Proper 23 (28)

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Epiphany 2B or Proper 4(9)B
Readings: Gospel Text: John 20:21-23 | Sermon Text: 1 Samuel 3:1-21 (God Calls Samuel)
Psalm Suggestion: Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
Prayer of the Day (WP): Beckoning God, in the stillness of the night you called Samuel into your service. Call us into service with a voice we are able to hear, and give us hearts to come when we are called. Amen

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #793. Be Thou My Vision
ELW #807. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
ELW #574. Here I Am, Lord
ELW #810. O Jesus, I Have Promised
ELW #490. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
ELW #513. Listen, God Is Calling
ELW #676. Lord, Speak to Us, That We May Speak
ELW #533. Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty
WOV #682. Praise the Spirit in Creation
Various Hymnals I’ll be listening
Various Hymnals I Will Call Upon the Lord
Various Hymnals Speak, Lord, in the Stillness
(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 #528. Come and Fill Our Hearts
ELW #404. Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove
ELW #603. God, When Human Bonds Are Broken
ELW #543. Go, My Children, with My Blessing
ELW #398. Holy Spirit, Truth Divine
ELW #631. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
ELW #534. Savior, Again to Your Dear Name
ELW #549. Send Me, Jesus
ELW #809. Send Me, Lord (Thuma mina)
ELW #384. That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright
ELW #798. Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons)
LBW #488. Breathe on Me, Breath of God
LBW #472/3. Come, Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire
Various Hymnals Christ Has Risen
Various Hymnals Lead Us, Heavenly Father, Lead Us
Various Hymnals So Send I You
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other options based on both:

“Breath Of God” By Vicky Beeching.
“Grace Wins” As performed by Matthew West.
“Love the Lord” By Lincoln Brewster.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

God of mercy and healing, you who hear the cries of those in need, receive these petitions of your people that all who are troubled may know peace, comfort, and courage.

A brief silence.

For the church and all its leaders, that we might hear your call to go and serve as workers in your kingdom. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For fields and streams, mountains and valleys, that we might hear your call to steward the earth and all its resources. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the nations of the world, that we might hear your call to work for justice and peace in all the earth. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all who are listening for your voice, that we might hear your call to share forth your good news and love. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all who are suffering in any way (especially,…), that we might hear your call to bring your healing and comfort into their pain. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

For the saints of all the ages, that we might hear your call to follow to rejoice with them in the eternal and abundant life your provide. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Life-giving God, heal our lives, that we may acknowledge your wonderful deeds and offer you thanks from generation to generation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.