Month: April 2018

NL Worship Resources: May 6, 2018

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Easter 6

Color: White/Gold
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Advent 2C
Readings: Gospel Text: Luke 9:46-48 | Sermon Text: Philippians 1:1-18a (Partnership in the Gospel)
Psalm Suggestion: Psalm 126
Prayer of the Day (WP): Holy Lord, may our love overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help us determine what is best, so that we may be pure and blameless in the sight of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #392. Alleluia! Sing to Jesus
ELW #516. Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast
ELW #508. As Rain from the Clouds
ELW #656. Blest Be the Tie That Binds
ELW #732. Borning Cry
ELW #321. Eternal Lord of Love, Behold Your Church
ELW #879. For the Beauty of the Earth
ELW #770. Give Me Jesus
ELW #678. God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending
ELW #708. Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love
ELW #744. Lord, Be Glorified
ELW #545. Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing
ELW #716. Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace
ELW #631. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
ELW #763. My Life Flows On in Endless Song
ELW #583. Take My Life, That I May Be
ELW #685. Take My Life, That I May Be
ELW #659. Will You Let Me Be Your Servant
LBW #505. Forth in Thy Name, O Lord, I Go
LBW #324. O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
LBW #344. We Sing the Praise of Him Who Died
Various Hymnals Deeper, Deeper
Various Hymnals The Harvest of Justice
Various Hymnals More Love to Thee
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; TFF=This Far By Faith)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #329. As the Sun with Longer Journey
ELW #693. Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
ELW #363. Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain
ELW #679. For the Fruit of All Creation
ELW #696. Jesus Calls Us; o’er the Tumult
ELW #841. Lift Every Voice and Sing
ELW #839/40. Now Thank We All Our God
ELW #833. Oh, That I Had a Thousand Voices
ELW #864/5. Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven
ELW #694. Sing to the Lord of Harvest
WOV #656. By the Babylonian Rivers
WOV #669. Come Away to the Skies
Various Hymnals Because You Came
Various Hymnals There’s a Spirit in the Air
Variouos Hymnals Welcoming God
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Blessed Be Your Name” By Matt Redman, Beth Redman.
“In the Secret” By Andy Park.
“My Lighthouse” As performed by Rend collective
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.

For the church, O God; may our love overflow and our proclamation center on Jesus Christ. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

For the earth, O God; may the seeds that are being planted lead to an abundant harvest that might share. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

For the nations, O God; may we be filled with compassion for all people and work for the justice and peace you hold dear. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

For victims of violence, O God; may we bear witness to the shalom that leads reconciliation and mercy. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

For those who are in pain (especially,…); may you gift healers with wisdom and compassion as they offer comfort and healing. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

For the people gathered here today, and those dear to us, O God; may our communion echo the great heavenly feast. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

For the saints in light, O God; may our song join theirs in offering endless rejoicing in you. 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 29, 2018

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Easter 5

Color: White/Gold
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Easter 6A
Readings: Gospel Text: John 1:16-18 | Sermon Text: Acts 17:16-31 (Paul’s Sermon at
Athens)
Psalm Suggestion: Psalm 22:26-28
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of the unknown, your mysteries are astounding. Give us knowledge where you see fit, and let us sit comfortably with that which we can never understand. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #757. All My Hope on God Is Founded
ELW #883. All People That on Earth Do Dwell
ELW #638. Blessed Assurance
ELW #652. Built on a Rock
ELW #389. Christ Is Alive! Let Christians Sing
ELW #245. Creator of the Stars of Night
ELW #526. God Is Here!
ELW #737. He Comes to Us as One Unknown
ELW #834. Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
ELW #650. In Christ There Is No East or West
ELW #716. Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace
ELW #587. There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
ELW #668. O Zion, Haste
LBW #488. Breathe on Me, Breath of God
LBW #162. Lord God, the Holy Ghost
LBW #153. Welcome, Happy Morning!
TFF #225 I Believe I’ll Testify
Various Hymnals God, We Praise You!
Various Hymnals Lord of the Boundless Curves of Space
Various Hymnals We Come, O Christ, to You
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; TFF=This Far By Faith)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #373. Christ the Lord Is Risen Today!
ELW #855. Crown Him with Many Crowns
ELW #574. Here I Am, Lord
ELW #414. Holy God, We Praise Your Name
ELW #365. Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
ELW #351/2. O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
ELW #742. What a Friend We Have in Jesus
ELW #803. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
ELW #424. Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones
LBW #567. God of Our Fathers
LBW #547. Thee We Adore, Eternal Lord!
WOV #720. In the Presence of Your People
Various Hymnals Amid The Thronging Worshippers
Various Hymnals To God the only wise
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Every Move I Make” By David Ruis.
“I’ll Fly Away” By Albert E. Brumley.
“Mighty to Save” By Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan.
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.

We pray for the church and the mission of the Gospel; may all followers of Christ boldly proclaim the grace upon grace found in Jesus, the Word made flesh. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for farmers and gardeners who are anxious to begin the spring work; may God bless their endeavors and keep them safe in all that they do. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for the nations, especially those experiencing conflict and violence; may we hold our leaders accountable to the peace and justice that comes from God. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for people experiencing homelessness and poverty; may we use the blessings of God to help provide for those who lack daily bread and all that they need. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for those experiencing sickness and the suffering (especially,…); may we be agents of God’s comfort and peace to them. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for this community of faith; may we go forth from this service to proclaim the grace and love of God to all whom we encounter. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We pray for the faithful dead (especially Catherine of Siena, doctor of the church, and…); may we bear witness to the power of God the way they bore witness to us. 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 22, 2018

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Easter 4

Color: White/Gold
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Easter 7C
Readings: Gospel Text: Luke 6:18-19, 22-23 | Sermon Text: Acts 16:16-34 (Paul & Silas)
Psalm Suggestion: Psalm 97
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of freedom, Paul and Silas worshiped you, even when they were flogged and imprisoned. Transform our hearts so that we may also rejoice in you at all times and in all situations. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #442. All Who Believe and Are Baptized
ELW #656. Blest Be the Tie That Binds
ELW #569. The Day You Gave Us, Lord, Has Ended
ELW #812/3. Faith of Our Fathers
ELW #526. God Is Here!
ELW #530. Here, O Lord, Your Servants Gather
ELW #752. Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying
ELW #763. My Life Flows On in Endless Song
ELW #873/4. Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart!
ELW #614. There Is a Balm in Gilead
ELW #826. Thine the Amen
ELW #850/1. When in Our Music God Is Glorified
ELW #709. When Our Song Says Peace
ELW #211. You Have Put On Christ
LBW #157. A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing!
LBW #461. Fight the Good Fight
Various Hymnals Believe in the Lord
Various Hymnals Paul And Silas
Various Hymnals We Have Heard the Joyful Sound
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #835. All Creatures, Worship God Most High!
ELW #711. O Day of Peace
ELW #413. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!
ELW #841. Lift Every Voice and Sing
ELW #430. Rejoice, for Christ is King!
ELW #821. Shout to the Lord
ELW #511. Thy Strong Word Did Cleave the Darkness
LBW #483. God Moves in a Mysterious Way
W&P #126 Sing Out, Earth and Skies
Various Hymnals El Señor reina, altísimo (The Lord is king, the Most High)
Various Hymnals I Exalt Thee
Various Hymnals The Lord is King!
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; W&P=Worship & Praise Songbook)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Break Every Chain” By Will Reagan.
“The Earth Is Yours” By Michael Gungor.
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.

Most High God, move your church to acts of kindness and mercy that we may be agents of grace in the lives of all whom we encounter. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of creation, bless the earth and all its creatures that your sustaining and redeeming power may be made known to all. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Just God, bring freedom to the oppressed and unjustly imprisoned that peace and equality may reign above fear and violence. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of all, send forth your word that your great salvation may be known throughout the nations. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Restoring God, be with all who suffer from mental illness that they may hear you through voices of hope and comfort. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Creator God, on this Earth day open our eyes to see how our selfishness harms your glorious creation and stir in us a longing to heal and restore the beauty of the earth. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Calling God, we give you thanks for all the saints who have journeyed through nations and ages to bring your Word to us; may we be faithful witnesses to your love and grace as well. 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 15, 2018

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Easter 3

Color: White/Gold
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Easter 3C
Readings: Gospel Text: Matthew 6:24 | Sermon Text: Acts 9:1-19a (Called into Christ’s Service)
Psalm Suggestion: Psalm 30
Prayer of the Day (WP): God who calls us into service, transform us as you transformed Paul. Shape us into children who rejoice in knowing and proclaiming you to the world. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #641. All Are Welcome
ELW #266. All Earth Is Hopeful (Toda la tierra)
ELW #634. All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!
ELW #779. Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
ELW #416. At the Name of Jesus
ELW #420/1. By All Your Saints
ELW #801. Change My Heart, O God
ELW #389. Christ Is Alive! Let Christians Sing
ELW #662. Christ is the King!
ELW #553. Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies
ELW #812/3. Faith of Our Fathers
ELW #834. Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
ELW #650. In Christ There Is No East or West
ELW #592. Just As I Am, without One Plea
ELW #631. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
ELW #500. Now We Remain
ELW #606. Our Father, We Have Wandered
ELW #258. Unexpected and Mysterious
ELW #720. We Are Called
ELW #798. Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons)
LBW #498. All Who Would Valiant Be
LBW #381. Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling
LBW #392. O Lord, Send Forth Your Spirit
LBW #324. O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
Various Hymnals Paul, Preacher of the Word
Various Hymnals Sent by the Lord
Various Hymnals With Thy Spirit Fill Me
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #589. All Depends on Our Possessing
ELW #654. The Church’s One Foundation
ELW #414. Holy God, We Praise Your Name
ELW #881. Let All Things Now Living
ELW #822. Oh, Sing to the Lord (Cantad al Señor)
ELW #864/5. Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven
ELW #875. Praise, Praise, Praise the Lord!
ELW #824. This Is My Father’s World
ELW #327. Through the Night of Doubt and Sorrow
ELW #682. To God Our Thanks We Give (Reamo leboga)
ELW #262. Wait for the Lord
LBW #505. Forth in Thy Name, O Lord, I Go
WOV #746. Day by Day
WOV #783. Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God 
Various Hymnals Christ Is the World’s Light
Various Hymnals I’d Rather Have Jesus
Various Hymnals In an Age of Twisted Values
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Blessed Be Your Name” By Matt Redman, Beth Redman.
“Love the Lord” By Lincoln Brewster.
“Open The Eyes of My Heart” By Paul Baloche. As performed by Sonic Flood.
“Shine Jesus Shine” By Graham Kendrick.
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.

Calling God, deepen the faith of the church and its leaders and make us ever more devoted to your coming Kingdom. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Awakening God, strengthen creation as plants and animals revive from winter rest and send the warmth and light of spring to brighten the world. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of visions, inspire our leaders to work for justice and peace and move our society from love of wealth to love of you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Jealous God, remind us of the great claim you have on us and help us to rest secure in the promise of eternal and abundant life in you. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Healing God, send forth your power to all who are suffering and work through healers of all sorts to bring comfort and peace. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

God of the generations, we give you thanks for the witness of Paul and countless others who have worked faith in us through the Holy Spirit; strengthen our own witness to your power and love. 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.