The Revised Common Lectionary for 1st March 1998 is as follows:

First Sunday in Lent

Deuteronomy 26:1-11    Harvest Offerings, "My ancestor was a wandering Aramean..."
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16        God our Protector
Romans 10:8b-13          "If you confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised him from                                        death, you will be saved."
Luke 4:1-13                   Jesus is tested in the wilderness

Opening Sentences  (based on the Lectionary Psalm)

       Loving God, we have made you our defender.
       You are our God, we trust in you.
       When we call out to you,
       You will answer.
       When we are in trouble,
       You will be with us.
       Loving God, we have made you our defender.
       You are our God, we trust in you.

Offertory Prayer  (Deuteronomy 26:1-11)

At the beginning of harvest, the people of Israel were to offer a share of the harvest they picked
first to God. They were to take it to the priest and give thanks for the way God had given them
everything that they have - their freedom, their land, their lives. Their prayer would end, "Now,
Lord, I bring to you the best of the crops that you have given me."

Prayer:

       Loving God, you have have given to us beyond measure.
       Forgive us when we have offered you only what is left over
       when the world has finished with us - what is left over of our time,
       what is left over of our committment, what is left over of our money.
       We recommit ourselves to you. Take the best that we have to give,
       and use us in your service to grow an abundant harvest. Amen.

Hymn Suggestions:   (from the URC hymnbook "Rejoice and Sing")

283 O love how deep, how broad how high

205 My dear Redeemer and my Lord

268 Jesus is Lord, creation's voice proclaims it!

585 A safe stronghold our God is still

302 O breath of life come sweeping through us

345 Guide me, O thou great Jehovah

496 Fight the good fight with all thy might

499 Have faith in God my heart

706 Psalm 91 (chant)