Month: March 2017

NL Worship Resources: April 9, 2017

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Palm/Passion Sunday (NL Year 3)

Color: Scarlet or Purple
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Liturgy of the Palms (C)
Readings: Psalm: Psalm 118:19-23 | Sermon Text: Luke 19:29-44 (Triumphal Entry)
OT Suggestion: Zechariah 9:9-10
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): Hosanna, King, Blessed are you, our king, who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven! Even if our voices were silenced, creation itself would rise up to praise you! Hosanna in the Highest! Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #344 All Glory, Laud, and Honor
ELW #724 All who love and serve your city
ELW #338 Beneath the Cross of Jesus
ELW #552 Blessed Be the God of Israel
ELW #662 Christ is the King!
ELW #625 Come, We That love the Lord
ELW #311 Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
ELW #333 Jesus Is a Rock in a Weary Land
ELW #836 Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
ELW #727 Lord Christ, When First You Came to Earth
ELW #676 Lord, Speak to Us, That We May Speak
ELW #308 O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright!
ELW #343 My Song Is Love Unknown
ELW #264 Prepare the Royal Highway
ELW #346 Ride On, Ride On in Majesty!
ELW #351/2 O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
ELW #853 When Morning Gilds the Skies
ELW #719 Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life
LBW #74 A Stable Lamp is Lighted
LBW #537 O Jesus, King Most Wonderful!
WOV #640 Glory to God
WOV #631 Lift Up Your Heads, O Gates
Various Hymnals Hosanna, Loud Hosanna
Various Hymnals Jesus Comes with All His Grace
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the Psalm:

ELW #645 Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation
ELW #654 The Church’s One Foundation
ELW #528 Come and Fill Our Hearts
ELW #556 Morning Has Broken
ELW #533 Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty
LBW #375 Only-Begotten, Word of God Eternal
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Other options based on both:

“At Your Name (Forever)” By Phil Wickham, Tim Hughes.
“Dancing Generation” By Matt Redman.
“Greatly To Be Praised” By Eddie Kirkland, Steve Fee.
“Made to Worship” By Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, et al.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)

Caught between joy and despair, we yearn for the fulfillment of God’s desire beyond the brokenness and neediness of this life. We offer thanksgiving for God’s presence with us and petitions for the transformation of the church and the world.

A brief silence.

You are great, O King, and greatly to be praised; may the church shout out with joy at your coming and may we proclaim your reign above all others. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are great, O King, and greatly to be praised; may the seas shout our to your glory, and the mountains show forth your splendor. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are great, O King, and greatly to be praised; humble our rulers that they might seek your justice, peace, and wisdom above all other concerns. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are great, O King, and greatly to be praised; may we prepare your coming by working your will and word in the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are great, O King, and greatly to be praised; may all who suffer know of your compassionate love and care for them. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

You are great, O King, and greatly to be praised; gather all your saints home to you where we all might give you glory. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Life-giver, Pain-bearer, Love-maker, day by day you sustain the weary with your word and gently encourage us to place our trust in you. Awaken us to the suffering of those around us; save us from hiding in denials or taunts that deepen the hurt; give us grace to share one another’s burdens in humble service. Amen.

NL Worship Resources: April 2, 2017

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Lent 5 (NL Year 3)

Color: Purple
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 26C(31C)
Readings: Psalm: Psalm 84:1-4, 10-12 | Sermon Text: Luke 18:31-19:10 (Zacchaeus)
OT Suggestion: Isaiah 1:10-18
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): Lord of the lost, We are quick to judge and slow to accept those whom we consider lower than ourselves. But you show us the way of acceptance, forgiveness, and peace. We honor your name for teaching us to love, for the sake of the one who is the essence of love itself, Jesus Christ our loving Lord. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #846 Amen, We Praise Your Name
ELW #610 O Christ, the Healer, We Have Come
ELW #807 Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
ELW #358 Great God, Your Love Has Called Us
ELW #740 God of the Sparrow
ELW #673 God, Whose Almighty Word
ELW #678 God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending
ELW #345 Jesus, I Will Ponder Now
ELW #775 Jesus, Priceless Treasure
ELW #592 Just As I Am, without One Plea
ELW #802 Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus
ELW #676 Lord, Speak to Us, That We May Speak
ELW #343 My Song Is Love Unknown
ELW #322 Oh, Love How Deep
ELW #351/352 O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
ELW #583 Take My Life, That I May Be
ELW #798 Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons)
ELW #510 Word of God, Come Down on Earth
LBW #431 Your Hand, O Lord, in Days of Old
Various Hymnals Jesus Is Passing This Way
Various Hymnals Zacchaeus
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Suggested hymns based on the Psalm:

ELW #781 Children of the Heavenly Father
ELW #502 The King of Love My Shepherd Is
ELW #631 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
ELW #842 Oh, Worship the King
ELW #537 On Our Way Rejoicing
LBW #186 How Blessed Is This Place, O Lord
LBW #502 Thee Will I Love, My Strength
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Other options based on both:

“Humble Thyself In The Sight Of The Lord” by Bob Hudson.
“Immanuel” by Stuart Townend.
“Stronger” by Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan
“The Sound Of Your Voice” by David Carr, Mac Powell, et al.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)

Lord God, friend of those in need, your Son Jesus has untied our burdens and healed our spirits. We lift up the prayers of our hearts for those still burdened, those seeking healing, those in need within the church and the world.

A brief silence.

For the church, O Lord, that we might be as excited as Zacchaeus to catch sight of you; and that we might better point to where you are at work in the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the land and creatures waking from winter’s rest, O Lord; that all of creation find renewal and life in you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the nations, O Lord, that justice and peace may reign, (especially in…) and your vision of wholeness may be realized. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all who struggle to see, O Lord, that the vision of your love be made ever more clear in our lives and in the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all who are sick or grieving, O Lord, that your life and hope maybe deepened in them. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

For all the saints, O Lord, known to us and only to you; that we may one day be reunited with them in light and praise of you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers that we may love you with our whole being and willingly share the concerns of our neighbors. Amen.

NL Worship Resources: March 26, 2017

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Lent 4 (NL Year 3)

Color: Purple
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 21C(26C)
Readings: Psalm: Psalm 41:1-3 | Sermon Text: Luke 16:19-31 (Rich Man and Lazarus)
OT Suggestion: Amos 6:1a, 4-7
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): Divine Word, you sent Moses to speak law to the people and bring order to chaos. You sent prophets to speak repentance and bring hope to the hopeless. You sent your son, Jesus, to become your living Word. Open our ears to hear your word, and our hearts to reflect the light of your truth to others, for the sake of the Incarnate Word, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #461 All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly
ELW #480 O Bread of Life from Heaven
ELW #684 Creating God, Your Fingers Trace
ELW #713 O God of Every Nation
ELW #705 God of Grace and God of Glory
ELW #852 Golden Breaks the Dawn
ELW #775 Jesus, Priceless Treasure
ELW #768 Lead Me, Guide Me
ELW #750 Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart
ELW #712 Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service
ELW #787 On Eagle’s Wings
ELW #655 Son of God, Eternal Savior
ELW #725 When the Poor Ones
ELW #719 Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life
ELW #690 We Raise Our Hands to You, O Lord
LBW #483 God Moves in a Mysterious Way
LBW #547 Thee We Adore, Eternal Lord!
Various Hymnals Jesus, All My Gladness
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Suggested hymns based on the Psalm:

ELW #610 O Christ, the Healer, We Have Come
ELW #770 Give Me Jesus
ELW #742 What a Friend We Have in Jesus
LBW #431 Your Hand, O Lord, in Days of Old
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Other options based on both:

“Amazing God” by Brenton Brown
“Everything” by Martin Smith, Stuart Garrard
“Happy Day” by Ben Cantelon, Tim Hughes
“How Deep The Father’s Love For Us” by Stuart Townend
“It Is You” by Darlene Zschech
“Lord Reign In Me” by Brenton Brown
“There Is A Redeemer” by Melody Green
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)

God of mercy and healing, you who hear the cries of those in need, receive these petitions of your people that all who are troubled may know peace, comfort, and courage.

A brief silence.

God, we give you thanks for the church. Help us to proclaim your call for righteousness and justice. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God, we give you thanks for your good creation. Move us to be better stewards of the earth and care for it in ways that lead to renewal and healing. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God, we give you thanks for systems of government. Grant wisdom and compassion to our leaders that all the world may know peace and equality. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God, we give you thanks for the many ways in which you have blessed us. Open our eyes to see how we may use what you have given us to bless others. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God, we give you thanks for your healing work. Bless doctors, nurses, EMTs, and all who care for the injured or sick. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

God, we give you thanks for all the saints who have gone before us. Keep us strong in the faith as you kept them. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Life-giving God, heal our lives, that we may acknowledge your wonderful deeds and offer you thanks from generation to generation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

NL Worship Resources: March 19, 2017

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Lent 3 (NL Year 3)

Color: Purple
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Lent 4C
Readings: Psalm: Psalm 119:167- 176 | Sermon Text: Luke 15:1-32 (Lost Sheep, Coin, Son)
OT Suggestion: Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): Rejoicing Father, you celebrate when one of your lost children is found because no one is worthless to you. We stand humbled and in awe that you would count us among your most prized possessions. Give us eyes to see the priceless value of every living soul, for the sake of the one who became human for the sake of our souls, Jesus Christ our seeker. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #779 Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
ELW #816 Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life
ELW #807 Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
ELW #679 For the Fruit of All Creation
ELW #358 Great God, Your Love Has Called Us
ELW #740 God of the Sparrow
ELW #664 Heaven Is Singing for Joy
ELW #619 I Know That My Redeemer Lives!
ELW #650 In Christ There Is No East or West
ELW #592 Just As I Am, without One Plea
ELW #502 The King of Love My Shepherd Is
ELW #599 Lord Jesus, Think on Me
ELW #765 Lord of All Hopefulness
ELW #778 The Lord’s My Shepherd
ELW #460 Now the Silence
ELW #772 Oh, that the Lord Would Guide My Ways
ELW #606 Our Father, We Have Wandered
ELW #789 Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us
ELW #608 Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling
ELW #587/588 There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
ELW #659 Will You Let Me Be Your Servant
LBW #304 Today Your Mercy Calls Us
Various Hymnals Jesus Sinners Does Receive
Various Hymnals I Will Sing the Wondrous Story
Various Hymnals Welcome! Wanderer, Welcome!
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Suggested hymns based on the Psalm:

ELW #886 Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
ELW #772 Oh, that the Lord Would Guide My Ways
ELW #789 Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Other options based on both:

“Amazing Love” By Graham Kendrick.
“Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” By Chris Tomlin, John Newton, et al.
“Come Home Running” By Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)

My brothers and sisters: reconciled to God by the mercy of Christ, we pray with confidence for the needs of the church and the world.

A brief silence.

God of prodigal love, bless your church and its leaders. Bring about unity and reconciliation among your people that all may see your love in the witness of your disciples. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of prodigal love, bless all creatures great and small. Provide your abundant life to all the places of the world that we have harmed and move us to be better stewards of all that you have created. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of prodigal love, bless our President, Congress, Supreme Court, Governor, State Legislators, and all who provide leadership at any level of government. Grant wisdom and compassion that the broken systems of the world be redeemed and recreated to conform with your peace and justice. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of prodigal love, bless families of all sorts. Work healing and reconciliation where relationships are broken and strengthen relationships where they are strong. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of prodigal love, bless all who suffer in mind, body, or spirit (especially,…). Sustain them with the knowledge of your loving presence. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

God of prodigal love, you have welcomed home many who have gone before us. Strengthen us through their witness and deepen our trust in your ultimate welcome home. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Through Christ you make us a new creation, O God, for with him we pass from sin to the new life of grace. Accept our prayers in the warm embrace of your compassion, and welcome all people to the festive banquet of your table, where we may rejoice in your love
and celebrate the inheritance you have given to us. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.