Ready for church on this 1st Sunday in Lent (Invocavit). “Invocavit” means “He has called” and refers to our God´s promise: “When he calls out to me, I will answer him. I will be with him when he is in trouble; I will rescue him and bring him honor.” (Psalm 91,15) So, we come to Him this morning to call and cry to Him in all our trouble. We trust, that He will rescue us – just as He always has through Jesus Christ, His Son and our Lord and God, who rules and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit – one God – now and always. Amen.
The candles are burning. The table is set and we´re full of great expectations to celebrate our Lord´s victory of sin, death and devil. He did just that to fulfill his mission: For this purpose the Son of God was revealed: to destroy the works of the devil. (1.Joh.3,8b)
Lucas Cranach (1564) 
We got weighty lessons on the menu today:
- Psalm 91,1-6.9-12
- Genesis 3,1-19 (20-24)
- Hebrews 4,14-16
- Matthews 4,1-11
- John 13,21-30 (Sermon)
And some very special hymns too:
- I walk in danger all the way… 716
- O Christ, You walked the road… 424
- A mighty fortress is our God… 656
- My song is love unknown… 430
We´ll be using the Prayer provided by our sister church for this Sunday:
Almighty God, You led Your ancient people through the desert and brought them to the Promised Land. Guide the people of Your Church, that following our Savior, we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Almighty God, You disdain nothing that You have made. Create in us new and contrite hearts, that lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, we would receive Your absolution with true penitence. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Almighty God, because we are dust, stretch forth the right hand of Your majesty and defend us from those that rise up against Your Church. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Almighty God, preserve all catechumens and their teachers, all children and their parents, and every Christian home from the assaults of the evil one. As Your Son overcame Satan in the desert by the Word of God, so also give us the victory through Christ and His Word. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Almighty God, since we sojourn in the wilderness of this earth, look upon our desire for peace, and by Your mighty power defend us and our nation against all our enemies. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Almighty God, send Your holy angels to protect and keep us in Your ways, that no evil may befall us. Graciously behold the needy, the sick and the troubled [especially _____________]. Satisfy us with long life, and show us Your salvation. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Almighty God, You covered the sin and shame of our first parents with animal skin and foreshadowed Your perfect sacrifice in the shedding of Your Son’s blood, by which we are cleansed and clothed. Give us the garments of repentance and faith, that we may receive Your Son’s body and blood for the forgiveness of all our sins. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God, heavenly Father, inasmuch as the adversary continually afflicts us and as a roaring lion walks about, seeking to devour us: We implore You for the sake of the suffering and death of Your Son, Jesus Christ, to help us by the grace of the Holy Spirit and to strengthen our hearts by Your Word, that our enemy may not prevail over us, but that we may evermore abide in Your grace and be preserved unto everlasting life; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Wishing You and Yours are very blessed Sunday +
Wilhelm's space 