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.