Tag: Worship Helps

Worship Resources for May 23, 2021

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Pentecost Sunday NL346: Pentecost; Fruits of the Spirit

Color: Red
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Pentecost A/B/C; Holy Name of Jesus A/B/C; Proper 8(13)C
Gospel Text: Luke 11:11-13
Sermon Text: Acts 2:1-4; Galatians 4:1-7 [5:16-26]
Other Text Suggestions: 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14; Psalm 16
Prayer of the Day (WP): Abba, Father, you have adopted us as heirs of your kingdom and we have inherited the gift and presence of the Holy Spirit. Through the fire of the Spirit make us generous givers of all that you have bestowed upon us, for the sake of the one whose fire brings light and life to all the world, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Helpful Resources: SermonWriter, TextWeek, RevGalPals, re:Worship, Word&World, BibleHub

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #392. Alleluia! Sing to Jesus
ELW #638. Blessed Assurance
ELW #654. The Church’s One Foundation
ELW #804. Come Down, O Love Divine
ELW #627. O Day Full of Grace
ELW #521. O Day of Rest and Gladness
ELW #594. Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice
ELW #478. Father, We Thank You
ELW #679. For the Fruit of All Creation
ELW #848. Give to Our God Immortal Praise!
ELW #748. O God in Heaven
ELW #705. God of Grace and God of Glory
ELW #401. Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading
ELW #253. He Came Down
ELW #574. Here I Am, Lord
ELW #582. Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling
ELW #398. Holy Spirit, Truth Divine
ELW #575. In Christ Called to Baptize
ELW #650. In Christ There Is No East or West
ELW #490. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
ELW #403. Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song
ELW #765. Lord of All Hopefulness
ELW #397. Loving Spirit
ELW #343. My Song Is Love Unknown
ELW #309. The Only Son from Heaven
ELW #355/6. Sing, My Tongue
ELW #671. Shine, Jesus, Shine
ELW #655. Son of God, Eternal Savior
ELW #396. Spirit of Gentleness
ELW #800. Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart
ELW #445. Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters
LBW #488. Breathe on Me, Breath of God
LBW #472/3. Come, Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire
LBW #160. Filled with the Spirit’s Power
LBW #64. From East to West
LBW #493. Hope of the World
LBW #162. Lord God, the Holy Ghost
LBW #312. Once He Came in Blessing
LBW #387. Spirit of God, Unleashed on Earth
LBW #388. O Spirit of the Living God
WOV #681. Come, O Holy Spirit, Come
WOV #686. Holy Spirit, Come to Us
WOV #642. I Wonder As I Wander
Various Hymnals On Pentecost They Gathered
Various Hymnals Wind Who Makes All Winds That Blow
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the Gospel:

ELW #402. Eternal Spirit of the Living Christ
ELW #605. Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive
ELW #752. Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying
ELW #745. Lord, Teach Us How to Pray Aright
ELW #680/1. We Plow the Fields and Scatter
ELW #742. What a Friend We Have in Jesus
WOV #783. Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other options based on both:

“Amazing Love” By Graham Kendrick.
“Church On Fire” By Russell Fragar.
“You Deserve” By James Dunlop, Matt Crocker.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Dakota Road options:
“HALLELUJAH WE’RE NOT ALONE”  
“HEART OF THE PEOPLE” 
“I BELIEVE, I DO BELIEVE”  
“JUNTOS CREAMOS ESPIRITU”
“ONE SPIRIT” 

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.

Fill the church with the Holy Spirit, O God, and stir us to share the news of your love and grace with all the world. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Send food in due season, O God, and renew the face of the earth through our actions and care for all that you have made. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Circulate the Holy Spirit among all nations and peoples, O God, and bring forth the rule of your kingdom in all the corners of the world. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Strengthen our faith in your grace, O God, and show us our place as your children and heirs. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Work the fruit of the Holy Spirit in all who suffer, O God, and move us to bring them comfort and healing. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Unite us with all who have called you Abba, O God, and bring your whole family to our heavenly home. 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 for May 16, 2021

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7th Sunday of Easter NL345: One in Christ

Color: White/Gold
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 7(12)C
Gospel Text: Luke 1:68-79
Sermon Text: Galatians 3:1-9, 23-29
Other Text Suggestions: Isaiah 65:1-9; Psalm 22:19-28
Prayer of the Day (WP): Faithful Deliverer, you have chosen us to receive salvation by faith, not by the works of our hands. Deliver us, then, from the law, and free us from the bondage of sin so that with our hands we might serve you in purity of joy and response to your goodness, for the sake of Jesus Christ, who is all goodness. Amen.

Helpful Resources: SermonWriter, TextWeek, RevGalPals, re:Worship, Word&World, BibleHub

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #641. All Are Welcome
ELW #634. All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!
ELW #442. All Who Believe and Are Baptized
ELW #456. Baptized in Water
ELW #656. Blest Be the Tie That Binds
ELW #370. Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands
ELW #247. Come Now, O Prince of Peace
ELW #684. Creating God, Your Fingers Trace
ELW #713. O God of Every Nation
ELW #482. I Come with Joy
ELW #650. In Christ There Is No East or West
ELW #471. Let Us Break Bread Together
ELW #496. One Bread, One Body
ELW #843. Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
ELW #590. Salvation unto Us Has Come
ELW #547. Sent Forth by God’s Blessing
ELW #445. Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters
ELW #635. We Walk by Faith
ELW #774. What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine
ELW #359. Where Charity and Love Prevail
ELW #212/3. You Belong to Christ
ELW #211. You Have Put On Christ
LBW #192. Baptized into Your Name Most Holy
LBW #373. Eternal Ruler of the Ceaseless Round
LBW #302. Jesus, Your Blood and Righteousness
LBW #79. To Jordan Came the Christ, Our Lord
Various Hymnals Christian Love
Various Hymnals God Is Love
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Suggested hymns based on the Gospel:

ELW #250. Blessed Be the God of Israel
ELW #552. Blessed Be the God of Israel
ELW #553. Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies
ELW #848. Give to Our God Immortal Praise!
ELW #673. God, Whose Almighty Word
ELW #311. Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
ELW #253. He Came Down
ELW #574. Here I Am, Lord
ELW #810. O Jesus, I Have Promised
ELW #658. O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts
ELW #768. Lead Me, Guide Me
ELW #490. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
ELW #295. Of the Father’s Love Begotten
ELW #842. Oh, Worship the King
LBW #2. Blessed Be the Lord
LBW #238. God Has Spoken by His Prophets
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Other options based on both:

“Bind Us Together” By Bob Gillman.
“Make Us One” By Twila Paris.
“Whole World In His Hands” By Tim Hughes.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Dakota Road options:
“ALL ARE WELCOME” 
“ALL MY RELATIVES”
“HALLELUJAH WE’RE NOT ALONE”  
“WE JOIN WITH THE EARTH”

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.

Send your Spirit upon the Church, O Lord; and unite us in the proclamation of your love and grace. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless all growing things, O Lord; and sustain creation with your vibrant life. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Reveal your will to the nations, O Lord; and bring your kingdom and rule fully into our reality. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Open our eyes to our differences, O Lord; and open our hearts to accept them in love. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Clothe us in your love, O Lord; and restore all who suffer to wholeness in you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Make us heirs of Abraham, O Lord; and keep us steadfast in the way you have shown through all the prophets ans saints. 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 for May 9, 2021

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6th Sunday of Easter NL344: Living by Faith

Color: White/Gold
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 5(10)C; Proper 6(11)C
Gospel Text: Luke 18:9-14
Sermon Text: Galatians 1:13-17; 2:11-21 (Living by Faith)
Other Text Suggestions: 1 Kings 17:8-16, (17-24); Psalm 146
Prayer of the Day (WP): Lord of justification, with great joy we receive the gift of salvation which is ours not because of our own efforts, but because of the saving work of Christ. Grant us full access to the glory of your salvation, an abundance that is more than enough for all humankind, for the sake of our redeeming Christ. Amen.

Helpful Resources: SermonWriter, TextWeek, RevGalPals, re:Worship, Word&World, BibleHub

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #641. All Are Welcome
ELW #634. All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!
ELW #883. All People That on Earth Do Dwell
ELW #779. Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
ELW #453. Baptized and Set Free
ELW #654. The Church’s One Foundation
ELW #532. Gather Us In
ELW #526. God Is Here!
ELW #650. In Christ There Is No East or West
ELW #661. I Love to Tell the Story
ELW #538. The Lord Now Sends us Forth
ELW #759. My Faith Looks Up to Thee
ELW #496. One Bread, One Body
ELW #547. Sent Forth by God’s Blessing
ELW #663. Spread, Oh, Spread, Almighty Word
ELW #587/8. There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
ELW #576. We All Are One in Mission
LBW #488. Breathe on Me, Breath of God
WOV #748. Bind Us Together
TFF #184. Wonderful Grace of Jesus
Various Hymnals Wonderful Grace of Jesus
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; WOV=With One Voice, TFF=This Far by Faith)

Suggested hymns based on the Gospel:

ELW #254. Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
ELW #268. From Heaven Above
ELW #705. God of Grace and God of Glory
ELW #311. Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
ELW #545. Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing
ELW #631. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
ELW #313. O Lord, Now Let Your Servant
ELW #200/1. Now, Lord
ELW #295. Of the Father’s Love Begotten
ELW #785. When Peace like a River (It Is Well with My Soul)
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Other options based on both:

“All of Creation” By Barry Graul, Bart Millard, et al.
“Light Of The World” By Matt Redman.
“Mighty to Save” By Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Dakota Road options:
“ALL ARE WELCOME” 
“ALL OF MY LIFE”  
“HOW BIG IS YOUR TABLE” 
“WASHED IN THE PROMISE” 

Prayers of Intercession:

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

Holy God, you have called us to follow in the way of your risen Son, and to care for those who are our companions, not only with words of comfort, but with acts of love. Seeking to be true friends of all, we offer our prayers on behalf of the church and the world.

A brief silence.

For your church on earth, O Lord; that it may continue to proclaim your grace and love to all people and open its doors ever more widely. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For famers and gardeners, O Lord; that the spring planting go well and safely and lead to an abundant harvest that all might have enough to live. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For presidents and prime ministers, and all leaders, O Lord; that their first priority might be justice and peace amongst all peoples and nations. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For those who do not know your grace and love, O Lord; that they might hear the good news and come to believe in you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all who are in pain, O Lord; that your comfort and healing might be worked in them. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For this assembly, O Lord; that we may be bold in our witness and bold in our love of our neighbors. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

For all the saints, O Lord, for Nicholas von Zinzendorf; that his proclamation might inspire our own. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide us in the path of discipleship, so that, as you have blessed us, we may be a blessing for others, bringing the promise of the kingdom near by our words and deeds. Amen.

Worship Resources for May 2, 2021

Posted on by freedfromfreedfor

My updates may be sporadic in the month ahead, the rubber is hitting the road on selling/buying/moving! If I can’t do a full post, I will try my best to at least point you to relevant previous posts.

5th Sunday of Easter NL343: Council at Jerusalem

Color: White/Gold
Closest RCL Sunday(s): N/A
Gospel Text: Luke 2:29-32
Sermon Text: Acts 15:1-18
Other Text Suggestions: Deuteronomy 10:12-22; Psalm 31:1-3
Prayer of the Day (WP): Lord of all, in Jesus you have made us all sisters and brothers in Christ. There is no distinction between Gentile and Jew. There is no separation that can remove any from fellowship in Christ’s community. Blind us to our differences so that in unity we may proclaim your truth to all, for the sake of Jesus Christ in whom there is harmony and peace. Amen

Helpful Resources: TextWeek, RevGalPals, re:Worship, Word&World, BibleHub

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #641. All Are Welcome
ELW #634. All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!
ELW #883. All People That on Earth Do Dwell
ELW #779. Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
ELW #453. Baptized and Set Free
ELW #654. The Church’s One Foundation
ELW #532. Gather Us In
ELW #526. God Is Here!
ELW #650. In Christ There Is No East or West
ELW #661. I Love to Tell the Story
ELW #538. The Lord Now Sends us Forth
ELW #759. My Faith Looks Up to Thee
ELW #496. One Bread, One Body
ELW #547. Sent Forth by God’s Blessing
ELW #663. Spread, Oh, Spread, Almighty Word
ELW #587/8. There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
ELW #576. We All Are One in Mission
LBW #488. Breathe on Me, Breath of God
WOV #748. Bind Us Together
TFF #184. Wonderful Grace of Jesus
Various Hymnals Wonderful Grace of Jesus
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; WOV=With One Voice, TFF=This Far by Faith)

Suggested hymns based on the Gospel:

ELW #254. Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
ELW #268. From Heaven Above
ELW #705. God of Grace and God of Glory
ELW #311. Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
ELW #545. Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing
ELW #631. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
ELW #313. O Lord, Now Let Your Servant
ELW #200/1. Now, Lord
ELW #295. Of the Father’s Love Begotten
ELW #785. When Peace like a River (It Is Well with My Soul)
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Other options based on both:

“All of Creation” By Barry Graul, Bart Millard, et al.
“Light Of The World” By Matt Redman.
“Mighty to Save” By Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Dakota Road options:
“ALL ARE WELCOME” 
“ALL OF MY LIFE”  
“HOW BIG IS YOUR TABLE” 
“WASHED IN THE PROMISE” 

Prayers of Intercession:

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

Holy God, you have called us to follow in the way of your risen Son, and to care for those who are our companions, not only with words of comfort, but with acts of love. Seeking to be true friends of all, we offer our prayers on behalf of the church and the world.

A brief silence.

For your church on earth, O Lord; that it may continue to proclaim your grace and love to all people and open its doors ever more widely. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For famers and gardeners, O Lord; that the spring planting go well and safely and lead to an abundant harvest that all might have enough to live. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For presidents and prime ministers, and all leaders, O Lord; that their first priority might be justice and peace amongst all peoples and nations. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For those who do not know your grace and love, O Lord; that they might hear the good news and come to believe in you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all who are in pain, O Lord; that your comfort and healing might be worked in them. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For this assembly, O Lord; that we may be bold in our witness and bold in our love of our neighbors. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

For all the saints, O Lord, for Peter, Paul, and Barabas; that their proclamation might inspire our’s. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide us in the path of discipleship, so that, as you have blessed us, we may be a blessing for others, bringing the promise of the kingdom near by our words and deeds. Amen.

Worship Resources for April 4, 2021

Posted on by freedfromfreedfor

FYI: I do not generally provide resources for the Triduum as there tends to be plenty of resources already available for those services, whether Narrative Lectionary or any other Lectionary! Have a very blessed Holy Week! Also, I re-used the Prayers of Intercession from four years ago. Feel free to adapt them to your local circumstances (that holds true for any prayers of intercession I have crafted, you are welcome to adapt them as you need).

Easter Sunday NL339: Resurrection

Color: White/Gold
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Easter (C)
Psalm Text: Psalm 118:17, 21-24
Sermon Text: Luke 24:1-12
Other Text Suggestions: Isaiah 65:17-25; 1 Corinthians 15:19-26
Prayer of the Day (WP): Risen Messiah, hallelujah! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Glory be to you, whom death could not defeat. Praise to the savior of heaven and earth. Honor and glory are yours, now and forever, Christ our savior and redeemer. Amen.

Helpful Resources: SermonWriter, TextWeek, RevGalPals, re:Worship, Word&World, BibleHub

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #629 Abide with Me
ELW #375 Alleluia! Christ Is Arisen
ELW #793 Be Thou My Vision
ELW #364 Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia
ELW #371 Christians, to the Paschal Victim
ELW #389 Christ Is Alive! Let Christians Sing
ELW #383 Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna!
ELW #339 Christ, the Life of All the Living
ELW #373 Christ the Lord Is Risen Today!
ELW #363 Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain
ELW #855 Crown Him with Many Crowns
ELW #521 O Day of Rest and Gladness
ELW #361 The Day of Resurrection!
ELW #385 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing!
ELW #347 Go to Dark Gethsemane
ELW #619 I Know That My Redeemer Lives!
ELW #365 Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
ELW #765 Lord of All Hopefulness
ELW #438 My Lord, What a Morning
ELW #379 Now the Green Blade Rises
ELW #386/7 O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing
ELW #366 The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done
ELW #384 That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright
ELW #376 Thine Is the Glory
ELW #391 This Joyful Eastertide
ELW #353 Were You There
LBW #151 Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
WOV #671 Alleluia, Alleluia, Give Thanks
Various Hymnals Because You Live, O Christ
Various Hymnals Low in the Grave He Lay
Various Hymnals Woman in the Night
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the Psalm:

ELW #174/5 Alleluia
ELW #645 Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation
ELW #556 Morning Has Broken
LBW #142 Hail Thee, Festival Day!
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Other options based on both:

“Easter Song” Anne Herring
“I’ll Fly Away” Albert E. Brumley
“Resurrection Day” Matt Maher
More contemporary suggestions here.

Dakota Road options:
“GO NOW” 
“REMEMBERING THE PROMISE” 
“WE HAVE SEEN THE MESSIAH” 
“YOUR LOVE IS EVERLASTING” 

Prayers of Intercession:

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

Let us pray for the needs of the church and the world to God who raised Jesus to new life.

A brief silence.

God of Resurrection, breathe your vibrant life into the church that we may be inspired to ever greater feats of proclamation and love. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of life, sustain all of creation with your power that we might know and proclaim your providence and care. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Conqueror of death, work your will in the world that the nations and leaders of nations might strive for justice, peace, and the equitable distribution of your resources. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of the living, provide hope to the hopeless and joy to the despairing, that all who are entombed might be freed from their bonds. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of shalom, bring about your healing and wholeness to all who suffer that life might be lived as you want it to be lived. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of relationship and community, bless our assembly with hearts of love and service as well as eyes to see your presence and activity in the world around us. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Lord of heaven and earth, bless the rest of all the saints and unite us with them in the everlasting light of the Resurrection dawn. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Through the resurrection of your son, O God, you destroy the power of death and remove your people’s shame. By the power of the Spirit, raise us from sin and seat us at the paschal feast, that we may rejoice in the gift of salvation Jesus has won for us. Amen.

Worship Resources for March 28, 2021

Posted on by freedfromfreedfor

Palm/Passion Sunday NL336: Triumphal Entry

Color: Purple or Scarlet
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Palm Sunday C
Psalm Text: Psalm 118:19-23
Sermon Text: Luke 19:29-44
Other Text Suggestions: Zechariah 9:9-10; Revelation 7:9-12
Prayer of the Day (WP): Hosanna, King, blessed are you, our king, who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven! Even if our voices were silenced, creation itself would rise up to praise you! Hosanna in the Highest! Amen.

Helpful Resources: SermonWriter, TextWeek, RevGalPals, re:Worship, Word&World, BibleHub

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #344. All Glory, Laud, and Honor*
ELW #724. All who love and serve your city
ELW #552. Blessed Be the God of Israel
ELW #662. Christ is the King!
ELW #625. Come, We That love the Lord (We’re Marching to Zion)
ELW #753. Dona nobis pacem
ELW #311. Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
ELW #333. Jesus Is a Rock in a Weary Land*
ELW #537. O Jesus, King Most Wonderful!
ELW #836. Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
ELW #660. Lift High the Cross
ELW #343. My Song Is Love Unknown*
ELW #264. Prepare the Royal Highway
ELW #346. Ride On, Ride On in Majesty!*
ELW #853. When Morning Gilds the Skies
ELW #719. Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life
LBW #22. The Advent of Our God
WOV #640. Glory to God
WOV #631. Lift Up Your Heads, O Gates
TFF #24. Glory to God
Various Hymnals Filled with Excitement (1972) by Rubén Ruiz Ávila
Various Hymnals God! As with Silent Hearts (1989) by Fred Kaan
Various Hymnals Hosanna, Loud Hosanna (1873) by Jennette Threlfall
Various Hymnals Palm Sunday Processional (1999) by Rory Cooney
Various Hymnals The King of Glory Comes (1982) by Willard F. Jabusch (Use Stephen Colbert’s version!!)
Various Hymnals When I Needed a Neighbor (1965) by Sydney Carter
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; TFF=This Far by Faith; DATH=Dancing at the Harvest)
* Lenten/Holy Week Hymns

Other (mostly contemporary) options:

“Ancient of Days” By Gary Sadler, Jamie Harvill.
“How Great is Our God” By Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, et al.
“One Day” By Vicky Beeching and Robin Mark.
“Our God” By Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, et al.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Dakota Road options:
“CANTICLE OF THE SUN”
“COME” 
“GOD OF STARS AND DISTANT PLANETS”
“HOLY, HOLY (God of power)”
“HOLY ONE”

Prayers of Intercession:

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

Caught between joy and despair, we yearn for the fulfillment of God’s desire beyond the brokenness and neediness of this life. We offer thanksgiving for God’s presence with us and petitions for the transformation of the church and the world.

A brief silence.

Glorious God, open the eyes of your church to see you coming to us, again and again, in new and surprising ways. Open our lips that we may praise you and proclaim your glory. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of all places, you reveal your glory in creation and call us to steward what you have made. Make us better caretakers of flora and fauna, all that lives and with whom we share this planet. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of all peoples, unite us all in the understanding that no matter what divides us, we can find unity in your love for creation. Give us leaders with hearts for cooperation and mutual upbuilding. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Loving God, shower the world with your grace and love. Grant us your eyes of compassion and mercy that we reach out to all in any need. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Healing God, be with the sick and the suffering, especially,…. Use your power to to bring them healing, comfort, and peace according to your will. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Great God, inspire us through our worship of you and move us to do your will and to proclaim your word in our lives and in our communities. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

God of resurrection, make us firm in our faith in you as you made firm the faith of the saints before us. Unite the saints of all times and places in praise and worship of you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Life-giver, Pain-bearer, Love-maker, day by day you sustain the weary with your word and gently encourage us to place our trust in you. Awaken us to the suffering of those around us; save us from hiding in denials or taunts that deepen the hurt; give us grace to share one another’s burdens in humble service. Amen.

Worship Resources for March 21, 2021

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5th Sunday in Lent NL335: Zacchaeus

Color: Purple
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 26(31)C
Psalm Text: Psalm 84:1-4,10-12
Sermon Text: Luke 18:31—19:10
Other Text Suggestions: Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12
Prayer of the Day (WP): Lord of the lost, we are quick to judge and slow to accept those whom we consider lower than ourselves. But you show us the way of acceptance, forgiveness, and peace. We honor your name for teaching us to love, for the sake of the one who is the essence of love itself, Jesus Christ our loving Lord. Amen.

Helpful Resources: SermonWriter, TextWeek, RevGalPals, re:Worship, Word&World, BibleHub

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #610. O Christ, the Healer, We Have Come
ELW #807. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
ELW #358. Great God, Your Love Has Called Us
ELW #740. God of the Sparrow
ELW #673. God, Whose Almighty Word
ELW #678. God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending
ELW #239. Hark, the Glad Sound!
ELW #345. Jesus, I Will Ponder Now*
ELW #775. Jesus, Priceless Treasure
ELW #592. Just As I Am, without One Plea
ELW #802. Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus
ELW #676. Lord, Speak to Us, That We May Speak
ELW #343. My Song Is Love Unknown*
ELW #322. Oh, Love How Deep
ELW #351/2. O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
ELW #583. Take My Life, That I May Be
ELW #685. Take My Life, That I May Be
ELW #798. Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons)
ELW #510. Word of God, Come Down on Earth
LBW #431. Your Hand, O Lord, in Days of Old
TFF #150. Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior
Various Hymnals Are You the One (1999) by Mary Nelson Keithahn
Various Hymnals I Saw the Rich Ones (Work for a World) (2000) by Pat Mayberry
Various Hymnals Jesus Is Passing This Way (1895) by Fanny Crosby
Various Hymnals Seeking the Lost (1901) by J. A. Lee
Various Hymnals Zacchaeus (1999) by Unkown
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; TFF=This Far by Faith; DATH=Dancing at the Harvest)
* Lenten Hymns

Other (mostly contemporary) options:

“Humble Thyself In The Sight Of The Lord” By Bob Hudson.
“Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy)” By Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, et al.
“Open The Eyes of My Heart” By Paul Baloche. As performed by Sonic Flood.
“Trading My Sorrows” By Darrell Evans.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Dakota Road options:
“DO JUSTICE” 
“EVERYBODY’S GOT SOMETHING TO OFFER” 
“LIGHT AND LOVE”  
“PEOPLES CHURCH”
“WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE” 

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.

Persistent God, you sent your only Son into the world to seek the lost and lift up the downtrodden. Grant your church the vision it needs to see those on the outside of community and to search them out in love and service. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Merciful God, forgive the many ways in which we have harmed what you have made. Work in us and through us to care for all that you have made. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of all nations, raise up leaders who will pursue your priorities over the priorities of the world. Instill in all people a sincere desire to care for one another and to pursue justice and peace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Compassionate God, watch over and keep the oppressed and the orphan. Turn our hearts to any who are in need. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Healing God, watch over those in any pain, especially,…. Surround them with comfort and peace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Creator God, strengthen the bonds of love and relationship within this assembly. Use us to proclaim your love and grace into our broken world. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Eternal God, we thank you for the saints who have gone before us. May their witness strengthen our proclamation and work. 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.

Worship Resources for March 14, 2021

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4th Sunday in Lent NL334: Rich Man & Lazarus

Color: Purple
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 21(26)C
Psalm Text: Psalm 41:1-3
Sermon Text: Luke 16:19-31
Other Text Suggestions: Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15; 1 Timothy 6:6-19
Prayer of the Day (WP): Divine Word, you sent Moses to speak law to the people and bring order to chaos. You sent prophets to speak repentance and bring hope to the hopeless. You sent your son, Jesus, to become your living Word. Open our ears to hear your word, and our hearts to reflect the light of your truth to others, for the sake of the Incarnate Word, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Helpful Resources: SermonWriter, TextWeek, RevGalPals, re:Worship, Word&World, BibleHub

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #757. All My Hope on God Is Founded
ELW #461. All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly
ELW #838. Beautiful Savior
ELW #801. Change My Heart, O God
ELW #610. O Christ, the Healer, We Have Come
ELW #408. Come, Thou Almighty King
ELW #879. For the Beauty of the Earth
ELW #532. Gather Us In
ELW #705. God of Grace and God of Glory
ELW #222. Into Paradise May the Angels Lead You
ELW #333. Jesus Is a Rock in a Weary Land*
ELW #775. Jesus, Priceless Treasure
ELW #768. Lead Me, Guide Me
ELW #523. Let Us Go Now to the Banquet
ELW #750. Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart
ELW #712. Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service
ELW #787. On Eagle’s Wings
ELW #858/9. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
ELW #704. When Pain of the World Surrounds Us
ELW #719. Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life
LBW #483. God Moves in a Mysterious Way
TFF #157. God Be with You till We Meet Again
TFF #160. God Be with You
DATH #96. Give It Away
Various Hymnals As Water to the Thirsty (1975) by Timothy Dudley-Smith
Various Hymnals For the Healing of the Nations (1968) by Fred Kaan
Various Hymnals Heaven Shall Not Wait (1987) by John Bell
Various Hymnals Po’ Man Laz’rus (2000) by John Ylvisaker
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; TFF=This Far by Faith; DATH=Dancing at the Harvest)
* Lenten Hymns

Other (mostly contemporary) options:

“Micah 6:8” By Charlie Hall.
“Open The Eyes of My Heart” By Paul Baloche.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Dakota Road options:
 “LEAD US TO PEACE BY YOUR LIGHT”  
“PEOPLE OF HOPE” 
“PEOPLES CHURCH”
“WHAT SHALL I GIVE” 

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.

Watch over your church, O God, and lead us to proclaim your love and grace in the world. Keep your church from apathy and judgement and instill in us a sincere desire to care for all people. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Watch over creation, O God, and restore all that you have made to wholeness. Work through us to heal waterways of all kinds that all might have clean and abundant water. Work in us and through us to bring healing and wholeness to all that you have made. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Watch over our leaders, O God, and set their minds and hearts on justice and peace. Bless all those who speak out on behalf of the poor and the oppressed. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Watch over the brokenhearted, O God, and bring them into beloved community. Grant us the eyes to see the hidden pain that others carry and the hearts to reach out to them in love. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Watch over the sick, O God, especially,…. Bless EMTs, doctors, nurses, and all who provide comfort and aid to others. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Watch over this assembly, O God, and keep us in your care. Bless our ministries to the various generations, that it may inspire and equip us for ministry in the world around us. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Watch over the saints, O God, and keep their memory in our minds. Use us as you have used others to share your love and grace with future generations. 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.

Worship Resources for March 7, 2021

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3rd Sunday of Lent NL333: Lost Sheep, Coin, Son

Color: Purple
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 19(24)C; Lent 4C
Psalm Text: Psalm 119:167-176
Sermon Text: Luke 15:1-32
Other Text Suggestions: Joshua 5:9-12; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Prayer of the Day (WP): Rejoicing Father, you celebrate when one of your lost children is found because no one is worthless to you. We stand humbled and in awe that you would count us among your most prized possessions. Give us eyes to see the priceless value of every living soul, for the sake of the one who became human for the sake of our souls, Jesus Christ our seeker. Amen.

Helpful Resources: SermonWriter, TextWeek, RevGalPals, re:Worship, Word&World, BibleHub

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #883. All People That on Earth Do Dwell
ELW #779. Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
ELW #816. Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life
ELW #807. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
ELW #679. For the Fruit of All Creation
ELW #740. God of the Sparrow
ELW #358. Great God, Your Love Has Called Us*
ELW #619. I Know That My Redeemer Lives!
ELW #650. In Christ There Is No East or West
ELW #592. Just As I Am, without One Plea
ELW #765. Lord of All Hopefulness
ELW #599. Lord Jesus, Think on Me
ELW #676. Lord, Speak to Us, That We May Speak
ELW #745. Lord, Teach Us How to Pray Aright
ELW #782. My Shepherd, You Supply My Need
ELW #460. Now the Silence
ELW #772. Oh, that the Lord Would Guide My Ways
ELW #606. Our Father, We Have Wandered
ELW #789. Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us
ELW #608. Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling
ELW #502. The King of Love My Shepherd Is
ELW #778. The Lord’s My Shepherd
ELW #587/8. There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
ELW #659. Will You Let Me Be Your Servant
LBW #431. Your Hand, O Lord, in Days of Old
Various Hymnals From Ashes to the Living Font (1994) by Alan J. Hommerding
Various Hymnals Heaven Is Singing for Joy (El cielo canta alegría) (1958) by Pablo D. Sosa
Various Hymnals Ring the Bells of Heaven (1866) by W. O. Cushing
Various Hymnals Welcome! Wanderer, Welcome! (1884) by Horatius Bonar
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)
* Lenten Hymns

Other (mostly contemporary) options:

“Amazing Love” By Graham Kendrick.
“Go Get the Lost One” By Rain for Roots.
“Shine Into Our Night” By Joel Sczebel.
“Undo” By Kevin Huguley, Scott Davis, et al.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Dakota Road options:
“EVERYBODY’S GOT SOMETHING TO OFFER” 
“LIGHT AND LOVE”  
“PEOPLES CHURCH”
“REACH OUT” 
“WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE” 

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.

Rescue the church, O God, from divisions and schisms. Help us to find our unity and joy in your grace and good news. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Find and strengthen those who protect creation, O God. Work in us and through us to bring healing and wholeness to all that you have made. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Help the leaders of countries, O God, to seek out the lost and oppressed. Set our minds on justice and peace that the world may better reflect your kingdom and rule. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Rescue the lost, O God. No matter how or why they may be lost, please bring them into healthy and supportive communities and surround them with love. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Find and strengthen those who heal, O God. Work in and through them to share your comfort and healing. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Help us, O God, to search for those around us in any sort of need. Open our eyes to your presence in the people around us. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

You bring your flock home, O God. Thank you for our heavenly home and for those who have gone before us on the way to it. 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.

Worship Resources for February 28, 2021

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2nd Sunday of Lent NL332: Lament Over Jerusalem

Color: Purple
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Lent 3C; Lent 2C
Psalm Text: Psalm 122
Sermon Text: Luke 13:1-9, 31-35
Other Text Suggestions: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18; Philippians 3:17-4:1
Prayer of the Day (WP): Holy One of mighty power, your word is powerfully dangerous. Your word casts out demons. Your word heals incurable diseases. Your word devours empires. Your word transforms the fabric of the universe. Help us to stand in awe and fear of what your word is capable of doing. Give us courage to speak your word and wisdom to hear it, for the sake of the one whose very whisper can demolish sin, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Helpful Resources: SermonWriter, TextWeek, RevGalPals, re:Worship, Word&World, BibleHub

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #779. Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
ELW #508. As Rain from the Clouds
ELW #645. Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation
ELW #733. Great Is Thy Faithfulness
ELW #324. In the Cross of Christ I Glory*
ELW #592. Just As I Am, without One Plea
ELW #768. Lead Me, Guide Me
ELW #660. Lift High the Cross
ELW #735. Mothering God, You Gave Me Birth
ELW #596/7. My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less
ELW #858/9. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
ELW #831. The God of Abraham Praise
ELW #587/8. There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
ELW #613. Thy Holy Wings
ELW #566. When Twilight Comes
ELW #719. Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life
ELW #484. You Satisfy the Hungry Heart (Gift of Finest Wheat)
LBW #427. O Jesus Christ, May Grateful Hymns Be Rising
Various Hymnals Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy (1759) by J. Hart
Various Hymnals From Ashes to the Living Font (1994) by Alan J. Hommerding
Various Hymnals Shelter Me, O God (1984) by Bob Hurd
Various Hymnals You Are My Hiding Place (1981) by Maranatha! Music
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)
* Lenten Hymns

Other (mostly contemporary) options:

“Broken” By Michael Himes.
“Death Was Arrested” By Adam Kersh, Brandon Coker, et al.
“God Of The Poor (Beauty For Brokenness)” By Graham Kendrick.
“The Lost are Found” By Ben Fielding, Sam Knock.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Dakota Road options:
“ALL MY RELATIVES”
“BRING YOUR MERCY” 
“DO JUSTICE” 
“LOVE TO THE WORLD” 
“MERCY” 

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.

For religious communities, that they may share peace, love, and justice with each other and the world. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the beauty of the earth, that we may be ever more dedicated to protecting and preserving what you have entrusted to us. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For governments and leaders of governments, that they may devote themselves to service and compassion towards their citizens. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the lonely and brokenhearted, that they may find support and community and experience your great love for them. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all who suffer in mind or body, that they may know your presence and find comfort and healing. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For us worshipping together now, that we may go forth from our worship in order to love and serve our neighbors. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

For the saints who now rest in you (especially,…), that we may follow in their footsteps to our eternal home with you. 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.