Month: November 2017

NL Worship Resources: December 10, 2017

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You can find a Wreath Lighting resource here based on the hymn “Choose to Hope” by Marty Haugen and using readings from the Gospel of John.

Advent 2

Color: Blue
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Lent 5A or Day of Pentecost B or Easter Vigil A/B/C
Readings: Gospel Text: John 11:25-26 | Sermon Text: Ezekiel 37:1-14 (Ezekiel: Valley of Dry Bones)
Psalm Suggestion: Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of breath, you promised new life to your people in exile by breathing into a valley full of dry bones. Breathe new life into us, so that we might live passionately for you. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #757. All My Hope on God Is Founded
ELW #452. Awake, O Sleeper, Rise from Death
ELW #804. Come Down, O Love Divine
ELW #737. He Comes to Us as One Unknown
ELW #403. Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song
ELW #407. O Living Breath of God
ELW #379. Now the Green Blade Rises
ELW #396. Spirit of Gentleness
ELW #506. The Word of God is Source and Seed
LBW #488. Breathe on Me, Breath of God
LBW #162. Lord God, the Holy Ghost
LBW #388. O Spirit of the Living God
WOV #686. Holy Spirit, Come to Us
Various Hymnals Look Down, O Lord
Various Hymnals Revive Thy Work, O Lord
Various Hymnals Spirit Divine, Attend Our Prayers
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text:

ELW #389. Christ Is Alive! Let Christians Sing
ELW #373. Christ the Lord Is Risen Today!
ELW #363. Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain
ELW #270. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
ELW #365. Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
ELW #366. The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done
ELW #334. Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery
ELW #617. We Come to You for Healing, Lord
Various Hymnals It Is Not Death to Die
Various Hymnals Lord of the Dance
Various Hymnals Now is Eternal Life
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other options based on both:

“Days of Elijah” By Robin Mark.
“Every Move I Make” By David Ruis.
“I’ll Fly Away” By Albert E. Brumley.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

Brothers and sisters,  as we joyfully await the glorious coming of the Christ, let us pray for the needs of the church, our community, and the world.

A brief silence.

We pray for the church, Lord God, asking that we might prophesy to the world regarding your resurrection and life. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the earth, Lord God, asking that you bring healing and wholeness where there is barrenness and death. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the nations, Lord God, asking that all the nations be knit together by your justice, mercy, and forgiveness. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the grieving, Lord God, asking that they may know your presence and trust in your promise of life out of death. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the hurting, Lord God, asking that we might be your instruments of healing and comfort. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We pray for the saints in light, Lord God, asking that we may one day be joined with them in life abundant and life eternal. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of joy and exultation, you strengthen what is weak; you enrich the poor and give hope to those who live in fear. Look upon our needs this day. Make us grateful for the good news of salvation and keep us faithful in your service until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives for ever and ever. Amen.

Advent Wreath Lighting

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Week 1:

A reading from the Gospel of John: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Verse 1 of “Choose to Hope” by Marty Haugen

Let us pray: God of hope and love, like the light of this first advent candle, may we shine forth with love towards you and towards others. Open our eyes to see your image in our neighbors and serve you by serving them. We pray this is in the hope, and expectation, of the in-breaking of your kingdom into our lives. Amen.

Week 2:

A reading from the Gospel of John: “He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.”

Verse 2 of “Choose to Hope” by Marty Haugen

Let us pray: God our Father, as the flame is not diminished when it is shared from one candle to two, may we share the light of your love with our sisters and brothers. Strengthen our witness that the body of Christ may grow and your light might overcome all the darkness of the world. We pray this in the name of Christ, the one who desires to bring all into the family of God. Amen.

Week 3:

A reading from the Gospel of John: “Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

Verse 3 of “Choose to Hope” by Marty Haugen

Let us pray: In-dwelling God, as the darkness is overcome by ever more and more light, increase your light within us. Make us people of your light and forgiveness and move us to actions of mercy and justice. We pray this, trusting in the source of all light, Jesus Christ our Redeemer and Lord. Amen.

Week 4:

A reading from the Gospel of John: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”

Verses 1-3 of “Choose to Hope” by Marty Haugen

Let us pray: God-with-us, source of all hope and light, increase our faith in you and overcome all darkness within us. Help us to understand that our identity is grounded in you; and work your will and your word in us and through us. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who was, and is, and is to come. Amen.

NL Worship Resources: December 3, 2017

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Advent 1

Color: Blue
Closest RCL Sunday(s): N/A (John 18:33-37 = Proper 29(34)B)
Readings: Gospel Text: John 18:36-37 | Sermon Text: Daniel 3:1, [2-7] 8-30 (Fiery Furnace)
Psalm Suggestion: Psalm 104:1-4
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of fiery flames, even the most raging fire could not destroy your servants when they called upon you in faith. Give us faith to withstand anything that rages to deter us from following you. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #731. Earth and All Stars!
ELW #240. Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah
ELW #837. Many and Great, O God
ELW #825. You Servants of God
LBW #527. All Creatures of Our God and King
Various Hymnals Able To Deliver
Various Hymnals Every Time I Feel the Spirit
Various Hymnals Sadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice; OBS=O Blessed Spring)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text:

ELW #416. At the Name of Jesus
ELW #662. Christ is the King!
ELW #431. O Christ, What Can It Mean for Us
ELW #254. Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
ELW #432. The Head That Once Was Crowned
ELW #332. I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
ELW #611. I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
ELW #434. Jesus Shall Reign
ELW #805. Lead On, O King Eternal!
ELW #475. Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor
ELW #264. Prepare the Royal Highway
ELW #430. Rejoice, for Christ is King!
Various Hymnals Hail, Thou Once Despised Jesus
Various Hymnals O Sing a Song of Bethlehem
Various Hymnals Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice; ASG=As Sunshine to a Garden)

Other options based on both:

“All Bow Down” By Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash.
“I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever” By Martin Smith.
“My Lighthouse” As performed by Rend Collective
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

Brothers and sisters,  as we joyfully await the glorious coming of the Christ, let us pray for the needs of the church, our community, and the world.

A brief silence.

Deliver your church, O God, from heresies and divisions; bring us into deeper faith and relationship that your Gospel shine forth in all we say and do. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Deliver your creation, O God, from pollution and abuse; restore ecosystems to health and wholeness that all the world may know your providence. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Deliver the nations, O God, from war and injustice; free the captive and raise up the lowly that your shalom rule over us all. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Deliver those who are persecuted for faith in you, O God, from their trials and tribulations; strengthen the faith of all believers that all people bless your holy name. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Deliver the suffering, O God, from disease and grief; work through doctors, nurses, and all who bring healing to others that all may know of your presence with them. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Deliver all the faithful, O God, into your glorious presence; keep us strong in the faith and loud in our witness that all might know of your love and grace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of joy and exultation, you strengthen what is weak; you enrich the poor and give hope to those who live in fear. Look upon our needs this day. Make us grateful for the good news of salvation and keep us faithful in your service until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives for ever and ever. Amen.

NL Worship Resources: November 26, 2017

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Christ the King

Color: White
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 23 (28)C
Readings: Gospel Text: John 14:27 | Sermon Text: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14 (Jeremiah’s Letter to Exiles )
Psalm Suggestion: Psalm 66:1-12
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of hope, how often have we found ourselves in exile, separated from your presence! Restore us, and let us find you when we seek you. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #318. Alleluia, Song of Gladness
ELW #724. All who love and serve your city
ELW #761. Evening and Morning
ELW #462. God the Omnipotent!
ELW #864/5. Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven
WOV #783. Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
OBS #84 We Sing the One God
Various Hymnals Beloved In Christ Before Our Life Began
Various Hymnals Christ, by Heavenly Hosts Adored
Various Hymnals Step by Step
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice; OBS=O Blessed Spring)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text:

ELW #652. Built on a Rock
ELW #753. Dona nobis pacem
ELW #733. Great Is Thy Faithfulness
ELW #543. Go, My Children, with My Blessing
ELW #253. He Came Down
ELW #324. In the Cross of Christ I Glory
ELW #595. Jesus Loves Me!
ELW #403. Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song
ELW #765. Lord of All Hopefulness
ELW #818. O Master, Let Me Walk with You
ELW #763. My Life Flows On in Endless Song
ELW #572. Now It Is Evening
ELW #460. Now the Silence
ELW #534. Savior, Again to Your Dear Name
ELW #581. You Are Mine
ELW #758. You Are the Way
WOV #724. Shalom
Various Hymnals Hear Our Prayer, O Lord
Various Hymnals Peace, Perfect Peace
Various Hymnals Put Peace into Each Other’s Hands
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice; ASG=As Sunshine to a Garden)

Other options based on both:

“Divine Invitation” By Eric Owyoung, Steve Hindalong.
“God Of This City” By Chris Tomlin, Aaron Boyd, et al
“You Are Holy (Prince Of Peace)” By Marc Imboden, Tammi Rhoton.
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.

Bless the church, O Lord, with the wisdom and will to work for the welfare of the communities we live in. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless the fields, O Lord, with fruitful rest and renewed wholeness. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless the nations, O Lord, with hope for the future. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless refugees and exiles, O Lord, with people and communities they can call home. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless the sick, O Lord, and return them to health. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Bless the saints, O Lord, and gather us with them in the great day when all will be one. 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.

NL Worship Resources: November 19, 2017

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Proper 28 (33)

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Epiphany 3A or Christmas A/B/C
Readings: Gospel Text: John 8:12 | Sermon Text: Isaiah 9:1-7 (Isaiah: A Child Is Born)
Psalm Suggestion: Psalm 91
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of light, there can be overwhelming obscurity in this world. But you shine your light and increase joy, and for your brilliance we are grateful. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #314. Arise, Your Light Has Come!
ELW #303. Brightest and Best of the Stars
ELW #247. Come Now, O Prince of Peace
ELW #257. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
ELW #408. Come, Thou Almighty King
ELW #254. Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
ELW #245. Creator of the Stars of Night
ELW #855. Crown Him with Many Crowns
ELW #711. O Day of Peace
ELW #593. Drawn to the Light
ELW #532. Gather Us In
ELW #831. The God of Abraham Praise
ELW #713. O God of Every Nation
ELW #673. God, Whose Almighty Word
ELW #721. Goodness Is Stronger than Evil
ELW #270. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
ELW #834. Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
ELW #282. It Came upon the Midnight Clear
ELW #434. Jesus Shall Reign
ELW #243. Lost in the Night
ELW #430. Rejoice, for Christ is King!
ELW #671. Shine, Jesus, Shine
ELW #566. When Twilight Comes
ELW #514. O Word of God Incarnate
DATH #90 Let Peace Fill the Earth
Various Hymnals His Name is Wonderful
Various Hymnals King of Kings and Lord of Lords
Various Hymnals To Us a Child of Hope is Born
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice; DATH=Dancing at the Harvest)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text:

ELW #838. Beautiful Savior
ELW #301. Bright and Glorious Is the Sky
ELW #715. Christ, Be Our Light
ELW #560. Christ, Mighty Savior
ELW #553. Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies
ELW #799. Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spake
ELW #520. Dearest Jesus, at Your Word
ELW #253. He Came Down
ELW #332. I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
ELW #611. I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
ELW #815. I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light
ELW #658. O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts
ELW #836. Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
ELW #272. Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming
ELW #562. O Radiant Light, O Sun Divine
ELW #559. O Splendor of God’s Glory Bright
ELW #677. This Little Light of Mine
ELW #487. What Feast of Love
ELW #581 You Are Mine
LBW #493. Hope of the World
LBW #324. O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
ASG #41 There’s a Light in the World
Various Hymnals Christ Is the World’s Light
Various Hymnals Lead, Kindly Light
Various Hymnals The Light of the World is Jesus
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice; ASG=As Sunshine to a Garden)

Other options based on both:

“Joyous Light” By Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, et al.
“The Lord Is My Light” As performed by Taize Community.
“You Are Holy (Prince Of Peace)” By Marc Imboden, Tammi Rhoton
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, Wonderful Counselor; that your wisdom may show forth in its leadership, advocacy, and witness. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the harvest, Mighty God; that the abundance of your earth nourish people and animals around the world. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the nations, Prince of Peace; that light may shine even in the darkest corners and joy may overcome all oppression and captivity. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For those who walk in darkness, Everlasting Father; that the light of the world, Jesus Christ, shine forth for them and us. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the sick, Mighty God (especially,…); that you break the yoke of their burdens and bring them your everlasting peace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

For the saints in light, Lord of hosts; that their exultation increase our joy. 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.

NL Worship Resources: November 12, 2017

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Proper 27 (32)

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 27(32)A or Proper 23(28)B
Readings: Gospel Text: John 7:37-38 | Sermon Text: Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-15, 21-24 (Amos: Justice Rolls Down )
Psalm Suggestion: Psalm 103:6-14
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of all people, show us how to let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Create justice and righteousness in us, that all may rejoice in your blessings. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #647. Glorious Things of You Are Spoken
ELW #705. God of Grace and God of Glory
ELW #678. God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending
ELW #311. Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
ELW #717. Let Justice Flow like Streams
ELW #710. Let Streams of Living Justice
ELW #712. Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service
ELW #889. The Right Hand of God
ELW #669. Rise Up, O Saints of God!
ELW #720. We Are Called
LBW #418. Judge Eternal, Throned in Splendor
WOV #659. O Sun of Justice
DATH #89. It Won’t Be Long
DATH #90. Let Peace Fill the Earth
Various Hymnals For the Healing of the Nations
Various Hymnals Let Justice Roll Like a River
Various Hymnals Peace Is Flowing Like a River
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice; DATH=Dancing at the Harvest)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text:

ELW #807. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
ELW #647. Glorious Things of You Are Spoken
ELW #332. I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
ELW #611. I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
ELW #658. O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts
ELW #592. Just As I Am, without One Plea
ELW #475. Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor
ELW #763. My Life Flows On in Endless Song
ELW #843. Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
ELW #423. Shall We Gather at the River
ELW #742. What a Friend We Have in Jesus
LBW #488. Breathe on Me, Breath of God
WOV #696. I’ve Just Come from the Fountain
Various Hymnals Invitation
Various Hymnals Jesus, Lover of My Soul
Various Hymnals Let every mortal ear attend
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other options based on both:

“Ancient Skies” By Michael Gungor, Michael Rossback.
“Come To The Water” By John B. Foley.
“My Lighthouse” As performed by Rend collective, Rend Collective Experiment.
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.

We pray for the church, O Lord; that it may seek good and not evil and proclaim your mighty justice to the world. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for creation, O Lord; that it where it is broken there might be healing and wholeness. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for out leaders, O Lord; that they might hate evil and love good and work for justice and peace between all peoples. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the oppressed, O Lord; that they may be freed and that we might see how our privilege contributes to injustice and harms others. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the sick and the grieving (especially,…), O Lord; that you restore them to life and hope. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We pray for the saints of all the ages, O Lord; that their memory inspire your righteousness in us. 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.