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 3

Color: Blue
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Easter Vigil A/B/C or Epiphany 8C or Proper 10(15)A
Readings: Gospel Text: John 4:13-14 | Sermon Text: Isaiah 55:1-13 (Word Accomplishes God’s Purpose)
Psalm Suggestion: Psalm 46
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of restoration, save us when we find ourselves spiritually thirsty. Help us walk your road with your purpose, strengthened by your living water. Amen

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #266. All Earth Is Hopeful
ELW #516. Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast
ELW #289. Angels We Have Heard on High
ELW #447. O Blessed Spring
ELW #491. Come, Let Us Eat
ELW #408. Come, Thou Almighty King
ELW #520. Dearest Jesus, at Your Word
ELW #574. Here I Am, Lord
ELW #482. I Come with Joy
ELW #611. I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
ELW #658. O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts
ELW #836. Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
ELW #267. Joy to the World
ELW #592. Just As I Am, without One Plea
ELW #726. Light Dawns on a Weary World
ELW #272. Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming
ELW #343. My Song Is Love Unknown
ELW #531. The Trumpets Sound, the Angels Sing
ELW #635. We Walk by Faith
ELW #510. Word of God, Come Down on Earth
LBW #213 I Come, O Savior, to Your Table
LBW #15 Seek the Lord
ASG #1 As Sunshine to a Garden
W&P #48 Go Out With Joy
W&P #155 What A Mighty Word God Gives
Various Hymnals Isaiah the Prophet Has Written of Old
Various Hymnals Messiah! At Thy Glad Approach
Various Hymnals When Shall the Voice of Singing
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice; ASG=As Sunshine to a Garden; W&P=Worship & Praise)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text:

ELW #444. Cradling Children in His Arm
ELW #455. Crashing Waters at Creation
ELW #807. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
ELW #647. Glorious Things of You Are Spoken
ELW #618. Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer
ELW #737. He Comes to Us as One Unknown
ELW #837. Many and Great, O God
ELW #843. Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
ELW #334. Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery
WOV #696. I’ve Just Come from the Fountain
Variious Hymnals As Water to the Thirsty
Various Hymnals Fill My Cup, Lord
Various Hymnals Jesus, Lover of My Soul
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other options based on both:

“How Great is Our God” By Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, et al.
“Listening” By Vicky Beeching.
“The Lost are Found” By Ben Fielding, Sam Knock.
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.

May your Word accomplish your purpose in the Church, Lord God; speaking of your grace and love through words and deeds. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

May your Word accomplish your purpose in creation, Lord God; causing joy to ring out from even the trees and mountains. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

May your Word accomplish your purpose in our leaders, Lord God; inspiring humility and contrition where it is needed. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

May your Word accomplish your purpose, Lord God; bringing wholeness and reconciliation to the broken places of the world. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

May your Word accomplish your purpose in the suffering, Lord God; bringing comfort and turning grieving into trust in your steadfast love. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

May your Word accomplish your purpose in the example of the saints, Lord God;  that their witness sprout faith throughout all lands and peoples. 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.