2. READINGS Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7 Matthew 4:1-11 “Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman “Did God say “you shall not eat from any tree in the garden?” Genesis 3:1 The Tempter came and said to him “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” Matthew 4:3

3. Reader 1: As we journey together in Lent, we face the question: who do we trust? Do we respond to God’s voice in the Garden, promising all we need? Reader 2: Do we respond to the voice of the Snake, the tempter, telling us life is uncertain and we should take what we need for ourselves?

4. Reader 1: In the Wilderness, Satan offered uncertainty by using the simple word IF. He said to Jesus: “If you are really God’s son, turn these stones into bread…” Reader 2: “If you are really God’s son, throw yourself down from on high, and let his angels hold you up.”

5. Reader 1: On this journey together we are tempted to distrust. We can be held hostage by that tiny little word if… Reader 2: “…if only I had more money…”

6. Reader 1: “…if only I had more time…” Reader 2: Jesus turned aside from the tempter. He trusted that God had provided him with what he needed.

12. PACIFIC

14. Reader 1: Through Lent we walk with Uniting Church partners around the world. With us, they know life’s uncertainties. Reader 2: In the midst of hardship, they seek to remain faithful – determined to serve their communities and their God. We learn from them ways of living in trust of Christ.

15. Reader 1: Let us pray. God of every nation You have provided us with every good thing from the earth- Fruits and seeds and birds and beasts of every kind You have provided us with friends near and far: We give thanks Help us to trust that we have all we need and more To share generously To give with open hearts To learn from those who live simply and with less. We give thanks for our brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka, South Sudan and the Solomon Islands And ask that as we begin this Lenten Journey together we might learn from one another and from your Son. In his name we pray. Amen.