2nd Sunday of Christmas (NL320)
Color: White/Gold
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Christmas 1C
Psalm Text: Psalm 2
Sermon Text: Luke 2:41-52 (Boy in the Temple)
Other Text Suggestions: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26; Colossians 3:12-17
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of all learning, when the boy, Jesus, stayed in the temple to learn from the elders, it was the elders who in turn learned from him. Teach us, Lord, as you have taught others, and grant us wisdom and willingness to learn. Amen.
Helpful Resources: re:Worship, TextWeek, SermonWriter, RevGalPals, BibeHub
Month: December 2020
Worship Resources for January 10, 2021
Baptism of Our Lord (NL321)
Color: White
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Baptism of Our Lord C
Psalm Text: Psalm 51:6-17
Sermon Text: Luke 3:1-22
Other Text Suggestions: Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17
Prayer of the Day (WP): Heavenly Father, with joy and awe we praise you for claiming us as your sons and daughters, and for pouring your Holy Spirit upon us. Help us to prepare this earth for your glory, and shine your light on all your faithful children, for the sake of the one whose birth and baptism brought renewal and transformation to this world, Jesus Christ. Amen
Helpful Resources: re:Worship, SermonWriter, RevGalPals, TextWeek, BibleHub, Word&World
Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:
ELW #416. At the Name of Jesus
ELW #456. Baptized in Water
ELW #793. Be Thou My Vision
ELW #304. Christ, When for Us You Were Baptized*
ELW #404. Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove
ELW #256. Comfort, Comfort Now My People
ELW #455. Crashing Waters at Creation
ELW #673. God, Whose Almighty Word
ELW #246. Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding!
ELW #403. Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song
ELW #308. O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright!*
ELW #322. Oh, Love How Deep
ELW #249. On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry
ELW #533. Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty
ELW #640. Our Father, by Whose Name
ELW #689. Praise and Thanksgiving
ELW #458. Praise and Thanksgiving Be to God
ELW #310. Songs of Thankfulness and Praise*
ELW #800. Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart
ELW #255. There’s a Voice in the Wilderness
ELW #305. When Jesus Came to Jordan*
LBW #472/3. Come, Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire
LBW #556. Herald, Sound the Note of Judgment
LBW #79. To Jordan Came the Christ, Our Lord
Various Hymnals Christ is our light! the bright and morning star (2005) by Leith Fisher
Various Hymnals How Bright Appears the Morning Star (1964) by Philipp Nicolai
Various Hymnals Mark How the Lamb of God’s Self-Offering (1990) by Carl P. Daw
Various Hymnals Prepare the Way of the Lord (1984) by Communaute de Taizé
Various Hymnals When John Baptized by Jordan’s River (1984) by Timothy Dudley-Smith
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)
* Epiphany Hymns
Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:
“Born That We May Have Life” By Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, et al.
“Love Has Come” By Brown Bannister, Mark Schultz, et al.
“Your Love Never Fails” By Anthony Skinner, Chris McClarney.
More contemporary suggestions here.
Prayers of Intercession:
(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)
Sisters and brothers, our baptismal vows call us to compassion and mercy on behalf of those in need. We offer our prayers for the church and the world.
A brief silence.
For the church and its leaders, that we may prepare your way through our witness and service to others. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For creation, that we may prepare your way by working to heal and restore the damage we have caused it. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For the nations of the world, that we may prepare your way by proclaiming your justice and peace for all people. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For the lonely and anxious, that we may prepare your way by sharing your comfort and love with those in need. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For those struggling with illness (especially,…), that we may prepare your way by surrounding them with compassionate care and comforting love. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For this assembly, that we may prepare your way by bearing witness to your grace and mercy in our lives. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
For all the saints, that we may prepare the way as they did before us. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God, you revealed your Son in the waters of the Jordan and anointed him with the power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim good news to all people. Sanctify us by the same Spirit, that we may proclaim the healing power of the gospel by acts of love in your name. Amen.
Worship Resources: January 3, 2021
2nd Sunday of Christmas (NL320)
Color: White/Gold
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Christmas 1C
Psalm Text: Psalm 2
Sermon Text: Luke 2:41-52 (Boy in the Temple)
Other Text Suggestions: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26; Colossians 3:12-17
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of all learning, when the boy, Jesus, stayed in the temple to learn from the elders, it was the elders who in turn learned from him. Teach us, Lord, as you have taught others, and grant us wisdom and willingness to learn. Amen.
Helpful Resources: re:Worship, TextWeek, SermonWriter, RevGalPals, BibeHub
Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:
ELW #275. Angels, from the Realms of Glory*
ELW #242. Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn*
ELW #732. Borning Cry
ELW #687. Come to Us, Creative Spirit
ELW #736. God the Sculptor of the Mountains
ELW #288. Good Christian Friends, Rejoice*
ELW #239. Hark, the Glad Sound!*
ELW #270. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing*
ELW #297. Jesus, What a Wonderful Child*
ELW #490. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
ELW #272. Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming*
ELW #765. Lord of All Hopefulness
ELW #292. Love Has Come*
ELW #269. Once in Royal David’s City*
ELW #640. Our Father, by Whose Name
ELW #300. The First Noel*
ELW #284. ‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime*
ELW #296. What Child Is This*
LBW #512. Oh, Blest the House
WOV #638. Holy Child Within the Manger (Carol at the Manger)*
WOV #634. Sing of Mary, Pure and Lowly*
Various Hymnals Child of Blessing, Child of Promise (1981) by Ronald Cole-Turner
Various Hymnals In stature grows the Heavenly Child (1567) by Thomas Tallis
Various Hymnals Night of Silence (1984) by Daniel Kantor
Various Hymnals To Us a Child of Hope is Born (1781) by John Morison
Various Hymnals Vom Himmel kam der Engel Schar (1543) by Martin Luther
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)
* Advent/Christmas Hymns
Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:
“Light Of The World” By Matt Redman.
“Micah 6:8” By Charlie Hall.
“Voice Of My Father” As performed by Dennis Brown.
More contemporary suggestions here.
Prayers of Intercession:
(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)
Nurturing God, remembering the exile of the holy family and Herod’s slaughter of the children, we remember all who need our sustaining love. Hear our prayers for the church and the community in the world.
A brief silence.
God of wisdom, work in and through the church to welcome, value, teach, and learn from children and youth in our communities of faith. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of creation, we thank you for the gifts of fields and stream, lakes and mountains, oceans and seas; work through us to care for all that you have made. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of hope, work in and through the nations to bring about your peace and justice upon all the earth. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of relationships, help us to reach out to those around us with love, curiosity, and compassion; surround each and every person with supportive and loving communities. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of healing, mend those who are broken in body, mind, or spirit; and lift up those laid low by addiction, hunger, unemployment, or illness. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of life, draw us ever outwards from ourselves and towards the people around us; grant us thankful hearts of service and love. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
God of delight, open our lips to sing forth your praise; turn our weeping into rejoicing and grant us a glimpse of our future home with the saints in light. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant that all people may hear together the song of joy, and find their homes in the garden of justice and hope, that we may experience the fullness of life, which is your will for all, in the coming of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Episode 49 – Jesus’ Birth Announced
Psalm Text: Psalm 113
Sermon Text: Luke 1:26-45 [46-56] (Jesus’ Birth Announced)
Other Text Suggestions: Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10
Prayer of the Day (WP): Father God, there is no miracle as grand as birth. As we prepare for the coming of your son, Jesus, create in us new life. Transform us so that we may reflect the light of your son, and become beacons of goodness, kindness, compassion, generosity, honesty, patience, and peace, for the sake of the one whose name brings deliverance and life to all the world, Jesus Christ, infant king. Amen.
Helpful Resources: re:Worship, TextWeek, Word & World, Sermon Writer, BibleHub
Worship Resources: December 27, 2020
My yearly explanation: I generally don’t provide resources for Christmas (or Easter for that matter) as there are already a lot of such resources available! I hope you have a very blessed and merry Christmas!
1st Sunday of Christmas (NL319)
Color: White/Gold
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Christmas 1B, Presentation of Our Lord A/B/C
Psalm Text: Psalm 131
Sermon Text: Luke 2:21-38 (Simeon and Anna)
Other Text Suggestions: Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Galatians 4:4-7
Prayer of the Day: Glory of Israel, the coming of your son, Jesus, broke open the heavens and prepared a way for all of your children to come home to you. Give us eyes to see your miraculous spirit moving in this church and in this world. Teach us to be proclaimers of your love to the nations, for the sake of the one whose name is redemption for the peoples, Jesus Christ, our salvation. Amen.
Helpful Resources: re:Worship, TextWeek, SermonWriter, RevGalPals, BibeHub
Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:
ELW #266. All Earth Is Hopeful (Toda la tierra)*
ELW #275. Angels, from the Realms of Glory*
ELW #416. At the Name of Jesus
ELW #242. Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn*
ELW #303. Brightest and Best of the Stars
ELW #254. Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus*
ELW #245. Creator of the Stars of Night*
ELW #268. From Heaven Above*
ELW #705. God of Grace and God of Glory
ELW #288. Good Christian Friends, Rejoice*
ELW #311. Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
ELW #239. Hark, the Glad Sound!*
ELW #270. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing*
ELW #620. How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
ELW #417. In His Temple Now Behold Him
ELW #297. Jesus, What a Wonderful Child*
ELW #490. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
ELW #272. Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming*
ELW #545. Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing
ELW #313. O Lord, Now Let Your Servant
ELW #631. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
ELW #295. Of the Father’s Love Begotten*
ELW #269. Once in Royal David’s City*
ELW #640. Our Father, by Whose Name
ELW #263. Savior of the Nations, Come*
ELW #281. Silent Night, Holy Night!*
ELW #293. That Boy-Child of Mary*
ELW #298. The Bells of Christmas*
ELW #300. The First Noel*
ELW #284. ‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime*
ELW #296. What Child Is This*
ELW #792. When Memory Fades
ELW #785. When Peace like a River (It Is Well with My Soul)
LBW #110. At the Cross, Her Station Keeping
LBW #181. Greet Now the Swiftly Changing Year
WOV #638. Holy Child Within the Manger (Carol at the Manger)*
WOV #639. Oh, Sleep Now, Holy Baby*
WOV #634. Sing of Mary, Pure and Lowly*
Various Hymnals Como Estrella en Claro Cielo (1987) by Skinner Chávez-Melo
Various Hymnals Faithful Vigil Ended (1969) by Timothy Dudley-Smith
Various Hymnals Jesus, Hope of Every Nation (1987) by Michael Perry
Various Hymnals Night of Silence (1984) by Daniel Kantor
Various Hymnals The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy (1967) Public Domain
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)
* Advent/Christmas Hymns
Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:
“Born That We May Have Life” By Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, et al.
“Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground)” By Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash.
“Overwhelmed by love” By Noel Richards.
“Song of Hope (Heaven Come Down)” By Chase Jenkins, Dan Hamilton, et al.
More contemporary suggestions here.
Prayers of Intercession:
(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)
Nurturing God, remembering the exile of the holy family and Herod’s slaughter of the children, we remember all who need our sustaining love. Hear our prayers for the church and the community in the world.
A brief silence.
Gracious God, help your church to better reveal the glory of your grace, love, and salvation. Bless all church leaders, (especially,…) with all that they need to proclaim your presence with us. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Creator God, grant rest and peace to fields and streams. Bless ecologists and all who work to restore and preserve all that you have made. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of peace, send your spirit to guide those in power. Use world leaders to bring about your peace and justice for all people. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You who are our hope, fortify those who find themselves struggling with despair or anxiety. Help all people to see reasons to hope in the future. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Great physician, heal all who are in pain (especially,…). Give insight and patience to all those who are working on treatments and cures for diseases. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Triune God, open our eyes to the needs of the people around us and help us to reach out to them in love and service. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
God of the ages, we thank you for the saints who have gone before us. Use us, as you used them, to show your presence in the world. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant that all people may hear together the song of joy, and find their homes in the garden of justice and hope, that we may experience the fullness of life, which is your will for all, in the coming of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Episode 48 – Spirit of the Lord Upon Me
Gospel Text: Luke 4:16-21
Sermon Text: Isaiah 61:1-11 (Spirit of the Lord Upon Me)
Other Text Suggestions: Psalm 126, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
Prayer of the Day (WP): Spirit of the Lord God, you bring good news to the oppressed, bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives, and release the prisoners. You comfort all who mourn, and shower your people with the oil of gladness instead of mourning; a mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. We will greatly rejoice in the Lord, our whole being shall exult in God, for the sake of the one who brought righteousness to life, Jesus Christ our salvation. Amen.
Helpful Resources: re:Worship, revgalblog, TextWeek, Word&World, BibleHub
Worship Resources: December 20, 2020
4th Sunday of Advent (NL316)
Color: Blue
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Advent 4C
Psalm Text: Psalm 113
Sermon Text: Luke 1:26-45 [46-56] (Jesus’ Birth Announced)
Other Text Suggestions: Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10
Prayer of the Day (WP): Father God, there is no miracle as grand as birth. As we prepare for the coming of your son, Jesus, create in us new life. Transform us so that we may reflect the light of your son, and become beacons of goodness, kindness, compassion, generosity, honesty, patience, and peace, for the sake of the one whose name brings deliverance and life to all the world, Jesus Christ, infant king. Amen.
Helpful Resources: re:Worship, TextWeek, Word & World, Sermon Writer, BibleHub
Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:
ELW #416. At the Name of Jesus
ELW #838. Beautiful Savior
ELW #793. Be Thou My Vision
ELW #283. O Come, All Ye Faithful*
ELW #254. Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus*
ELW #855. Crown Him with Many Crowns
ELW #419. For All the Faithful Women
ELW #268. From Heaven Above*
ELW #290. Go Tell It on the Mountain*
ELW #311. Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
ELW #270. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing*
ELW #434. Jesus Shall Reign
ELW #297. Jesus, What a Wonderful Child*
ELW #267. Joy to the World*
ELW #407. O Living Breath of God
ELW #435. Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending
ELW #272. Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming*
ELW #251. My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness*
ELW #269. Once in Royal David’s City*
ELW #295. Of the Father’s Love Begotten*
ELW #844. Praise to the Lord (Louez l’Eterne)
ELW #430. Rejoice, for Christ is King!
ELW #263. Savior of the Nations, Come*
ELW #281. Silent Night, Holy Night!*
ELW #672. Signs and Wonders
ELW #800. Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart
ELW #583. Take My Life, That I May Be
ELW #685. Take My Life, That I May Be
ELW #293. That Boy-Child of Mary*
ELW #265. The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came*
ELW #531. The Trumpets Sound, the Angels Sing (The Feast Is Ready)
ELW #258. Unexpected and Mysterious*
ELW #296. What Child Is This*
ELW #424. Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones
LBW #64. From East to West
WOV #634. Sing of Mary, Pure and Lowly*
WOV #646. We Three Kings of Orient Are*
Various Hymnals Ave Maria (13th C.) by Anonymous
Various Hymnals For Mary, mother of our Lord (??) by J. Peacey
Various Hymnals No Wind at the Window (1992) by John Bell
Various Hymnals Sing We of the Blessed Mother (1975) by G. B. Timms
Various Hymnals Tell Out, My Soul (1962) by Timothy Dudley-Smith
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)
* Advent/Christmas Hymns
Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:
“Blessed Be Your Name” By Matt Redman, Beth Redman.
“Immanuel” By Michael Card.
“More Than Conquerors” As performed by Rend collective.
More contemporary suggestions 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.
Turn the church from dogma and doctrine towards the least and lowly; grant that we may see your presence in all of our neighbors and seek to serve you by serving them. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Turn the world from desolation, exploitation, and pollution and turn our hearts towards restoring and protecting all that you have made. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Turn the hearts of our leaders to concern for those without power or influence; help our societies to better care for the vulnerable and oppressed. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Turn hearts of despair into hearts of hope; use us to deepen and strengthen relationships and communities. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Turn the weeping of grief and pain into the joy of wholeness and healing; provide comfort and care to all who need it. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Turn us outwards from our own selfish desires and limited vision; bless our ministries and use us to proclaim your grace and love to everyone we meet. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Turn our thoughts towards serving you in the way the saints have served you through the generations; inspire our faith and work through their example and teachings. 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.
Episode 47 – Promise of the Spirit
Gospel Text: Luke 11:13
Sermon Text: Joel 2:12-13, 28-29 (Joel: God’s Promised Spirit)
Other Text Suggestions: Psalm 65, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Prayer of the Day (WP): Loving Lord, when we have strayed, you have called us to come home to you. “Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing.” With all our hearts we return to you, and gratefully accept your gentle love, for the sake of the one whose spirit lives in us, Jesus Christ our loving savior. Amen.
Helpful Resources: re:Worship, revgalblog, TextWeek, Word&World, BibleHub
Worship Resources: December 13, 2020
3rd Sunday of Advent (NL315)
Color: Blue
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Advent 3B
Gospel Text: Luke 4:16-21
Sermon Text: Isaiah 61:1-11 (Spirit of the Lord Upon Me)
Other Text Suggestions: Psalm 126, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
Prayer of the Day (WP): Spirit of the Lord God, you bring good news to the oppressed, bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives, and release the prisoners. You comfort all who mourn, and shower your people with the oil of gladness instead of mourning; a mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. We will greatly rejoice in the Lord, our whole being shall exult in God, for the sake of the one who brought righteousness to life, Jesus Christ our salvation. Amen.
Helpful Resources: re:Worship, revgalblog, TextWeek, Word&World, BibleHub
Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:
ELW #634. All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!
ELW #883. All People That on Earth Do Dwell
ELW #314. Arise, Your Light Has Come!
ELW #242. Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn*
ELW #552. Blessed Be the God of Israel
ELW #257. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel*
ELW #254. Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus*
ELW #607. Come, Ye Disconsolate
ELW #256. Comfort, Comfort Now My People*
ELW #679. For the Fruit of All Creation
ELW #673. God, Whose Almighty Word
ELW #311. Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
ELW #239. Hark, the Glad Sound!*
ELW #699. In Deepest Night
ELW #282. It Came upon the Midnight Clear*
ELW #434. Jesus Shall Reign
ELW #805. Lead On, O King Eternal!
ELW #710. Let Streams of Living Justice
ELW #712. Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service
ELW #596/7. My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less
ELW #886. Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
ELW #842. Oh, Worship the King
ELW #249. On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry*
ELW #843. Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
ELW #873/4. Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart!
ELW #665. Rise, Shine, You People!
ELW #423. Shall We Gather at the River
ELW #488/9. Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness
ELW #706. The People Walk (Un pueblo que camina)
ELW #551. The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve
ELW #686. We Give Thee but Thine Own
LBW #302. Jesus, Your Blood and Righteousness
WOV #638. Holy Child Within the Manger*
WOV #682. Praise the Spirit in Creation
Various Hymnals Beauty for Brokenness (1993) by Graham Kendrick
Various Hymnals God Has Chosen Me (1990) by Bernadette Farrell
Various Hymnals Heaven Is Singing for Joy (1958) by Pablo Sosa
Various Hymnals Make Way (1986) by Graham Kendrick
Various Hymnals When the King Shall Come Again (1975) by Christopher Idle
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)
* Advent/Christmas Hymns
Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:
“Build Your Kingdom Here” By Rend Collective Experiment.
“King Of Heaven (Isaiah 61)” By Brian Bergman, Charlie Hall, et al.
“Love Has Come” By Brown Bannister, Mark Schultz, et al.
“Take My Life” By Scott Underwood.
More contemporary suggestions 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.
Anoint the church with a spirit of proclamation; make us bold in crying out for justice, peace, and reconciliation. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Anoint your creation with a spirit of healing; turn our hearts away from selfishness and make us better stewards of the bounty you bestow upon the world. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Anoint our leaders with a spirit of humility and wisdom; reform our systems that liberating news may be proclaimed to the captive and the oppressed. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Anoint the lonely with a spirit of hope; open our eyes to the needs of those around us and keep us steadfast in service and care for others. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Anoint the sick and suffering with a spirit of healing; restore wholeness to whose struggling with disease and illness. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Anoint this congregation with a spirit of witness; open our lips that we may proclaim your praise wherever we may find ourselves this week. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
We give you thanks for anointing the saints with a spirit of faithfulness; anoint us too that we may, one day, join the saints in eternal praise of you. 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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