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.