20A*
A Call to Worship
Lent 2A 2011
Psalm 121

O Lord our God, we gather from the valleys of life,
rising up from the deep shadows of our troubles:
To worship in the bright light of God’s presence.

We gather to worship the steadfast God, who
helps us overcome our fears and superstitions:
To worship in the protecting presence of God.

We gather to worship the watchful God, whose
attention never wavers, and whose care is eternal:
Come, let us worship our God, who is more dependable
than the mountains, and more reliable than the sunrise. Amen.

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Prayers of Trust
Lent 2A 2011
Psalm 121

O Lord our God, with praise and gratitude, and with a sense
of trust, each day we look towards the surrounding hills—
they are symbols of God’s all-encompassing love; those hills
that are symbols of permanence and durability; the symbols
of being able to rise up above the valleys of pain and struggle;
and the symbols of strength and shelter from the storms of life.

Creating God, in confidence and trust we look to you for our care.
You are the God who watches over your people day and night—
never resting; in good and bad times; in youth and in old age.
You hold us firmly so we will not fall when the life becomes tough—
as we continue on our life-time pilgrimage to our home in you.

Protecting God, you stand beside us to offer us the comfort of
your presence when fears or superstitions cloud our thinking,
and when we struggle with deceits or doubts that challenge
our faith and trust in you. We acknowledge that when we are
exposed to the heat of frustration; or the icy coldness of anger;
we are vulnerable to the pressures of daily living, and to evil
influences in their many disguises in a seemingly uncaring world.

Trustworthy God, in you alone, we find the hope for a life
of quiet trust and security within the embrace of your care.
O Lord, we look to the everlasting hills – those symbols of your
holy presence encircling the holy city of Jerusalem; those symbols
of the centrality in life of the worship our great and glorious God;
and the symbol of God’s reassuring presence and peace. Amen.

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A Personal Meditation
Lent 2A 2011
Psalm 121

O Lord my God, I look to the surrounding hills, seeking respite
and reassurance; and a daily reminder of God’s abiding presence;
which never fails me, and which has never left me uncertain.



Creating God, I look to those hills, which have stood there for
countless years, and I am reminded that my God is more permanent
than those hills; stronger and more enduring despite even the wildest
of storms; and that I can shelter in God’s shadow, which protects
and enfolds me in God’s embrace - and I am content and at peace.



Trustworthy God, I look to the surrounding hills, and then I look at
the shadowy valleys that they shelter. To me, these hills and valleys
are both symbols of daily life. The valleys are where life is often
quiet and peaceful; but also where life can often be very difficult
and painful; and when life can bare its teeth to expose me to deep
grief and loss. The valleys are also cold places of shadow, where
growth is limited or stunted, and harvests are scarce or non-existent.



Ever-attentive God, I look to the surrounding hills, and I know you
are real – there – a presence that inspires me. I know too, that you
watch over me in all my living, even in my daily routines and my
unexpected struggles. When temptations are visible in the light of day—
you are there; and at night, when fears and superstitions plague
my sleep – you are still there – to calm, shield and bless me.
Ever-present God, I rely on your help every day - and forever.

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Acknowledgements:
Unless stated otherwise, all Bible readings and extracts used in these weekly Prayers and Meditations are from
‘The New Revised Standard Version’ Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council
of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

*The additional weekly numbering is from the Revised COCU Indexing Scheme
COCU = ('Consultation on Church Union'); as it offers an easy sequential numbering
for the Revised Common Lectionary for the Church Calendar.

If any part of these Prayers and/or Meditations is used in shared worship, please provide
the following acknowledgement:
© 2011 Joan Stott – ‘The Timeless Psalms’ RCL Psalms Year A. Used with permission.

jstott@netspace.net.au

Download/view a pdf file of this document here: lent2a_2011.pdf

© 2011 Joan Stott - " The Timeless Psalms" RCL Psalm Year A