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.