Lent 3 Year 1

Color: Purple
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 23(28)A
Readings: Wedding Banquet Sermon text – Matthew 22:1-14 Companion text – Psalm 45:6-7
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): God of celebration, you have invited all people to rejoice in the goodness of your love. Help us to be hospitable to all people at your banquet, so that all might receive your blessing. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #522. As We Gather at Your Table
ELW #532. Gather Us In
ELW #358. Great God, Your Love Has Called Us
ELW #574. Here I Am, Lord
ELW #485. I Am the Bread of Life
ELW #523. Let Us Go Now to the Banquet
ELW #295. Of the Father’s Love Begotten
ELW #488/9. Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness
ELW #531. The Trumpets Sound, the Angels Sing (The Feast Is Ready)
ELW #719. Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life
Various Hymnals Among us and before us (1989) by John L. Bell
Various Hymnals City of God, Jerusalem (1998) by Christopher M. Idle
Various Hymnals Come, Share the Lord (1984) by Bryan Jeffery Leech
Various Hymnals Shout for Joy (2005) by John L. Bell
Various Hymnals We Come as Guests Invited (1975) by Timothy Dudley-Smith
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #505. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
ELW #855. Crown Him with Many Crowns
ELW #311. Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
ELW #308. O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright!
LBW #472/3. Come, Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire
Various Hymnals From Every Stormy Wind That Blows (1828) by Hugh Stowell
Various Hymnals My Heart Doth Overflow (Public Domain)
Various Hymnals My heart is full of admiration (1991) by Graham Kendrick
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Holy Moment” By Matt Redman.
“Micah 6:8” By Charlie Hall.
“Mighty to Save” By Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan.
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.

We pray for the church and it’s leaders; that our focus be always on inviting others into blessed community and communion with you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for streams and waterways; that spring flooding be minimal and that we may better care for all waters on the earth. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our political leaders; that compassion, empathy, and compromise be at work in order to ensure justice and peace. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those without community or hope; that they may find love and support and that we may better minister to those outside our community. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the sick and suffering (especially,…); that all people may know care and comfort in times of trial and adversity. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for this assembly; that relationship, reconciliation, and community ever be our focus and priorities. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We pray for the saints who have gone before us; that their example may guide us along the path of faith. 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.