.
Group 2		To open the eyes of the blind, to set prisoners free, and to release from the depths those who dwell in darkness.
All		The Lord God foretold all of this and announced it to us. (based on Isaiah 42:1-7,9)
RITUAL
Leader		We are called by God to be servants for others. As Jesus revealed himself as servant by washing the feet of his disciples long ago, we now perform a ritual washing to show our willingness to be of service to others.
All		Amen.
Play instrumental music as participants come forward for the ritual washing.
CLOSING PRAYER
Leader		Gracious God, through your Son you teach us how to live. May your Spirit guide us during this Lenten season to become the kind of servants you would have us be. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ.
All		Amen.
CLOSING SONG