I am crucified with Christ

This bold statement by Paul to the church at Galatia should be considered as the primary theme
for your season of Lenten worship services. Here are suggested Scriptures and Sunday worship
themes for the five Sundays prior to Easter (not including Palm Sunday).

Sunday 1
Scripture: Galatians 2:20; 5:24; 6:14
Theme: I Am Crucified with Christ
Notes: This worship service introduces Lent and focuses on the major theme from Galatians
2:20.

Sunday 2
Scripture: Romans 6:5-11
Theme: The Old Self Was Crucified
Notes: This worship service focuses on being united with Christ in death and being united with
Him in life.

Sunday 3
Scripture: Philippians 3:8-14
Theme: Knowing Christ
Notes: This worship service focuses on our journey to know Christ.

Sunday 4
Scripture: Luke 9:23-27
Theme: Take Up Your Cross Daily
Notes: This worship service reminds us that the cross "is not only the instrument on which
Christ died but also a way of life - the daily offering up of one's self to the will of God."i

Sunday 5
Scripture: Matthew 20:25-28
Theme: Jesus Came to Serve
Notes: This worship service reminds us that Jesus is our example for ministry and service.

Sunday, March 28
Palm Sunday

Let's Worship Magazine, Winter 2009-10

© 2009 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
Songs for Lent

Several contemporary songs are rich with Lenten themes:

"Knowing You (All I Once Held Dear)"ii

"Breathe"iii
"Draw Me Close"iv
"In the Secret (I Want to Know You)"v

"Knowing You (All I Once Held Dear)" by British songwriter Graham Kendrick is a contemporary
hymn. The third verse states the essence of Lent. This song should be sung often during Lent.

The chorus of "Breathe" sounds forth the desperate cry of the Lenten worshiper.

"Draw Me Close" considers two themes of Lent: the desire to draw closer to God and the cry of
one who has wandered away from God.

The words of "In the Secret (I Want to Know You)" describe a secret, quiet intimacy with God
that comes only through personal, private prayer. To understand this song fully, read and study
Philippians 3:8-14. Verse 10, as expressed in the song, is the major theme of Lent: "My goal is to
know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings" (Phil. 3:10).

In 1990 John Elliot wrote a song entitled "Embrace the Cross."vi The beginning of this song
quotes Galatians 2:20. These words should be used as an opening chorus or concluding
benediction during Lenten worship services.

i
Luke – John, vol. 9, The Broadman Bible Commentary (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1970), 83.
ii
Words and Music by Graham Kendrick, © Copyright 1994 Make Way Music (ASCAP) (admin. by Music Services
Inc. in the Western Hemisphere).
iii
Words and Music by Marie Barnett, © Copyright 1995 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing/ASCAP (admin. in North
America by Music Services Inc. obo Vineyard Music USA).
iv
Words and Music by Kelly Carpenter, © Copyright 1994 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing (ASCAP) (admin. in North
America by Music Services Inc. obo Vineyard Music USA).
v
Words and Music by Andy Park, © Copyright 1995 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing (ASCAP) (admin. in North America
by Music Services Inc. obo Vineyard Music USA).
vi
John G. Elliot, © Copyright 1990 BMG Songs, Inc./Charlie Monk Music.

Let's Worship Magazine, Winter 2009-10

© 2009 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention