This Week’s Theme
Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany
John 12.1-11

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, and they gave a dinner for Jesus there. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who reclined with him while they ate. Mary took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure perfume and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair, and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. When Judas complained of Mary’s act as a total waste (worth 300 denarii, an entire year’s wages), Jesus rebuked him. Christ defended Mary’s act of devotion, saying that while the poor will ever be present in this age, and opportunity for their relief will always exist, Mary had prepared this anointing in anticipation of his burial. “Indeed,” he said, “while the poor shall remain, you will not always have me present” – he was anticipating his own enduring of pain, death, and burial as God’s Suffering Servant.

Preparing Our Hearts
Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation

Eternal God our Father, who moved your daughter Mary to anoint your Son in preparation for his suffering and death ahead, cause us, like her, to offer you gifts costly and worthy of your glory, and mindful of the ultimate sacrifice made for all creation by the death of your holy Child, Jesus of Nazareth. In his high and holy name we pray, amen.

Call to Worship
Blessed are you, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed is your Kingdom, both now and forever, amen.

Praising Our God
Te Deum Laudamus 

You are God: we praise you; you are the Lord; we acclaim you; you are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.

The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you; Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.

You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin’s womb. You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God’s right hand in glory. We believe that you will come and be our judge. Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.

Praise and Thanksgiving (songs and prayers)

Gloria Patri

Glory be to the Father,
And to the Son and to the Holy Spirit:
As it was in the beginning,
Is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, amen.

Listening to His Voice
Chronological Reading for the Day

Monday: Pss. 22-26

Chronological Holy Week Readings

Monday of Holy Week: Matt. 21.18-19; Mark 11.12-19

Lectionary Readings

Psalm: Ps. 36.5-11

OT: Isa. 42.1-9

Gospel: John 12.1-11

NT: Heb. 9.11-15

(Click here for all readings)

Reflection: Silence and/or Journaling

Responding in Faith
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he arose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

*In the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, the term catholic refers to the Church’s universality, through all ages and times, of all languages and peoples. It refers to no particular tradition or denominational expression (e.g., as in Roman Catholic).

Prayers of Confession
Let us now confess our sins to God and receive mercy and grace to help in our time of need.

Assurance of Pardon
Having faithfully confessed and renounced your sin, Christ also has been faithful to forgive your sins and to purify you from all unrighteousness. It is certain, that there is One who has spoken to the Father in your defense, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins and for the sins of the whole world. His grace and peace are with you now. Amen.

Petitions and Supplications, Ending with The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

~ Matthew 6.9-13 (KJV)

Doxology (and/or closing song)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Departing to Serve
Benediction 

Even as Mary gave her finest gift to you, Lord Jesus Christ, during the dinner at Bethany given in your honor, so may we, today, freely offer our best gifts and treasures to you, for the sake of your glory and praise.

Affirmation for the Day
Let us never forget the work of Mary in anointing you for your burial, dear Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.

Pray without Ceasing – Flash Prayer for the Day
Lord Jesus, as Mary anointed your feet and wiped them with her hair, reproduce in us a tender heart that is willing to offer you our best, for your glory.

For Your Weekly Journey

Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
If I Be Lifted Up, John 12.20-36

Book Reading
Barrett, None Greater

Special Church Year Services
Maundy Thursday: Thursday, April 9, 2020
Good Friday: Friday, April 10, 2020
Holy Saturday: Saturday, April 11, 2020