Month: November 2018

Worship Resources: December 9, 2018

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Advent 2 Year 1

Color: Blue
Closest RCL Sunday(s): N/A
Readings: Esther Sermon text – Esther 4:1-17 Companion text – Matthew 5:13-16
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): God of justice, you sent your servant Esther into a life of privilege so that those without would be taken care of. In our privilege, show us how to advocate for those who have less, so that your world might be peaceful and just. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #245. Creator of the Stars of Night
ELW #705. God of Grace and God of Glory
ELW #244. Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers
LBW #461. Fight the Good Fight
Various Hymnals Approach, my soul, the mercy seat by John Newton
Various Hymnals For Such a Time As This by Thomas A. Jackson
Various Hymnals It Is God Who Holds the Nations by Fred Green
Various Hymnals Sisters Let Us Walk Together by Judith Snowdon
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #728. Blest Are They
ELW #715. Christ, Be Our Light
ELW #532. Gather Us In
ELW #574. Here I Am, Lord
ELW #712. Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service
ELW #397. Loving Spirit
ELW #677. This Little Light of Mine
ELW #720. We Are Called
WOV #753. You Are the Seed
W&P #22. Bring Forth the Kingdom
DATH #64. Brighter than the Sun
Various Hymnals As a Fire Is Meant for Burning by Ruth Duck
Various Hymnals Jesus Bids Us Shine by Susan Warner
Various Hymnals We are the light of the world by Jean Anthony Greif
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Light Of The World” By Matt Redman.
“Shine Jesus Shine” By Graham Kendrick.
“We Are” By Chuck Butler, Ed Cash, et al.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

We seek the mighty God in the most unlikely places as a child in a stable, and in an empty tomb. May God hear these prayers, which come from the unlikely corners of our lives.

A brief silence.

O God of the church, grant us your light that we might bear it to a world of darkness. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O God of all creation, grant healing and renewal to the earth that its splendors inspire our joy and praise. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O God above all nations, grant the world wise and compassionate leaders that all people know your justice and peace. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O God of light, grant hope to the hopeless and peace to the anxious as we await the coming of Christ. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O God of healing, grant wholeness to the broken and comfort to those in pain that the suffering of the world be eased. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O God of this place and time, grant us boldness in our witness to your light and love. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

O God of all time, grant us the assurance of eternal life that the example of the saints before us live on in our lives. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give us ears to hear, O God, and eyes to watch, that we may know your presence in our midst during this holy season of joy as we anticipate the coming of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Worship Resources: December 2, 2018

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Advent 1 Year 1

Color: Blue
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 22(27)C, Proper 26(31)C
Readings: Faith as a Way of Life Sermon text – Habakkuk 1:1-7; 2:1-4; 3:[3b-6], 17-19 Companion text – Matthew 26:36-38
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): Faithful God, you proved your faithfulness to your people when they cried out to you in distress. Be present in our distress, and show us how to be faithful to you in the midst of suffering. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #654. The Church’s One Foundation
ELW #713. O God of Every Nation
ELW #240. Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah
ELW #745. Lord, Teach Us How to Pray Aright
ELW #712. Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service
ELW #886. Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
WOV #667. Stay Here
WOV #785. Weary of All Trumpeting
HFW # 398 God Is Truly Present
Various Hymnals Be Still and Know by John Bell
Various Hymnals Bring Forth the Kingdom by Marty Haugen
Various Hymnals God of Our Life, Through All the Circling Years by Hugh Kerr
Various Hymnals Song of the Prophets by Michael Morgan
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #626. By Gracious Powers
ELW #347. Go to Dark Gethsemane
ELW #343. My Song Is Love Unknown
ELW #348. Stay with Me
Various Hymnals According to Thy Gracious Word by James Montgomery
Various Hymnals Down in the Garden by W.H.L.
Various Hymnals Nothing Can Trouble by St. Teresa of Avila
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Blessed Be Your Name” By Matt Redman, Beth Redman.
“Broken” By Michael Himes.
“Overwhelmed by love” By Noel Richards.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

We seek the mighty God in the most unlikely places as a child in a stable, and in an empty tomb. May God hear these prayers, which come from the unlikely corners of our lives.

A brief silence.

We pray for the church universal, that we may produce the fruits of the spirit and lead the nations in proclaiming your praise. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for plants and animals as they enter winter rest, that their slumber may lead to a vibrant and life-filled spring. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the nations, that wherever voices cry out in distress or pain, your peace and justice may prevail. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are grieving, that the promise of Emmanuel provide some solace and comfort. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the sick and suffering (especially,…), that the power of the risen lord bring them healing and wholeness. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for this congregation and its ministries, that we may exult in the God of our salvation. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We pray for the saints in light, that their work might echo through the generations and inspire our work and service to you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give us ears to hear, O God, and eyes to watch, that we may know your presence in our midst during this holy season of joy as we anticipate the coming of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Worship Resources: November 25, 2018

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Reign of Christ (Proper 29[34]B)

Color: White
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Epiphany 4C, Proper 16(21)C
Readings: Jeremiah’s Temple Sermon Sermon text – Jeremiah 1:4-10; 7:1-11 Companion text – Matthew 21:12-13
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): God of cleansing, you showed the people of Israel how to behave in ways that honor you and your people. Show us how to behave so that your world might be blessed through our actions. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #757. All My Hope on God Is Founded
ELW #645. Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation
ELW #729. The Church of Christ, in Every Age
ELW #676. Lord, Speak to Us, That We May Speak
ELW #579. Lord, You Give the Great Commission
ELW #397. Loving Spirit
ELW #865. Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven
ELW #549. Send Me, Jesus (Thuma mina, Nkosi yam)
ELW #809. Send Me, Lord (Thuma mina)
ELW #547. Sent Forth by God’s Blessing
ELW #583. Take My Life, That I May Be
ELW #685. Take My Life, That I May Be
Various Hymnals Called to God’s Vocation
Various Hymnals God Be in My Head
Various Hymnals Womb of Life
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #344. All Glory, Laud, and Honor
ELW #736. God the Sculptor of the Mountains
ELW #434. Jesus Shall Reign
ELW #343. My Song Is Love Unknown
ELW #346. Ride On, Ride On in Majesty!
Various Hymnals Filled with Excitement
Various Hymnals Hosanna, Loud Hosanna
Various Hymnals Praise Him, All Ye Little Children
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Awesome God” By Rich Mullins.
“Breath Of God” By Vicky Beeching.
“Come Let Us Worship” By Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves.
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.

Lord God, provide your wisdom to the church and place your words in the mouths of its leaders. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord God, bless forest and streams, fields and oceans with your powerful and sustaining life. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord God, appoint wise rulers and leaders over all nations that all people may come to know your peace and justice. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord God, bring us to repentance when we err, and redeem our broken systems from oppression and selfishness. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord God, heal the sick and suffering (especially,…) and send your spirit of comfort on any in pain. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord God, bless this assembly, gathered in your name to be equipped for your service in the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Lord God, bring us into the presence of all your saints at the last day and deliver all your people from sin and death. 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 18, 2018

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26th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 28[33]B)

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Advent 1A
Readings: Swords into Plowshares Sermon text – Isaiah 36:1-3, 13-20; 37:1-7; then 2:1-4 Companion text – Matthew 5:14
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): God of deliverance, you promised prosperity and peace to the exiles of Jerusalem. Grant us to prosper, not for riches, but for faith, so that our lives may be a blessing to all. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #392. Alleluia! Sing to Jesus
ELW #416. At the Name of Jesus
ELW #242. Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn
ELW #654. The Church’s One Foundation
ELW #247. Come Now, O Prince of Peace (Ososŏ, ososŏ)
ELW #855. Crown Him with Many Crowns
ELW #711. O Day of Peace
ELW #753. Dona nobis pacem
ELW #536. God Be with You Till We Meet Again
ELW #806. O God, My Faithful God
ELW #831. The God of Abraham Praise
ELW # 713. O God of Every Nation
ELW #705. God of Grace and God of Glory
ELW #749. O God of Love, O King of Peace
ELW #740. God of the Sparrow
ELW #678. God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending
ELW #612. Healer of Our Every Ill
ELW #413. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!
ELW #834. Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
ELW #628. Jerusalem, My Happy Home
ELW #434. Jesus Shall Reign
ELW #651. Oh, Praise the Gracious Power
ELW #866. We Are Marching in the Light (Siyahamba)
Various Hymnals Behold a Broken World
Various Hymnals For the Healing of the Nations
Various Hymnals Isaiah the Prophet Has Written of Old
Various Hymnals We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #728. Blest Are They
ELW #715. Christ, Be Our Light
ELW #532. Gather Us In
ELW #673. God, Whose Almighty Word
ELW #574. Here I Am, Lord
ELW #677. This Little Light of Mine
ELW #720. We Are Called
ELW #514. O Word of God Incarnate
WOV #753. You Are the Seed
Various Hymnals As a Fire Is Meant for Burning
Various Hymnals Renew Thy Church, Her Ministries Restore
Various Hymnals We are the light of the world
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Blessed Be Your Name” By Matt Redman, Beth Redman.
“Mighty to Save” By Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan.
“We Are” By Chuck Butler, Ed Cash, 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 and its leaders, may we draw ever closer to one another in Christian love and unity. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the well-being of creation, may your abundant life strengthen and renew all flora and fauna. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For peace among nations, may justice and peace prevail and our rulers lead us to equity and fairness. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For those who are anxious and worried, may your peace, which surpasses all understanding, bring them to hope and wholeness of spirit. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For those who gather for word and sacrament, and those who are preparing to gather with family, may our time together be blessed by your presence with us. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

In thanksgiving for all who have died and are at rest, may their examples serve as a witness to us of grace and faith. 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.