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.