Lent 3

Color: Purple
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Good Friday A/B/C
Readings: Psalm Text: Psalm 17:1-7 | Sermon Text: John 18:12-27 (Peter’s Denial)
Epistle Suggestion: Hebrews 4:14-16
Prayer of the Day (WP): Holy God, we, like Peter, often turn our backs on you. Forgive us and show us a new way to live, walking boldly and passionately toward you. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #349. Ah, Holy Jesus
ELW #779. Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
ELW #793. Be Thou My Vision
ELW #420/1. By All Your Saints
ELW #801. Change My Heart, O God
ELW #647. Glorious Things of You Are Spoken
ELW #618. Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer
ELW #620. How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
ELW #697. Just a Closer Walk with Thee
ELW #631. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
ELW #596/7. My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less
ELW #351/2. O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
ELW #497. Strengthen for Service, Lord
ELW #667. Take Up Your Cross, the Savior Said
ELW #614. There Is a Balm in Gilead
ELW #666. What Wondrous Love Is This
LBW #106. In the Hour of Trial
Various Hymnals At the Cross Her Station Keeping
Various Hymnals Shadows Lengthen into Night
Various Hymnals When We Are Tempted to Deny Your Son
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #565. All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night
ELW #321. Eternal Lord of Love, Behold Your Church
ELW #632. O God, Our Help in Ages Past
ELW #561. Joyous Light of Heavenly Glory
ELW #752. Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying
ELW #765. Lord of All Hopefulness
ELW #858/9. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
ELW #889. The Right Hand of God
LBW #368. I Love Your Kingdom, Lord
Various Hymnals O God of Bethel, by Whose hand
Various Hymnals Hear Our Prayer, O Lord
Various Hymnals Keep Me as the Apple of the Eye
(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.
“Broken” By Michael Himes.
“Overwhelmed by love” By Noel Richards.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

Beloved friends, in this season of repentance and healing, we accept God’s invitation to be ever-mindful of the needs of others, offering our prayers on behalf of God’s community in the church and the world.

A brief silence.

Lord of love, we pray for the church; may we confess your rule with ever greater boldness and unity. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord of life, we pray for the resting fields; may the spring renewal provide an abundant harvest for the sake of all. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord of unity, we pray for all the countries of the world; may your peace and justice rule where there is oppression and subjugation. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord of all mercy, we pray for all who doubt; may the Holy Spirit bring us all to deeper faith and trust in you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord of healing, we pray for all who suffer in any way; may they find their wholeness in your presence. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Lord of time, we pray for the dearly departed (especially,…); may we all be drawn into your presence on the last day. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill us with your strength to resist the seductions of our foolish desires and the tempter’s vain delights, that we may walk in obedience and righteousness, rejoicing in you with an upright heart. Amen.