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.