This is part of the worship series
"The Lord, Our Shepherd"
Introduction
Lent 1 | Lent 2 | Lent 3 | Lent 4 | Lent 5
Palm Sunday | Maundy Thursday | Easter
Home Devotions
SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.
Scripture
Isaiah 49:8–12; Matthew 6:24–34
Sermon
“Greener Pastures”
Sermon Ideas
It was easy to work into the message by recognizing that we are predisposed to wanting what is green—and it’s always greener on the other side of the fence. We’re always searching. God is the only one who will truly satisfy; God is our green “pasture” (Jeremiah 50:7). Our problem is that we are color blind. We go after artificially green pastures: money, sex, self-fulfillment. The idea of walking beside “quiet waters” and finding “green pastures” is, indeed, attractive, and it’s a frequent biblical theme. Only in seeking God are our souls truly satisfied and restored. The challenge is to learn to tune in to God’s voice, which is constantly calling us to claim God’s compassion and favor (Isaiah 49:8–12).
Song Suggestions
“As the Deer” Nystrom
“Go Now in Peace” Sleeth
“Like a River Glorious” Havergal
“Spirit Song” Wimber
“Wait for the Lord” Taizé
Litany of Confession
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Reader 1: |
Israel is a scattered flock that lions have chased away. —Jeremiah 50:17 |
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Reader 2: |
My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray and caused them to roam on the mountains. —Jeremiah 50:6 |
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People: |
We all, like sheep, have gone astray. —Isaiah. 53:6 |
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Reader 1: |
Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? —Luke 15:4 |
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Reader 2: |
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. —Matthew 9:36 |
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People: |
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way. —Isaiah. 53:6 |
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Reader 1: |
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds we have been healed. —1 Peter 2:24 |
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Reader 2: |
For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. —1 Peter 2:25 |
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People: |
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. —Isaiah 53:6 |
Wednesday "Strolling With the Shepherd" Service
Reflective Music
“He Leadeth Me” Gilmore
Gathering Litany
Our Shepherd leads us and gathers us today to worship:
Led into green pastures
and beside quiet waters,
We come to worship.
Led out of want
and into restoration,
We come to worship.
Led by righteous paths
and for the sake of our God’s good name,
We come to worship.
Led through dark valleys of death’s shadow
and out of our fears,
We come to worship.
Led towards the house of the Lord
and secure in our shepherd’s presence,
We come to worship.
—Bethany Besteman © 2025 ReformedWorship.org, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. Used by permission.
Opening Hymn
“Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” Wesley
Scripture Readings:
First Reading: Psalm 103:1–5
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God!
[A moment of silent reflection]
Second Reading: Isaiah 49:18–23
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God!
[A moment of silent reflection]
Third Reading: 2 Peter 1:16–19
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God!
[A moment of silent reflection]
Hymn of Response
“What Wondrous Love” Anon
A Time of Reflection
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A Time of Prayer
Parting Scripture
Philippians 3:20–4:1
Closing Song
“God Be With You Till We Meet Again” Rankin
Revised Common Lectionary
Year A: Lent—Fourth Sunday in Lent
