Gospel Text: Luke 4:24-26
Sermon Text: 1 Kings 17:1-16 [17-24] (God’s Care for the Widow)
Other Text Suggestions: Psalm 146, Galatians 1:11-24
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of compassion, by the power of God, Elijah provided bread and oil for the widow and her household. By faith in God, the widow provided food and water for Elijah. Give us hearts to love one another, so that in providing and in receiving, we too, might experience the unimaginable power of God, through the one who has provided life itself, your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Helpful Resources: re:Worship, revgalblog, SermonWriter, TextWeek, Word&World, BibleHub
Month: October 2020
Worship Resources: November 8, 2020
Proper 27 (32) (NL310)
Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Epiphany 3B, Proper 20(25)A
Gospel Text: Luke 18:13
Sermon Text: Jonah 1:1-17; 3:1-10 [4:1-11] (Jonah & God’s Mercy)
Other Text Suggestions: Psalm 145:1-8, Philippians 1:21-30
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of the seas, sky, and land, when Jonah turned to run from you, you showed him that nothing and no one could hide from your presence. You are in all things, and you love all things. Show us the gift of your presence, and help us to carry your word of compassion and grace to all the world, in the name of the one who carried out your love flawlessly, Jesus Christ our redeemer. Amen.
Helpful Resources: re:Worship, revgalblog, SermonWriter, TextWeek, Word&World, BibleHub
Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:
ELW #522. As We Gather at Your Table
ELW #656. Blest Be the Tie That Binds
ELW #729. The Church of Christ, in Every Age
ELW #374. Day of Arising
ELW #605. Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive
ELW #532. Gather Us In
ELW #507. O God of Light
ELW #678. God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending
ELW #612. Healer of Our Every Ill
ELW #708. Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love
ELW #674. Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ
ELW #676. Lord, Speak to Us, That We May Speak
ELW #631. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
ELW #864/5. Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven
ELW #614. There Is a Balm in Gilead
ELW #587/8. There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
ELW #445. Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters
ELW #725. When the Poor Ones (Cuando el pobre)
ELW #719. Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life
ELW #798. Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons)
WOV #615. Return to the Lord
MSB1 S490 I Called to the Lord
MSB1 S489 Jonah Prayed
Various Hymnals Called as Partners in Christ’s Service (1981) by Jane Huber
Various Hymnals God of Compassion, in Mercy Befriend Us (1933) by John J. Moment
Various Hymnals Jonah (1998) by Susan Peterson
Various Hymnals Song of Jonah (1982) by Calvin Seerveld
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)
Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:
“How Deep The Father’s Love For Us” By Stuart Townend.
“Mighty to Save” By Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan.
“The One Who Saves” By Ben Fielding.
“You Are My All In All” By Dennis Jernigan.
More contemporary suggestions here.
Prayers of Intercession:
(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)
God of life, we praise you for your abiding presence from generation to generation, blessing your people, strengthening us to lives of service, empowering us to witness. Hear the prayers we offer on behalf of your creation.
A brief silence.
Grant hearts of compassion to the church and its leaders; instill in us a desire for community, justice, and peace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant healing and wholeness to your creation; restore lands and waters to vibrancy and abundance. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant wisdom and insight to the leaders of the nations; fill the hearts of all people with mercy and love. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant care and support to those struggling with despair or anxiety; work through your people to proclaim the hope we have in you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant healing to those in pain (especially,…); grace doctors and nurses with patience and endurance as they administer your loving healing. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant servant hearts to those gathered in worship today; move us to reach out in love and service to all the people around us. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Grant us reunion with the saints in your good time; bring all your children to your heavenly home. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant that as we serve you now on earth, so we may one day rejoice with all the saints in your kingdom of light and peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Episode 41 – God’s Promise to David
Gospel Text: Luke 1:30-33
Sermon Text: 2 Samuel 7:1-17 (God’s Promise to David)
Other Text Suggestions: Psalm 89:20-37, Ephesians 2:11-22
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of hope, you promised to make David’s household great among the nations. Then you sent your son, Jesus, to transform this world so that all people are one in the great household of God. Show us how to live as your children, as sisters and brothers in your holy and blessed realm, in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, who will one day welcome us all home. Amen.
Helpful Resources: re:Worship, revgalblog, SermonWriter, TextWeek, Word&World, BibleHub
Worship Resources: November 1, 2020
All Saints Sunday (NL308)
Color: White
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 27(32)B or Proper 5(10)C
Gospel Text: Luke 4:24-26
Sermon Text: 1 Kings 17:1-16 [17-24] (God’s Care for the Widow)
Other Text Suggestions: Psalm 146, Galatians 1:11-24
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of compassion, by the power of God, Elijah provided bread and oil for the widow and her household. By faith in God, the widow provided food and water for Elijah. Give us hearts to love one another, so that in providing and in receiving, we too, might experience the unimaginable power of God, through the one who has provided life itself, your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Helpful Resources: re:Worship, revgalblog, SermonWriter, TextWeek, Word&World, BibleHub
Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:
ELW #641. All Are Welcome
ELW #422. For All the Saints
ELW #311. Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
ELW #737. He Comes to Us as One Unknown
ELW #796. How Firm a Foundation
ELW #805. Lead On, O King Eternal!
ELW #712. Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service
ELW #316. Oh, Wondrous Image, Vision Fair
ELW #587/8. There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
CBM #76. For Such a Time as This
Various Hymnals A Prophet-Woman Broke a Jar (1993) by Brian Wren
Various Hymnals If We Could Be Like the Widow (2004) by Mary Bittner
Various Hymnals Song of Two Widows (1997) by Mary Nelson Keithahn
Various Hymnals When a Prophet Sings of Justice (1998) by John Core
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)
Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:
“Break Our Hearts” By Vicky Beeching.
“Facedown” By Matt Redman.
“Open The Eyes of My Heart” By Paul Baloche. As performed by Sonic Flood.
“Song of Hope (Heaven Come Down)” By Chase Jenkins, Dan Hamilton, et al.
“You Are Good” By Israel Houghton.
More contemporary suggestions here.
Prayers of Intercession:
(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)
All blessing, honor, and glory, all wisdom, praise, and thanks be yours, O God of our salvation! We pray in communion with all the saints on earth and heaven, with the martyrs and the faithful in all ages, and in the name of the Lamb who was slain, who alone is worthy of worship.
A brief silence.
God of the church, open our hearts and eyes to see your presence in the outcast and the stranger, make us bold in proclaiming your love for all people. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of all creation, bless creatures and plants of all sorts, pour out your blessing upon all life and sustains us with your grace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of the nations, help us to see you at work in all all people and tribes, and make us to see your image in our neighbors. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of the lost and despairing, pour out your love and blessing upon the brokenhearted and the anxious, and provide a keen sense of your presence. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of healing, work in and through doctors, nurses, reseachers, and all health care staff to bring comfort and wholeness where it is most needed. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of this assembly, deepen our trust in your promises and work your will and your word in our lives. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
God of all time, broaden our perspective to see your work throughout the ages and to see your work through the generations of the saints. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless us with your healing presence; make us hungry for justice; strengthen our faith; and increase our love for others, especially those we find it most difficult to love. Amen.
Episode 40 – God Answers Hannah
Gospel Text: Luke 1:46-55
Sermon Text: 1 Samuel 1:9-11, 19-20; 2:1-10 (God Answers Hannah)
Other Text Suggestions: Psalm 113, Romans 12:9-16b
Prayer of the Day (WP): God who answers prayer, we are blessed and humbled that you hear us when we call to you in our time of deepest longing. Receive our gratitude for your listening ear. Amen.
Helpful Resources: re:Worship, revgalblog, SermonWriter, TextWeek, Word&World, BibleHub
Worship Resources: October 25, 2020
21st Sunday after Pentecost/Reformation Sunday (NL307)
Color: Green/Red
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 11(16)B or Advent 4B
Gospel Text: Luke 1:30-33
Sermon Text: 2 Samuel 7:1-17 (God’s Promise to David)
Other Text Suggestions: Psalm 89:20-37, Ephesians 2:11-22
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of hope, you promised to make David’s household great among the nations. Then you sent your son, Jesus, to transform this world so that all people are one in the great household of God. Show us how to live as your children, as sisters and brothers in your holy and blessed realm, in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, who will one day welcome us all home. Amen.
Helpful Resources: re:Worship, revgalblog, SermonWriter, TextWeek, Word&World, BibleHub
Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:
ELW #344. All Glory, Laud, and Honor
ELW #416. At the Name of Jesus
ELW #838. Beautiful Savior
ELW #254. Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
ELW #855. Crown Him with Many Crowns
ELW #268. From Heaven Above
ELW #311. Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
ELW #434. Jesus Shall Reign
ELW #295. Of the Father’s Love Begotten
ELW #430. Rejoice, for Christ is King!
ELW #263. Savior of the Nations, Come
ELW #583. Take My Life, That I May Be
ELW #685. Take My Life, That I May Be
ELW #814. Take, Oh, Take Me As I Am
ELW #265. The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came
ELW #569. The Day You Gave Us, Lord, Has Ended
ELW #258. Unexpected and Mysterious
LBW #64. From East to West
Various Hymnals Before the Temple’s Great Stone Sill (1986) by Thomas Troeger
Various Hymnals Jesus, Lord of all creation (2014) by Julie Tennent
Various Hymnals No Wind at the Window (1992) by John Bell
Various Hymnals Would You Build a Home? (2008) by Richard Garland
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)
Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:
“Ancient of Days” By Gary Sadler, Jamie Harvill.
“Blessed Be Your Name” By Matt Redman, Beth Redman.
“Mighty to Save” By Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan.
“Wonder” By Joel Houston & Matt Crocker
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.
We pray for the church, that we may be a living temple, ever true to your word and steadfast in proclaiming your redeeming love and grace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for fields and forests, that they may rest well in the coming winter season and that they may bring your abundance again next year. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for countries and principalities, tribes and nations, that we may pursue peace and justice rather than glory and power. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the lonely and despairing, that they may be surrounded with love and granted hope in your future. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the sick and the suffering, that they may find rest and recovery in your healing presence. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for our assembly, that we may go forth from this service ready to love you by serving our neighbors. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
We pray for the saints at rest, that the example of their faith and life be a witness to our own. 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.
Episode 39 – The Golden calf
Sermon Text: Exodus 32:1-14 (Golden Calf)
Other Text Suggestions: Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23; Philippians 4:1-9
Prayer of the Day (WP): Faithful God of an unfaithful people, the people of Israel doubted your power and turned to other gods to fulfill their needs. We too, turn to other gods, seeking acceptance, power, and independence. Show us how to live humbly in you, and walk in your ways, in the name of the one who offered true power to all humanity, Jesus Christ. Amen.Helpful Resources: re:Worship, revgalblog, SermonWriter, TextWeek, Word&World, BibleHub
Worship Resources: October 18, 2020
20th Sunday after Pentecost (NL306)
Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 28(33)B, Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth A/B/C
Gospel Text: Luke 1:46-55
Sermon Text: 1 Samuel 1:9-11, 19-20; 2:1-10 (God Answers Hannah)
Other Text Suggestions: Psalm 113, Romans 12:9-16b
Prayer of the Day (WP): God who answers prayer, we are blessed and humbled that you hear us when we call to you in our time of deepest longing. Receive our gratitude for your listening ear. Amen.
Helpful Resources: re:Worship, revgalblog, SermonWriter, TextWeek, Word&World, BibleHub
Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:
ELW #503/4. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
ELW #793. Be Thou My Vision
ELW #723. Canticle of the Turning
ELW #662. Christ is the King!
ELW #731. Earth and All Stars!
ELW #419. For All the Faithful Women
ELW #311. Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
ELW #413. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!
ELW #473. Holy, Holy, Holy (Santo, santo, santo)
ELW #867. In Thee Is Gladness
ELW #628. Jerusalem, My Happy Home
ELW #754. Jesus, the Very Thought of You
ELW #236. Magnificat
ELW #882. My Soul Does Magnify the Lord
ELW #573. My Soul Now Magnifies the Lord
ELW #234/5. My Soul Proclaims the Greatness of the Lord
ELW #251. My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness
ELW #886. Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
ELW #844. Praise to the Lord (Louez l’Eterne)
ELW #208. Praise to You, O God of Mercy
ELW #430. Rejoice, for Christ is King!
ELW #821. Shout to the Lord
ELW #531. The Trumpets Sound, the Angels Sing (The Feast Is Ready)
ELW #424. Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones
LBW #531. Before Jehovah’s Awesome Throne
LBW #146. Rejoice, Angelic Choirs, Rejoice!
WOV #720. In the Presence of Your People
Various Hymnals God of the Women (1998) by Carolyn Gillette
Various Hymnals My Heart Is Overflowing (1993) by Miriam Winter
Various Hymnals Song of Hannah (1987) by Emily Brink
Various Hymnals Tell Out, My Soul (1961) by Timothy Dudley-Smith
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)
Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:
“Blessed Be Your Name” By Matt Redman, Beth Redman.
“Glorious Unfolding” By Steven Curtis Chapman.
“Love Has Come” By Brown Bannister, Mark Schultz, et al.
“Open The Eyes of My Heart” By Paul Baloche.
“You Have Shown Us” By Andy Park, Chris Tomlin, et al.
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.
Lord of hosts, remember your church and bless your servants (especially Bishop(s)…) with all that they need to proclaim your radical love and grace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord of hosts, remember creation and bless fields and animals as they prepare for winter rest and renewal. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord of hosts, remember the nations of the world and pour out your justice and peace upon all tribes and peoples. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord of hosts, remember the sick (especially,…) and provide them with your enduring healing, comfort, and hope. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord of hosts, remember your servants gathered here today and deepen our trust in your power and grace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Lord of hosts, remember your servants of every time and place and bring all your people into your loving and eternal presence. 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.
freedfromfreedfor.org 