ASH WEDNESDAY

MUSIC & WORSHIP RESOURCES

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Charles Cotton, African American Lectionary Young Adult Liturgist

Worship Planning Notes

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the Lenten journey and experience that leads to the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This year during the season we focus on fasting. Jesus modeled for us the discipline that is needed during a fast. There will be times during this Lenten Season that will be challenging and make it difficult to keep your commitment to fast. During these moments, pray, read your Bible, and consistently communicate with God.

The main objective for every worshiper and worship leader during this season is to sacrifice something that has value in your life. Encourage your congregation to think of creative ways to fast. There are numerous things that block or divert our attention and communication with God. Consider fasting or taking a break from your iPod, iPad, computer, cell phone, television, twitter, or Facebook. Use the extra time to help someone in need; this is the fast that God honors.

1. The Call to Worship

Faith and Community

Minister
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.
At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God
descending like a dove and lighting on him.

Congregation:
And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love;
with him I am well pleased.”

Minister:
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert . . . (Mt.3:16–4:1).

All:
We seek to follow you, Jesus.
Lead us by your Spirit into a season of preparation and of growing faith.
Amen.

2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. By Elisha A. Hoffman

(b) O How I Love Jesus. By Frederick Whitefield

(c) He Leadeth Me. By Joseph H. Gilmore. Tune, (HE LEADETH ME, LM), by William H. Bradbury

(d) Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah. By William Williams. Tune by Thomas Hastings

3. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a) The Corinthian Song. By V. Michael McKay

(b) Revive Us Again. By William P. Mackay. Tune, (REVIVE US AGAIN), by John J. Husband

(c) All My Help Comes from the Lord. By Cleophus Robinson

(d) Sanctify Me. By V. Michael McKay

4. Worship through Dance
(a) Faithful to Believe. By Byron Cage

(b) Awesome God. By Fred Hammond

(c) Lord How I Love You. By Fred Hammond

5. Anthems
(a) Safety. By Oscar Williams

(b) Praise the Lord. By Judith McAllister

(c) O Lord We Praise Your Name. By Bryan Preston

6. Modern Songs
(a) Your Best Days Yet. By Paul S. Morton

(b) Turning around for Me. By Vashawn Mitchell

(c) Great Things/I’ll Say Yes to My Lord. By Beverly Glenn

7. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) Give. By Donald Lawrence

(b) Release My Praise. By Eric Reed

(c) Glory & Praise. By T. Lynn Smith

8. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
(a) I Am Thine O Lord. By Fanny J. Crosby. Tune, (I AM THINE), by William H. Doane

(b) I Surrender All. By Judson W. Van De Venter. Tune by Winfield S. Weeden

(c) I Need Thee Every Hour. By Annie S. Hawkes. Tune by Robert Lowery

(d) Have Thine Own Way, Lord. By Adelaide A. Pollard. Tune by George C. Stebbins

9. Sermonic Selection
(a) I Am Your Song. By Jonathan Nelson

(b) He’s God. By Edwin Hawkins

(c) Shifting the Atmosphere. By Jason Nelson

(d) Savior, Lead Me Lest I Stray. By Frank M. Davis

10. Invitational Song or Instrumental
(a) Completely Yes. By Sandra Crouch

(b) Jesus Christ Is the Way. By Walter Hawkins

(c) Just as I Am. By Charlotte Elliott

(d) We Offer Christ. By Joel Britton

11. Benediction Song or Instrumental
(a) Always Remember. By Andraé Crouch

(b) The Lord Bless You/Sevenfold Amen. Text: Numbers 6:24-26. Tune by Peter C. Lutkin

(c) Till We Gather Again. By Stephen Key

(d) Lord, Make Me More Holy. Arr. by Roland M. Carter

Cites and Additional Information for Music and Materials Listed

*Both of today’s images are by Jan L. Richardson. You can visit her website at PaintedPrayerbook.com.

1. The Call to Worship – Faith and Community. By John van de Lear