Easter 4 (NL Year 3)

Color: White/Gold
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Easter 5B
Readings: Gospel Text: Luke 24:44-47 | Sermon Text: Acts 8:26-39 (Ethiopian Eunuch Baptized)
Psalm Suggestion: Psalm 63:1-4
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): Fulfillment of the prophesies, with Scripture and water you claim people as your own. Claim us with water and the word, so that we may rejoice in the life given to us through the gift of the Holy Spirit, for the sake of the one whose spirit lives in us, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #641. All Are Welcome
ELW #442. All Who Believe and Are Baptized
ELW #456. Baptized in Water
ELW #453. Baptized and Set Free
ELW #447. O Blessed Spring
ELW #532. Gather Us In
ELW #311. Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
ELW #575. In Christ Called to Baptize
ELW #336. Lamb of God (Your Only Son)
ELW #537. On Our Way Rejoicing
ELW #350. They Crucified My Lord
ELW #445. Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters
WOV #696. I’ve Just Come from the Fountain
Various Hymnals Take Me to the Water
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the Gospel:

ELW #385. Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing!
ELW #513. Listen, God Is Calling
ELW #857. Lord, I Lift Your Name on High
ELW #631. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
ELW #295. Of the Father’s Love Begotten
ELW #886. Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
ELW #663. Spread, Oh, Spread, Almighty Word
LBW #162. Lord God, the Holy Ghost
WOV #753. You Are the Seed
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other options based on both:

“Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” By Chris Tomlin, John Newton, et al.
“Every Move I Make” By David Ruis.
“The Lost are Found” By Ben Fielding, Sam Knock.
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.

We pray for the church and it’s leaders (especially our Bishop(s)…); that the Holy Spirit stir us to action and lead all people into deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for creation as it wakes from winter slumber; that the new life of spring reflect the vibrant life all creatures have in you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the nations and the leaders of the nations; that greed and selfishness give way to compassion and care for all people. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all on the journey of faith; that wherever they are on the road, you might provide them with insight and inspiration. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all you suffer in mind, body, or spirit; that they may know comfort and peace even in the midst of pain and anxiety. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We pray for all the saints; that their proclamation might inspire ours, moving us out of our comfort zones to share the good news of everlasting life. 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.