Confession and Absolution & Call to Worship for Sept 18-Oct 30

I don’t often write words of Confession and Absolution, as I like many of the ones provided in other resources. But I thought I might take a stab at writing one here with the NL texts for September and October in mind. Let me know what you think and if it’s something I should work on doing more often. I have also been enjoying the Call to Worship from the “This Far By Faith” hymnal that our parish used over the summer, so I tried my hand at one of those too.

Confession and Absolution

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

Faithful God of hope and compassion,
you work healing and wholeness into the world
and show your care to all people.
By the power of your Holy Spirit,
open our eyes and hearts to see
how we are unfaithful and lacking in mercy,
that we may confess our sin
and know that life is found only in you.
Amen.

Knowing the difference between good and evil,
let us confess our sins to God our Creator.

Silence for reflection and confession.

Faithful God,
we confess that we have not been faithful to you:
we regularly worship other gods,
we build idols out of symbols, ideologies, and ourselves,
we choose our desires over yours,
and we serve our wants over others’ needs.
We confess that we do not obey your rule
and for this we rightly deserve to die.
And so we look to you for mercy and forgiveness,
knowing that we do not deserve it.
We ask that you remember us
and take pity on us,
for the sake of your anointed,
Jesus Christ, who died that we might live.
Amen.

Just as God heard the cry of Hannah
and the lamentation of the widow,
so too, God hears our confession.
And just as God acted in their lives,
so does God act in our lives;
bringing grace and mercy
through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Know that through the work of the Holy Spirit
God has redeemed you and forgives you all your sins.
Amen.

Call to Worship

God made the heavens and the earth,
and formed us from dust, breathing into us the breath of life.
O come, let us worship our Creator!

God made a covenant with our spiritual forefather, Abraham,
and promised him a multitude of descendants.
O come, let us worship the God of promise!

God rescued Israel from the house of slavery,
and showed redemption through the blood of the Lamb.
O come, let us worship the God of salvation!

God worked through the lives and words of the prophets,
and continues to work in our lives today.
O come, let us worship the God of providence!

O come, let us worship!

NL Worship Resources: September 25, 2016

Lectionary 26

Color: Green
Readings: Gospel Text: Luke 6:35 | Sermon Text: Genesis 37:3-8, 17b-22, 26-34; 50:15-21 (God Works through Joseph)
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): God of dreams and hope,
You spoke to Joseph in his dreams, and those dreams led him to great danger. Yet you used the challenges in his life to save the lives of others. In you, no good thing is accidental. You work in us and through us, even when we are not aware of your presence. Help us to know that you are with us, and that only you are capable of turning all evil to good. We pray all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #648 Beloved, God’s Chosen
ELW #605 Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive
ELW #603 God! When Human Bonds Are Broken
ELW #721 Goodness Is Stronger Than Evil
ELW #764 Have No Fear, Little Flock
ELW #707 Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us
LBW #483 God Moves in a Mysterious Way
DATH #81 Instruments of Your Peace
W&P #68 I Was Glad
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; DATH=Dancing at the Harvest; W&P=Worship & Praise)

Suggested hymns based on the Gospel text:

ELW #700 Bring Peace to Earth Again
ELW #729 The Church of Christ in Every Age
ELW #612 Healer of Our Every Ill
ELW #716 Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace
ELW #359 Where Charity and Love Prevail
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Other options based on both:

Every Move I Make” By David Ruis.
Jesus, Friend Of Sinners” By Mark Hall, Matthew West. As performed by Casting Crowns.
Scandal Of Grace” By Joel Houston, Matt Crocker. As performed by Hillsong United.
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.

Bless your church, O God, with dreams of your kingdom come and your will being done; that your reign of mercy and peace be brought about. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless the earth, O God, with wholeness and abundance; that all might know the glory of your creative and sustaining power. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless the leaders of nations, O God, with humility; that all might know that you alone are God. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless the dreamers, O God, with vision and insight; that they might proclaim your love in artistry, music, and imagination. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless all who suffer, O God, (especially, …), with healing and comfort; that their peace may be found in you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Bless us, O God, with the knowledge of your love shown through the lives and witness of the saints who now rest in you. 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.

NL Worship Resources: September 18, 2016

Lectionary 25

You will note fewer hymn suggestions, I am endeavoring to be more stringent in linking the hymn suggestions to the texts. I’m shooting for far fewer “loosey-goosey” connections going forward.

Color: Green
Readings: Gospel Text: Luke 3:8 | Sermon Text: Genesis 15:1-6 (God’s Promise to
Abraham)
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): God of the covenant,
As you promised Abraham descendants as numerous as the stars, you have also promised us that we might live under those stars as your people, faithful and loved. Show us how to live as your people, and how to nurture all your children with whom we share the same canopy of sky night after night. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #757 All My Hope on God Is Founded
ELW #779 Amazing Grace!
ELW #793 Be Thou My Vision
ELW #250 Blessed Be the God of Israel
ELW #245 Creator of the Stars of Night
ELW #831 The God of Abraham Praise
ELW #856 How Great Thou Art
ELW #796 How Firm a Foundation
ELW #837 Many and Great, O God
ELW #234/235 My Soul Proclaims the Greatness of the Lord
ELW #249 On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry
ELW #519 Open Your Ears, O Faithful People
ELW #739 Touch the Earth Lightly
DATH #57 I Will Make You into a Great Nation
DATH #97 Tell What God Has Done for Us
OBS #84 We Sing the One God

(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; DATH=Dancing at the Harvest; OBS=O Blessed Spring)

Suggested hymns based on the Gospel text:

ELW #533 Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Other options based on both:

By Faith” By Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, et al.
Days of Elijah” By Robin Mark.
Every Promise of Your Word” By Keith Getty, Stuart Townend.
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, keep your church steadfast in your word and strengthen our trust in your promises. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of the stars, imbue all of creation with your abundant and vibrant life and give us hearts of care and stewardship. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of all peoples and nations, bring about an end to violence and division and make us agents of peace and justice. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of the despairing, bring hope and wholeness to those trapped in darkness, and work through us to offer compassion and empathy. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of the sick and suffering (especially, …), grant to all the knowledge of your presence with them and use us to bring healing and comfort. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

God of Abraham and Isaac, Moses and Elijah, the prophets, and all the saints, inspire us through our spiritual ancestors and bring us all to the heavenly banquet. 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.

NL Worship Resources: September 11, 2016

Lectionary 24

Resources for “God’s Work. Our Hands.” Sunday can be found here.
Color: Green
Readings: Gospel Text: Luke 11:4 | Sermon Text: Genesis 2:4b-7, 15-17; 3:1-8 (Creation and Fall)
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): Lord God, grand architect of the universe,
Your design of creation is unflawed. Yet we continue to litter your creation with
defects and imperfections. Show us how not to destroy, but to create, not to
demean, but to uplift, not to hate, but to love, so that your creation may be made
perfect once again. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #634 All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!
ELW #447 O Blessed Spring
ELW #684 Creating God, Your Fingers Trace
ELW #756 Eternal Father, Strong to Save
ELW #880 O God beyond All Praising
ELW #734 God, Whose Farm Is All Creation
ELW #678 God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending
ELW #771 God, Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens
ELW #740 God of the Sparrow
ELW #435 Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending
ELW #837 Many and Great, O God
ELW #556 Morning Has Broken
ELW #295 Of the Father’s Love Begotten
ELW #689 Praise and Thanksgiving
ELW #544 Praise the Lord, Rise Up Rejoicing
ELW #355/356 Sing, My Tongue
ELW #555 Oh, Sing to God Above
ELW #342 There in God’s Garden
ELW #824 This Is My Father’s World
ELW #739 Touch the Earth Lightly
ELW #861 When Long Before Time
LBW #527 All Creatures of Our God and King
LBW #488 Breathe on Me, Breath of God
LBW #413 Father Eternal, Ruler of Creation
LBW #550 From All That Dwell below the Skies
LBW #372 In Adam We Have All Been One
WOV #767 All Things Bright and Beautiful
WOV #682 Praise the Spirit in Creation
WOV #793 Shout for Joy Loud and Long
W&P #157 Wind of the Spirit

(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice; W&P=Worship & Praise)

Suggested hymns based on the Gospel text:

ELW #506 Dear Lord and Father of Mankind
ELW #402 Eternal Spirit of the Living Christ
ELW #605 Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive
ELW #494 For the Bread Which You Have Broken
ELW #748 O God in Heaven
ELW #754 Jesus, the Very Thought of You
ELW #745 Lord, Teach Us How to Pray Aright
ELW #887 This Is My Song
ELW #680/681 We Plow the Fields and Scatter
ELW #742 What a Friend We Have in Jesus
ELW #741 Your Will Be Done
WOV #783 Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other options based on both:

All of Creation” By Barry Graul, Bart Millard, et al. As performed by MercyMe.
Amazing Love” By Graham Kendrick.
Awesome God” By Rich Mullins.
Maker Of All Things” By Tim Hughes.
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.

For the church universal; that divisions may be overcome and unity in Christ be proclaimed in word and deed. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all of creation; that where there is brokenness, abuse, or degradation your creative power might be worked. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For our leaders; that your peace and justice may be the goals of all nations and peoples. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the brokenhearted; that they may find hope in you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the sick and suffering (especially, …); that they may experience your healing and wholeness. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

For the saints of every age; that their witness may inspire our witness. 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.

NL Worship Resources: Prayers for September 4, 2016

Lectionary 23

Color: Green
Readings: Psalm Text: Psalm 103:1-5 | Sermon Text: Luke 11:2-4 (Our Needs)
Prayer of the Day: Merciful God, you are loving and forgiving; increase our trust in your mercy that we might extend mercy to others. Ease even our greatest burdens that we might proclaim freedom to others weighed down by sin and pain. We pray this in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hymn suggestions found here.

Prayers of Intercession:

Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.

A brief silence.

Bless your church, O God, with the courage to praise you loudly and prominently. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless your lands and waters, O God, with vibrancy and abundance. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless your nations and kingdoms, O God, with justice and peace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless all who suffer in mind or spirit, O God, with wholeness and hope. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless the sick, O God, (especially,…) with healing and the knowledge that you are always with them. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Bless the saints, O God, with rest eternal and bless us still on the journey of faith with endurance and patience. Lord in your mercy,hear our prayer.

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

NL Worship Resources: Prayers for August 28, 2016

Lectionary 22

Color: Green
Readings: Psalm Text: Psalm 103:1-5 | Sermon Text: Luke 11:2-4 (Your Kingdom)
Prayer of the Day: Glorious God, open our eyes to see your kingdom here on earth; and open our hearts to be agents of your kingdom of love, peace, mercy, and justice. We pray to our eternal King, trusting in your reign. Amen.

Hymn suggestions found here.

Prayers of Intercession:

Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.

A brief silence.

We pray for our Bishops (especially Presiding Bishop Eaton, and …); we pray for pastors, deacons, and lay ministers. Bless them with your wisdom that they help bring about your kingdom. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for fields and crops, deserts and jungles, oceans and rivers. Bless your creation with vibrant life that it may proclaim your reign of abundance. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the nations, for presidents and prime ministers, for kings and queens. Bless them with the humility to know that their rule is below yours. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who suffer from anxiety or depression. Bless them with hope in the knowledge that our great King cares for them and brings wholeness of spirit. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the sick and suffering (especially,…). Bless them with healing and peace that they might know the joy of your kingdom. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We pray for all who have gone before us (especially,…). Bless them with peace as they now live fully in your kingdom and reunite us with them in due time. Lord in your mercy,hear our prayer.

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

NL Worship Resources: Prayers for August 21, 2016

Lectionary 21

Color: Green
Readings: Psalm Text: Psalm 103:1-5 | Sermon Text: Luke 11:2-4 (In Heaven)
Prayer of the Day: Heavenly Father, you are greater than we can imagine. Keep us from thinking that your thoughts are our thoughts or that your ways are our ways. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our best glimpse of God’s glory. Amen.

Hymn suggestions found here.

Prayers of Intercession:

Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.

A brief silence.

God above, bless the leaders of your church with passion and compassion; grant us all the courage to proclaim your mercy and love. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God above, bless fields and mountains, streams and lakes with life-giving rain and sun; grant us the wisdom to use and share what you have given us to steward. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God above, bless our leaders with wisdom and humility; grant us hearts for justice and peace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God above, bless those who suffer in spirit with endurance; grant us words of comfort and hope to offer to those in need of them. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God above, bless all who suffer (especially,…) with healing; grant us insight in how best to bring healing. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

God above, bless the saints with rest in you; grant us increased faith and trust that we will join with them in light perpetual. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

NL Worship Resources: Prayers for August 14, 2016

Lectionary 20

Color: Green
Readings: Psalm Text: Psalm 103:1-5 | Sermon Text: Luke 11:2-4 (Our Father)
Prayer of the Day: God above, you are worthy of praise and trust. Teach us to trust in you completely and to turn to you with all of our needs. We pray to you as our Father, just as your Son, our Lord, taught us. Amen.

Hymn suggestions hound here.

Prayers of Intercession:

Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.

A brief silence.

We pray for the church; that through the work of the Holy Spirit it might lead the world to know you as Lord of all and God above even the highest heavens. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the earth; that its abundant resources be shared with equity and justice as we acknowledge you as the source of all creation. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our leaders; that they might seek first your kingdom and follow your rule in wisdom and truth. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for areas afflicted by violence (especially,…); that the love and peace of God might prevail over human selfishness and greed. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who suffer in any way; that the healing and wholeness of God be worked in their lives. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We pray for the saints; that their memory may strengthen us in our faith toward you and their example may sustain us through our journey of life. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

NL Worship Resources: Hymn Suggestions for August 14-September 4

Since the readings remain the same for the four week series on the Lord’s Prayer I am going to post all the hymn suggestions in this post and the weekly prayers will be in separate posts. Such a series with the same text repeated for four weeks would be an excellent opportunity for congregations to learn a new hymn.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text (Luke 11:2-4):

ELW #522 As We Gather at Your Table
ELW #402 Eternal Spirit of the Living Christ
ELW #605 Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive
ELW #494 For the Bread Which You Have Broken
ELW #679 For the Fruit of All Creation
ELW #748 O God in Heaven
ELW #543 Go, My Children, with My Blessing
ELW #398 Holy Spirit, Truth Divine
ELW #754 Jesus, the Very Thought of You
ELW #751 O Lord, Hear My Prayer
ELW #517 Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word
ELW #745 Lord, Teach Us How to Pray Aright
ELW #397 Loving Spirit
ELW #572 Now It Is Evening
ELW #743 Now to the Holy Spirit Let Us Pray
ELW #746 Our Father, God in Heaven Above
ELW #689 Praise and Thanksgiving
ELW #655 Son of God, Eternal Savior
ELW #663 Spread, Oh, Spread, Almighty Word
ELW #588 There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
ELW #887 This Is My Song
ELW #680/681 We Plow the Fields and Scatter
ELW #742 What a Friend We Have in Jesus
ELW #741 Your Will Be Done
LBW #506 Dear Lord and Father of Mankind
LBW #413 Father Eternal, Ruler of Creation
LBW #442 O Thou, Who Hast of Thy Pure Grace
WOV #746 Day by Day
WOV #783 Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
W&P #91 Lord, Listen to Your Children
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice; W&P=Worship & Praise)

Suggested hymns based on the Psalm text (Psalm 103:1-5):

ELW #610 O Christ, the Healer, We Have Come
ELW #625 Come, We That love the Lord
ELW #879 For the Beauty of the Earth
ELW #678 God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending
ELW #764 Have No Fear, Little Flock
ELW #473 Holy, Holy, Holy (Santo, santo, santo)
ELW #631 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
ELW #839/840 Now Thank We All Our God
ELW #886 Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
ELW #842 Oh, Worship the King
ELW #787 On Eagle’s Wings
ELW #884/885 Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
ELW #864/865 Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven
ELW #858/859 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
ELW #617 We Come to You for Healing, Lord
ELW #785 When Peace like a River (It Is Well with My Soul)
ELW #424 Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones
LBW #373 Eternal Ruler of the Ceaseless Round
LBW #167 Glory Be to God the Father
LBW #305 I Lay My Sins on Jesus
LBW #519 My Soul, Now Praise Your Maker
LBW #502 Thee Will I Love, My Strength
LBW #264 When All Your Mercies, O My God
WOV #798 Bless the Lord, O My Soul
DATH #42 Bless the Lord
W&P #19 Bless His Holy Name
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice; W&P=Worship & Praise; DATH=Dancing at the Harvest)

Other options based on both:

10,000 Reasons” By Jonas Myrin, Matt Redman.
Come Let Us Worship” By Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves.
It Is Well” By Adie Camp, Jeremy Camp.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Suggested hymns based on the concordant Gospel text (Matthew 6:9-13):

ELW #565 All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night
ELW #846 Amen, We Praise Your Name (Amen siakudumisa)
ELW #362 At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing
ELW #645 Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation
ELW #662 Christ is the King!
ELW #506 Dear Lord and Father of Mankind
ELW #478 Father, We Thank You
ELW #494 For the Bread Which You Have Broken
ELW #713 O God of Every Nation
ELW #852 Golden Breaks the Dawn (Qing zao qilai kan)
ELW #696 Jesus Calls Us; o’er the Tumult
ELW #624 Jesus, Still Lead On
ELW #435 Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending
ELW #538 The Lord Now Sends us Forth
ELW #688 Lord of Light
ELW #376 Thine Is the Glory
LBW #422 O God, Empower Us
LBW #353 May We Your Precepts, Lord, Fulfill
LBW #384 Your Kingdom Come, O Father
WOV #617b Amen
WOV #720 In the Presence of Your People
TFF #34 Let the Words of My Mouth
TFF #33 Our Father, Who Art in Heaven
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice; TFF=This Far by Faith)

 

NL Worship Resources: August 7, 2016

Lectionary 19

Color: Green
Readings: Gospel Text: Luke 6:20-23 | Sermon Text: Job 42:7-17 (Recompense)
Prayer of the Day: Lord, kindle not your wrath against us; especially when we do not speak rightly of you. Hear the cry of our supplications and forgive us our follies. God of blessing, look on us with kindness and mercy. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #629 Abide with Me
ELW #846 Amen, We Praise Your Name
ELW #638 Blessed Assurance
ELW #245 Creator of the Stars of Night
ELW #748 O God in Heaven
ELW #751 O Lord, Hear My Prayer (The Lord Is My Song)
ELW #745 Lord, Teach Us How to Pray Aright
ELW #606 Our Father, We Have Wandered
ELW #600 Out of the Depths I Cry to You
ELW #623 Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me
ELW #601 Savior, When in Dust to You
ELW #792 When Memory Fades
ELW #785 When Peace like a River
ELW #602 Your Heart, O God, Is Grieved
LBW #322 The Clouds of Judgment Gather
LBW # 321 The Day Is Surely Drawing Near
LBW #462 God the Omnipotent!
LBW #418 Judge Eternal, Throned in Splendor
LBW #318 The Lord Will Come and Not Be Slow
LBW #443 Rise, My Soul, to Watch and Pray

(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Suggested hymns based on the Gospel text:

ELW #728 Blest Are They
ELW #553 Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies
ELW #729 The Church of Christ, in Every Age
ELW #605 Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive
ELW #744 Lord, Be Glorified
ELW #886 Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
ELW #351/352 O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
ELW #864/865 Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven
ELW #497 Strengthen for Service, Lord
ELW #359 Where Charity and Love Prevail
LBW #17 How Blest Are Those Who Know Their Need of God
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Other options based on both:

I Will Boast” By Paul Baloche.
Open The Eyes of My Heart” By Paul Baloche.
Wake Up Sleeper” As performed by Gungor.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.

A brief silence.

God of blessing; bless your church with wisdom and courage, that every disciple may be bold in their proclamation of your love and mercy. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of restoration; restore streams and lakes, forests and fields, that your creation may thrive and flourish with the abundance of your life. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of blessing; bless the nations of the world, that your peace and justice may reign in the hearts of all. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of restoration; restore the fallen and brokenhearted to hope and trust in you, that your love may be known even in the midst of darkness. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of blessing; bless those who suffer in any way (especially, …), that your healing presence and peace bring comfort and wholeness to all in need. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

God of restoration; bless all who have gone before us and keep us firm in the faith, that when the new heaven and new earth come we may all rejoice in your restoration of all things. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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