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.