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.