Month: January 2018

NL Worship Resources: February 11, 2018

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Transfiguration

Color: White
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Lent 4A
Readings: Psalm Text: Psalm 27:1-4 | Sermon Text: John 9:1-41 (The Man Born Blind)
Epistle Suggestion: 1 John 2:7-11
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of miracles, sometimes we are slow to believe in your power, even when your miracles occur all around us each and every day. Open our eyes to see and our hearts to believe. Amen

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #724. All who love and serve your city
ELW #779. Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
ELW #314. Arise, Your Light Has Come!
ELW #793. Be Thou My Vision
ELW #515. Break Now the Bread of Life
ELW #715. Christ, Be Our Light
ELW #553. Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies
ELW #612. Healer of Our Every Ill
ELW #737. He Comes to Us as One Unknown
ELW #673. God, Whose Almighty Word
ELW #543. Go, My Children, with My Blessing
ELW #332. I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
ELW #611. I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
ELW #592. Just As I Am, without One Plea
ELW #886. Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
ELW #811. On My Heart Imprint Your Image
ELW #843. Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
ELW #562. O Radiant Light, O Sun Divine
ELW #671. Shine, Jesus, Shine
ELW #334. Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery
ELW #445. Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters
ELW #510. Word of God, Come Down on Earth
WOV #696. I’ve Just Come from the Fountain
Various Hymnals He Healed the Darkness of My Mind
Various Hymnals The Light of the World is Jesus
Various Hymnals We Have Been Told
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #629. Abide with Me
ELW #553. Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies
ELW #847. Come, Let Us Join Our Cheerful Songs
ELW #880. O God beyond All Praising
ELW #705. God of Grace and God of Glory
ELW #533. Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty
ELW #791. We Sing to You, O God
ELW #774. What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine
WOV #635. Surely It Is God Who Saves Me
Various Hymnals How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place
Various Hymnals The Lord Is My Light
Various Hymnals Remember Your Love
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace)” As performed by Hillsong.
“Here I Am to Worship” By Tim Hughes.
“Our God” By Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, et al.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

God of revelation, as we gather in praise for the gracious mystery of your Son, we remember the many needs of your church and your world.

A brief silence.

We pray for the church, and it’s leaders; that we may be persistent in our proclamation of your grace and love for all people. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for lakes and streams, oceans and seas; that the cleansing waters of the world be kept healthy and whole. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the nations; that all leaders and influencers may seek reconciliation and peace amongst all peoples. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our spiritual blindness; that we may see your light in the world. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are hurt or suffering (especially,…); that your amazing healing may be at work in their lives. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We pray for the faithfully departed; that their lives may continue to point us to your light and life. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide us on the path of salvation, O God, that the radiance and power of your Holy Spirit working in the world will gather together all peoples and nations in one community to offer you worship and proclaim your splendor. Amen.

NL Worship Resources: February 4, 2018

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Epiphany 5

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Lent 2A or Lent 4B
Readings: Psalm Text: Psalm 42:1-3 | Sermon Text: John 4:1-42 (Woman at the Well)
Epistle Suggestion: Galatians 3:10-14
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of life, shower us in your living water, bringing us to new life, fresh and clean. Walk with us as we share the knowledge of your living water with others, so that all might live. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #461. All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly
ELW #838. Beautiful Savior
ELW #807. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
ELW #455. Crashing Waters at Creation
ELW #419. For All the Faithful Women
ELW #647. Glorious Things of You Are Spoken
ELW #526. God Is Here!
ELW #618. Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer
ELW #535. Hallelujah! We Sing Your Praises
ELW #737. He Comes to Us as One Unknown
ELW #398. Holy Spirit, Truth Divine
ELW #620. How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
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 #754. Jesus, the Very Thought of You
ELW #592. Just As I Am, without One Plea
ELW #529. Jesus, We Are Gathered
ELW #751. O Lord, Hear My Prayer (The Lord Is My Song)
ELW #527. Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now
ELW #818. O Master, Let Me Walk with You
ELW #843. Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
ELW #623. Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me
ELW #694. Sing to the Lord of Harvest
ELW #386/7. O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing
ELW #583. Take My Life, That I May Be (Hendon)
ELW #685. Take My Life, That I May Be (Patmos)
ELW #334. Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery
ELW #666. What Wondrous Love Is This
ELW #719. Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life
ELW #668. O Zion, Haste
LBW #488. Breathe on Me, Breath of God
LBW #381. Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling
LBW #387. Spirit of God, Unleashed on Earth
WOV #696. I’ve Just Come from the Fountain
Various 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)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #757. All My Hope on God Is Founded
ELW #515. Break Now the Bread of Life
ELW #256. Comfort, Comfort Now My People
ELW #770. Give Me Jesus
ELW #775. Jesus, Priceless Treasure
ELW #773. Precious Lord, Take My Hand
ELW #614. There Is a Balm in Gilead
LBW #452. As Pants the Hart for Cooling Streams
WOV #714. The Thirsty Fields Drink In the Rain
Various Hymnals As the Deer Pants for the Water
Various Hymnals Buried In Shadows Of The Night
Various Hymnals My Spirit Longs for Thee
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“All Who Are Thirsty” By Brenton Brown, Glenn Robertson.
“Light Of The World” By Matt Redman.
“They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love”
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

God of revelation, as we gather in praise for the gracious mystery of your Son, we remember the many needs of your church and your world.

A brief silence.

For the witness of the church, O Lord; that we may point others to you, the source of abundant, living water. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the waters of the world, O Lord; that we may better protect this fundamental necessity of life. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For our leaders, O Lord, (especially our President, Governor, Senators, and Representative); that they might seek out ways of peace and unity rather than violence and division. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For those whom the Church and Christians have harmed, O Lord, especially through gossip and judgement; that we may work for their forgiveness and move towards reconciliation. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all those who are suffering in any way, O Lord, (especially,…); that they may know the comfort and peace found in you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

For all the faithful departed, O Lord, those named and those whose names we do not know; that we may respond to their witness and invite others to “come and see” as well. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide us on the path of salvation, O God, that the radiance and power of your Holy Spirit working in the world will gather together all peoples and nations in one community to offer you worship and proclaim your splendor. Amen.

NL Worship Resources: January 28, 2018

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Epiphany 4

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Lent 2A, Lent 4B, Trinity B, Holy Cross A/B/C
Readings: Psalm Text: Psalm 139:13-18 | Sermon Text: John 3:1-21 (Nicodemus)
Epistle Suggestion: Ephesians 2:1-10
Prayer of the Day (WP): Birthing God, you gave us new life when we were born of water and Spirit. Help us live into that new life, refreshed and renewed for your work. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #456. Baptized in Water
ELW #793. Be Thou My Vision
ELW #638. Blessed Assurance
ELW #732. Borning Cry
ELW #729. The Church of Christ, in Every Age
ELW #443. Dearest Jesus, We Are Here
ELW #470. Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether
ELW #323. God Loved the World
ELW #737. He Comes to Us as One Unknown
ELW #856. How Great Thou Art
ELW #332. I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
ELW #661. I Love to Tell the Story
ELW #660. Lift High the Cross
ELW #403. Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song
ELW #407. O Living Breath of God
ELW #631. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
ELW #397. Loving Spirit
ELW #759. My Faith Looks Up to Thee
ELW #343. My Song Is Love Unknown
ELW #665. Rise, Shine, You People!
ELW #671. Shine, Jesus, Shine
ELW #448. This Is the Spirit’s Entry Now
ELW #720. We Are Called
ELW #666. What Wondrous Love Is This
ELW #803. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
ELW #668. O Zion, Haste
LBW #488. Breathe on Me, Breath of God
LBW #472/3. Come, Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire
Various Hymnals As Moses Raised the Serpent Up
Various Hymnals God Loved the World
Various Hymnals To God Be the Glory
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #557. Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun
ELW #684. Creating God, Your Fingers Trace
ELW #736. God the Sculptor of the Mountains
ELW #836. Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
ELW #765. Lord of All Hopefulness
ELW #568. Now Rest beneath Night’s Shadow
ELW #886. Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
ELW #590. Salvation unto Us Has Come
ELW #587/8. There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
LBW #505. Forth in Thy Name, O Lord, I Go
LBW #264. When All Your Mercies, O My God
Various Hymnals Almighty Father, Gracious Lord
Various Hymnals Lord, You Have Searched Me
Various Hymnals Still, Still with Thee
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Amazing Love” By Graham Kendrick.
“Here I Am to Worship” By Tim Hughes.
“This Is How We Know” By Beth Redman, Matt Redman.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

God of revelation, as we gather in praise for the gracious mystery of your Son, we remember the many needs of your church and your world.

A brief silence.

May the Spirit blow in and through your church, O God; and move it to acts of love, service, and witness. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

May the Spirit blow in and through your creation, O God; and bring about revival, healing, and wholeness. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

May the Spirit blow in and through the nations, O God; and plant seeds of justice and peace in the hearts of all leaders. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

May the Spirit blow in and through us, O God; and lead us out of self interest and apathy, and towards our neighbors. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

May the Spirit blow in and through those who heal, O God; that suffering and pain be eased, and disease and illness be cured. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

May the Spirit blow in and through the saints, O God; and join us with them in your eternal kingdom. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide us on the path of salvation, O God, that the radiance and power of your Holy Spirit working in the world will gather together all peoples and nations in one community to offer you worship and proclaim your splendor. Amen.

NL Worship Resources: January 21, 2018

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Epiphany 3

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Lent 3B
Readings: Psalm Text: Psalm 127:1-2 | Sermon Text: John 2:13-25 (Jesus Cleanses the Temple)
Epistle Suggestion: 1 John 1:6-8
Prayer of the Day (WP): Patient God, your son, Jesus, expressed anger at abuses and injustice. Help us to show concern, not apathy, for injustice in our world, and teach us to make right all that may be wrong. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #539. Abide, O Dearest Jesus
ELW #652. Built on a Rock
ELW #645. Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation
ELW #687. Come to Us, Creative Spirit
ELW #736. God the Sculptor of the Mountains
ELW #612. Healer of Our Every Ill
ELW #417. In His Temple Now Behold Him
ELW #445. Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters
ELW #495. We Who Once Were Dead
Various Hymnals From Ashes to the Living Font
Various Hymnals Give Me the Wings of Faith
Various Hymnals Lord of the Dance
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #641. All Are Welcome
ELW #565. All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night
ELW #564. God, Who Made the Earth and Heaven
ELW #640. Our Father, by Whose Name
ELW #534. Savior, Again to Your Dear Name
Various Hymnals God, if you bless not, all the cost
Various Hymnals Peace in Our Time, O Lord
Various Hymnals Sun of My Soul, O Savior Dear
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“All The Earth Will Sing Your Praises” By Paul Baloche, Chris Tomlin, et al.
“More Than Conquerors”
“You Never Let Go” By Beth Redman, Matt Redman.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

God of revelation, as we gather in praise for the gracious mystery of your Son, we remember the many needs of your church and your world.

A brief silence.

Cleanse the church, O Lord, of all that detracts and distracts us from authentic worship of you and lead us into deeper relationship with you and community with one another. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Cleanse creation, O Lord, of all the harm we have inflicted upon it and lead us into better stewardship of the earth and its resources. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Cleanse the nations, O Lord, of injustice and violence and lead our leaders into ways of peace and reconciliation. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Cleanse our hearts, O Lord, of prejudice and judgement and lead us to look upon our neighbors and see your image. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Cleans our bodies, O Lord, of disease and pain and lead us to health and wholeness. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Cleanse our words and witness, O Lord, of divisiveness and lead us to that great day when we will join with all the saints in glorifying you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide us on the path of salvation, O God, that the radiance and power of your Holy Spirit working in the world will gather together all peoples and nations in one community to offer you worship and proclaim your splendor. Amen.

NL Worship Resources: January 14, 2018

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Epiphany 2

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Epiphany 2C
Readings: Psalm Text: Psalm 104:14-16 | Sermon Text: John 2:1:11 (Wedding at Cana)
Epistle Suggestion: Romans 5:16-18
Prayer of the Day: God of abundance, Jesus revealed the riches of your unexpected grace in turning water to wine. Open our hearts to the richness of your love and make us better witnesses to the revelation we have in Jesus Christ. We pray this in the name of Christ, who is God-with-us. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #779. Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
ELW #503/4. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
ELW #553. Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies
ELW #528. Come and Fill Our Hearts
ELW #491. Come, Let Us Eat
ELW #816. Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life
ELW #731. Earth and All Stars!
ELW #312. Jesus, Come! For We Invite You
ELW #434. Jesus Shall Reign
ELW #460. Now the Silence
ELW #310. Songs of Thankfulness and Praise
ELW #531. The Trumpets Sound, the Angels Sing (The Feast Is Ready)
ELW #842. Oh, Worship the King
LBW #78. All Praise to You, O Lord
LBW #85. When Christ’s Appearing Was Made Known
Various Hymnals Come to a Wedding
Various Hymnals In Cana at a Wedding Feast
Various Hymnals Sing of God Made Manifest
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #684. Creating God, Your Fingers Trace
ELW #879. For the Beauty of the Earth
ELW #856. How Great Thou Art
ELW #834. Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
ELW #836. Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
ELW #322. Oh, Love How Deep
ELW #837. Many and Great, O God
ELW #665. Rise, Shine, You People!
ELW #694. Sing to the Lord of Harvest
ELW #824. This Is My Father’s World
LBW #527. All Creatures of Our God and King
WOV #767. All Things Bright and Beautiful
Various Hymnals Deep in the Dust Before Thy Throne
Various Hymnals Grace Greater Than Our Sin
Various Hymnals I Sing the Mighty Power of God
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Our God” By Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, et al.
“Trading My Sorrows” By Darrell Evans.
“Your Love is Extravagant” By Darrell Evans.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

God of revelation, as we gather in praise for the gracious mystery of your Son, we remember the many needs of your church and your world.

A brief silence.

For the witness of the church, that the good news of Christ be made manifest in our every word and deed. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For plants and animals, food and drink, that the richness of your providence strengthen and preserve all of creation. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the nations, that the glory of Christ be revealed in wise leaders and peaceful hearts. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For relationships of all sorts, that they be grounded in Christ and that love may be known and grown. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all who suffer (especially,…), that your mercy be revealed in tender care and insightful action. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

For all the saints, that we may one day join with them in celebrating the great paschal feast. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide us on the path of salvation, O God, that the radiance and power of your Holy Spirit working in the world will gather together all peoples and nations in one community to offer you worship and proclaim your splendor. Amen.

NL Worship Resources: January 7, 2018

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Epiphany 1/Baptism of Our Lord

Color: White
Closest RCL Sunday(s): N/A
Readings: Psalm Text: Psalm 32:1-2 | Sermon Text: John 1:35-51 (Jesus Says Come and See)
Epistle Suggestion: Galatians 2:15-21
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of all people, you called many by name, asking them to follow Jesus and obey. Call us by name, and help us to follow and obey. Amen

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #344. All Glory, Laud, and Honor
ELW #442. All Who Believe and Are Baptized
ELW #522. As We Gather at Your Table
ELW #638. Blessed Assurance
ELW #662. Christ is the King!
ELW #847. Come, Let Us Join Our Cheerful Songs
ELW #855. Crown Him with Many Crowns
ELW #611. I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
ELW #696. Jesus Calls Us; o’er the Tumult
ELW #658. O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts
ELW #434. Jesus Shall Reign
ELW #336. Lamb of God (Your Only Son)
ELW #542. O Living Bread from Heaven
ELW #308. O Morning Star, how fair and bright
ELW #759. My Faith Looks Up to Thee
ELW #341. Now Behold the Lamb
ELW #249. On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry
ELW #355/6. Sing, My Tongue
ELW #305. When Jesus Came to Jordan
ELW #798. Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons)
ELW #817. You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore
LBW #103. O Christ, Thou Lamb of God
WOV #787. Glory to God, We Give You Thanks
ASG #41 There’s a Light in the World
DATH #56 Come and See (Makeever)
LS #61 Come and See (Ylvisaker)
Various Hymnals Come and See
Various Hymnals How Bright Appears the Morning Star
Various Hymnals Lord, When You Came
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice; ASG=As Sunshine to a Garden; DATH=Dancing at the Harvest; LS=LifeSongs)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text:

ELW #338. Beneath the Cross of Jesus
ELW #795. God, My Lord, My Strength
ELW #603. God, When Human Bonds Are Broken
ELW #595 Jesus Loves Me, This I Know
ELW #631. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
ELW #343. My Song Is Love Unknown
ELW #864/5. Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven
LBW #211. Here, O My Lord, I See Thee
W&P #160. You Are My Hiding Place
Various Hymnals Calvary Covers It All
Various Hymnals Jesus, Lover of My Soul
Various Hymnals Tú eres mi refugio (I turn to you, O Lord)
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; W&P=Worship & Praise)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Behold The Lamb Of God” By Kip Fox.
“High And Lifted Up” By Darlene Zschech, Mike Guglielmucci.
“Your Name” By Glenn Packam, Paul Baloche.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

God of revelation, as we gather in praise for the gracious mystery of your Son, we remember the many needs of your church and your world.

A brief silence.

We pray for the Church and its leaders (especially Bishop(s)…); that we may continually be inviting others to come and see your goodness. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the waters, for oceans and seas, lakes and streams; that we may better care for and protect this fundamental necessity of life. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our leaders (especially,…); that prejudice be dashed from their hearts and they see that good can come from any place or people. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for people of all faiths; that divisions cease and love of neighbor be the guiding principle within our hearts and minds. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are hurting (especially, …); that they may see your glory revealed in healing, comfort, and peace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We pray for all the saints who have pointed us to you; that their witness may strengthen our own. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide us on the path of salvation, O God, that the radiance and power of your Holy Spirit working in the world will gather together all peoples and nations in one community to offer you worship and proclaim your splendor. Amen.