Month: February 2019

Thanksgiving for the Word (Lent-Holy Week)

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If you have a Thanksgiving for the Word on Sundays when you don’t have communion, I have written one for Lent-Holy Week based on the texts during that time.

Thanksgiving for the Word

Let us pray.

The Word of God, Jesus Christ, shows us the kingdom of heaven:
a kingdom of forgiveness and reconciliation,
a kingdom where debts are forgiven and lives restored.
For your Word of the forgiving kingdom, O God,
we give you thanks and praise.

The Word of God, Jesus Christ, shows us the kingdom of heaven:
a kingdom of abundance and generosity,
a kingdom where the needs of all are provided for.
For your Word of the bountiful kingdom, O God,
we give you thanks and praise.

The Word of God, Jesus Christ, shows us the kingdom of heaven:
a kingdom of invitation and acceptance,
a kingdom where all people are honored and loved.
For your Word of the welcoming kingdom, O God,
we give you thanks and praise.

The Word of God, Jesus Christ, shows us the kingdom of heaven:
a kingdom of love and caring,
a kingdom where the king is found in the least and lowly.
For your Word of the serving kingdom, O God,
we give you thanks and praise.

The Word of God, Jesus Christ, shows us the kingdom of heaven:
a kingdom of praise and joy,
a kingdom where hosannas are proclaimed and people are made whole.
For your Word of the joyous kingdom, O God,
we give you thanks and praise.

The Word of God, Jesus Christ, shows us the kingdom of heaven:
a kingdom of sacrifice and redemption,
a kingdom where the arms of God are spread wide on a cross.
For your Word of the saving kingdom, O God,
we give you thanks and praise.

Work in us, O God,
through your forgiving, abundant, accepting, loving, and sacrificial Word.
And being steeped in that Word, make us witnesses to it and
send your Spirit to direct us in the way of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Worship Resources: March 10, 2019

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Lent 1 Year 1

Color: Purple
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 19(24)A
Readings: Forgiveness Sermon text – Matthew 18:15-35 Companion text – Psalm 32:1-2
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): Forgiving God, as you encouraged your people to forgive, you modeled forgiveness by releasing us from our bondage to sin. Help us to forgive others, so that we might live in harmony with all your children. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #652. Built on a Rock
ELW #491. Come, Let Us Eat
ELW #520. Dearest Jesus, at Your Word
ELW #470. Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether
ELW #605. Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive
ELW #320. The Glory of These Forty Days
ELW #526. God Is Here!
ELW #529. Jesus, We Are Gathered
ELW #523. Let Us Go Now to the Banquet
ELW #857. Lord, I Lift Your Name on High
ELW #527. Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now
ELW #745. Lord, Teach Us How to Pray Aright
ELW #818. O Master, Let Me Walk with You
ELW #549/809. Send Me, Lord (Thuma mina)
ELW #587. There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
ELW #524. What Is This Place
ELW #359. Where Charity and Love Prevail
WOV #783. Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
Various Hymnals Help Us Accept Each Other (1975) by Fred Kaan
Various Hymnals Jesus, where’er thy people meet (1769) by William Cowper
Various Hymnals Jesus, we look to thee (1749) by Isaac Watts
Various Hymnals There’s a Quiet Understanding (1973) by Tedd Smith
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #338. Beneath the Cross of Jesus
ELW #603. God, When Human Bonds Are Broken
ELW #864/5. Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven
LBW #211. Here, O My Lord, I See Thee
Various Hymnals Calvary Covers It All (1934) by Mrs. Walter G. Taylor
Various Hymnals How Blest Are Those (1986) by Fred R. Anderson
Various Hymnals You Are My Hiding Place (1981) by Michael Ledner
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” By Chris Tomlin, John Newton, et al.
“Amazing Love” By Graham Kendrick.
“Mighty to Save” By Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan.
“You Are Good” By Israel Houghton.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

Beloved friends, in this season of repentance and healing, we accept God’s invitation to be ever-mindful of the needs of others, offering our prayers on behalf of God’s community in the church and the world.

A brief silence.

Forgive the church, O God, where it is in error bring repentance and reformation. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive us, O God, for being poor stewards of the earth and  make us mindful of the ways in which we harm your great creation. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive the nations, O God, and our corrupt systems of power, bring equality and equity to all people. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive us, O God, when we do not reach out in love and kindness to those in need and grant us the strength, wisdom, and courage to live out your gospel. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive our broken systems of healing, O God, and help us to better care for all who suffer. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Forgive this congregation, O God, and move us to be better at forgiving others and seeking reconciliation. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Forgive saints and sinners of all times, O God, and by your mercy bring us all to our heavenly home. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill us with your strength to resist the seductions of our foolish desires and the tempter’s vain delights, that we may walk in obedience and righteousness, rejoicing in you with an upright heart. Amen.

Worship Resources: March 6, 2019

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Ash Wednesday

Color: Purple
Closest RCL Sunday(s): N/A
Readings: Whose is the greatest? Sermon text – Matthew 18:1-9 Companion text – Psalm 146:7c-10
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): Holy God, your servants argued about who would be greatest in your kingdom. Help us to be confident in the love you have for us, so that we feel no need to compete for your attention. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #629. Abide with Me
ELW #522. As We Gather at Your Table
ELW #729. The Church of Christ, in Every Age
ELW #443. Dearest Jesus, We Are Here
ELW #605. Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive
ELW #708. Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love
ELW #595. Jesus Loves Me!
ELW #529. Jesus, We Are Gathered
ELW #527. Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now
ELW #659. Will You Let Me Be Your Servant
LBW #190. We Praise You, Lord
Various Hymnals Child of Blessing, Child of Promise (1981) by Ronald S. Cole-Turner
Various Hymnals For the Healing of the Nations (1968) by Fred Kaan
Various Hymnals In Christ Alone (2002) by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty
Various Hymnals Says Jesus, ‘Come and gather round’ (2005) by Keith Fisher
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #886. Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
ELW #821. Shout to the Lord
ELW #531. The Trumpets Sound, the Angels Sing (The Feast Is Ready)
LBW #493. Hope of the World
LBW #539. Praise the Almighty
Various Hymnals Alaba, alma mía, al Señor (2010) by Conception Abbey and the Grail
Various Hymnals Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above (1675) by Johann Jakob Schütz
Various Hymnals Tell Out, My Soul (1962) by Timothy Dudley-Smith
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Amazing Love” By Graham Kendrick.
“Overwhelmed by love” By Noel Richards.
“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)

Gracious and merciful God, you see into the secret places of our hearts, where we mourn our sins. As we turn again to your grace, receive our prayers.

A brief silence.

We pray for the church, and especially our bishop(s) (name(s)); that we may praise your name and proclaim your greatness in the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for resting fields and animals; that winter slumber give way to an abundant spring growth. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the nations of the world; that all people may know the just and peaceful reign of God. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for teachers, school administrators, and support staff; that they may bless their students with knowledge and insight, as well as compassion and empathy. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the sick and suffering (especially,…); that they may experience healing and comfort in the midst of pain. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our congregation; that our Lenten journey deepen our faith and bring us into deeper communion with one another and with You. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We pray for the saints in light; that their memory strengthen us in our faith journey. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Look with mercy on our contrite hearts, wash from us the stain of iniquity, and create a new and right spirit in us, that we may declare your praise and offer an acceptable sacrifice in these Lenten days; through Christ Jesus, who bore our sins on the cross. Amen.

Worship Resources: March 3, 2019

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Transfiguration Year 1

Color: White
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 17(22)A, Transfiguration A, Lent 2A
Readings: Transfiguration Sermon text – Matthew 16:24-17:8 Companion text – Psalm 41:7-10
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): Radiant God, you revealed yourself in your son, Jesus, when he was transfigured on the mountain before his disciples. Reveal yourself to us daily, so that we might enlighten others with the good news of your love. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #416. At the Name of Jesus
ELW #338. Beneath the Cross of Jesus
ELW #793. Be Thou My Vision
ELW #799. Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spake
ELW #520. Dearest Jesus, at Your Word
ELW #806. O God, My Faithful God
ELW #347. Go to Dark Gethsemane
ELW #678. God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending
ELW #580. How Clear Is Our Vocation, Lord
ELW #315. How Good, Lord, to Be Here!
ELW #324. In the Cross of Christ I Glory
ELW #696. Jesus Calls Us; o’er the Tumult
ELW #810. O Jesus, I Have Promised
ELW #317. Jesus on the Mountain Peak
ELW #754. Jesus, the Very Thought of You
ELW #490. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
ELW #802. Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus
ELW #660. Lift High the Cross
ELW #435. Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending
ELW #596/7. My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less
ELW #316. Oh, Wondrous Image, Vision Fair
ELW #783. Praise and Thanks and Adoration
ELW #671. Shine, Jesus, Shine
ELW #667. Take Up Your Cross, the Savior Said
ELW #334. Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery
ELW #719. Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life
ELW #798. Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons)
LBW #324. O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
WOV #785. Weary of All Trumpeting
Various Hymnals Christ Beside Me (4th Century) Attrib. to St. Patrick
Various Hymnals Open the Eyes of My Heart (1997) by Paul Baloche
Various Hymnals Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory (1985) by Thomas H. Troeger
Various Hymnals You, Lord, Are Both Lamb and Shepherd (1991) by Sylvia G. Dunstan
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #770. Give Me Jesus
ELW #742. What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Various Hymnals How Blest Are Those Who Thoughtfully (1985) by Bertus Polman
Various Hymnals Happy Are Those Who Tend the Poor and Weak by David T. Koyzis
Various Hymnals Sáname, Señor (Lord, heal my soul) (2010) by Unknown
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Above All” By Lenny LeBlanc, Paul Baloche.
“Blessed Redeemer” As performed by Casting Crowns.
“Light Of The World” By Matt Redman.
“Love Has Come” By Brown Bannister, Mark Schultz, et al.
“More Than Conquerors”
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

O God, as your Son drew apart to be in prayer with you, we offer our prayers for the transformation of the world and the church.

A brief silence.

Transfigure the church, O Lord, into the blessed community that you craft for us. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Transfigure the earth, O Lord, into the beauty and glory you intend for all living things. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Transfigure the nations, O Lord, into realms of peace and justice that are grounded in you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Transfigure our society, O Lord, into one that values all people and welcomes you in the least and lowly. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Transfigure the suffering, O Lord, into people of vibrant health and hope. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Transfigure this congregation, O Lord, into a place of worship and praise, service and community. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Transfigure all your followers of all times and places, O Lord, into the blessed community of light. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You revealed your glory and presence in your beloved Son, Jesus the Christ. In receiving our prayers, reveal the glory and presence of your Spirit alive in the world today, free us from all doubts, and empower us to act as a transfigured people. Amen.

Worship Resources: February 24, 2019

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Epiphany 7 Year 1

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 13(18)A and Proper 14(19)A
Readings: Feeding 5,000 Sermon text – Matthew 14:13-33 Companion text – Psalm 95:1-5
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): Generous God, you helped your son Jesus feed 5,000 hungry people who had gathered to hear of your love. Help us provide for the needs of all who hunger for your word. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #474. Bread of Life from Heaven
ELW #515. Break Now the Bread of Life
ELW #794. Calm to the Waves
ELW #729. The Church of Christ, in Every Age
ELW #756. Eternal Father, Strong to Save
ELW #494. For the Bread Which You Have Broken
ELW #358. Great God, Your Love Has Called Us
ELW #618. Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer
ELW #737. He Comes to Us as One Unknown
ELW #796. How Firm a Foundation
ELW #696. Jesus Calls Us; o’er the Tumult
ELW #810. O Jesus, I Have Promised
ELW #755. Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me
ELW #592. Just As I Am, without One Plea
ELW #674. Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ
ELW #599. Lord Jesus, Think on Me
ELW #676. Lord, Speak to Us, That We May Speak
ELW #712. Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service
ELW #631. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
ELW #596/7. My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less
ELW #763. My Life Flows On in Endless Song
ELW #843. Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
ELW #773. Precious Lord, Take My Hand
ELW #459. Wade in the Water
ELW #666. What Wondrous Love Is This
ELW #719. Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life
ELW #758. You Are the Way
LBW #506. Dear Lord and Father of Mankind
Various Hymnals I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew (1878) by Anonymous
Various Hymnals Love Lifted Me (1912) by James Rowe
Various Hymnals Peace, it is I (5th Century) by St. Anatolius. of Constantinople
Various Hymnals Where is Bread? (2000) by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #883. All People That on Earth Do Dwell
ELW #224/5. Come, Let Us Sing to the Lord
ELW #819. Come, All You People (Uyaimose)
ELW #408. Come, Thou Almighty King
ELW #879. For the Beauty of the Earth
ELW #574. Here I Am, Lord
ELW #881. Let All Things Now Living
ELW #527. Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now
ELW #837. Many and Great, O God (Wakantanka taku nitawa)
ELW #839/40. Now Thank We All Our God
ELW #822. Oh, Sing to the Lord (Cantad al Señor)
ELW #858/9. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
ELW #430. Rejoice, for Christ is King!
ELW #821. Shout to the Lord
ELW #870. We Praise You, O God
WOV #767. All Things Bright and Beautiful
Various Hymnals O come, let us sing to the Lord (1650) from Scottish Psalter
Various Hymnals He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands (Unknown) by Anonymous
Various Hymnals My Soul in Stillness Waits (1982) by Marty Haugen
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“10,000 Reasons” By Jonas Myrin, Matt Redman.
“In the Secret” By Andy Park.
“Open The Eyes of My Heart” By Paul Baloche.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

Sisters and brothers, let us lift our hearts in faith to the one who hears all prayers and holds close all those in need.

A brief silence.

Provide faith and courage to the church and it’s leaders, O God, and move us to acts of generosity, mercy, and love. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Provide rest to the earth, O God, and bring spring in its season that the coming summer be bountiful. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Provide wisdom to the leaders of the nations, O God, and bring peace to all areas experiencing violence and war (especially,…). Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Provide hope to those struggling with despair, O God, and surround the lonely with communities of comfort and kindness. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Provide strength to the sick, O God, and grant them endurance and hope in the midst of their illness. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Provide your Holy Spirit, O God, to this congregation and move us out of our doors to serve our neighbors and craft your loving community. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Provide rest to the saints, O God, and bring us all to our heavenly home where we will know your loving presence. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy God, you gather the whole universe into your radiant presence and continually reveal your Son as our Savior. Bring healing to all wounds, make whole all that is broken, speak truth to all illusion, and shed light in every darkness, that all creation will see your glory and know your Christ. Amen.

Worship Resources: February 17, 2019

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Epiphany 6 Year 1

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s):
Readings: Parable of the Kingdoms Sermon text – Matthew 13:24-43 Companion text – Psalm 84:1-7
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): Lord of stories, Jesus taught us through stories and the wisdom of the shared word. Teach us through your stories, that we may learn, grow, and love. For the sake of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #516. Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast
ELW #416. At the Name of Jesus
ELW #693. Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
ELW #422. For All the Saints
ELW #713. O God of Every Nation
ELW #736. God the Sculptor of the Mountains
ELW #485. I Am the Bread of Life
ELW #775. Jesus, Priceless Treasure
ELW #778. The Lord’s My Shepherd
ELW #631. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
ELW #787. On Eagle’s Wings
ELW #519. Open Your Ears, O Faithful People
ELW #244. Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers
ELW #680/1. We Plow the Fields and Scatter (Aramos nuestros campos)
WOV #753. You Are the Seed
Various Hymnals Anthem (1978) by Tom Conry
Various Hymnals Bringing in the Sheaves (1874) by Knowles Shaw
Various Hymnals The Kingdom of God Is Justice and Joy (1973) by Bryn Rees
Various Hymnals The Reign of God (2003) by Delores Dufner
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #816. Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life
ELW #740. God of the Sparrow
ELW #502. The King of Love My Shepherd Is
ELW #545. Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing
ELW #842. Oh, Worship the King
ELW #537. On Our Way Rejoicing
WOV #671. Alleluia, Alleluia, Give Thanks
Various Hymnals Better Is One Day (1995) by Matt Redman
Various Hymnals How Lovely Is Your Dwelling (1991) by Jean Janzen
Various Hymnals Safely Through Another Week (1774) by John Newton
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Build Your Kingdom Here” By Rend Collective Experiment.
“Mustard Seed” By Roots for Rain.
“My Lighthouse” As performed by Rend collective
“You Never Let Go” By Beth Redman, Matt Redman.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

Sisters and brothers, let us lift our hearts in faith to the one who hears all prayers and holds close all those in need.

A brief silence.

Plant your kingdom in the church, O God, grow deeper faith in us and make us better workers for your kingdom. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Sustain the earth with your care, O God, and make us better planters and sowers of the abundance you provide for the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring your kingdom to bear on the nations, O God, that your reign of peace and justice be overrule our selfish and greedy systems. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant us wisdom in serving you, O God, and bring us into loving service toward our neighbors. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Strengthen the sick and suffering, O God, and provide endurance, compassion, and insight to all who provide comfort and healing. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless us who gather in your house today, O God, and send us forth in strength to share your love and joy with the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Bring all the saints to their heavenly home, O God, that all your people may sing your praises in eternity. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy God, you gather the whole universe into your radiant presence and continually reveal your Son as our Savior. Bring healing to all wounds, make whole all that is broken, speak truth to all illusion, and shed light in every darkness, that all creation will see your glory and know your Christ. Amen.