The Prayers of the Church 

The Second Sunday of Easter, April 28, 2019

 

Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

O Lord Jesus, you stand in the midst of the lampstands which are your churches; and you fill them with imperishable light. Thank you for not deserting us to the darkness of sin, evil, and death. Thank you for dispelling the gloomy clouds of doubt, grief, and despair. Thank you for leading us into the everlasting day of your resurrection life. Grant us grace to lead all people and all creation in praising your Name.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, bestow the light of your Resurrection upon your Church. Breathe your Holy Spirit upon it, and fill it with your peace. Give it grace and boldness to proclaim you as the crucified and risen Savior of the world, so that all people may adore you as their Lord and their God.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dwell in the midst of those who suffer persecution on account of you. Make them into golden lampstands, shining with the radiance of your glory and grace, and filled with the oil of faithful witness and steadfast endurance.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Pour your Holy Spirit into the hearts of everyone in this congregation. Give us a hunger for your Word; a thirst for receiving and for sharing your forgiveness; a vision of your love for all people; and a desire to serve you by serving others in your name.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give us the persistence and kindness of the disciples who sought out Thomas and drew him back into your dear presence. Help us to share, with those who have lost hope, the hope that is in us.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We earnestly beseech you to give to the leaders of the nations, and to all people entrusted to their care, that peace which the world cannot give. Send your Holy Spirit into the world, so that repentant faith and deeds of mercy may bring the light of your saving love to hearts darkened by the powers of sin, evil and death.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Direct the deliberations and deeds of all who risk their lives on behalf of others. Give them wisdom and courage, integrity and patience, and fill them with a love for your good and gracious will. Use them to establish justice, safety, and hope in places sorely lacking in those good things.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heal the bodies, cheer the spirits, and illumine the hearts of all whose lives are shadowed by sorrow, suffering, doubt or despair. Especially we remember before you the needs of: {List}. Renew in them the gifts of faith and hope; raise them to fullness of life; and restore them to joyful fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you have been raised from death to die no more; and you promise your resurrection life to all whom you have redeemed. We therefore entrust into your strong arms the lives of all who have fallen asleep in you, especially our beloved dead. Wipe away the tears of all who grieve; turn our doubt into unshakeable confidence; and grant that all of us may at last see you face to face and cry out in adoration and joy, “My Lord and my God!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

April 28, 2019: 2^nd Sunday of Easter

 

Acts 5:12-32 (though imprisoned, the disciples are freed by an angel; they continue to proclaim the Gospel, as they must obey God rather than man)

RCL: Acts 5:27-32 (We must obey God, not man; we are witnesses to these things)

Psalm 148 (all creation praises God)

RCL: Psalm 150 (Let all creation praise God!)

Revelation 1:4-18 (John writes to his churches, sees the transcendent Jesus  in midst of the candle stands representing those churches)

John 20:19-31 (Jesus appears, gives Spirit and commission to forgive/retain sins; Thomas’s confession of faith)

 

Opening Hymn: ELW #361, The Day of Resurrection!

(LBW #141, has a very awkward tune. Use Ellacombe, the tune for “O Day of Rest and Gladness”, #251 which ELW uses and is far more singable, or Lancashire, tune for LBW #495, “Lead On, O Kinky Turtle,” which is also the tune used for “The Day of Resurrection in LSB, #478.)

OR LBW #139, O Sons and Daughters of the King (LSB #471; 470 uses another familiar tune) (ELW #386, O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #154, That Easter Day With Joy Was Bright

(Puh-leeez use the tune that ELW #384 uses for this. “Puer Nobis,” used for “On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry”)     

OR LSB #472, These Things Did Thomas Count as Real

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #214, Come, Let Us Eat (ELW #491, LSB #626)

Communion Hymn #2: WOV #678, Christ is Arisen, Alleluia (ELW #372)

Closing Hymn: LBW #131, Christ is Risen! Alleluia! (ELW #382)

 

 

 

May 5, 2019: 3^rd Sunday of Easter

 

Acts 9:1-22 (Conversion of Saul)

Psalm 30 (praise God for deliverance from enemies)

Revelation 5:1-14 (is no one worthy to open the scroll? the heavenly host praise the Lamb who was slain,

who alone is worthy to open the scroll of judgment)

RCL: Revelation 5:11-14 (eliminates weeping because no one found worthy until the slaughtered Lamb appears)

John 21:1-19 (the disciples and the risen Jesus, a miraculous catch of fish, and “Feed my lambs”)

 

Opening Hymn: LBW #172, Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor (ELW #475, LSB #534)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #210, At the Lamb’s High Feast (ELW #362, LSB #633)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #356, O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts (ELW #658)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #144, Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing! (ELW #385, LSB #475)

Closing Hymn: LBW #170, Crown Him With Many Crowns (ELW #855, LSB #525)

 

May 12, 2019: 4^th Sunday of Easter (Good Shepherd Sunday), also Mother’s Day

 

Acts 20:17-35 (Paul, on his way to Jerusalem, exhorts elders to watch over the flock they are entrusted with,

for there are dangerous wolves that threaten them)

            RCL: Acts 9:36-43 (Peter raises Tabitha)

Psalm 23 (the Lord is my shepherd)

Revelation 7:9-17 (salvation belongs to God and to the Lamb; behold a host, arrayed in white)

John 10:22-30 (my sheep hear my voice; no one shall snatch them from my hand)

 

Opening Hymn: LSB #676, Behold A Host, Arrayed in White (far superior translation)

OR   LBW 314, Behold A Host, Like Mountains Bright (ELW #425, Behold the Host…)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #456, The King of Love My Shepherd Is (ELW #502, LSB #709)

OR LBW #481, Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us (ELW #789, LSB #711, both use the old familiar tune from SBH for this hymn)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #537, O Jesus, King Most Wonderful

            OR ELW #826, Thine the Amen (WOV #801, LSB #680)

Communion Hymn #2: LSB #740, I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb

    OR LBW #476, Have No Fear, Little Flock (ELW #764, LSB #735)

Closing Hymn: LBW #196, Praise the Lord, Rise Up Rejoicing (ELW #544)

 

 

May 19, 2019: 5^th Sunday of Easter

 

Acts 11:1-18 (Peter defends baptism of Cornelius’ household by recounting his vision)

Psalm 148 (all creation praises the Lord)

Revelation 21:1-7 (new heaven and earth; no pain, crying or death; He is Alpha and Omega)

John 16:12-22 (Jesus promises the Spirit, who will declare his words to the disciples; they should rejoice that Jesus is going away,

for he will return, and no one will take away their joy)

RCL: John 13:31-35 (I give you a new command: love each other as I have loved you)

 

Opening Hymn: WOV #744, Soon and Very Soon (ELW #439)

OR LBW #351, O Happy Day When We Shall Stand (ELW #441)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #129, Awake, My Heart, With Gladness (ELW #378, LSB #467)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #330, In Heaven Above (ELW #630)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #219, Come With Us, O Blessed Jesus (ELW #501)

Closing Hymn: LBW #315, Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (ELW #631, LSB #700)

 

 

 

 

May 26, 2019: 6^th Sunday of Easter; Memorial Day Weekend

 

Acts 16:9-15(mission to Macedonia; meeting in house of Lydia)

Psalm 67 (May God be gracious to us and bless us; let all peoples praise him)

Revelation 21:9-14, 21-27 (vision of the New Jerusalem)

John 16:22-33 (then you will ask anything of the Father in my name, and receive; you joy will be complete.

In the world you have trouble, but I have overcome the world) 

RCL: John 14:23-29 (Those who love me keep my word; I give you peace; I send the Spirit; rejoice, because I go to the Father)

 

Opening Hymn: LBW #250, Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty (ELW #533, LSB #901)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #161, O Day Full Of Grace (ELW #627, LSB #503)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #331, Jerusalem, My Happy Home (ELW #628, LSB #673)

Communion Hymn #2: WOV #781, My Life Flows On In Endless Song (ELW #673)

Closing Hymn: LBW #552, In Thee is Gladness (ELW #867, LSB #818)

 

 

 

June 2, 2019: 7^th Sunday of Easter, or Ascension of Our Lord, Transferred

 

Lessons for the Ascension of Our Lord

 

Acts 1:1-11 (the Ascension story)

Psalm 47 (God has gone up with a shout!)

Ephesians 1:15-23 (God has put all things under Christ’s feet, made him the head of the body; given you a glorious inheritance)

Luke 24:44-53 (you are witnesses: proclaim Jesus’ death and resurrection,  proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sin; Ascension in brief)

 

Lessons for 7^th Sunday of Easter:

 

Acts 1:12-26 (Barnabas chosen to round out the Twelve)

            RCL: Acts 16:16-34 (Paul and Silas exorcise demon from slave girl; are thrown in prison; their chains miraculously broken;

jailers believe and are baptized)

Psalm 133 (Good and pleasant when brethren dwell together in unity)

RCL: Psalm 97 (The Lord is king; heavens and all nations bow down; Zion rejoices; God loves and guards the faithful)

Revelation 22:1-20 (the river and Tree of Life; final warnings and invitation  to the marriage supper; Come, Lord Jesus!)

John 17:20-26 (Jesus prays for all believers, that they be one as he and the Father are one)

 

I have chosen hymns that should be successful whichever lessons you are using;  or I have offered an alternative

 

Opening Hymn: LBW #328, All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name (ELW #634, LSB #549)

Hymn of the Day, Ascension theme: LBW #156, Look, O Look, the Sight is Glorious (LSB #495, Look, Ye Saints, the Sight is Glorious)

OR LBW #172, Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor (same tune as 156!)  (ELW #475, LSB #534)

 

Hymn of Day, 7 Easter theme: LBW #206, Lord, Who in the Night You Were Betrayed Did Pray  (ELW #463)

       OR LBW #358, Glories of Your Name are Spoken (ELW #647, LSB #648, Glorious Things of You Are Spoken)

 

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #157, A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing (ELW #393, LSB #493)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #549, Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven (ELW #865, LSB #793)

Closing Hymn: LBW #158, Alleluia! Sing to Jesus (ELW #392, LSB #821)

 

  

June 9, 2019: Day of Pentecost

 

Genesis 11:1-9 (Tower of Babel and confusion of languages)

Psalm 143 (prayer of longing for God’s refreshing presence)

            RCL: Psalm 104: 24-35 (it calls for elimination of v. 35a, “Let sinners be consumed and the wicked be no more.” I dare you to keep it in.)

Acts 2:1-21 (Day of Pentecost and undoing of Babel)

John 14:23-31 (Love me, do my commandments; I am sending the Spirit who will remind you  of all my words; my peace I give to you)

RCL: John 14:8-17 ( See me, see the Father; if you love me, keep my commandments; the Father will send the Spirit of truth)

           

 

Opening Hymn: LBW #359, In Christ there Is No East or West (ELW #650, LSB #653)

            OR LBW #508, Come Down, O Love Divine (ELW #804, LSB #501)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #472, Come Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire

  (ELW #577,578, Creator Spirit, Heavenly Dove, somewhat different translation); (LSB #498, 499, yet another translation)

OR WOV #687, Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading (ELW #401)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #475, Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove (ELW #404)

Communion Hymn #2: ELW #405, O Spirit of Life

OR LBW #488, Breathe On Me, Breath of God

Closing Hymn: LBW #285, Spirit of God, Sent From Heaven Abroad

OR LBW #257, Holy Spirit, Truth Divine (ELW #398) (LSB #496, Holy Spirit, Light Divine)

 

 

June 16, 2019: The Holy Trinity, also Father’s Day

 

Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31(the Wisdom of God, in whom all was created)

Psalm 8 (your works are excellent; what is man that you are mindful of him)

Acts 2:14a, 22-36 (Peter’s Pentecost sermon: Jesus is Lord and God)

            RCL: Romans 5:1-5 (We have peace with God through Jesus; the Spirit of him who raised up Christ is poured into our hearts)

John 8:48-59 (Before Abraham was, I AM)

            RCL: John 16:12-15 (The Spirit will declare all he has heard; will take what is Jesus’ that he received from his Father)

 

 

Opening Hymn: LBW #522, Come Thou, Almighty King (ELW #408, LSB #905)

OR LBW #544, v. 1-4, The God of Abraham Praise (ELW #831 v. 1-4, LSB #798 v. 1-4)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #535, Holy God, We Praise Your Name (ELW #414, LSB #940)

OR LBW #544, v. 7-9, The God of Abraham Praise

(ELW #831 v. 5-6, LSB #798  v. 5-7)

OR (may take place of Nicene Creed; however, if you use the Athanasian Creed on Trinity Sunday, you may switch this to the closing hymn)

 

Almighty Father, Creator Blest

Tune: Victory (The Strife is O’er)

 

Dedicated to the Pastors of the Society of the Holy

By Rev. Cathy A. Ammlung, STS

 

(before first verse; note, “in” is sung on two notes):

 Credo, credo, credo in_ unum Deum!

Almighty Father, Creator blest,

Worlds sprang to life at his behest;

Seen and unseen, his name they confessed:

Credo, credo!

Lord Jesus Christ, his only Son,

In truth and substance, they are one;

Pure Light from Light, in him life’s begun:

Credo, credo!

For us poor sinners, mortal and weak,

He came from heav’n, the lost to seek,

God’s Word made flesh, salvation to speak.

Credo, credo!

Born of the virgin, Mary most pure,

And of the Spirit, to be sin’s cure,

Christ became man; let praises endure –

Credo, credo!

For us, ‘neath Pilate’s judgment he died –

For us, our Lord was crucified,

For us, he rose again, glorified:

Credo, credo!

Ascended to the Father’s throne,

He shall return, to judge everyone,

And rule fore’er, as Lord and God:

Credo, credo!

Most Holy Spirit, life-giving Lord,

One with the Father and Son, adored,

Inspiring prophets’ holy word,

Credo, credo!

Making one holy Church in the world,

One with apostles, martyrs and Lord,

One through baptism with water and Word,

Credo, credo!

From sin forgiven, we are made free,

Christ’s life from death our future shall be,

Forever praising the Trinity:

Credo, credo!

(final refrain: as in opening)

Credo, credo, credo in_ unum Deum!

 

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #526, Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise (ELW #834, LSB #802)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #169, Father Most Holy (ELW #415, LSB #504)

Closing Hymn: LBW #544, v. 9-11, The God of Abraham Praise (ELW #831 v. 7-8, LSB #798 v. 8-9)

OR  LBW #165, Holy, Holy, Holy (ELW #413, LSB #507)

OR ELW #845, Voices Raised To You We Offer (LSB #795) (very familiar tune!)

 

 

 

 

 

“You have dealt well with Your servant, O Lord, according to Your word.
Teach me good discernment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments. Before
I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word.” (Psalm 119:65-67)

The prayer and hope for every
believer is to speak truthfully this knowledge that once we walked in the way
of the wicked, but now keep the commandments of the Lord. Walking in the way of
the wicked is the worst affliction that anyone can have. Keeping the Word of
the Lord is walking in the way of life. Come then into the presence of the Lord
and keep His commandments.

Lord, You know right where I am and the things that need to happen in my life. You know where I struggle in faith and the afflictions that these things cause. Guide me, O Lord, in the way of righteousness that I would now and forever love all that You have spoken. Lift me up out of the pit of affliction brought on by wickedness that I may walk humbly in Your presence.

Lord Jesus, You walked the valley of the shadow of death for our sake in places that would have destroyed us. Take me along with You that You would shepherd me out of the misery of this world and into the light of Your presence. Guide me, O Lord, in the way of truth. Guide me out of the wickedness of this world. Lead me, O Lord, that I may become ever more faithful to You. Amen