Proper 18 (23)

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Trinity A
Readings: Gospel Text: John 1:1-5 | Sermon Text: Genesis 1:1-2:4a (Creation by the
Word)
Psalm Suggestion: Psalm 8
Prayer of the Day (WP): Grand designer of all things, the light and darkness, the dome in the midst of waters, the sky and dry land, the vegetation, the seasons, the swarms of living creatures, birds and great sea monsters, creeping things and wild animals, and us; all these were brought into being with a word on your lips. And it was good. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #816. Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life
ELW #455. Crashing Waters at Creation
ELW #684. Creating God, Your Fingers Trace
ELW #521. O Day of Rest and Gladness
ELW #756. Eternal Father, Strong to Save
ELW #879. For the Beauty of the Earth
ELW #679. For the Fruit of All Creation
ELW #880. O God beyond All Praising
ELW #738. God Created Heaven and Earth
ELW #740. God of the Sparrow
ELW #632. O God, Our Help in Ages Past
ELW #736. God the Sculptor of the Mountains
ELW #564. God, Who Made the Earth and Heaven
ELW #673. God, Whose Almighty Word
ELW #771. God, Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens
ELW #358. Great God, Your Love Has Called Us
ELW #737. He Comes to Us as One Unknown
ELW #574. Here I Am, Lord
ELW #582. Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling
ELW #399. O Holy Spirit, Root of Life
ELW #856. How Great Thou Art
ELW #834. Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
ELW #815. I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light
ELW #561. Joyous Light of Heavenly Glory
ELW #881. Let All Things Now Living
ELW #407. O Living Breath of God
ELW #554. Lord, Your Hands Have Formed
ELW #837. Many and Great, O God
ELW #556. Morning Has Broken
ELW #735. Mothering God, You Gave Me Birth
ELW #555. Oh, Sing to God Above
ELW #689. Praise and Thanksgiving
ELW #823. Praise the Lord! O Heavens
ELW #396. Spirit of Gentleness
ELW #824. This Is My Father’s World
ELW #511. Thy Strong Word Did Cleave the Darkness
ELW #739. Touch the Earth Lightly
ELW #686. We Give Thee but Thine Own
ELW #870. We Praise You, O God
ELW #861. When Long Before Time (The Singer and the Song)
LBW #164 Creator Spirit, by Whose Aid
WOV #767. All Things Bright and Beautiful
WOV #682. Praise the Spirit in Creation
WOV #793. Shout for Joy Loud and Long
DATH #68 In the Water
OBS #84 We sing the one God
W&P #157 Wind of the Spirit
Various Hymnals For the Healing of the Nations
Various Hymnals I Sing the Mighty Power of God
Various Hymnals O Lord of Every Shining Constellation
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice; DATH=Dancing at the Harvest; OBS=O Blessed Spring; W&P=Worship & Praise)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text:

ELW #373. Christ the Lord Is Risen Today!
ELW #731. Earth and All Stars
ELW #848. Give to Our God Immortal Praise!
ELW #880. O God beyond All Praising
ELW #432. The Head That Once Was Crowned
ELW #664. Heaven Is Singing for Joy
ELW #365. Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
ELW #434. Jesus Shall Reign
ELW #876. Let the Whole Creation Cry
ELW #863. My God, How Wonderful Thou Art
ELW #864/5. Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven
Various Hymnals O How Glorious, Full of Wonder
Various Hymnals How Majestic Is Your Name
Various Hymnals LORD, Our Lord, Your Glorious Name
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other options based on both:

“Genesis 1:1” by Jay Stocker
“In The Beginning” by Kareen King
“Light Of The World” by Matt Redman
“Maker Of All Things” by Tim Hughes
“Open The Eyes of My Heart” by Paul Baloche
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

Holy, holy, holy God, in calling forth creation from the void, revealing yourself in human flesh, and pouring forth your wisdom to guide us, you manifest your concern for your whole universe. You invite us, as your people, to gather the world’s needs into our hearts
and bring them before you.

A brief silence.

Creator God, source of faith, strengthen your church and make us bold proclaimers of your glory and grace. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Creator God, source of creation, bless the earth and all life on it with your sustaining power and open our eyes to see that all you have made is indeed good. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Creator God, source of power and authority, make our leaders humble of heart and place in them a desire to work for the common good of all people. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Creator God, source of wind and weather, be with all who are affected by floods, monsoons, hurricanes, and other natural disasters; bring your peace to their hearts and unite humanity in supporting them in their affliction. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Creator God, source of all healing, shower those who suffer with your love and peace and bless all who help them with compassion and wisdom in their work. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Creator God, source of life, we give you thanks for the life we have and the lives of all the saints who have gone before us; bring all who believe into the new heaven and the new earth on the last day. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Holy, holy, holy God, fill us with strength and courage, with discernment and compassion, that we may be your instruments of justice and love in this world, that it may be on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.