Proper 16 (21)

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Easter 4C or All Saints A
Readings: Gospel Text: John 14:1-4 | Sermon Text: Revelation 6:1-8; 7:9-17 (The Seven Seals)
Psalm Suggestion: Psalm 23
Prayer of the Day: Enthroned God, you sent the only one who is worthy, Jesus Christ the Lamb, to bring salvation to the earth. Wipe every tear from our eyes and guide us to the springs of eternal life. May we sing of your blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might for ever and ever. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #392. Alleluia! Sing to Jesus
ELW #344. All Glory, Laud, and Honor
ELW #634. All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!
ELW #442. All Who Believe and Are Baptized
ELW #846. Amen, We Praise Your Name (Amen siakudumisa)
ELW #362. At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing
ELW #425. Behold the Host Arrayed in White
ELW #638. Blessed Assurance
ELW #854. Blessing and Honor
ELW #420/1. By All Your Saints
ELW #781. Children of the Heavenly Father (Tryggare kan ingen vara)
ELW #819. Come, All You People (Uyaimose)
ELW #807. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
ELW #625. Come, We That love the Lord (We’re Marching to Zion)
ELW #693. Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
ELW #256. Comfort, Comfort Now My People
ELW #855. Crown Him with Many Crowns
ELW #654. The Church’s One Foundation
ELW #569. The Day You Gave Us, Lord, Has Ended
ELW #422. For All the Saints
ELW #713. O God of Every Nation
ELW #647. Glorious Things of You Are Spoken
ELW #831. The God of Abraham Praise
ELW #618. Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer
ELW #246. Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding!
ELW #414. Holy God, We Praise Your Name
ELW #413. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!
ELW #650. In Christ There Is No East or West
ELW #628. Jerusalem, My Happy Home
ELW #658. O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts
ELW #434. Jesus Shall Reign
ELW #502. The King of Love My Shepherd Is
ELW #336. Lamb of God (Your Only Son)
ELW #876. Let the Whole Creation Cry
ELW #660. Lift High the Cross
ELW #435. Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending
ELW #475. Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor
ELW #778. The Lord’s My Shepherd
ELW #631. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
ELW #759. My Faith Looks Up to Thee
ELW #367. Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds
ELW #341. Now Behold the Lamb
ELW #884/5. Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
ELW #823. Praise the Lord! O Heavens
ELW #418. Rejoice in God’s Saints
ELW #423. Shall We Gather at the River
ELW #426. Sing with All the Saints in Glory
ELW #439. Soon and Very Soon
ELW #826. Thine the Amen
ELW #459. Wade in the Water
ELW #666. What Wondrous Love Is This
ELW #424. Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones
ELW #825. You Servants of God
LBW #167. Glory Be to God the Father
LBW #95. Glory Be to Jesus
LBW #347. Jerusalem the Golden
LBW #302. Jesus, Your Blood and Righteousness
LBW #509. Onward, Christian Soldiers
LBW #183. The Son of God Goes Forth to War
WOV #791. Alabaré
Various Hymnals Here from All Nations
Various Hymnals How Bright These Glorious Spirits Shine
Various Hymnals Victory Through Grace
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text:

ELW #793. Be Thou My Vision
ELW #408. Come, Thou Almighty King
ELW #253. He Came Down
ELW #856. How Great Thou Art
ELW #620. How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
ELW #485. I Am the Bread of Life
ELW #619. I Know That My Redeemer Lives!
ELW #477. I Received the Living God
ELW #810. O Jesus, I Have Promised
ELW #595. Jesus Loves Me!
ELW #599. Lord Jesus, Think on Me
ELW #426. Sing with All the Saints in Glory
ELW #376. Thine Is the Glory
ELW #742. What a Friend We Have in Jesus
ELW #758. You Are the Way
LBW #133. Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won!
Various Hymnals Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise
Various Hymnals In the Sweet By and By
Various Hymnals When We All Get to Heaven
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other options based on both:

“Ancient of Days” By Gary Sadler, Jamie Harvill.
“Jesus Is King” By Jason Ingram, Josh Fox.
“Only By Grace” By Gerrit Gustafson.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

Sisters and brothers in Christ, God invites us to bring our doubts and fears, our joys and concerns, our petitions and praise, and offer them for the earth and all its creatures.

A brief silence.

We pray for the ministry of church and all of its ministers; that we may be faithful workers for the kingdom of heaven. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for fields and forest, and for all growing things; that the coming harvest provide for the needs of all creation. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for the nations of the world; that justice and peace reign to the glory of God, the ruler of all. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for all victims of violence and hatred; that hearts of stone may be softened and our discourse be guided by the Holy Spirit. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for the suffering (especially,…); that their burdens be eased and the peace of God fill their bodies, minds, and spirits. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We pray for the host arrayed before the throne and all the saints; that the example of their worship enliven and deepen our own. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Receive these prayers, O God, and transform us through them, that we may have eyes to see and hearts to understand not only what you do on our behalf, but what you call us to do so that your realm will come to fruition in glory. Amen.