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.