Month: March 2018

NL Worship Resources: April 8, 2018

Posted on by freedfromfreedfor

Easter 2

Color: White/Gold
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Easter 2 A/B/C
Readings: Psalm Text: Psalm 145:13-21 | Sermon Text: John 20:19-31 (Thomas)
Epistle Suggestion: Romans 3:9-11
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of resurrection, your son, Jesus, awed his followers by appearing among them. With awe we also celebrate his resurrection and rejoice in eternal life. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #392. Alleluia! Sing to Jesus
ELW #416. At the Name of Jesus
ELW #420/1. By All Your Saints
ELW #760. O Christ the Same
ELW #804. Come Down, O Love Divine
ELW #404. Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove
ELW #363. Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain
ELW #855. Crown Him with Many Crowns
ELW #521. O Day of Rest and Gladness
ELW #361. The Day of Resurrection!
ELW #753. Dona nobis pacem
ELW #603. God, When Human Bonds Are Broken
ELW #543. Go, My Children, with My Blessing
ELW #535. Hallelujah! We Sing Your Praises
ELW #620. How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
ELW #435. Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending
ELW #631. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
ELW #886. Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
ELW #322. Oh, Love How Deep
ELW #390. The Risen Christ
ELW #534. Savior, Again to Your Dear Name
ELW #820. O Savior, Precious Savior
ELW #809. Send Me, Lord (Thuma mina)
ELW #386/7. O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing
ELW #800. Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart
ELW #384. That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright
ELW #376. Thine Is the Glory
ELW #635. We Walk by Faith
ELW #803. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
ELW #798. Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons)
ELW #758. You Are the Way
ELW #484. You Satisfy the Hungry Heart (Gift of Finest Wheat)
LBW #488. Breathe on Me, Breath of God
LBW #472 Come, Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire
LBW #151 Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
WOV #793. Shout for Joy Loud and Long
Various Hymnals Christ Has Risen
Various Hymnals Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise
Various Hymnals So Send I You
(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 #634. All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!
ELW #415. Father Most Holy
ELW #733. Great Is Thy Faithfulness
ELW #880. O God beyond All Praising
ELW #414. Holy God, We Praise Your Name
ELW #839/40. Now Thank We All Our God
ELW #430. Rejoice, for Christ is King!
ELW #889. The Right Hand of God
ELW #366. The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done
ELW #826. Thine the Amen
ELW #680/1. We Plow the Fields and Scatter
LBW #527. All Creatures of Our God and King
LBW #550. From All That Dwell below the Skies
Various Hymnals Abres tú la mano, Señor (The hand of the Lord feeds us)
Various Hymnals Praise to God, Immortal Praise
Various Hymnals We will extol you, ever-blessed Lord
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” By Chris Tomlin, John Newton, et al.
“Awesome God” By Rich Mullins.
“Blessed Be Your Name” By Matt Redman, Beth Redman.
“More Than Conquerors”
“Soon and Very Soon” By Andraé Crouch.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

Sisters and brothers in Christ, God invites us to bring our doubts and fears, our joys and concerns, our petitions and praise, and offer them for the earth and all its creatures.

A brief silence.

Resurrected Lord, we pray for the church and all its members; breathe your Spirit on us and send us forth to witness to your love, forgiveness, and salvation. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Resurrected Lord, we pray for all of creation; renew the earth and all that is on it and bring healing where we have caused harm and brokenness. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Resurrected Lord, we pray for the nations and the leaders of nations; spread your peace among the hearts of all and restore justice to the oppressed. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Resurrected Lord, we pray for all who struggle with doubts of any sort; bring growth out questions and faith out of trial. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Resurrected Lord, we pray for the sick (especially,…); work your healing power in the lives of all who suffer and grant them comfort and peace. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Resurrected Lord, we pray for all the saints who have gone before us; as the Spirit moved them, move us and bring us all into your resurrection dawn. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Receive these prayers, O God, and transform us through them, that we may have eyes to see and hearts to understand not only what you do on our behalf, but what you call us to do so that your realm will come to fruition in glory. Amen.

NL Worship Resources: April 1, 2018

Posted on by freedfromfreedfor

Easter Sunday

Color: White/Gold
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Easter A/B/C
Readings: Psalm Text: Psalm 118:21-29 | Sermon Text: John 20:1-18 (Resurrection)
Epistle Suggestion: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26
Prayer of the Day (WP): Loving God, with joy and unending praise we raise our voices to you, as together we sing, “Hallelujah! Jesus is risen!” Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #375. Alleluia! Christ Is Arisen (¡Aleluya! Cristo resucitó)
ELW #362. At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing
ELW #371. Christians, to the Paschal Victim
ELW #389. Christ Is Alive! Let Christians Sing
ELW #383. Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna!
ELW #369. Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia!
ELW #373. Christ the Lord Is Risen Today!
ELW #363. Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain
ELW #855. Crown Him with Many Crowns
ELW #361. The Day of Resurrection!
ELW #521. O Day of Rest and Gladness
ELW #419. For All the Faithful Women
ELW #385. Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing!
ELW #347. Go to Dark Gethsemane
ELW #380. Hallelujah! Jesus Lives!
ELW #535. Hallelujah! We Sing Your Praises
ELW #620. How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
ELW #365. Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
ELW #545. Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing
ELW #599. Lord Jesus, Think on Me
ELW #379. Now the Green Blade Rises
ELW #430. Rejoice, for Christ is King!
ELW #366. The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done
ELW #384. That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright
ELW #376. Thine Is the Glory
ELW #391. This Joyful Eastertide
ELW #449. We Know That Christ Is Raised
LBW #246. The First Day of the Week
Various Hymnals A Prophet-Woman Broke a Jar
Various Hymnals Comes Mary to the Grave
Various Hymnals In the Garden
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #377. Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen!
ELW #344. All Glory, Laud, and Honor
ELW #645. Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation
ELW #528. Come and Fill Our Hearts
ELW #475. Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor
ELW #556. Morning Has Broken
ELW #787. On Eagle’s Wings
ELW #533. Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty
ELW #873/4. Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart!
ELW #682. To God Our Thanks We Give (Reamo leboga)
LBW #142. Hail Thee, Festival Day!
LBW #211. Here, O My Lord, I See Thee
LBW #521. Let Us with a Gladsome Mind
Various Hymnals Come, O Spirit, Dwell Among Us
Various Hymnals The Glorious Gates of Righteousness
Various Hymnals This is the Day
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Revolutionary Love” By David Crowder, Jack Parker, et al.
“We Believe” By Graham Kendrick.
“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)

Let us pray for the needs of the church and the world to God who raised Jesus to new life.

A brief silence.

Teacher of the way of love, work in the church and its leaders; guide us to deeper faith in you and service towards the world you so love. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

First born of the dead, bring new life to creation; open our eyes to the beauty all around us and open our hearts to share the abundance you provide. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Ruler of all, restore your justice to the nations; work in the hearts and minds of all leaders of governments that they may seek to do your will. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of all grace, draw near to those entombed by sin; may your resurrection light and life dawn upon all who yearn to be made whole. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Lord of the empty tomb, bring comfort to any who are in pain; grant life abundant and life eternal to those suffering from disease and illness. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Resurrected one, gather your children to their heavenly home; guide us along the way of all the saints who have gone before us and were led by you. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Through the resurrection of your son, O God, you destroy the power of death and remove your people’s shame. By the power of the Spirit, raise us from sin and seat us at the paschal feast, that we may rejoice in the gift of salvation Jesus has won for us. Amen.

NL Worship Resources: March 25, 2018

Posted on by freedfromfreedfor

Palm/Passion Sunday

Color: Purple/Scarlet
Closest RCL Sunday(s): N/A
Readings: Psalm Text: Psalm 24 | Triumphal Entry Text: John 12:12-27 |
Sermon Text: John 19:16b-22 (The Crucified Messiah)
Epistle Suggestion: 1 Corinthians 1:27-29
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of honor and celebration, together we cry, “Hosanna!” to your son, who rode willingly and bravely into Jerusalem. Hear us as we celebrate your anointed one, Jesus Christ. Amen

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #337. Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed
ELW #344. All Glory, Laud, and Honor
ELW #416. At the Name of Jesus
ELW #408. Come, Thou Almighty King
ELW #855. Crown Him with Many Crowns
ELW #324. In the Cross of Christ I Glory
ELW #335. Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross
ELW #336. Lamb of God (Your Only Son)
ELW #343. My Song Is Love Unknown
ELW #322. Oh, Love How Deep
ELW #346. Ride On, Ride On in Majesty!
ELW #666. What Wondrous Love Is This
ELW #353. Were You There
LBW #110. At the Cross, Her Station Keeping
LBW #112/3. Jesus, in Thy Dying Woes
LBW #114. There Is a Green Hill Far Away
LBW #344. We Sing the Praise of Him Who Died
Various Hymnals Hark! the Voice of Love and Mercy*
Various Hymnals Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone
Various Hymnals The Old Rugged Cross
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)
* Contains “Alleluia”

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #634. All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!
ELW #883. All People That on Earth Do Dwell
ELW #422. For All the Saints
ELW #734. God, Whose Farm Is All Creation
ELW #450. I Bind unto Myself Today
ELW #744. Lord, Be Glorified
ELW #842. Oh, Worship the King
ELW #858/9. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
ELW #873/4. Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart!
ELW #789. Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us
ELW #824. This Is My Father’s World
LBW #124/5. The Royal Banners Forward Go
WOV #631. Lift Up Your Heads, O Gates
Various Hymnals The King of Glory Comes
Various Hymnals Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates
Various Hymnals Psalm 24
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Broken” By Michael Himes.
“Come Let Us Worship” By Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves.
“Savior Of The World” By Ben Cantelon.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

Caught between joy and despair, we yearn for the fulfillment of God’s desire beyond the brokenness and neediness of this life. We offer thanksgiving for God’s presence with us and petitions for the transformation of the church and the world.

A brief silence.

We pray for all leaders of the church: for Bishops and Pastors, Deacons and Elders, Councils and Teachers; may they loudly proclaim the glory and reign of our Crucified King. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for creation: for fields and streams, mountains and plains, oceans and seas; may the coming seasons bring an abundant harvest that all may share. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the nations of the world: for democracies and republics, for kingdoms and principalities, for theocracies and autocracies; may your peace and justice cover all lands and peoples. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who commit violence against others: for thieves and bandits, for murderers and rapists, for abusers and liars; may they come to repentance and seek paths of reconciliation and righteousness. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those in the grip of disease: for those dealing with cancer or other chronic illnesses, for those who are paralyzed or unresponsive, for those about to undergo surgery and those recovering from surgery; may your healing power flow through all who work for their wholeness. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We pray for those faithful witnesses who have gone before: for Sunday school teachers and pastors, for parents and parental figures, for saints and martyrs; may we join in that long line of witnesses as well. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Life-giver, Pain-bearer, Love-maker, day by day you sustain the weary with your word and gently encourage us to place our trust in you. Awaken us to the suffering of those around us; save us from hiding in denials or taunts that deepen the hurt; give us grace to share one another’s burdens in humble service. Amen.

NL Worship Resources: March 18, 2018

Posted on by freedfromfreedfor

Lent 5

Color: Purple
Closest RCL Sunday(s): N/A
Readings: Psalm Text: Psalm 146 | Sermon Text: John 19:1-16a (Jesus Condemned)
Epistle Suggestion: Colossians 1:11-14
Prayer of the Day (WP): Holy God, in this season of contemplation, help us to recognize that you revealed yourself in Jesus, who walked among us and was handed over to be crucified. May we be strengthened by his presence among us today. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #349. Ah, Holy Jesus
ELW #338. Beneath the Cross of Jesus
ELW #354. Calvary (Every Time I Think about Jesus)
ELW #370. Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands
ELW #339. Christ, the Life of All the Living
ELW #855. Crown Him with Many Crowns
ELW #347. Go to Dark Gethsemane
ELW #432. The Head That Once Was Crowned
ELW #324. In the Cross of Christ I Glory
ELW #325. I Want Jesus to Walk with Me
ELW #727. Lord Christ, When First You Came to Earth
ELW #343. My Song Is Love Unknown
ELW #379. Now the Green Blade Rises
ELW #843. Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
ELW #346. Ride On, Ride On in Majesty!
ELW #351/2. O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
ELW #355/6. Sing, My Tongue
ELW #353. Were You There
ELW #803. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
LBW #At the Cross, Her Station Keeping
LBW #114. There Is a Green Hill Far Away
Various Hymnals A Purple Robe, a Crown of Thorn
Various Hymnals O Dearest Lord, Thy Sacred Head
Various Hymnals To Mock Your Reign, O Dearest Lord
(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 #557. Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun
ELW #638. Blessed Assurance
ELW #848. Give to Our God Immortal Praise!
ELW #831. The God of Abraham Praise
ELW #733. Great Is Thy Faithfulness
ELW #886. Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
ELW #531. The Trumpets Sound, the Angels Sing (The Feast Is Ready)
ELW #853. When Morning Gilds the Skies
ELW #785. When Peace like a River (It Is Well with My Soul)
LBW #493. Hope of the World
LBW #537. O Jesus, King Most Wonderful!
LBW #264. When All Your Mercies, O My God
Various Hymnals God of my life! through all its days
Various Hymnals Sing praise to God who reigns above
Various Hymnals Summer suns are glowing
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“All For You” By Jon Neufeld, Tim Neufeld.
“Broken” By Michael Himes.
“The Wonderful Cross” By Chris Tomlin, Isaac Watts, et al.
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.

King of the church, turn our anger and judgement into acts of mercy and contrition. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

King of creation, restore fields and streams to wholeness and vibrancy. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

King of the nations, bring humility to our leaders and peace to the world. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

King of all, forgive our shouts of condemnation and turn our hearts to reconciliation. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

King of life, work your healing power in the lives of all who suffer in any way. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

King of glory, bring us into your presence along with (…, and) all the saints who have gone before us. 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.

NL Worship Resources: March 11, 2018

Posted on by freedfromfreedfor

Lent 4

Color: Purple
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Good Friday A/B/C or Reign of Christ B
Readings: Psalm Text: Psalm 145:10-13 | Sermon Text: John 18:28-40 (Jesus and Pilate)
Epistle Suggestion: Colossians 1:12-14
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of truth, too often we bend truth to fit our needs. Show us how to recognize and follow your truth, shown to us by the love and life of your son, Jesus. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #801. Change My Heart, O God
ELW #431. O Christ, What Can It Mean for Us
ELW #481. Come to the Table
ELW #347. Go to Dark Gethsemane
ELW #432. The Head That Once Was Crowned
ELW #332. I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
ELW #611. I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
ELW #696. Jesus Calls Us; o’er the Tumult
ELW #434. Jesus Shall Reign
ELW #805. Lead On, O King Eternal!
ELW #343. My Song Is Love Unknown
ELW #430. Rejoice, for Christ is King!
LBW #537. O Jesus, King Most Wonderful!
LBW #124/5. The Royal Banners Forward Go
LBW #202. Victim Divine, Your Grace We Claim
LBW #190. We Praise You, Lord
Various Hymnals O come and mourn with me awhile
Various Hymnals Hail, Thou once-despisèd Jesus!
Various Hymnals You, Lord, Are Both Lamb and Shepherd
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #733. Great Is Thy Faithfulness
ELW #414. Holy God, We Praise Your Name
ELW #413. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!
ELW #836. Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
ELW #881. Let All Things Now Living
ELW #886. Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
ELW #842. Oh, Worship the King
ELW #858/9. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
ELW #889. The Right Hand of God
ELW #826. Thine the Amen
ELW #824. This Is My Father’s World
LBW #521. Let Us with a Gladsome Mind
Various Hymnals God, my King, Thy might confessing
Various Hymnals I will praise your name forever
Various Hymnals Praise the Lord! His Glories Show
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Go To Dark Gethsemane” By James Montgomery, Richard Redhead.
“Light Of The World” By Matt Redman.
“You Are My King (Amazing Love)” By Billy Foote.
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.

We pray for the church; that we may point to the truth of Jesus Christ in all that we do. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for creation; that the truth of God’s creative and sustaining power inspire us to heal and protect the environment. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the nations and the leaders of nations; that the truth of God’s ruling kingdom of justice and peace may be known and fully realized. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the coming kingdom; that the truth of our citizenship in God’s kingdom cause us to be agents  of mercy and love. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the sick (especially,…); that the truth of God’s desire for life and healing inspire us to acts of comfort and peace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We pray for the faithful dead; that the truth of God in which they trusted may be as deeply rooted in our lives as it was in theirs. 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.