Today is the First Sunday in the penitential season of Lent

Pastor: Today is the First Sunday in the penitential season of Lent. The color of season is purple, signifying sorrow and repentance. Therefore, it is fitting that as we are gathered here to hear God's Word, to call on Him in prayer and praise, and to receive the body and blood of our Lord Jesus in the fellowship of this altar, we should first acknowledge our sin and our need for His forgiveness. 
We confess that with Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sara and all mankind since then, that we are fallen sinners and helpless against the temptations, wiles, and darkness of Satan. We have ignored God and tasted the emptiness of life without Him. 
Silence for personal confession
Trusting in His love and mercy, we pray: 
People: Almighty God, have mercy upon us, forgive us our sins, and lead us to everlasting life. Amen.
Pastor: Our gracious Father in heaven has been merciful to us. He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior, to pay for our sins with his innocent suffering and death. By His death He destroyed death, and by His rising opened eternal life to all who trust in Him for forgiveness. May God strengthen you in your Lenten journey toward the joys of Easter.
People: Amen.
Pastor: We declare with the Psalmist, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
People: I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”  Psalm 91:1-2