Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Easter 5C
Readings: Companion Text: John 16:20-22 | Sermon Text: Revelation 21:1-6; 22:1-5 (New Heaven and the New Earth)
Psalm Suggestion: Psalm 148
Prayer of the Day: God of life, you have made all things, you sustain all things, and you renew all things. Bring about the glorious victory you have assured us through Christ that we might know the new reality of your peaceful, loving kingdom. We pray in the name of the Lamb who is enthroned with you, Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #377. Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen!
ELW #344. All Glory, Laud, and Honor
ELW #302. As with Gladness Men of Old
ELW #793. Be Thou My Vision
ELW #447. O Blessed Spring
ELW #656. Blest Be the Tie That Binds
ELW #723. Canticle of the Turning
ELW #645. Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation
ELW #383. Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna!
ELW #654. The Church’s One Foundation
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 #855. Crown Him with Many Crowns
ELW #422. For All the Saints
ELW #647. Glorious Things of You Are Spoken
ELW #358. Great God, Your Love Has Called Us
ELW #831. The God of Abraham Praise
ELW #618. Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer
ELW #620. How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
ELW #332. I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
ELW #630. In Heaven Above
ELW #628. Jerusalem, My Happy Home
ELW #658. O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts
ELW #335. Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross
ELW #317. Jesus on the Mountain Peak
ELW #592. Just As I Am, without One Plea
ELW #660. Lift High the Cross
ELW #435. Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending
ELW #475. Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor
ELW #554. Lord, Your Hands Have Formed
ELW #631. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
ELW #837. Many and Great, O God (Wakantanka taku nitawa)
ELW #759. My Faith Looks Up to Thee
ELW #763. My Life Flows On in Endless Song
ELW #460. Now the Silence
ELW #295. Of the Father’s Love Begotten
ELW #437. On Jordan’s Stormy Bank I Stand
ELW #533. Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty
ELW #873/4. Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart!
ELW #423. Shall We Gather at the River
ELW #671. Shine, Jesus, Shine
ELW #426. Sing with All the Saints in Glory
ELW #439. Soon and Very Soon
ELW #488/9. Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness
ELW #342. There in God’s Garden
ELW #666. What Wondrous Love Is This
ELW #719. Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life
LBW #347. Jerusalem the Golden
LBW #324. O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
LBW #337. Oh, What Their Joy
Various Hymnals Be Still, My Soul
Various Hymnals For the Healing of the Nations
Various Hymnals O Holy City, Seen of John
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text:

ELW #392. Alleluia! Sing to Jesus
ELW #634. All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!
ELW #626. By Gracious Powers
ELW #816. Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life
ELW #253. He Came Down
ELW #398. Holy Spirit, Truth Divine
ELW #482. I Come with Joy
ELW #324. In the Cross of Christ I Glory
ELW #867. In Thee Is Gladness
ELW #325. I Want Jesus to Walk with Me
ELW #379. Now the Green Blade Rises
ELW #334. Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery
Various Hymnals Joy in Sorrow
Various Hymnals The Trees of the Field
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other options based on both:

“Blessed Be Your Name” By Matt Redman, Beth Redman.
“Oh, Great Love Of God” By David Crowder, Mark Waldrop, et al.
“This Is Our God” By Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves.
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.

For the church universal, that our differences may be overcome and all Christians may one day unite as one around your glorious throne. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

For waters of all types: rivers, lakes, oceans, and streams; that life may be sustained through the waters that you provide. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

For people of every place, that your home be made among us and your peace prevail over us. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

For the passing away of the first things, that anxiety, fear, hatred, and violence be no more. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

For all who suffer in mind, body, or spirit; that mourning and crying and pain will be no more. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

For the host gathered before your throne, and for their example; that we may one day join with them in the new heaven and the new earth. 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.