Category: Narrative Lectionary Resources

NL Worship Resources: January 22, 2016

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Epiphany 3 (NL Year 3)

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Ephiphany 5C
Readings: Psalm: Psalm 90:14-17  | Sermon Text: Luke 5:1-11 (Fish for People)
OT Suggestion: Isaiah 6:1-13
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): Lord Jesus of fisher folk, You taught your disciples to cast a wide net — not for fish, but for people. Teach us the fishing craft. Make our fingers nimble so we may handle hearts and hands gently; make our minds quiet and patient while we wait for those who are not yet ready to receive you; and make our hearts hungry for your word, for the sake of the one who has captured our hearts already, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #779 Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
ELW #520 Dearest Jesus, at Your Word
ELW #540 Go, Make Disciples
ELW #574 Here I Am, Lord
ELW #413 Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!
ELW #580 How Clear Is Our Vocation, Lord
ELW #796 How Firm a Foundation
ELW #696 Jesus Calls Us; o’er the Tumult
ELW #658 O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts
ELW #624 Jesus, Still Lead On
ELW #490 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
ELW #858/859 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
ELW #551 The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve
ELW #677 This Little Light of Mine
ELW #817 You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore (Tú Has Venido a La Orilla)
LBW #506 Dear Lord and Father of Mankind
LBW #505 Forth in Thy Name, O Lord, I Go
WOV #671 Alleluia, Alleluia, Give Thanks
Various Hymnals Lord, When You Came
Various Hymnals Two Fishermen
Various Hymnals You Walk Along Our Shoreline
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the Psalm:

ELW #610 O Christ, the Healer, We Have Come
ELW #632 O God, Our Help in Ages Past
ELW #151-158 Kyrie
ELW #837 Many and Great, O God (Wakantanka taku nitawa)
ELW #460 Now the Silence
ELW #583 Take My Life, That I May Be
ELW #685 Take My Life, That I May Be
LBW #181 Greet Now the Swiftly Changing Year
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Other options based on both:

“I Worship You” As performed by Mary Mary.
“Micah 6:8” By Charlie Hall.
“Thy Word” By Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

We pray in the light of our Lord, Jesus Christ; for the needs of the earth and all people.

A brief silence.

We pray for the church; that we may cast the nets of your Gospel, O Lord. May the good news of your grace and mercy catch the hearts or all people. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for lakes and stream, oceans and seas; that the water you have provided may continue to sustain life. May we be advocates for clean water for the refreshment of all creation. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our leaders; that your Spirit guide their thoughts, words, and actions. May we speak out against injustice and work for equality and equity among the nations. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for fishers and farmers, and all who provide food for the world; that their bounty may be abundant and no one go hungry. May we strive for better distribution and greater generosity. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who suffer in any fashion; that they may receive your healing, wholeness, and peace. May we be agents of comfort and support. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We pray for all who have gone before us on the journey of faith; that their witness strengthen our own. May we sing your praises to all the world. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

NL Worship Resources: January 15, 2016

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Due to a cold snap last December, we ended up postponing our Christmas programs until January 8th, so our worship service will be those programs. Hence no resources for January 8th, sorry!

Epiphany 2 (NL Year 3)

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Ephiphany 3C and Epiphany 4C
Readings: Psalm: Psalm 146 | Sermon Text: Luke 4:14-30 (Sermon at Nazareth)
OT Suggestion: Jeremiah 1:4-10
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): God of the nations, Show us how to love all the people of the earth, of all colors and kinds: those with technology and without; those who make due with very little and who use many resources; those with formal education and without; those who call upon your name and who do not; so that all your children may be glorified in the name of the One who brought glory and liberty, Jesus Christ our salvation. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #641 All Are Welcome
ELW #314 Arise, Your Light Has Come!
ELW #242 Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn
ELW #254 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
ELW #532 Gather Us In
ELW #673 God, Whose Almighty Word
ELW #311 Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
ELW #239 Hark, the Glad Sound!
ELW #664 Heaven Is Singing for Joy (El cielo canta alegría)
ELW #582 Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling
ELW #434 Jesus Shall Reign
ELW #805 Lead On, O King Eternal!
ELW #563 O Light Whose Splendor Thrills
ELW #712 Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service
ELW #886 Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
ELW #843 Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
ELW #665 Rise, Shine, You People!
ELW #878 Soli Deo Gloria
ELW #551 The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve
ELW #614 There Is a Balm in Gilead
ELW #853 When Morning Gilds the Skies
ELW #798 Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons)
ELW #668 O Zion, Haste
LBW #312 Once He Came in Blessing
WOV #638 Holy Child Within the Manger (Carol at the Manger)
Various Hymnals Blow Ye the Trumpet, Blow!
Various Hymnals I’ll Praise my Maker with my Breath
Various Hymnals Make Way
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the Psalm:

ELW #883 All People That on Earth Do Dwell
ELW #557 Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun
ELW #638 Blessed Assurance
ELW #848 Give to Our God Immortal Praise!
ELW #733 Great Is Thy Faithfulness
ELW #763 My Life Flows On in Endless Song
ELW #875 Praise, Praise, Praise the Lord!
ELW #858/859 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
ELW #531 The Trumpets Sound, the Angels Sing (The Feast Is Ready)
ELW #785 When Peace like a River (It Is Well with My Soul)
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Other options based on both:

“Awesome God” By Rich Mullins.
“Days of Elijah” By Robin Mark.
“Freedom Reigns” By Flood Songs.
“Light Of The World” By Matt Redman.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

We pray in the light of our Lord, Jesus Christ; for the needs of the earth and all people.

A brief silence.

Strengthen your church’s proclamation, O Lord; that we may proclaim your favor, freedom, and good news to all the world. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Provide sustenance to plants and animals, O Lord; that this time of winter rest may lead to the renewal of your creation in the spring.. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant wisdom to the leaders of the world, O Lord; that your justice may reign and your mercy rule. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring freedom to the oppressed, O Lord; that prisons of all sorts may be broken open and captives be freed from their captivities. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Heal the sick in mind, soul, and body, O Lord (especially,…); that your wholeness be brought to all who suffer. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Bless the rest of all the saints, O Lord; and keep us faithful that we may one day join them in the company of light. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

Merry Christmas! (I’m okay!)

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Some of you have reached out to me to make sure I’m ok since I haven’t updated in a while. Thank you for your concern! What an age we live in that lack of blog posts can lead to such concerns! All is well in our neck of the woods (apart from the usual Christmas stresses).

I have not posted resource suggestions/prayers mainly because there is a plethora of resources available for the Christmas season and a great deal of variety in how churches celebrate the season. My context, for instance, always has two candlelight services on Christmas Eve; a fairly normal service on Christ day; and a service of lessons and carols on Christmas 1. A neighboring church  does a carol-based worship service on Christmas Eve…you get the idea. So I decided I’d simply do my own thing and avoid the extra work of providing worship resources that I may not actually use and since there are already plenty available on these readings/the season.

I am sorry I didn’t forewarn you though. If you were looking for resources from me, I let you down and will try to be better about communicating my future intentions to you who use this site so as to avoid that disappointment! Have a blessed Christ’s Mass and a joyous New Year! I will resume crafting worship resources and prayers for January 8th.

NL Worship Resources: December 18, 2016

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Advent 4 (NL Year 3)

Color: Blue
Closest RCL Sunday: Advent 4B
Readings: Psalm: Psalm 113 | Sermon Text: Luke 1:26-49 (Jesus’ Birth
Announced)
OT Suggestion: Isaiah 35:1-10
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): 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.

You can find words of Confession and Absolution along with a Call to Worship here. I also have an Advent Wreath Lighting Litany here.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #265 The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came*
ELW #416 At the Name of Jesus
ELW #723 Canticle of the Turning
ELW #283 O Come, All Ye Faithful*
ELW #254 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus*
ELW #419 For All the Faithful Women
ELW #288 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice*
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 #272 Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming*
ELW #236 Magnificat
ELW #573 My Soul Now Magnifies the Lord
ELW #251 My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness*
ELW #234/235 My Soul Proclaims the Greatness of the Lord
ELW #295 Of the Father’s Love Begotten*
ELW #269 Once in Royal David’s City*
ELW #430 Rejoice, for Christ is King!
ELW #263 Savior of the Nations, Come*
ELW #672 Signs and Wonders
ELW #281 Silent Night, Holy Night!*
ELW #293 That Boy-Child of Mary*
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 Song of Mary
Various Hymnals Tell Out, My Soul
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)
*Indicates Advent/Christmas Hymns

Suggested hymns based on the Psalm:

ELW #846 Amen, We Praise Your Name
ELW #569 The Day You Gave Us, Lord, Has Ended
ELW #434 Jesus Shall Reign
ELW #620 How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
ELW #563 O Light Whose Splendor Thrills
ELW #460 Now the Silence
ELW #844 Praise to the Lord (Louez l’Eterne)
ELW #858/859 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
ELW #824 This Is My Father’s World
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)
*Indicates Advent/Christmas Hymns

Other options based on both:

“Blessed Be Your Name” By Matt Redman, Beth Redman.
“Born That We May Have Life” By Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, et al.
“Immanuel” By Michael Card.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

In expectation of the coming of our Lord, who is Emmanuel, God-with-us; we pray for the needs of the world, the church, and each other.

A brief silence.

We pray for the church, O Lord; that we might boldly proclaim your presence in the world. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for creation, Mighty One; that your amazing, abundant, and sometimes surprising life bring wholeness to the world. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the nations, God; that all might know you as above all kings and presidents and that your justice and peace may prevail wherever there is oppression or violence. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the lowly, O Savior; that your favor may be showered upon them and that unfair and unjust systems may be dismantled. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all in need of healing, Emmanuel; that they may know the peace and comfort found in your presence with them. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We pray for all the faithful women who have gone before us, O Lord; that the example of Elizabeth, Mary, and countless others may strengthen and deepen our faith in you. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

NL Worship Resources: December 11, 2016

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Advent 3 (NL Year 3)

Color: Blue
Closest RCL Sunday: Advent 3B
Readings: Gospel Text: Luke 4:16-21 | Sermon Text: Isaiah 61:1-11 (Spirit of the Lord Upon Me)
Psalm Suggestion: Psalm 126
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): 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.

You can find words of Confession and Absolution along with a Call to Worship here.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #314 Arise, Your Light Has Come!
ELW #242 Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn*
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 #711 O Day of Peace
ELW #239 Hark, the Glad Sound!*
ELW #664 Heaven Is Singing for Joy
ELW #282 It Came upon the Midnight Clear*
ELW #434 Jesus Shall Reign
ELW #709 Let Streams of Living Justice
ELW #712 Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service
ELW #843 Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
ELW #665 Rise, Shine, You People!
ELW #488/489 Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness
ELW #842 Oh, Worship the King
LBW #302 Jesus, Your Blood and Righteousness
WOV #638 Holy Child Within the Manger*
Various Hymnals Beauty for Brokenness
Various Hymnals The Voice of God Goes Out to All the World
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)
*Indicates Advent/Christmas Hymns

Suggested hymns based on the Gospel text:

ELW #268 From Heaven Above*
ELW #532 Gather Us In
ELW #311 Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
ELW #267 Joy to the World*
ELW #805 Lead On, O King Eternal!
ELW #712 Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service
ELW #269 Once in Royal David’s City*
ELW #665 Rise, Shine, You People!
ELW #798 Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons)
ELW #668 O Zion, Haste
LBW #83 From God the Father, Virgin-Born
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; WOV=With One Voice)
*Indicates Advent/Christmas Hymns

Other options based on both:

“Born That We May Have Life” By Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, et al.
“King Of Heaven (Isaiah 61)” By Brian Bergman, Charlie Hall, et al.
“Spirit Of The Sovereign Lord” By Andy Park.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

In expectation of the coming of our Lord, who is Emmanuel, God-with-us; we pray for the needs of the world, the church, and each other.

A brief silence.

Lord God, open the eyes of your church to see how scripture is being fulfilled in the world and challenge the faithful to join in your redemptive and healing work. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord God, bring healing to the places in creation where we have brought ruin and guide our actions that we might be better stewards of what you have given us. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord God, provide for all the nations rulers who are concerned for the poor and the oppressed, that your favor may be upon all peoples. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord God, bring your justice to the oppressed, to captives, and to prisoners and work in us the will to proclaim your good news to all. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord God, comfort all who mourn, especially this time of year, and work through all ministers of that comfort so ashes may be turned to garlands. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord God, cast your mantle upon all who suffer in any way (especially,…), and bring your peace to all in need. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Lord God, you shower us with blessings and favor; we give you thanks for the blessing of the saints who now rest in you and pray you favor us all with a heavenly home. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

NL Worship Resources: December 4, 2016

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Advent 2 (NL Year 3)

Color: Blue
Closest RCL Sunday: Proper 25C (30C)
Readings: Gospel Text: Luke 11:13 | Sermon Text: Joel 2:12-13, 28- 29 (Joel: God’s
Promised Spirit)
Psalm Suggestion: Psalm 65
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): 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.

You can find words of Confession and Absolution along with a Call to Worship here.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #641 All Are Welcome
ELW #793 Be Thou My Vision
ELW #283 O Come, All Ye Faithful*
ELW #256 Comfort, Comfort Now My People*
ELW #658 O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts
ELW #876 Let the Whole Creation Cry
ELW #243 Lost in the Night*
ELW #396 Spirit of Gentleness
LBW #488 Breathe on Me, Breath of God
LBW #162 Lord God, the Holy Ghost
MSB1 #S404 Canticle of Joel
MSB1 #S424 Return to God
Various Hymnals Fear Not, Rejoice and Be Glad
Various Hymnals Spirit of Mercy, Truth, and Love
Various Hymnals Spirit of the Living God
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; MSB1=Music Sourcebook 1)
*Indicates Advent/Christmas Hymns

Suggested hymns based on the Gospel text:

ELW #402 Eternal Spirit of the Living Christ
ELW #267 Joy to the World*
ELW #752 Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying
ELW #745 Lord, Teach Us How to Pray Aright
ELW #397 Loving Spirit
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)
*Indicates Advent/Christmas Hymns

Other options based on both:

“Come Let Us Return” By Matt Redman.
“You Are My King (Amazing Love)” By Billy Foote.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

In expectation of the coming of our Lord, who is Emmanuel, God-with-us; we pray for the needs of the world, the church, and each other.

A brief silence.

Pour out your spirit on the church, O Lord; may we be bold in our proclamation and prophesying. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Pour out your spirit on all creation, O Lord; may the rest and hibernation of plants and animals provide renewal and rejuvenation to the earth. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Pour out your spirit on our leaders, O Lord; may their vision inspire the nations to pursue peace and justice. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Pour out your spirit on the broken places of the world, O Lord; may violence end that weeping and mourning may cease. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Pour out your spirit on the sick, O Lord, (especially,…); may your healing work be done and our dreams of wholeness be made true. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

You have poured out your spirit on the saints, O Lord, (especially,…); may we seek to follow in their faithful example. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

Advent Wreath Lighting Litany

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Week 1 – Nov. 27, 2016:

Verse one of “Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah” (ELW #240)

We walk in darkness
And look for the coming light.

We are beset upon on all sides
And seek deliverance from evil.

We are cowed by political and societal pressure
And seek the strength to proclaim your reign.

God of Daniel, open our eyes to see your Kingdom breaking into our own. Strengthen our trust in your promises and help us to locate our hope in you. May the light of this candle be for us the light of the sunrise breaking into our dens of lions, our dens of fear and anxiety, our dens of darkness and death. And may we, who have see your light in the darkness, proclaim the hope we have in you to this weary world. Amen.

Week 2 – Dec. 4, 2016:

Verse two of “Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah” (ELW #240)

We walk in darkness
And look for the coming light.

We turn to the Lord with weeping and mourning
As we see our brokenness and the brokenness around us.

We look  to you for graciousness and abundant love, O Lord
Since we cannot find it in ourselves or in our world.

God of Joel, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us and lead us to our true home, your Kingdom. Broaden our love and show us your presence even in surprising places. May the light of this candle show us your dreams and visions that we may boldly proclaim your mercy and love. Amen.

Week 3 – Dec. 11, 2016:

Verse three of “Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah” (ELW #240)

We walk in darkness
And look for the coming light.

We look for the year of our Lord’s favor when justice and peace will prevail
Knowing that too often we do not act as your anointed people.

We await the shoots of righteousness and praise to spring forth
Trusting that you turn our barrenness into abundance.

God of Isaiah, cover us in your righteousness and bless us to be blessings to others. Magnify our praise that we may display your glory and proclaim your good news. May the light of this candle illumine the dark places of our lives and show us how you bring restoration to ruins and wholeness to devastation. Amen.

Week 4 – Dec. 18, 2016:

Verse four of “Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah” (ELW #240)

We walk in darkness
And look for the coming light.

We await the glorious news of Emmanuel, God-with-us
The one who will turn the world upside down and God-side up.

We marvel at your graciousness, God Most High
Seeing your Holiness clothed in humanness.

God of Mary and Elizabeth, fill us with joy at the news of your coming in Jesus. Deepen our faith in your ability to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. May the light of this candle comfort us with the knowledge that your light banishes the darkness and that your light dwells with us and in us. Amen.

 

NL Worship Resources: November 27, 2016

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Advent 1 (NL Year 3)

Color: Blue
Closest RCL Sunday: N/A
Readings: Gospel Text: Luke 23:1-5 | Sermon Text: Daniel 6:6-27 (Daniel’s Hope in God)
Psalm Suggestion: Psalm 25
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): God of deliverance, You rescued Daniel from the mouths of the lions when he was punished for worshiping you. Liberate all who are endangered for the sake of their faith, and rescue us from anything that separates us from worshiping only you, for the sake of the one who made your name known to all people, across land and seas, Jesus Christ, our redeemer. Amen.

You can find words of Confession and Absolution along with a Call to Worship here.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #250 Blessed be the God of Israel
ELW #245 Creator of the Stars of Night
ELW #569 The Day You Gave Us, Lord, Has Ended
ELW #320 The Glory of these Forty Days
ELW #311 Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
ELW #418 Rejoice in God’s Saints
ELW #825 You Servants of God
WOV #671 Alleluia, Alleluia, Give Thanks
Various Hymnals Dare to Be a Daniel
Various Hymnals He Is Able to Deliver Thee
Various Hymnals Who would true valor see
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the Gospel text:

ELW #337 Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed
ELW #416 At the Name of Jesus
ELW #662 Christ is the King!
ELW #749 O God of Love, O King of Peace
ELW #502 The King of Love My Shepherd Is
ELW #260 The King Shall come
ELW #430 Rejoice, for Christ is King!
W&P #136 The King of Glory Comes
W&P #80 King of Kings and Lord of Lords
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; W&P=Worship & Praise Songbook)

Other options based on both:

“Blessed Be Your Name” By Matt Redman, Beth Redman.
“May the Lord” As performed by The Brilliance.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

In expectation of the coming of our Lord, who is Emmanuel, God-with-us; we pray for the needs of the world, the church, and each other.

A brief silence.

Living God, work signs and wonders through your church that the good news of your deliverance may be proclaimed to all the world. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

God of creatures great and small, heal broken ecosystems and protect the abundance and diversity of life on earth. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

God above, work in our leaders and provide them with wise and faithful counselors. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

God of deliverance, bring all who are trapped in despair or loneliness out of the darkness of their lion’s dens. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

God of abundance, heal all who suffer and restore people and relationships to wholeness. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Enduring God, your eternal dominion is evident in the lives of all the saints, we thank you for their witness and example. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

Confession and Absolution & Call to Worship for Advent/Christmas

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Confession and Absolution

In the name of the Father,
and of the ☩ Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Lord God,
pour out your Holy Spirit upon us
and deliver us from all evil.
Open our eyes to see how we are broken
and do not live in healthy relationship with you
or with our neighbors.
Guide our confession through the Holy Spirit,
that we may return to you
through the redemption we have in Jesus, God-with-us.
Amen.

Returning to our gracious Lord,
let us confess our sins.

Silence for reflection and confession.

Merciful God,
we confess that we do not and cannot live
as you want us to live.
We confess that we regularly participate in wrongdoing
and do not live according to your justice.
We are often proud and self-righteous,
we oppress the lowly and marginalized,
we do not fill the hungry or bind up the brokenhearted,
we do not proclaim liberty to the captives,
and we do not bring good news to the oppressed.
Bring us out of the lion’s den of our sin
and clothe us with the garments of salvation,
won for us through Jesus Christ
our Savior and Lord.
Amen.

Our God is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love;
and out of that love God sent Jesus Christ
to die for us that we may be restored to life.
Therefore, as Isaiah proclaimed,
as Mary and Elizabeth proclaimed,
as Simeon and Anna proclaimed,
so too, can we proclaim to one another now:
God redeems you and restores you,
God loves you and forgives you,
God sees you and claims you!
Amen.

 

Call to Worship

 

We worship the God of the prophets, of Isaiah, of Daniel, or Joel:
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
my whole being shall exult in my God.

We worship the God of the least and lowly:
My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

We worship the God of the heavens and join with the heavenly host:
Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace, goodwill among people!

We worship Emmanuel, God-with-us:
My eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.

NL Worship Resources: November 20, 2016

Posted on by freedfromfreedfor

Christ the King

Color: White
Closest RCL Sunday: Lent 5B
Readings: Gospel Text: Luke 22:19-20 | Sermon Text: Jeremiah 36:1-8, 21-23, 27-28; 31:31-34 (God Promises a New Covenant)
Psalm Suggestion: Psalm 119:9-16
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): God, whose fondness for humanity knows no limit,
Write your word upon our hearts, so that we need no scroll, no book, no script to know that you love us. Show us the power of your covenant, that you will be faithful to us, even when we fail to remain faithful to you. For the beauty of your word inscribed upon us, we pray, in the name of the one whose body and blood became your new covenant with us, Jesus Christ, our redeemer. Amen.

You can find words of Confession and Absolution along with a Call to Worship that I wrote here. I updated these words of Confession and Absolution and the Call to Worship to reflect the readings in November here, I will be writing entirely new versions for Advent-Christmas.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #250 Blessed Be the God of Israel
ELW #711 O Day of Peace
ELW #605 Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive
ELW #733 Great Is Thy Faithfulness
ELW #574 Here I Am, Lord
ELW #592 Just as I Am, Without One Plea
ELW #596 My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less
ELW #864/865 Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven
ELW #487 What Feast of Love
ELW #566 When Twilight Comes
LBW #488 Breathe on Me, Breath of God
LBW #506 Dear Lord and Father of Mankind
DATH #91 Write Your Law upon Our Hearts
Various Hymnals Deep Within
Various Hymnals Grant to Us, O Lord
Various Hymnals Help Us, O Lord, to Learn
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; DATH=Dancing at the Harvest)

Suggested hymns based on the Gospel text:

ELW #474 Bread of Life from Heaven
ELW #491 Come, Let Us Eat
ELW #472 Eat This Bread
ELW #494 For the Bread Which You Have Broken
ELW #483 Here is Bread
ELW #471 Let Us Break Bread Together
ELW #674 Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ
ELW #460 Now the Silence
ELW #484 You Satisfy the Hungry Heart
LBW #209 Come, Risen Lord
LBW #226 Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord
LBW #211 Here, O My Lord, I See Thee
WOV #707 This Is My Body
Various Hymnals According to Thy Gracious Word
Various Hymnals Bread of the World
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other options based on both:

“Amazing Love” By Graham Kendrick.
“Closer” By Amanda Cook.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

With the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, let us pray for the church, those in need, and all of God’s creation

A brief silence.

God of the covenant, put your law and your word within our hearts that your church may proclaim your forgiveness and love. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of the covenant, put your law and your word within our hearts that we might be wise stewards of your creation and work to bring healing and wholeness wherever there is brokenness. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of the covenant, put your law and your word within our hearts that the nations may strive for justice and peace and all might know you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of the covenant, put your law and your word within our hearts that we might work for justice and freedom for all people. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of the covenant, put your law and your word within our hearts that we might bear your comfort and hope to all who suffer. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

God of the covenant, put your law and your word within our hearts as you put them in the hearts of all the saints before us that your message might resound throughout the ages. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.