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.