Lectionary 25

You will note fewer hymn suggestions, I am endeavoring to be more stringent in linking the hymn suggestions to the texts. I’m shooting for far fewer “loosey-goosey” connections going forward.

Color: Green
Readings: Gospel Text: Luke 3:8 | Sermon Text: Genesis 15:1-6 (God’s Promise to
Abraham)
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): God of the covenant,
As you promised Abraham descendants as numerous as the stars, you have also promised us that we might live under those stars as your people, faithful and loved. Show us how to live as your people, and how to nurture all your children with whom we share the same canopy of sky night after night. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #757 All My Hope on God Is Founded
ELW #779 Amazing Grace!
ELW #793 Be Thou My Vision
ELW #250 Blessed Be the God of Israel
ELW #245 Creator of the Stars of Night
ELW #831 The God of Abraham Praise
ELW #856 How Great Thou Art
ELW #796 How Firm a Foundation
ELW #837 Many and Great, O God
ELW #234/235 My Soul Proclaims the Greatness of the Lord
ELW #249 On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry
ELW #519 Open Your Ears, O Faithful People
ELW #739 Touch the Earth Lightly
DATH #57 I Will Make You into a Great Nation
DATH #97 Tell What God Has Done for Us
OBS #84 We Sing the One God

(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; DATH=Dancing at the Harvest; OBS=O Blessed Spring)

Suggested hymns based on the Gospel text:

ELW #533 Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Other options based on both:

“By Faith” By Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, et al.
“Days of Elijah” By Robin Mark.
“Every Promise of Your Word” By Keith Getty, Stuart Townend.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

With the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, let us pray for the church, those in need, and all of God’s creation

A brief silence.

God of the covenant, keep your church steadfast in your word and strengthen our trust in your promises. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of the stars, imbue all of creation with your abundant and vibrant life and give us hearts of care and stewardship. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of all peoples and nations, bring about an end to violence and division and make us agents of peace and justice. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of the despairing, bring hope and wholeness to those trapped in darkness, and work through us to offer compassion and empathy. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of the sick and suffering (especially, …), grant to all the knowledge of your presence with them and use us to bring healing and comfort. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

God of Abraham and Isaac, Moses and Elijah, the prophets, and all the saints, inspire us through our spiritual ancestors and bring us all to the heavenly banquet. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.