Easter 3 (NL Year 3)

Color: White/Gold
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Easter 5A
Readings: Gospel Text: Luke 23:33-34a, 46 | Sermon Text: Acts 6:1-7:2a, 44-60 (Stephen’s
Witness)
Psalm Suggestion: Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): Holy Giver and Receiver of life, Your martyr, Stephen, shined with the light of your Holy Spirit. When his opponents took his life, he offered up his spirit to you, and prayed mercy for theirs. Make Stephen an example of faith and courage for all your followers, for the sake of the one who brought light and life to this world, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #392. Alleluia! Sing to Jesus
ELW #652. Built on a Rock
ELW #705. God of Grace and God of Glory
ELW #712. Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service
ELW #579. Lord, You Give the Great Commission
ELW #890. Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory
ELW #862. Praise, Praise! You Are My Rock
ELW #351. O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
ELW #352. O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
LBW #177. By All Your Saints in Warfare
LBW #178. By All Your Saints in Warfare
LBW #183. The Son of God Goes Forth to War
LBW #344. We Sing the Praise of Him Who Died
Various Hymnals God, We Praise You!
Various Hymnals Head of Thy Church triumphant
Various Hymnals Sleep thy Last Sleep
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the Gospel:

ELW #337. Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed
ELW #338. Beneath the Cross of Jesus
ELW #354. Calvary (Every Time I Think about Jesus)
ELW #339. Christ, the Life of All the Living
ELW #605. Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive
ELW #347. Go to Dark Gethsemane
ELW #599. Lord Jesus, Think on Me
ELW #343. My Song Is Love Unknown
ELW #322. Oh, Love How Deep
ELW #623. Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me
ELW #667. Take Up Your Cross, the Savior Said
LBW #112. Jesus, in Thy Dying Woes
LBW #113. Jesus, in Thy Dying Woes
LBW #114. There Is a Green Hill Far Away
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Other options based on both:

“I Will Follow” By Chris Tomlin, Jason Ingram, et al.
“Light Of The World” By Matt Redman.
“Micah 6:8” By Charlie Hall.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

Holy God, you have called us to follow in the way of your risen Son, and to care for those who are our companions, not only with words of comfort, but with acts of love. Seeking to be true friends of all, we offer our prayers on behalf of the church and the world.

A brief silence.

God of glory, grant vision to your church that we might boldly proclaim your presence and work in the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most High, heaven is your throne and the earth is your footstool, make all of creation show forth your glory that we might cherish all that you have given us and work to preserve and care for it. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of all languages and people, bring the proclamation of your Good News to all the world that your love, peace, and justice may prevail over all else. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of the martyrs, make us bold in our witness to your love that your grace be known in the hearts of all. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, be with all who suffer in any fashion (especially, …) that your comforting presence be known to them. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

God of all, the Holy Spirit unites us with prophets and martys of all times and places, bind us together into your holy community and give us all a foretaste of what is to come. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide us in the path of discipleship, so that, as you have blessed us, we may be a blessing for others, bringing the promise of the kingdom near by our words and deeds. Amen.