Easter 5 (NL Year 3)

Color: White/Gold
Closest RCL Sunday(s): N/A
Readings: Gospel Text: Luke 2:29-32 | Sermon Text: Acts 15:1-18 (Council at Jerusalem)
Psalm Suggestion: Psalm 25:4-7
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): Lord of all, in Jesus you have made us all sisters and brothers in Christ. There is no distinction between Gentile and Jew. There is no separation that can remove any from fellowship in Christ’s community. Blind us to our differences so that in unity we may proclaim your truth to all, for the sake of Jesus Christ in whom there is harmony and peace. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #641. All Are Welcome
ELW #634. All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!
ELW #883. All People That on Earth Do Dwell
ELW #779. Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
ELW #453. Baptized and Set Free
ELW #654. The Church’s One Foundation
ELW #532. Gather Us In
ELW #526. God Is Here!
ELW #650. In Christ There Is No East or West
ELW #661. I Love to Tell the Story
ELW #538. The Lord Now Sends us Forth
ELW #759. My Faith Looks Up to Thee
ELW #496. One Bread, One Body
ELW #547. Sent Forth by God’s Blessing
ELW #663. Spread, Oh, Spread, Almighty Word
ELW #587/8. There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
ELW #576. We All Are One in Mission
LBW #488. Breathe on Me, Breath of God
WOV #748. Bind Us Together
Various Hymnals Wonderful Grace of Jesus
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the Gospel:

ELW #254. Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
ELW #268. From Heaven Above
ELW #705. God of Grace and God of Glory
ELW #311. Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
ELW #545. Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing
ELW #631. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
ELW #313. O Lord, Now Let Your Servant
ELW #200/1. Now, Lord
ELW #295. Of the Father’s Love Begotten
ELW #785. When Peace like a River (It Is Well with My Soul)
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Other options based on both:

“All of Creation” By Barry Graul, Bart Millard, et al.
“Light Of The World” By Matt Redman.
“Mighty to Save” By Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan.
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.

For your church on earth, O Lord; that it may continue to proclaim your grace to all people and open its doors further and further. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For famers and gardners, O Lord; that the spring planting go well and safely and lead to an abundant harvest that all might share. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For presidents and prime ministers, and all leaders, O Lord; that their first priority might be justice and peace amongst all  nations. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For those who do not know your grace and love, O Lord; that they might hear the good news and come to believe in you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all who are in pain, O Lord; that your comfort and healing might be worked in them. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

For all the saints, O Lord, for Peter, Paul, and Barabas; that their proclamation might inspire our’s. 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.