Proper 7 (12)

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Lent 4A, Easter 4 A, B, C, Proper 23(28)A, Proper 11(16)B 
Readings: Gospel Text: John 10:1-4 | Sermon Text: Psalm 23 (A Psalm of Trust)
Epistle Suggestion: Philippians 4:1-9
Prayer of the Day: Faithful shepherd, you provide us with all that we need from day to day and care for us with steadfast and tender love. Make your presence known to us in times of sorrow, fear, and despair that we may hear your voice and follow in your ways. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #629. Abide with Me
ELW #883. All People That on Earth Do Dwell
ELW #505. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
ELW #732. Borning Cry
ELW #733. Great Is Thy Faithfulness
ELW #325. I Want Jesus to Walk with Me
ELW #502. The King of Love My Shepherd Is
ELW #336. Lamb of God (Your Only Son)
ELW #768. Lead Me, Guide Me
ELW #778. The Lord’s My Shepherd
ELW #767. Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me
ELW #782. My Shepherd, You Supply My Need
ELW #324. O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
ELW #858/9. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
ELW #789. Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us
ELW #780. Shepherd Me, O God
ELW #327. Through the Night of Doubt and Sorrow
ELW #785. When Peace like a River (It Is Well with My Soul)
ELW #825. You Servants of God
LBW #501. He Leadeth Me: Oh, Blessed Thought!
LBW #133. Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won!
LBW #485. Lord, as a Pilgrim
LBW #264. When All Your Mercies, O My God
LBW #450. Who Trusts in God, a Strong Abode
WOV #746. Day by Day
Various Hymnals The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want (Chant)
Various Hymnals Surely Goodness and Mercy
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text:

ELW #358. Great God, Your Love Has Called Us
ELW #253. He Came Down
ELW #332. I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
ELW #611. I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
ELW #696. Jesus Calls Us; o’er the Tumult
ELW #773. Precious Lord, Take My Hand
ELW #608. Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling
ELW #587/8. There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
ELW #798. Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons)
Various Hymnals God Leads Us Along
Various Hymnals Jesus the Lord Said, “I Am the Bread”
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Other options based on both:

“Blessed Be Your Name” By Matt Redman, Beth Redman.
“Loving Kindness” By Miriam Webster.
“Psalm 23” By Steve Merkel.
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.

Great Shepherd, strengthen your church in trust and in faith that we might follow in your ways and proclaim your love and care for all. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Caring Lord, turn pastures green and calm the waters that all of creation may bear witness to your sustaining and renewing work. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Leader of all, guide the nations in right pathways that diplomacy and compassion rule out over greed and violence. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Faithful God, comfort us in times of despair that our lives might bear witness to your constant and peaceful presence. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Lord of all, anoint the heads of all who suffer in any way (especially,…) that they might find wholeness in your mercy. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Steadfast One, you call to your sheep and bring them safely into your dwelling; may we hear your voice too and join with all who have gone before in praising you in eternal light. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

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