2011 Lent Study Guide - University Presbyterian Church

All: The Messiah came to deliver us from our own Egypt. Therefore, in the midst of trials and
suffering, we can still say, “I believe”. When Jesus, our Messiah, comes again, he will reign
over heaven and earth and bring true peace to all people. Jesus, our Lord, is coming soon.
Leader: Just as we look forward to our Lord’s coming again, the Jews look forward at this point in
the Seder meal to the coming of Elijah, the prophet whom they believe will come on Passover
and herald the coming of the Messiah. It is customary that the door is opened so that Elijah
can enter and some even set an extra place at the table for him including a full cup of wine
called the Cup of Elijah. We as believers do not open the door because Elijah the prophet has
already come. As it is written: “For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John the
Baptist. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.” (Matthew 11:13, 14)
All: (At this point in the Jewish Seder, “Ani Ma’amin” which means “I Believe” would be sung.) I believe
with complete faith that the Messiah will come; and although he may tarry, yet each day I will
wait for his coming.
Psalm of Praise
Special Activity: Seder Meal
Consecutively:
I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.
Because the Lord turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.
The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome
by trouble and sorrow.
Then I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord, save me!”
The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.
The Lord protects the simple hearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.
Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.
For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from
stumbling,
That I might walk before the Lord in the land of the living.
I believed, therefore I said, “I am greatly afflicted.”
And in my dismay I said, “All people are liars.”
How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.
I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
O Lord, truly I am your servant; you have freed me from my chains.
I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord.
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