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.