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.