Month: February 2020

Worship Resources: March 8, 2020

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Lent 2 Year 2

Color: Purple
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 24(29)B, Proper 25(30)B
Readings: Bartimaeus Healed – Mark 10:32-52 (Psalm 34:11-14)
Prayer of the Day (Working Preacher): Lord Jesus, it was hard for your disciples to hear that they would have to suffer in order to follow you. Give us faith and courage to follow you when following is painful or frightening. Amen.
Other Resources: WorkingPreacher, TextWeek, BibleHub, RevGalPals

Suggested hymns based on the texts:

ELW #779. Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
ELW #302. As with Gladness Men of Old
ELW #515. Break Now the Bread of Life
ELW #626. By Gracious Powers
ELW #610. O Christ, the Healer, We Have Come
ELW #431. O Christ, What Can It Mean for Us
ELW #304. Christ, When for Us You Were Baptized
ELW #729. The Church of Christ, in Every Age
ELW #804. Come Down, O Love Divine
ELW #532. Gather Us In
ELW #526. God Is Here!
ELW #740. God of the Sparrow
ELW #673. God, Whose Almighty Word
ELW #311. Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
ELW #612. Healer of Our Every Ill
ELW #860. I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me
ELW #708. Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love
ELW #624. Jesus, Still Lead On
ELW #471. Let Us Break Bread Together
ELW #712. Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service
ELW #818. O Master, Let Me Walk with You
ELW #322. Oh, Love How Deep
ELW #843. Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
ELW #418. Rejoice in God’s Saints
ELW #590. Salvation unto Us Has Come
ELW #608. Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling
ELW #667. Take Up Your Cross, the Savior Said
ELW #614. There Is a Balm in Gilead
ELW #798. Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons)
ELW #659. Will You Let Me Be Your Servant
ELW #666. What Wondrous Love Is This
ELW #785. When Peace like a River (It Is Well with My Soul)
ELW #510. Word of God, Come Down on Earth
WOV #785. Weary of All Trumpeting
LS #123 When Jesus the Healer
Various Hymnals From Heaven You Came (1983) by Graham Kendrick
Various Hymnals He came to earth, not to be served (1990) by John Pantry
Various Hymnals Jesus, Full of All Compassion (1769) by Daniel Turner
Various Hymnals Lord, Make Us Servants of Your Peace (1969) by James Quinn (via Francis of Assissi)
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice; LS=Life Songs)

Other (mostly contemporary) options:
“Get Up, Stand Up” By Peter Tosh, Bob Marley.
“In the Secret” By Andy Park.
“Micah 6:8” By Charlie Hall.
“My Lighthouse” As performed by Rend collective
“Open The Eyes of My Heart” By Paul Baloche.
“Our God” By Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, et al.
“You Have Shown Us” By Andy Park, Chris Tomlin, et al.
More options 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.

Faithful God, make your church complete in everything good so that your Gospel might reach out to fill all corners of the earth. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Creating God, work through all stewards of the earth that abundant life blossom forth in due season. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Compassionate God, open our eyes to see those in need and reform our systems that the needs of all people be met. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of community, establish your loving community for all who are alone or on the outskirts. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Healing God, pour out your love and comfort upon all who are hurting in any way. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Crafting God, shape this assembly into your image of love, mercy, and service. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Eternal God, increase our faith and let your grace be known in the witness of all the saints who have gone before us. 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.

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Worship Resources: March 1, 2020

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Lent 1 Year 2

Color: Purple
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 23(28)B
Readings: First Last and Last First – Mark 10:17-31 (Psalm 19:7-10)
Prayer of the Day (Working Preacher): Lord of abundant riches, when asked to give everything to follow Jesus, a rich man faltered. Give us the courage to give everything that we have to you, knowing that what you offer is more valuable than all the riches in the world. Amen.
Other Resources: WorkingPreacher, TextWeek, BibleHub, RevGalPals

Suggested hymns based on the texts:

ELW #589. All Depends on Our Possessing
ELW #757. All My Hope on God Is Founded
ELW #729. The Church of Christ, in Every Age
ELW #684. Creating God, Your Fingers Trace
ELW #320. The Glory of These Forty Days
ELW #705. God of Grace and God of Glory
ELW #678. God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending
ELW #733. Great Is Thy Faithfulness
ELW #541. O Jesus, Blessed Lord
ELW #696. Jesus Calls Us; o’er the Tumult
ELW #775. Jesus, Priceless Treasure
ELW #434. Jesus Shall Reign
ELW #555. Oh, Sing to God Above
ELW #418. Rejoice in God’s Saints
ELW #655. Son of God, Eternal Savior
ELW #551. The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve
ELW #366. The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done
ELW #667. Take Up Your Cross, the Savior Said
ELW #720. We Are Called
ELW #479. We Come to the Hungry Feast
ELW #524. What Is This Place
ELW #785. When Peace like a River (It Is Well with My Soul)
ELW #725. When the Poor Ones (Cuando el pobre)
ELW #798. Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons)
WOV #783. Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
W&P #150 We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise
Various Hymnals Be Still, For the Spirit of the Lord (1986) by David Evans
Various Hymnals Spirit of Jesus, if I love my neighbor(1983) by Brian Wren
Various Hymnals The Stars Declare His Glory (1981) by Timothy Dudley-Smith
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice; W&P=Worship & Praise)

Other (mostly contemporary) options:
“Every Move I Make” By David Ruis.
“Mighty to Save” By Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan.
“Our God” By Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, et al.
More options 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.

Almighty God, keep the church from seeking after wealth and power; grant us leaders who will keep your Word always in front of our eyes. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless the land and water in this season of rest; and keep us hopeful as we look for the first signs of spring life. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Establish your justice in our systems of judgement and governance; guide the hearts and minds of those with great wealth that they use that wealth for the benefit of their neighbors. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Pour out your favor on all those who feel distant from you; surround them with loving support and care. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant healing to all who are suffering (especially,…); be at work through doctors, nurses, EMTs, and aides to bring comfort to all who need it. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Deepen relationships between those of different backgrounds and beliefs; help us to work together and let our cooperation be a symbol of your kingdom come. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Gather us along with all the saints who have gone before; give us a foretaste of your kingdom of life and community. 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.

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Worship Resources: February 23, 2020

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Transfiguration Year 2

Color: White
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 19(24)B, Transfiguration B, Lent 2B
Readings: Transfiguration – Mark 8:27 –9:8 (Psalm 27:1-4)
Prayer of the Day (Working Preacher): Lord of light, as you were transfigured on the mountain, your followers were given a glimpse of your glory. Shine your light in our lives so that we will know how truly marvelous you are. Amen.
Other Resources: WorkingPreacher, TextWeek, BibleHub, RevGalPals

Please be aware of the problematic nature of light/white=good and dark/black=bad that can often be used around Transfiguration (as well as other readings/hymns). For more information on this consider reading the Treasures of Darkness series from 2017 by various Afro-Lutheran authors found here: https://medium.com/tag/treasuresofdarkness/archive

Suggested hymns based on the texts:

ELW #838. Beautiful Savior
ELW #793. Be Thou My Vision
ELW #553. Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies
ELW #729. The Church of Christ, in Every Age
ELW #520. Dearest Jesus, at Your Word
ELW #320. The Glory of These Forty Days
ELW #432. The Head That Once Was Crowned
ELW #315. How Good, Lord, to Be Here!
ELW #332. I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
ELW #815. I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light
ELW #317. Jesus on the Mountain Peak
ELW #712. Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service
ELW #316. Oh, Wondrous Image, Vision Fair
ELW #671. Shine, Jesus, Shine
ELW #677. This Little Light of Mine
ELW #739. Touch the Earth Lightly
ELW #334. Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery
ELW #635. We Walk by Faith
ELW #719. Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life
ELW #659. Will You Let Me Be Your Servant
Various Hymnals Christus Paradox (1991) by Sylvia Dunstan
Various Hymnals Sing of God Made Manifest (2003) by Carl Daw
Various Hymnals Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory (1985) by Thomas Troeger
Various Hymnals We Have Come at Christ’s Own Bidding (1988) by Carl Daw
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options:
“Better Is One Day” By Matt Redman.
“Here I Am to Worship” By Tim Hughes.
“Love Has Come” By Brown Bannister, Mark Schultz, et al.
More options here.
Prayers of Intercession:

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

O God, as your Son drew apart to be in prayer with you, we offer our prayers for the transformation of the world and the church.

A brief silence.

Transform your church, O God, and make us bold in proclaiming Christ as the Messiah, the Savior of the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Transform your creation, O God, and bring healing where there is harm and wholeness where there is brokenness. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Transform your leaders, O God, and turn their hearts towards justice and peace for all nations. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Transform your broken people, O God, and cause shalom to reign in the hearts and minds of all. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Transform your hurting people, O God, and deliver them from pain, disease, and illness. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Transform your disciples, O God, into a holy people who claim you as the Lord of every aspect of our lives. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Transform your saints, O God, into the heavenly choir with whom we will one day sing your praises. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You revealed your glory and presence in your beloved Son, Jesus the Christ. In receiving our prayers, reveal the glory and presence of your Spirit alive in the world today, free us from all doubts, and empower us to act as a transfigured people. Amen.

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Worship Resources: February 16, 2020

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Epiphany 6 Year 2

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 17(22)B
Readings: What Defiles? – Mark 7:1-23 (Psalm 51:1-3, 6-7)
Prayer of the Day (Working Preacher): Teacher Jesus, too often we blame external people and situations for our heartaches and brokenness. Help us to look inward to uncover and heal the things that defile: bitterness, hatred, jealousy, and greed. Help us instead to be agents of peace, hope, generosity, and love. Amen.
Other Resources: WorkingPreacher, TextWeek, BibleHub

Suggested hymns based on the texts:

ELW #801. Change My Heart, O God
ELW #605. Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive
ELW #786. O Holy Spirit, Enter In
ELW #620. How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
ELW #450. I Bind unto Myself Today
ELW #661. I Love to Tell the Story
ELW #477. I Received the Living God
ELW #592. Just As I Am, without One Plea
ELW #512. Lord, Let My Heart Be Good Soil
ELW #599. Lord Jesus, Think on Me
ELW #676. Lord, Speak to Us, That We May Speak
ELW #750. Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart
ELW #759. My Faith Looks Up to Thee
ELW #606. Our Father, We Have Wandered
ELW #328. Restore in Us, O God
ELW #623. Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me
ELW #584. The Son of God, Our Christ
ELW #800. Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart
ELW #614. There Is a Balm in Gilead
ELW #587/8. There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
ELW #758. You Are the Way
LBW #488. Breathe on Me, Breath of God
Various Hymnals As a Chalice Cast of Gold (1984) by Thomas Troeger
Various Hymnals Be Kind to One Another (1915) by Mabel Roseman
Various Hymnals Sing praises old and new (1998) by Brian Wren
Various Hymnals Your word, O God, a living sword (1998) by Christopher Wren
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options:
“Amazing Love” By Graham Kendrick.
“Glorious Unfolding” By Steven Curtis Chapman.
“The King of Love My Shepherd Is” By Henry Williams Baker, John Bacchus Dykes.
“Undo” By Kevin Huguley, Scott Davis, et al.
More options here.
Prayers of Intercession:

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

God of revelation, as we gather in praise for the gracious mystery of your Son, we remember the many needs of your church and your world.

A brief silence.

Help the church to honor you with both lips and hearts, O God, and keep us focused on your word of grace, mercy, salvation, and love. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant wisdom to all who care for the land and all who care for animals, O God, and work through them to bring the earth’s abundance to all. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Work through our governmental leaders, O God, and keep them from those things which defile hearts and minds. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Provide communities of love and support to those on the outskirts, O God, and make us better at truly welcoming our neighbors. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring healing and comfort to the sick, O God, and surround them with your loving presence. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep us from worshiping traditions over you, O God, and turn our hearts to your precepts of love and compassion. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We remember the saints who now rest in you, O God, and pray that their witness and love live on in our lives. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide us on the path of salvation, O God, that the radiance and power of your Holy Spirit working in the world will gather together all peoples and nations in one community to offer you worship and proclaim your splendor. Amen.

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