Month: November 2019

Worship Resources: December 8, 2019

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Advent 2 Year 2

Color: Blue
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Advent 2B
Readings: Isaiah of the Exile – Isaiah 40:1-11 (Mark 1:1-4)
Prayer of the Day (Working Preacher): Holy Lord, a voice has been heard in the wilderness preparing the way for your son to arrive in this world. Prepare our hearts to receive your son and help us to prepare for his coming. Amen.
Other Resources: WorkingPreacher, re:Worship, TextWeek, RevGalBlogPals

Need an Advent Wreath Lighting litany? I have one available here.

Suggested hymns based on the texts:

ELW #266. All Earth Is Hopeful (Toda la tierra)
ELW #781. Children of the Heavenly Father (Tryggare kan ingen vara)
ELW #654. The Church’s One Foundation
ELW #257. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
ELW #256. Comfort, Comfort Now My People
ELW #536. God Be with You Till We Meet Again
ELW #290. Go Tell It on the Mountain
ELW #246. Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding!
ELW #239. Hark, the Glad Sound!
ELW #574. Here I Am, Lord
ELW #796. How Firm a Foundation
ELW #834. Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
ELW #267. Joy to the World
ELW #502. The King of Love My Shepherd Is
ELW #240. Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah
ELW #513. Listen, God Is Calling
ELW #778. The Lord’s My Shepherd
ELW #782. My Shepherd, You Supply My Need
ELW #842. Oh, Worship the King
ELW #249. On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry
ELW #248. People, Look East
ELW #864/5. Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven
ELW #264. Prepare the Royal Highway
ELW #789. Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us
ELW #255. There’s a Voice in the Wilderness
ELW #262. Wait for the Lord
ELW #742. What a Friend We Have in Jesus
ELW #514. O Word of God Incarnate
ELW #668. O Zion, Haste
LBW #373. Eternal Ruler of the Ceaseless Round
LBW #556. Herald, Sound the Note of Judgment
LBW #38. O Savior, Rend the Heavens Wide
Various Hymnals A Voice Cries Out (1982) by Michael Joncas
Various Hymnals Gracious Savior, Gentle Shepherd (1842) by Jane Elizabeth Leeson
Various Hymnals Like a Shepherd (1976) by Bob Dufford
Various Hymnals Prepare the Way of the Lord (1984) by Communaute de Taizé
Various Hymnals Shepherd of Tender Youth (ca200) by Clement of Alexandria
Various Hymnals When out of poverty is born (2005) by Kathryn Galloway
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options:
“Amazing Love” By Graham Kendrick.
“Brand New Day” By Paul Baloche, Carl Cartee, et al.
“The King of Love My Shepherd Is” By Henry Williams Baker, John Bacchus Dykes.
“Love Has Come” By Brown Bannister, Mark Schultz, et al.
“Prepare The Way” By Charlie Hall, Louie Giglio.
More options here.
Prayers of Intercession:

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

We seek the mighty God in the most unlikely places as a child in a stable, and in an empty tomb. May God hear these prayers, which come from the unlikely corners of our lives.

A brief silence.

Prepare your church for your coming, O God, make us greater heralds of the great news of your love and grace for all people. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Prepare creation for your coming, O God, breathe your breath of life upon flocks and fields, waterways and mountains. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Prepare the nations for your coming, O God, that the people of every land and place may know your justice and peace. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Prepare believers for your coming, O God, deepen our faith and trust in the future you have promised for the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Prepare us for your coming, O God, provide healing and hope to those struggling with sickness and grief. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Prepare this community of faith for your coming, O God, turn us towards our neighbors that we may see and serve you in them. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Prepare all the saints in light for your coming, O God, as we all await that glorious resurrection day when all will be made new. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give us ears to hear, O God, and eyes to watch, that we may know your presence in our midst during this holy season of joy as we anticipate the coming of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Advent Wreath Lighting Litany NL Year 2

Posted on by freedfromfreedfor

I tried to combine the NL readings for each Sunday with the traditional themes of each Sunday of Advent (Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love) along with a short reading from Romans. You are welcome to use and modify as you see fit for your context.

Advent 1:

We wait for the coming of Christ,
who shall execute justice and righteousness.

Our hope is grounded in your promises,
promises of mercy, love, and grace for all people.

A reading from Romans 8:24-25, “For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”

Grant us patience as we wait for our future hope,
hope for a world where all know the presence and peace of God.

As we light the first candle, the candle of hope, let us reflect on our own hopes for the healing of the world.

(silence for reflection as the first candle is lit)

Let us pray: Source of all hope, open our hearts to your promises and deepen our faith and trust in your coming again to make all things new. While we wait for your coming, grant us the wisdom and courage to do the work of your Kingdom in the here and now. Move us by your Spirit to live and act out of the hope we have for what the world could be. In the name of Christ, who is our future. Amen.

Advent 2:

We wait for the coming of Christ,
who will feed his flock and gather his lambs.

Bring your peace to our communities, our nation, and our world,
the peace which passes all our understanding.

A reading from Romans 12:17-18, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

Keep us from the evils of revenge and retribution,
show us how to be peacemakers and workers for reconciliation in the world.

As we light the second candle, the candle of peace, let us reflect on how we might walk in the ways of peace as Christ taught us.

(silence for reflection as two candles are lit)

Let us pray: Prince of peace, in the midst of busy-ness and superficial interactions, help us to slow down and go deeper in our relationships. Grant us greater curiosity toward our neighbors that we may build beloved and peaceful communities. Overwhelm our hearts with peace that we might follow in your Way. In the name of Christ, who overcomes all darkness and division. Amen.

Advent 3:

We wait for the coming of Christ,
whose steadfast love for the world is everlasting.

Your saving work in our lives is cause for great joy,
continue to bring healing and wholeness into our brokenness.

A reading from Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Inspire our worship of You,
that we may shout with joy for all that you have done for us.

As we light the third candle, the candle of joy, let us reflect on our experiences of joy in the world, in our friends and family, and in God.

(silence for reflection as three candles are lit)

Let us pray: Everlasting God, deepen our faith in your steadfast love that we may live in the joy that your Way instills in us. Make us joyful in our worship of you in this place and in the worship of our daily lives. May our joy be infectious and our love  complete. In the name of Christ, who is the foundation of our lives. Amen.

Advent 4:

We wait for the coming of Christ,
who is our mighty savior and the source of all light.

Pour out your redeeming love on all the world,
the unconditional love and grace that overcomes all sin and selfishness.

A reading from Romans 8:38-39, “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Fill our hearts with your great love,
and help us to better love our neighbors as you call us too.

As we light the fourth candle, the candle of love, let us reflect on how we may better love our neighbors and thereby love God.

(silence for reflection as four candles are lit)

Let us pray: Loving God, guide us in your Way of love and peace. Help us to reach out towards those around us with mercy, grace, and care. May we reflect the light of your love for the world and proclaim your salvation for all people. In the name of Christ, whose light overcomes all darkness. Amen.

Worship Resources: December 1, 2019

Posted on by freedfromfreedfor

Advent 1 Year 2

Color: Blue
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Advent 1C
Readings: Promise of the Messiah – Jeremiah 33:14-18 (Mark 8:27-29)
Prayer of the Day (Working Preacher): God of the promised Messiah,as we wait for the fulfillment of your promise, we watch, we listen, and we open our hearts for your Word. Show us signs of your presence: a light in the darkness, a voice in the silence, and a stirring deep within us. Amen.
Other Resources: WorkingPreacher, re:Worship, TextWeek

Suggested hymns based on the texts:

ELW #779. Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
ELW #250. Blessed Be the God of Israel
ELW #245 Creator of the Stars of Night
ELW #257. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
ELW #254 Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus
ELW #769. If You But Trust in God to Guide You
ELW #311. Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
ELW #246 Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding
ELW #253 He Came Down
ELW #435 Lo! He Come with Clouds Descending
ELW #323 O Lord of Light, Who Made the Stars
ELW #248 People Look East
ELW #263 Savior of the Nations, Come
ELW #262 Wait for the Lord
ELW #487 What Feast of Love
LBW #16. I Will Sing the Story of Your Love
LBW #31 Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying
Various Hymnals The Days Are Surely Coming (2009) by David Gambrell
Various Hymnals O Day of God, Draw Nigh (1972) by R. B. Y. Scott
Various Hymnals I’ve Got Peace Like a River
Various Hymnals The Promise of the Lord (2009) by F. Richard Garland
Various Hymnals Sing Praise to the God of Israel (1992) by Stephen P. Starke
Various Hymnals When God Restored Our Common Life (1992) by Ruth C. Duck
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options:
“Light Of The World” By Matt Redman.
“Love Has Come” By Brown Bannister, Mark Schultz, et al.
“Mighty to Save” By Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan.
“Shout to the Lord” By Darlene Zschech.
More options here.
Prayers of Intercession:

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

We seek the mighty God in the most unlikely places as a child in a stable, and in an empty tomb. May God hear these prayers, which come from the unlikely corners of our lives.

A brief silence.

Help the church and its leaders, O God, in its proclamation that Jesus is the Savior of the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring life out of death, O God, and restore creation to vitality and wholeness. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Work through governments, O God, that they might better execute justice and righteousness in all lands. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fulfill your promises, O God, to bring release to the captive, whatever their captivity may be. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heal the sick and comfort the dying, O God, work through all involved in the care of others. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless with congregation, O God, with boldness to say that our righteousness is found in Christ alone. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We give you thanks, O God, for all your saints and the witness they bore to us and the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give us ears to hear, O God, and eyes to watch, that we may know your presence in our midst during this holy season of joy as we anticipate the coming of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Worship Resources: November 24, 2019

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Christ the King Year 2

Color: White
Closest RCL Sunday(s): N/A
Readings: Josiah’s Reform – 2 Kings 22:1-10, [11-20]; 23:1-3 (Luke 24:30-32)
Prayer of the Day (Working Preacher): God of faithfulness, your servant Josiah restored your holy words to a people longing for your guidance. Help us learn your Scriptures so that we might carry your words in our hearts, in our words and in our actions. Amen.
Other Resources: WorkingPreacher, re:Worship, RevGalBlog, TextWeek

Suggested hymns based on the texts:

ELW #629. Abide with Me
ELW #516. Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast
ELW #242. Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn
ELW #247. Come Now, O Prince of Peace (Ososŏ, ososŏ)
ELW #647. Glorious Things of You Are Spoken
ELW #733. Great Is Thy Faithfulness
ELW #509. God’s Word Is Our Great Heritage
ELW #713. O God of Every Nation
ELW #749. O God of Love, O King of Peace
ELW #632. O God, Our Help in Ages Past
ELW #673. God, Whose Almighty Word
ELW #769. If You But Trust in God to Guide You
ELW #624. Jesus, Still Lead On
ELW #517. Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word
ELW #669. Rise Up, O Saints of God!
ELW #426. Sing with All the Saints in Glory
ELW #800. Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart
ELW #663. Spread, Oh, Spread, Almighty Word
ELW #511. Thy Strong Word Did Cleave the Darkness
ELW #719. Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life
ELW #514. O Word of God Incarnate
LBW #428. O God of Earth and Altar
LBW #227. How Blest Are They Who Hear God’s Word
WOV #743. Stay with Us
Various Hymnals O For that Tenderness of Heart by Charles Wesley
Various Hymnals This New Built Bethel Now is Done by John Newton
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options:
“Ancient Words” By Lynn DeShazo.
“More Than Conquerors”
“Thy Word” By Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith.
More options here.
Prayers of Intercession:

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

God of mercy and healing, you who hear the cries of those in need, receive these petitions of your people that all who are troubled may know peace, comfort, and courage.

A brief silence.

Ground the church in your Word; your Word which proclaims love and grace to all people. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Renew creation through your Word; your Word which brought all things into being and sustains all life. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide the nations with your Word; your Word which speaks out for justice and peace among all peoples and communities. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring your Word to bear upon all systems of power; your Word which releases the prisoner, welcomes the stranger, and gives hope to the oppressed. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Sustain with your Word all who suffer; your Word of healing, hope and life even in the midst of brokenness and pain. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Reorient this community toward your Word; your Word that teaches welcome and love for our neighbors. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Sanctify all believers in your Word; your Word which carries the promise of life eternal and life abundant. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Life-giving God, heal our lives, that we may acknowledge your wonderful deeds and offer you thanks from generation to generation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

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Worship Resources: November 17, 2019

Posted on by freedfromfreedfor

Proper 28(33) Year 2 – Pentecost +23

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 22(27)A or Proper 15(20)C
Readings: Isaiah’s Vineyard Song – Isaiah 5:1-7; 11:1-5 (Mark 12:1-3)
Prayer of the Day (Working Preacher): Loving Lord, you have searched your people for evidence of goodness, the way fruit is sought in a vineyard. Send your righteous judge and find goodness in your faithful children. Amen.
Other Resources: WorkingPreacher, re:Worship, RevGalBlog, TextWeek

Suggested hymns based on the texts:

ELW #634. All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!
ELW #552. Blessed Be the God of Israel
ELW #257. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
ELW #247. Come Now, O Prince of Peace (Ososŏ, ososŏ)
ELW #684. Creating God, Your Fingers Trace
ELW #855. Crown Him with Many Crowns
ELW #711. O Day of Peace
ELW #486. God Extends an Invitation
ELW #736. God the Sculptor of the Mountains
ELW #270. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
ELW #786. O Holy Spirit, Enter In
ELW #834. Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
ELW #282. It Came upon the Midnight Clear
ELW #434. Jesus Shall Reign
ELW #710. Let Streams of Living Justice
ELW #272. Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming
ELW #475. Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor
ELW #308. O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright!
ELW #248. People, Look East
ELW #689. Praise and Thanksgiving
ELW #310. Songs of Thankfulness and Praise
LBW #418. Judge Eternal, Throned in Splendor
WOV #656. By the Babylonian Rivers
WOV #638. Holy Child Within the Manger (Carol at the Manger)
Various Hymnals Isaiah the Prophet Has Written of Old (1982) by Joy Patterson
Various Hymnals Lord, Today (1978) by Mike Balhoff
Various Hymnals Our Cities Cry to You, O God (1987) by Edith Clarkson
Various Hymnals O When Will We See Justice Done? (2011) by Carol Bechtel
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options:
“Breath Of God” By Vicky Beeching.
“Love Has Come” By Brown Bannister, Mark Schultz, et al.
“You Never Let Go” By Beth Redman, Matt Redman.
More options here.
Prayers of Intercession:

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

God of mercy and healing, you who hear the cries of those in need, receive these petitions of your people that all who are troubled may know peace, comfort, and courage.

A brief silence.

We pray that the spirit of the Lord rest upon the church and its leaders, that we may walk in righteousness and faithfulness, proclaiming God’s judgement and mercy. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray that the spirit of the Lord rest upon all of creation, that as winter rest beings a spirit of renewal and healing be at work in the land and water. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray that the spirit of the Lord rest upon all governmental leaders, that they may know and fear the Lord. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray that the spirit of the Lord rest upon teachers and all involved in the education system, that they may impart wisdom and understanding to their students. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray that the spirit of the Lord rest upon all those who are sick in mind, body, or spirit; that they may be made whole and find delight in the Lord. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray that the spirit of the Lord rest upon this assembly, that we go out from this service proclaiming the love of God for all people. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We pray that the spirit of the Lord rest upon the blessed saints who now rest from their labors, that their witness and service inspire our own. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Life-giving God, heal our lives, that we may acknowledge your wonderful deeds and offer you thanks from generation to generation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Please consider helping to defray the costs associated with running this site (primarily server space). Thank you!

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