Proper 8(13) Year 1 (Pentecost 3)

Reminder: I am part of a group doing “Unsung Heroes” this summer
Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): N/A
Readings: Balaam’s Donkey – Numbers 22:1-6,21-35
Prayer of the Day: Almighty God, send your messengers to us and open our eyes to your presence. Work in us and through us that we may repent of our selfishness and idolatry and return to your paths. We pray this trusting in your great love and complete mercy. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #779. Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
ELW #398. Holy Spirit, Truth Divine
ELW #592. Just As I Am, without One Plea
ELW #818. O Master, Let Me Walk with You
ELW #606. Our Father, We Have Wandered
ELW #623. Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me
ELW #587/8. There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
LBW #324. O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
Various Hymnals I Saw an Angel in the Road (2014) by Daniel Damon
Various Hymnals May God Grant You a Blessing (Bwana Awabariki) Public Domain
Various Hymnals May the Lord, Mighty God (2007) by Jim Beinke
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Amazing Love” By Graham Kendrick.
“Broken” By Michael Himes.
“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)

Creator God, you call us to love and serve you with body, mind, and spirit through loving your creation and our sisters and brothers. Open our hearts in compassion and receive these petitions on behalf of the needs of the church and the world.

A brief silence.

Holy God, you send messengers to restore us to your paths; speak to the church and send us out to proclaim your grace and love to the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy God, bless this summer season with mild weather and vitality that the coming harvest be an abundant one that may bless the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy God, guide the leaders of nations in your ways of peace and justice so that all people know shalom. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy God, work in the lives of those trapped in darkness, show them your presence and love in the midst of their pain. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy God, grant health and healing to all who are suffering and provide them with hope and comfort. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy God, open our eyes to where you are at work in our communities and neighborhoods; strengthen our faith and make us resolute in proclaiming your love. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Holy God, you sanctify the resting places of all who have died in the faith; raise us up, with them, on the last day to our heavenly home. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy One, hear our prayers and make us faithful stewards of the fragile bounty of this earth so that we may be entrusted with the riches of heaven. Amen.