Month: May 2018

Worship Resources: June 10, 2018

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As previously mentioned, I am part of a group doing a summer series on “Women of Scripture.”

3rd Sunday after Pentecost

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): N/A
Readings: Rahab Sermon text – Joshua 2:1-23 Companion texts – Psalm 33:16-22 and/or Matthew 21:28-32
Prayer of the Day: God of Rahab, you constantly use surprising people in surprising ways to work your will in the world. Use even ordinary us in our daily lives, to bring about your will in the world. Your will, shown through the life of Jesus, which is a will for peace, justice, mercy, and love for others. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #647. Glorious Things of You Are Spoken
ELW #237/8. Litany of the Saints
Various Hymnals A Prophet-woman Broke a Jar
Various Hymnals Foremothers of Christ
Various Hymnals In Matthew’s Gospel There Are Five
Various Hymnals There is a Line of Women
Various Hymnals Who’d Have Thought the Lord Almighty
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #779. Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
ELW #807. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
ELW #756. Eternal Father, Strong to Save
ELW #632. O God, Our Help in Ages Past
ELW #836. Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
ELW #837. Many and Great, O God (Wakantanka taku nitawa)
ELW #608 Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling
ELW #587/8. There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
Various Hymnals God, Who Touchest Earth With Beauty
Various Hymnals I Will Sing
Various Hymnals O Love of God, How Strong and True
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Come Let Us Worship” By Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves.
“Rahab’s Song” By Eddie Spence
“Mighty to Save” By Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan.
“The Battle Of Jericho Revisited” By Kathie Hill
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

God of mercy and healing, you who hear the cries of those in need, receive these petitions of your people that all who are troubled may know peace, comfort, and courage.

A brief silence.

Lord of the church, open our eyes to the surprising ways you are at work in the world around us and move us to join in your kingdom-building work . Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Lord of all creation, furnish the earth with all its needs and bring your healing power to bear where we have caused harm. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Lord of all nations, bring equity and justice to all peoples and make us agents of your reign in all aspects of our life together. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Lord of promise, work in the lives of all believers to deepen our trust in your amazing promises of life and love. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Lord of wholeness, provide healing and comfort to all those in pain (especially,…). Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Lord of this congregation, strengthen our bonds of love with one another and bind us ever more closely to you. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Lord of life, continue to work through the example of all the saints who have gone before us and keep them in peace. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Life-giving God, heal our lives, that we may acknowledge your wonderful deeds and offer you thanks from generation to generation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Worship Resources: June 3, 2018

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As previously mentioned, I am part of a group doing a summer series on “Women of Scripture.”

2nd Sunday after Pentecost

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 19(24)A
Readings: Miriam & Zipporah Sermon text – Exodus 2:1-25; 15:19-21 | Companion texts – Psalm 114 and/or Luke 1:73-75
Prayer of the Day: God of Miriam, multiply our joy at your great, salvific acts and cause us to sing of your eternal triumph over evil and death. God of Zipporah, make us ever more welcoming to others as Zipporah and Reuel welcomed Moses into their lands and lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, who is our joy and home, we pray. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #362. At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing
ELW #455. Crashing Waters at Creation
ELW #363. Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain
ELW #419. For All the Faithful Women
ELW #574. Here I Am, Lord
ELW #822. Oh, Sing to the Lord (Cantad al Señor)
ELW #864/5. Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven
ELW #823. Praise the Lord! O Heavens
ELW #872. Praise Ye the Lord
LBW #19. I Will Sing to the Lord
WOV #670. When Israel Was in Egypt’s Land
Various Hymnals A Mother Lined a Basket
Various Hymnals God It Was
Various Hymnals God of the Women
Various Hymnals He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
Various Hymnals I Will Sing unto the LORD (for he has triumphed gloriously…)
Various Hymnals Miriam’s Waiting by the River
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #250. Blessed Be the God of Israel
ELW #552. Blessed Be the God of Israel
ELW #647. Glorious Things of You Are Spoken
ELW #249. God Himself Is Present
ELW #673. God, Whose Almighty Word
ELW #733. Great Is Thy Faithfulness
ELW #618. Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer
ELW #810. O Jesus, I Have Promised
ELW #768. Lead Me, Guide Me
LBW #550. From All That Dwell below the Skies
Various Hymnals Come and See the Shining Hope
Various Hymnals O Raise Your Eyes on High
Various Hymnals You Have Come to Your People
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Come Let Us Worship” By Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves.
“Holy Ground” By Geron Davis.
“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)

Empowering God, you gave the church the abiding presence of your Holy Spirit. Look upon your church today and hear our petitions.

A brief silence.

Bless the church with hearts of welcome and joy, O Lord; and bless the ministries of hospitality that we are engaged in. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Bless the fields with abundant life, O Lord; and bless those who care for them. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Bless all nations with peace and prosperity, O Lord; and bless those who strive to lead them in the ways of peace and justice. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Bless those who suffer from depression and anxiety, O Lord; and provide them with help and support in their need. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Bless those who are in pain, O Lord (especially,…); and bring your healing to bear upon them. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Bless this congregation with your presence, O Lord; and be with all who will travel this summer. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Bless the rest of the faithful dead, O Lord (especially, the martyrs of Uganda and…); and unite us with them in joyous witness to your faithful love. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Grant that, gathered and directed by your Spirit, we may confess Christ as Lord and combine our diverse gifts with a singular passion to continue his mission in this world until we join in your eternal praise. Amen.

Worship Resources: May 27, 2018

Posted on by freedfromfreedfor

As previously mentioned, I am part of a group doing a summer series on “Women of Scripture.”

Holy Trinity Sunday

Color: Red
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 6(11)A
Readings: Sarah & Hagar Sermon text – Genesis 16:1-12,15-16; 18:1-15; 21:1-3, 8-21 Companion texts – Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 and/or Matthew 9:35-36
Prayer of the Day: God of Hagar, protect those sent away from safety as you protected Hagar and Ishmael. Open our eyes to see the vulnerable in our midst and open our hearts to serve them in their needs. God of Sarah, deepen our trust in your promises and fill us with compassion even in the midst of despair. Fill us with delight in you, God of laughter and compassion. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #557. Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun
ELW #831. The God of Abraham Praise
ELW #737. He Comes to Us as One Unknown
ELW #802. Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus
ELW #783. Praise and Thanks and Adoration
DATH #97 Tell What God Has Done for Us
ASG #6 Clap Your Hands! Shout for Joy!
Various Hymnals God of the Women
Various Hymnals God It Was
Various Hymnals In a Deep, Unbounded Darkness
Various Hymnals To Abraham and Sarah
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  DATH=Dancing at the Harvest; ASG=As Sunshine to a Garden)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #610. O Christ, the Healer, We Have Come
ELW #860. I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me
ELW #712. Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service
ELW #631. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
ELW #863. My God, How Wonderful Thou Art
ELW #839/40. Now Thank We All Our God
ELW #493. Taste and See
Various Hymnals I Will Call Upon the Lord
Various Hymnals Let Your Heart Be Broken
Variouos Hymnals World Peace Prayer
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Children of God” By David Carr, Mac Powell, et al.
“Come Let Us Worship” By Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves.
“Every Move I Make” By David Ruis.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

Empowering God, you gave the church the abiding presence of your Holy Spirit. Look upon your church today and hear our petitions.

A brief silence.

We pray for the church in its many and varied forms; let our witness be full of delight in God’s promises. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for the waters; let the healing power of God undo the harm we have committed, that this fundamental element be preserved for all. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for the nations; let peace and justice be known throughout the world and God’s light shine upon all. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for struggling with the demon of addiction; let us be agents of God’s grace and freedom. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for those dealing with disease of any sort; let God’s healing power shower down upon them. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for this congregation; let us be faithful witnesses to the power of God’s promises. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We pray for the dearly departed; let their example deepen our life together and trust in God’s eternal activity. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Grant that, gathered and directed by your Spirit, we may confess Christ as Lord and combine our diverse gifts with a singular passion to continue his mission in this world until we join in your eternal praise. Amen.

Summer Readings: Women of Scripture

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So the NL using pastors in my area have chosen to do “Women of Scripture” for our summer readings. This may mean my blog won’t be very useful to you during the summer months. For that, I apologize. If you would like to follow along with us, here are the readings we are using:

May 27: Sarah & Hagar Sermon text – Genesis 16:1-12,15-16; 18:1-15; 21:1-3, 8-21 Companion texts – Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 and/or Matthew 9:35-36

June 3: Miriam & Zipporah Sermon text – Exodus 2:1-25; 15:19-21 Companion texts – Psalm 114 and/or Luke 1:73-75

June 10: Rahab Sermon text – Joshua 2:1-23 Companion texts – Psalm 33:16-22 and/or Matthew 21:28-32

June 17: Hannah Sermon text – 1 Samuel 1:1–2:10 Companion texts – Psalm 16 and/or Matthew 24:1-3

June 24: Abigail Sermon text – 1 Samuel 25:1-20,23-42 Companion texts – Psalm 49:1-4 and/or Luke 14:7-11

July 1: Esther Sermon text – a summary of the book Companion texts – Psalm 124 and/or Mark 9:23-25

July 8: Ruth 1 Sermon text – Ruth 1:1-22 Companion texts – Psalm 146 and/or Matthew 22:36-38

July 15: Ruth 2 Sermon text – Ruth 2:1-23 Companion texts – Psalm 132:14-16 and/or Matthew 14:13-21

July 22: Ruth 3 Sermon text – Ruth 3:1-18 Companion texts – Psalm 145:13-15 and/or Luke 6:20-22

July 29: Ruth 4 Sermon text – Ruth 4:1-22 Companion texts – Psalm 127 and/or Matthew 1:5-6

August 5: Mary (Mother of Our Lord) Sermon text – Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-7, 22-38 Companion texts – Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 and/or Isaiah 7:13-15

August 12: Mary & Martha Sermon text – Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-6, 17-44 Companion texts – Psalm 130 and/or Isaiah 48:16-17

August 19: Tabitha Sermon text – Acts 9:32-42 Companion texts – Psalm 23 and/or 1 Kings 17:17-24

August 26: Lydia Sermon text – Acts 16:11-15 Companion texts – Psalm 67 and/or Isaiah 58:10-12

September 2: Eunice & Lois Sermon text – 2 Timothy 1:1-7 Companion texts – Psalm 37:1-9 and/or Deuteronomy 7:8-10

NL Worship Resources: May 20, 2018

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Pentecost

Color: Red
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Pentecost A/B/C or Advent 3C
Readings: Gospel Text: John 14:16-17 | Sermon Texts: Acts 2:1-21; Philippians 4:4-7 (Pentecost)
Psalm Suggestion: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of Spirit, we give thanks that when you sent your Advocate, the apostles were empowered to speak about your deeds of power in all languages, for every people. Give us boldness to share the Spirit’s power with our neighbors. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #641. All Are Welcome
ELW #883. All People That on Earth Do Dwell
ELW #793. Be Thou My Vision
ELW #804. Come Down, O Love Divine
ELW #404. Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove
ELW #627. O Day Full of Grace
ELW #521. O Day of Rest and Gladness
ELW #394. Hail Thee, Festival Day!
ELW #574. Here I Am, Lord
ELW #530. Here, O Lord, Your Servants Gather
ELW #620. How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
ELW #575. In Christ Called to Baptize
ELW #658. O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts
ELW #876. Let the Whole Creation Cry
ELW #545. Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing
ELW #765. Lord of All Hopefulness
ELW #763. My Life Flows On in Endless Song
ELW #832. My Lord of Light
ELW #886. Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
ELW #322. Oh, Love How Deep
ELW #822. Oh, Sing to the Lord (Cantad al Señor)
ELW #430. Rejoice, for Christ is King!
ELW #549. Send Me, Jesus
ELW #671. Shine, Jesus, Shine
ELW #396. Spirit of Gentleness
ELW #800. Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart
LBW #488. Breathe on Me, Breath of God
LBW #472/3. Come, Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire
LBW #160. Filled with the Spirit’s Power
LBW #162. Lord God, the Holy Ghost
LBW #387. Spirit of God, Unleashed on Earth
LBW #388. O Spirit of the Living God
WOV #681. Come, O Holy Spirit, Come
WOV #686. Holy Spirit, Come to Us
WOV #682. Praise the Spirit in Creation
Various Hymnals On Pentecost They Gathered
Various Hymnals Spirit of the Living God
Various Hymnals We Are the Church
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #344. All Glory, Laud, and Honor
ELW #447. O Blessed Spring
ELW #684. Creating God, Your Fingers Trace
ELW #679. For the Fruit of All Creation
ELW #740. God of the Sparrow
ELW #834. Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
ELW #836. Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
ELW #837. Many and Great, O God (Wakantanka taku nitawa)
ELW #842. Oh, Worship the King
ELW #821. Shout to the Lord
ELW #694. Sing to the Lord of Harvest
ELW #824. This Is My Father’s World
WOV #767. All Things Bright and Beautiful
Various Hymnals Angel voices, ever singing
Various Hymnals Benedic Anima Mea
Variouos Hymnals God of Wonders
(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.
“Breath Of God” By Vicky Beeching.
“Where The Spirit Of The Lord Is” By Chris Tomlin, Christy Nockels, et al.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

Empowering God, you gave the church the abiding presence of your Holy Spirit. Look upon your church today and hear our petitions.

A brief silence.

Lord, bless your church and its leaders (especially Bishop(s)…); send the power of your Holy Spirit upon us that our proclamation of the good news be bold and inspiring. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Lord, bless fields and steams; send rain and sun in due season and bring forth the bounty of the earth that your sustaining power be made known. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Lord, bless presidents and prime ministers and all who hold public office; make your will known to them and guide them in your ways as they lead. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Lord, bless mental health professionals and all who offer hope and healing; bring healing to any who suffer mental illness. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Lord, bless doctors and nurses and all who care for the sick; work your healing and wholeness in all who are in any pain. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Lord, bless the ministries of this church; stir us from placidness and apathy for the sake of our neighbors and communities. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Lord, bless all the saints; bind us with them through the power of the Holy Spirit that we may all join in praising your eternal glory. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Grant that, gathered and directed by your Spirit, we may confess Christ as Lord and combine our diverse gifts with a singular passion to continue his mission in this world until we join in your eternal praise. Amen.

NL Worship Resources: May 13, 2018

Posted on by freedfromfreedfor

 

Easter 7

Color: White/Gold
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 21 (26)A
Readings: Gospel Text: Luke 6:43-45 | Sermon Text: Philippians 2:1-13 (The Christ Hymn)
Psalm Suggestion: Psalm 25:1-9
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of love, with praise we celebrate Jesus , who humbled himself so that every knee should bend and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Amen.
Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #393. A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing!
ELW #634. All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!
ELW #416. At the Name of Jesus
ELW #431. O Christ, What Can It Mean for Us
ELW #855. Crown Him with Many Crowns
ELW #526. God Is Here!
ELW #831. The God of Abraham Praise
ELW #432. The Head That Once Was Crowned
ELW #414. Holy God, We Praise Your Name
ELW #398. Holy Spirit, Truth Divine
ELW #620. How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
ELW #434. Jesus Shall Reign
ELW #403. Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song
ELW #857. Lord, I Lift Your Name on High
ELW #716. Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace
ELW #343. My Song Is Love Unknown
ELW #886. Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
ELW #322. Oh, Love How Deep
ELW #822. Oh, Sing to the Lord (Cantad al Señor)
ELW #430. Rejoice, for Christ is King!
ELW #355/6. Sing, My Tongue
ELW #591. That Priceless Grace
ELW #666. What Wondrous Love Is This
ELW #659. Will You Let Me Be Your Servant
ELW #825. You Servants of God
LBW #160. Filled with the Spirit’s Power
LBW #537. O Jesus, King Most Wonderful!
LBW #388. O Spirit of the Living God
W&P #127 Song Over the Waters
Various Hymnals O Day Full Of Grace
Various Hymnals He Is Lord
Various Hymnals May the Mind of Christ, My Savior
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; W&P=Worship & Praise Songbook)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #729. The Church of Christ, in Every Age
ELW #605. Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive
ELW #796. How Firm a Foundation
ELW #768. Lead Me, Guide Me
ELW #765. Lord of All Hopefulness
ELW #766. Lord of Our Life
ELW #676. Lord, Speak to Us, That We May Speak
ELW #351/2. O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
ELW #587/8 There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
ELW #864/5. Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven
ELW #359. Where Charity and Love Prevail
Various Hymnals Christ is our corner-stone
Various Hymnals Help Us Accept Each Other
Variouos Hymnals To you, O Lord, I lift my soul
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Ancient of Days” By Gary Sadler, Jamie Harvill.
“Come Now is the Time to Worship” By Brian Doerksen.
“They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love”
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 universal, O Lord; make us ever more obedient to your holy will. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for creation, O Lord; make us good stewards that our world may better reflect your glory. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for all nations, O Lord; make peace among countries and bring your justice to bear upon all people. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for refugees, O Lord; make us more compassionate to the plight of others. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for the suffering, O Lord, (especially,…); make us better healers and comforters. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for our church, O Lord; make us mindful of the needs of our neighbors. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We pray for the blessed dead, O Lord; make us certain in your resurrection promise. 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.