Lent 4 Year 1

Color: Purple
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 27(32)A
Readings: Bridesmaids Sermon text Matthew 25:1-13 – Companion text – Psalm 43:3-4
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): God of holy anticipation, you have promised that you would return at a time unknown to us. Make us ready, so that when you return we might be welcomed into your kingdom with open arms. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #638. Blessed Assurance
ELW #246. Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding!
ELW #260. The King Shall come
ELW #240. Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah
ELW #241. O Lord, How Shall I Meet You
ELW #244. Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers*
ELW #348. Stay with Me
ELW #798. Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons)
LBW #443. Rise, My Soul, to Watch and Pray
Various Hymnals The Bridegroom Soon Will Call Us (1880) translated by Matthias Loy
Various Hymnals Jesus Is Coming Again (1957) John W. Peterson
Various Hymnals Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning (1928) Variously Attributed
Various Hymnals The Sands of Time Are Sinking (1857) A. R. Cousin
Various Hymnals What If It Were Today? (1912) Mrs. C. H. Morris
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)
*contains “alleluia”

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #757. All My Hope on God Is Founded
ELW #816. Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life
ELW #624. Jesus, Still Lead On
ELW #527. Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now
ELW #773. Precious Lord, Take My Hand
ELW #671. Shine, Jesus, Shine
LBW #452. As Pants the Hart for Cooling Streams
LBW #536. O God of God, O Light of Light
LBW #501. He Leadeth Me: Oh, Blessed Thought!
Various Hymnals As a Deer in Want of Water (1987)
Various Hymnals Now, when the dusky shades of night retreating (1853)
Various Hymnals Send Out Thy Light and Thy Truth (1912)
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Awesome God” By Rich Mullins.
“Blessed Be Your Name” By Matt Redman, Beth Redman.
“In the Secret” By Andy Park.
“Open The Eyes of My Heart” By Paul Baloche.
“You Are the Light” By Steve Fee.
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.

For the church and all its ministers; that we may keep busy with the proclamation of the Gospel as we await the coming of our Lord. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For creation in all its glory; that your vibrant life infuse all plants and animals. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For our President, Governor, Mayor and all elected officials; that they may seek to do your will as they lead. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For those experiencing hunger or homelessness; that all may know the abundance that you  provide for us. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For those dealing with illness (especially,…); that they may find hope in you and comfort from us. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For this congregation and its ministries; that we may better exemplify blessed and beloved community. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

For the saints who have gone before us; that the example of their faith deepen and enliven our own. 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.