Month: October 2018

Worship Resources: November 11, 2018

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25th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 27[32])

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Advent 4C and Epiphany 4A
Readings: Micah Sermon text – Micah [1:3-5]; 5:2-5a; 6:6-8 Companion text – Matthew 9:13
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): God of justice, you sent your servant Micah to proclaim justice and peace to a world that lacked both. Make us instruments of justice and peace, so that your world might prosper. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #779. Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
ELW #303. Brightest and Best of the Stars
ELW #711. O Day of Peace
ELW #713. O God of Every Nation
ELW #697. Just a Closer Walk with Thee
ELW #717. Let Justice Flow like Streams
ELW #279. O Little Town of Bethlehem
ELW #269. Once in Royal David’s City
ELW #889. The Right Hand of God
ELW #669. Rise Up, O Saints of God!
ELW #623. Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me
ELW #583. Take My Life, That I May Be
ELW #255. There’s a Voice in the Wilderness
ELW #720. We Are Called
ELW #680/1. We Plow the Fields and Scatter (Aramos nuestros campos)
WOV #637. Gloria, Gloria, Gloria
Various Hymnals A Place at the Table
Various Hymnals Let Justice Roll Like a River
Various Hymnals What Does the Lord Require
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #522. As We Gather at Your Table
ELW #420/1. By All Your Saints
ELW #610. O Christ, the Healer, We Have Come
ELW #816. Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life
ELW #798. Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons)
WOV #793. Shout for Joy Loud and Long
Various Hymnals The Kingdom of God Is Justice and Joy
Various Hymnals The Master Came to Bring Good News
Various Hymnals When Jesus the Healer
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Ancient Skies” By Michael Gungor, Michael Rossback
“Micah 6:8” By Charlie Hall.
“You Have Shown Us” By Andy Park, Chris Tomlin, et al.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

God of life, we praise you for your abiding presence from generation to generation, blessing your people, strengthening us to lives of service, empowering us to witness. Hear the prayers we offer on behalf of your creation.

A brief silence.

For the church O Lord; that we may walk humbly in your ways. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the earth, O Lord; that all of creation recognize your rule and reflect your glory. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the nations, O Lord; that all people may seek to do justice. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the sick and suffering, O Lord; that they may know your peace and rest in the assurance of your care. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For victims of violence, O Lord; that your healing be at work in their lives. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For this congregation, O Lord; that we may love kindness and seek to deepen our faith toward you and love toward one another. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

For all the saints, O Lord; that their rest in you be secure and peaceful. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant that as we serve you now on earth, so we may one day rejoice with all the saints in your kingdom of light and peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Worship Resources: November 4, 2018

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All Saints Sunday

Color: White
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Epiphany 6B, Proper 9(14)C, Proper 23(28)C
Readings: Elisha Heals Naaman Sermon text – 2 Kings 5:1-15a Companion text – Matthew 8:2-3
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): Healing God, you healed your servant Naaman of his affliction when he came to you, through Elisha, for help. Heal our afflictions, and make us faithful servants. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #453. Baptized and Set Free
ELW #610. O Christ, the Healer, We Have Come
ELW #478. Father, We Thank You
ELW #422. For All the Saints
ELW #595. Jesus Loves Me!
ELW #592. Just As I Am, without One Plea
ELW #660. Lift High the Cross
ELW #631. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
ELW #623. Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me
ELW #423. Shall We Gather at the River
ELW #448. This Is the Spirit’s Entry Now
ELW #613. Thy Holy Wings
ELW #445. Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters
ELW #774. What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine
Various Hymnals Go Wash in the Beautiful Stream
Various Hymnals Healing river of the Spirit
Various Hymnals I Sing a Song of the Saints of God
Various Hymnals We’ll Sing in the Morning
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #249. On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry
ELW #310. Songs of Thankfulness and Praise
ELW #798. Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons)
Various Hymnals Heal Me, Hands of Jesus
Various Hymnals Jesus’ Hands Were Kind Hands
Various Hymnals Make Me Clean
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Come As You Are” By Ben Glover, David Crowder, et al.
“Healing Rain” By Martin Smith, Matt Bronleewe, et al.
“Kindness” By Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, et al.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

All blessing, honor, and glory, all wisdom, praise, and thanks be yours, O God of our salvation! We pray in communion with all the saints on earth and heaven, with the martyrs and the faithful in all ages, and in the name of the Lamb who was slain, who alone is worthy of worship.

A brief silence.

God of the church, bless bishops, pastors, deacons, interns, and all ministers of the Gospel; grant us wisdom and insight as we work to proclaim your eternal love and grace. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of creation, bless fields, streams, forests, lakes, and all ecosystems; grant health and healing to the world and an abundant harvest that all may share. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of all nations, bless republics, kingdoms, principalities, and all systems of government; instill in our leaders a deep and sincere desire for peace and justice. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of healing, bless doctors, nurses, specialists, and all involved in the care of others; give them patience and endurance as they work to bring comfort to all. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of recovery, bless those suffering with illness, grief, anxiety, and all other afflictions; help them to see your presence with them and grant them hope. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of this time and place, bless our quilters, youth ministries, women and men’s ministries, and all the ways in which we work to serve you as a congregation; bring us into ever deeper relationships with one another and faith in you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

God of eternity, bless the saints who have gone before us (especially those we name now,…); grant that their example may inspire us in our ministries and lives today. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless us with your healing presence; make us hungry for justice; strengthen our faith; and increase our love for others, especially those we find it most difficult to love. Amen.

Worship Resources: October 28, 2018

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Reformation Sunday

Color: Red or Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 12(17)A
Readings: Solomon’s Wisdom Sermon text – 1 Kings 3:4-28 Companion text – Matthew 6:9-10
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): Generous God, you gave your servant Solomon wisdom so that he might govern your people well. Grant us your wisdom, so that we might perform our life’s duties with gratitude and wisdom. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #793. Be Thou My Vision
ELW #656. Blest Be the Tie That Binds
ELW #847. Come, Let Us Join Our Cheerful Songs
ELW #408. Come, Thou Almighty King
ELW #807. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
ELW #625. Come, We That love the Lord (We’re Marching to Zion)
ELW #605. Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive
ELW #705. God of Grace and God of Glory
ELW #806. O God, My Faithful God
ELW #831. The God of Abraham Praise
ELW #632. O God, Our Help in Ages Past
ELW #673. God, Whose Almighty Word
ELW #769. If You But Trust in God to Guide You
ELW #435. Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending
ELW #545. Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing
ELW #782. My Shepherd, You Supply My Need
ELW #430. Rejoice, for Christ is King!
ELW #587/8. There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
ELW #803. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Various Hymnals Be present, Spirit of the Lord
Various Hymnals O God, Thy Constant Care and Love
Various Hymnals Lord, thy word abideth
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #645. Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation
ELW #402. Eternal Spirit of the Living Christ
ELW #605. Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive
ELW #679. For the Fruit of All Creation
ELW #748. O God in Heaven
ELW #688. Lord of Light
ELW #538. The Lord Now Sends us Forth
ELW #745. Lord, Teach Us How to Pray Aright
ELW #397. Loving Spirit
ELW #655. Son of God, Eternal Savior
ELW #887. This Is My Song
ELW #680/1. We Plow the Fields and Scatter (Aramos nuestros campos)
ELW #741. Your Will Be Done (Mayenziwe)
LBW #413. Father Eternal, Ruler of Creation
Various Hymnals Come, kingdom of our God
Various Hymnals My God, my Father, while I stray
Various Hymnals We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Amazing Love” By Graham Kendrick.
“Every Promise of Your Word” By Keith Getty, Stuart Townend.
“God I Look To You” By Ian McIntosh, Jenn Johnson.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

Friends in Christ, God invites us to hold the needs of our sisters and brothers as dear to us as our own needs. Loving our neighbors as ourselves, we offer our thanksgivings and our petitions on behalf of the church and the world.

A brief silence.

We pray for the church, that it might work with compassion and wisdom to further your kingdom. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for creation, that it may be restored to the wholeness in which you created it. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the nations, that we may implement systems of justice and peace for all people. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who are discerning your will for their lives, that they might find purpose and fulfillment in you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the sick and suffering, that they may know the peace with surpasses all understanding. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our congregation, and especially for our ministries of faith formation; that we may ground our members of all ages in your Word. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We pray for all the saints who have gone before us, that their lives may show us how best to walk in your ways. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, God of power, and through the ministry of your Son free us from the grip of the tomb, that we may desire you as the fullness of life and proclaim your saving deeds to all the world. Amen.

Worship Resources: October 21, 2018

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22nd Sunday after Pentecost

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 6(11)C
Readings: David and Bathsheba Sermon text – 2 Samuel 11:1-5, 26-27; 12:1-9; Psalm 51:1-9 Companion text – Matthew 21:33-41
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): God of forgiveness, you showed your servant David the error of his ways, and forgave him for his sins. Forgive us, and help us to see how we might live differently to honor you. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #801. Change My Heart, O God
ELW #185-188 Create in Me a Clean Heart
ELW #598. For by Grace You Have Been Saved
ELW #605. Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive
ELW #603. God, When Human Bonds Are Broken
ELW #358. Great God, Your Love Has Called Us
ELW #592. Just As I Am, without One Plea
ELW #599. Lord Jesus, Think on Me
ELW #745. Lord, Teach Us How to Pray Aright
ELW #759. My Faith Looks Up to Thee
ELW #606. Our Father, We Have Wandered
ELW #328. Restore in Us, O God
ELW #623. Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me
ELW #800. Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart
ELW #614. There Is a Balm in Gilead
ELW #587/8. There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
ELW #613. Thy Holy Wings
LBW #488. Breathe on Me, Breath of God
Various Hymnals God, Be Merciful to Me
Various Hymnals Kneeling, Pleading, Waiting
Various Hymnals Take This Moment
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #645. Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation
ELW #343. My Song Is Love Unknown
Various Hymnals Christ is our corner-stone
Various Hymnals O Christ, the Great Foundation
Various Hymnals Lord Christ, we praise your sacrifice
Various Hymnals Open Our Eyes, Lord
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Compassion Hymn” By Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, et al.
“Mighty to Save” By Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan.
“Sweetly Broken” By Jeremy Riddle.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

Friends in Christ, God invites us to hold the needs of our sisters and brothers as dear to us as our own needs. Loving our neighbors as ourselves, we offer our thanksgivings and our petitions on behalf of the church and the world.

A brief silence.

Compassionate God, forgive the church for its errors; restore us when we stray from the truth of your love and grace. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Compassionate God, forgive us when we harm creation; restore us when we fail in stewarding the gifts you have given us. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Compassionate God, forgive our leaders when they stray from justice and peace; restore the nations to wholeness and mercy. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Compassionate God, forgive us our sins; restore in us the desire for reconciliation and relationship over our selfishness. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Compassionate God, restore the ill (especially,…) and forgive us when we inflict pain on others. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Compassionate God, forgive the sins of this congregation; restore in us a sense of unity and gospel-driven purpose. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Compassionate God, forgive all the saints and bring us into your loving and gracious presence at the last day. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, God of power, and through the ministry of your Son free us from the grip of the tomb, that we may desire you as the fullness of life and proclaim your saving deeds to all the world. Amen.

Worship Resources: October 14, 2018

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21st Sunday after Pentecost

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 16(21)B or Proper 27(32)A
Readings: Joshua Renews the Covenant Sermon text – Joshua 24:1-26 Companion text – Matthew 4:8-10
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): God of deliverance, you saved the people of Israel and chose Joshua to lead your people to the Promised Land. Choose us, and equip us to live with faith and peace. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #724. All who love and serve your city
ELW #838. Beautiful Savior
ELW #605. Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive
ELW #673. God, Whose Almighty Word
ELW #769. If You But Trust in God to Guide You
ELW #810. O Jesus, I Have Promised
ELW #538. The Lord Now Sends us Forth
ELW #631. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
ELW #640. Our Father, by Whose Name
LBW #468. From God Can Nothing Move Me
LBW #512. Oh, Blest the House
LBW #389. Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus
DATH #92 We Will Serve God
Various Hymnals Happy the Home When God Is There
Various Hymnals Lord, What a Cloud of Witnesses
Various Hymnals We Will Serve the Lord
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; DATH=Dancing at the Harvest)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #314. Arise, Your Light Has Come!
ELW #728. Blest Are They
ELW #455. Crashing Waters at Creation
ELW #658. O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts
ELW #322. Oh, Love How Deep
ELW #249. On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry
ELW #843. Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
ELW #601. Savior, When in Dust to You
ELW #310. Songs of Thankfulness and Praise
ELW #334. Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery
WOV #783. Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
Various Hymnals Christ Jesus Knew
Various Hymnals Jesus, Tempted in the Desert
Various Hymnals The Race That Long in Darkness Pined
Various Hymnals When We Are Tested
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Come Now is the Time to Worship” By Brian Doerksen.
“The Family Prayer Song” By Morris Chapman.
“Name Above All Names” By Tim Hughes.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

Friends in Christ, God invites us to hold the needs of our sisters and brothers as dear to us as our own needs. Loving our neighbors as ourselves, we offer our thanksgivings and our petitions on behalf of the church and the world.

A brief silence.

God of the church, grant that we may be ever more faithful and sincere servants to your Word and will. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of creation, grant renewal to the earth and inspire in us a desire to heal and restore lands and waters to the glory you made them. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of the nations, grant peace and justice to all people and redeem our unjust and oppressive systems with your grace. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of eternity, grant that all people may come to know you as worthy of praise and service. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of healing, grant peace and comfort to all in pain and work through us to be your hands in the lives of any who suffer. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of freedom, grant that our knowledge of your saving grace move us to proclaim freedom and release to those imprisoned by sin and death. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

God of the generations, grant that we may continue in the long line of faithful people who have gone before us and bear witness to your eternal love to all who will follow after us. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, God of power, and through the ministry of your Son free us from the grip of the tomb, that we may desire you as the fullness of life and proclaim your saving deeds to all the world. Amen.