Tag: Women of Scripture

Worship Resources: July 7, 2019

Posted on by freedfromfreedfor

Proper 9(14) Year 1 (Pentecost 4)

Reminder: I am part of a group doing “Unsung Heroes” this summer
Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 28(33)A
Readings: Deborah and Jael – Judges 4:1-9,21-35
Prayer of the Day: God of the covenant, you brought your people to the promised land and led them against their enemies. Lead us against all the forces that defy you and raise up just and wise leaders who will show us how to walk in your ways. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #408. Come, Thou Almighty King
ELW #419. For All the Faithful Women
ELW #632. O God, Our Help in Ages Past
ELW #834. Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
ELW #596/7. My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less
LBW #9. I Called to My God for Help
Various Hymnals Sing! Deborah, Sing! (1989) by Luiza Cruz
Various Hymnals The Song of Deborah by John Barnard
Various Hymnals With Awe Approach the Mysteries (1997) by Jane Marshall
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“How Great is Our God” By Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, et al.
“Open The Eyes of My Heart” By Paul Baloche.
“Your Face Outshines The Brightest Sun” By David Gate, Matt Redman.
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. Deepen our witness and bless our ministries of service. Open our hearts to new relationships and open our eyes to see your presence in the people around us. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for clean air and clean water. Help us to better care for this great earth that you have entrusted to us. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who are enslaved, trafficked, or oppressed. Open our ears to the cries of the exploited and move us to work. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those without community. Surround them with your loving presence and bring them into healthy and life-giving relationships. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those in need of healing. Be with caregivers and grant them strength and patience. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for this congregation. Bring forth new ministries and bless the ministries we currently share with our neighbors. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We pray in thanksgiving for all who have gone before us. Surround us all with your great love. 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.

Worship Resources: June 17, 2018

Posted on by freedfromfreedfor

As previously mentioned, I am part of a group doing a summer series on “Women of Scripture.”

4th Sunday after Pentecost

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): N/A
Readings: Hannah Sermon text – 1 Samuel 1:1–2:10 Companion texts – Psalm 16 and/or Matthew 24:1-3
Prayer of the Day: God of Hannah, you are steadfast in your love and grace to us. Answer the prayers of all who call on you with mercy and loving-kindness. Restore justice to the world and guide our feet in your ways. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, who came that the lowly be exalted and the humble lifted up. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #723. Canticle of the Turning
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 #754. Jesus, the Very Thought of You
ELW #844. Praise to the Lord (Louez l’Eterne)
LBW #531. Before Jehovah’s Awesome Throne
LBW #146. Rejoice, Angelic Choirs, Rejoice!
WOV #720. In the Presence of Your People
WOV #724. Shalom
Various Hymnals Child of Blessing, Child of Promise
Various Hymnals Song of Hannah
Various Hymnals Tell Out, My Soul
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #757. All My Hope on God Is Founded
ELW #793. Be Thou My Vision
ELW #807. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
ELW #482. I Come with Joy
ELW #260. The King Shall come
ELW #435. Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending
ELW #397. Loving Spirit
ELW #832. My Lord of Light
ELW #328. Restore in Us, O God
ELW #821. Shout to the Lord
ELW #613. Thy Holy Wings
ELW #785. When Peace like a River (It Is Well with My Soul)
Various Hymnals Cast Thy Burden upon the Lord
Various Hymnals It May Be at Morn
Various Hymnals To Thee, O Lord, I Fly
(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.
“Breath Of God” By Vicky Beeching.
“In the Secret” By Andy Park.
“Take My Life” By Scott Underwood.
More contemporary suggestions 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 for the church, Most High, be at work in the people you have anointed to bear the gospel good news to the ends of the earth. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for creation, Most High, restore the pillars of the earth to the glory you intended for them. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for the nations, Most High, may your peace and justice rule over the hearts and minds of all who lead others. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for victims of violence, Most High, provide comfort, safety, and wholeness to any who know the pain of oppression and war. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for any who are suffering, Most High, gird them with the strength and endurance necessary for healing and recovery. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for all those gathered here today, Most High, bless our ministries and use this congregation to answer prayer. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We pray for the saints, Most High, may the witness of their exultant hearts strengthen our own when we falter. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

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.

Worship Resources: June 10, 2018

Posted on by freedfromfreedfor

As previously mentioned, I am part of a group doing a summer series on “Women of Scripture.”

3rd Sunday after Pentecost

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): N/A
Readings: Rahab Sermon text – Joshua 2:1-23 Companion texts – Psalm 33:16-22 and/or Matthew 21:28-32
Prayer of the Day: God of Rahab, you constantly use surprising people in surprising ways to work your will in the world. Use even ordinary us in our daily lives, to bring about your will in the world. Your will, shown through the life of Jesus, which is a will for peace, justice, mercy, and love for others. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #647. Glorious Things of You Are Spoken
ELW #237/8. Litany of the Saints
Various Hymnals A Prophet-woman Broke a Jar
Various Hymnals Foremothers of Christ
Various Hymnals In Matthew’s Gospel There Are Five
Various Hymnals There is a Line of Women
Various Hymnals Who’d Have Thought the Lord Almighty
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #779. Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
ELW #807. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
ELW #756. Eternal Father, Strong to Save
ELW #632. O God, Our Help in Ages Past
ELW #836. Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
ELW #837. Many and Great, O God (Wakantanka taku nitawa)
ELW #608 Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling
ELW #587/8. There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
Various Hymnals God, Who Touchest Earth With Beauty
Various Hymnals I Will Sing
Various Hymnals O Love of God, How Strong and True
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Come Let Us Worship” By Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves.
“Rahab’s Song” By Eddie Spence
“Mighty to Save” By Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan.
“The Battle Of Jericho Revisited” By Kathie Hill
More contemporary suggestions 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.

Lord of the church, open our eyes to the surprising ways you are at work in the world around us and move us to join in your kingdom-building work . Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Lord of all creation, furnish the earth with all its needs and bring your healing power to bear where we have caused harm. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Lord of all nations, bring equity and justice to all peoples and make us agents of your reign in all aspects of our life together. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Lord of promise, work in the lives of all believers to deepen our trust in your amazing promises of life and love. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Lord of wholeness, provide healing and comfort to all those in pain (especially,…). Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Lord of this congregation, strengthen our bonds of love with one another and bind us ever more closely to you. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Lord of life, continue to work through the example of all the saints who have gone before us and keep them in peace. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

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.

Worship Resources: June 3, 2018

Posted on by freedfromfreedfor

As previously mentioned, I am part of a group doing a summer series on “Women of Scripture.”

2nd Sunday after Pentecost

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 19(24)A
Readings: Miriam & Zipporah Sermon text – Exodus 2:1-25; 15:19-21 | Companion texts – Psalm 114 and/or Luke 1:73-75
Prayer of the Day: God of Miriam, multiply our joy at your great, salvific acts and cause us to sing of your eternal triumph over evil and death. God of Zipporah, make us ever more welcoming to others as Zipporah and Reuel welcomed Moses into their lands and lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, who is our joy and home, we pray. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #362. At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing
ELW #455. Crashing Waters at Creation
ELW #363. Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain
ELW #419. For All the Faithful Women
ELW #574. Here I Am, Lord
ELW #822. Oh, Sing to the Lord (Cantad al Señor)
ELW #864/5. Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven
ELW #823. Praise the Lord! O Heavens
ELW #872. Praise Ye the Lord
LBW #19. I Will Sing to the Lord
WOV #670. When Israel Was in Egypt’s Land
Various Hymnals A Mother Lined a Basket
Various Hymnals God It Was
Various Hymnals God of the Women
Various Hymnals He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
Various Hymnals I Will Sing unto the LORD (for he has triumphed gloriously…)
Various Hymnals Miriam’s Waiting by the River
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #250. Blessed Be the God of Israel
ELW #552. Blessed Be the God of Israel
ELW #647. Glorious Things of You Are Spoken
ELW #249. God Himself Is Present
ELW #673. God, Whose Almighty Word
ELW #733. Great Is Thy Faithfulness
ELW #618. Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer
ELW #810. O Jesus, I Have Promised
ELW #768. Lead Me, Guide Me
LBW #550. From All That Dwell below the Skies
Various Hymnals Come and See the Shining Hope
Various Hymnals O Raise Your Eyes on High
Various Hymnals You Have Come to Your People
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Come Let Us Worship” By Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves.
“Holy Ground” By Geron Davis.
“Mighty to Save” By Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

Empowering God, you gave the church the abiding presence of your Holy Spirit. Look upon your church today and hear our petitions.

A brief silence.

Bless the church with hearts of welcome and joy, O Lord; and bless the ministries of hospitality that we are engaged in. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Bless the fields with abundant life, O Lord; and bless those who care for them. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Bless all nations with peace and prosperity, O Lord; and bless those who strive to lead them in the ways of peace and justice. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Bless those who suffer from depression and anxiety, O Lord; and provide them with help and support in their need. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Bless those who are in pain, O Lord (especially,…); and bring your healing to bear upon them. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Bless this congregation with your presence, O Lord; and be with all who will travel this summer. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Bless the rest of the faithful dead, O Lord (especially, the martyrs of Uganda and…); and unite us with them in joyous witness to your faithful love. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Grant that, gathered and directed by your Spirit, we may confess Christ as Lord and combine our diverse gifts with a singular passion to continue his mission in this world until we join in your eternal praise. Amen.

Worship Resources: May 27, 2018

Posted on by freedfromfreedfor

As previously mentioned, I am part of a group doing a summer series on “Women of Scripture.”

Holy Trinity Sunday

Color: Red
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 6(11)A
Readings: Sarah & Hagar Sermon text – Genesis 16:1-12,15-16; 18:1-15; 21:1-3, 8-21 Companion texts – Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 and/or Matthew 9:35-36
Prayer of the Day: God of Hagar, protect those sent away from safety as you protected Hagar and Ishmael. Open our eyes to see the vulnerable in our midst and open our hearts to serve them in their needs. God of Sarah, deepen our trust in your promises and fill us with compassion even in the midst of despair. Fill us with delight in you, God of laughter and compassion. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #557. Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun
ELW #831. The God of Abraham Praise
ELW #737. He Comes to Us as One Unknown
ELW #802. Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus
ELW #783. Praise and Thanks and Adoration
DATH #97 Tell What God Has Done for Us
ASG #6 Clap Your Hands! Shout for Joy!
Various Hymnals God of the Women
Various Hymnals God It Was
Various Hymnals In a Deep, Unbounded Darkness
Various Hymnals To Abraham and Sarah
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  DATH=Dancing at the Harvest; ASG=As Sunshine to a Garden)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #610. O Christ, the Healer, We Have Come
ELW #860. I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me
ELW #712. Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service
ELW #631. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
ELW #863. My God, How Wonderful Thou Art
ELW #839/40. Now Thank We All Our God
ELW #493. Taste and See
Various Hymnals I Will Call Upon the Lord
Various Hymnals Let Your Heart Be Broken
Variouos Hymnals World Peace Prayer
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Children of God” By David Carr, Mac Powell, et al.
“Come Let Us Worship” By Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves.
“Every Move I Make” By David Ruis.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

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

Empowering God, you gave the church the abiding presence of your Holy Spirit. Look upon your church today and hear our petitions.

A brief silence.

We pray for the church in its many and varied forms; let our witness be full of delight in God’s promises. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for the waters; let the healing power of God undo the harm we have committed, that this fundamental element be preserved for all. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for the nations; let peace and justice be known throughout the world and God’s light shine upon all. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for struggling with the demon of addiction; let us be agents of God’s grace and freedom. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for those dealing with disease of any sort; let God’s healing power shower down upon them. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for this congregation; let us be faithful witnesses to the power of God’s promises. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We pray for the dearly departed; let their example deepen our life together and trust in God’s eternal activity. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Grant that, gathered and directed by your Spirit, we may confess Christ as Lord and combine our diverse gifts with a singular passion to continue his mission in this world until we join in your eternal praise. Amen.

Summer Readings: Women of Scripture

Posted on by freedfromfreedfor

So the NL using pastors in my area have chosen to do “Women of Scripture” for our summer readings. This may mean my blog won’t be very useful to you during the summer months. For that, I apologize. If you would like to follow along with us, here are the readings we are using:

May 27: Sarah & Hagar Sermon text – Genesis 16:1-12,15-16; 18:1-15; 21:1-3, 8-21 Companion texts – Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 and/or Matthew 9:35-36

June 3: Miriam & Zipporah Sermon text – Exodus 2:1-25; 15:19-21 Companion texts – Psalm 114 and/or Luke 1:73-75

June 10: Rahab Sermon text – Joshua 2:1-23 Companion texts – Psalm 33:16-22 and/or Matthew 21:28-32

June 17: Hannah Sermon text – 1 Samuel 1:1–2:10 Companion texts – Psalm 16 and/or Matthew 24:1-3

June 24: Abigail Sermon text – 1 Samuel 25:1-20,23-42 Companion texts – Psalm 49:1-4 and/or Luke 14:7-11

July 1: Esther Sermon text – a summary of the book Companion texts – Psalm 124 and/or Mark 9:23-25

July 8: Ruth 1 Sermon text – Ruth 1:1-22 Companion texts – Psalm 146 and/or Matthew 22:36-38

July 15: Ruth 2 Sermon text – Ruth 2:1-23 Companion texts – Psalm 132:14-16 and/or Matthew 14:13-21

July 22: Ruth 3 Sermon text – Ruth 3:1-18 Companion texts – Psalm 145:13-15 and/or Luke 6:20-22

July 29: Ruth 4 Sermon text – Ruth 4:1-22 Companion texts – Psalm 127 and/or Matthew 1:5-6

August 5: Mary (Mother of Our Lord) Sermon text – Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-7, 22-38 Companion texts – Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 and/or Isaiah 7:13-15

August 12: Mary & Martha Sermon text – Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-6, 17-44 Companion texts – Psalm 130 and/or Isaiah 48:16-17

August 19: Tabitha Sermon text – Acts 9:32-42 Companion texts – Psalm 23 and/or 1 Kings 17:17-24

August 26: Lydia Sermon text – Acts 16:11-15 Companion texts – Psalm 67 and/or Isaiah 58:10-12

September 2: Eunice & Lois Sermon text – 2 Timothy 1:1-7 Companion texts – Psalm 37:1-9 and/or Deuteronomy 7:8-10