Lessons and Suggested Hymns,
Ash Wednesday – Easter Sunday, Cycle A
March 1 – April 12, 2020
NOTE:
LBW – Lutheran Book of Worship (The Green Book)
WOV – With One Voice (The Blue Book)
LSB – Lutheran Service Book (The Maroon Book)
ELW – Evangelical Lutheran Worship (The Cranberry Book)
There are versions of some hymns that are superior in LSB and I recommend using them if possible. Also, there are some superb hymns in LSB that aren’t available in the other hymnals. When I suggest one of the latter, I try to include an alternative from LBW or WOV. I recommend that a license and DVD of downloadable hymns from LSB be purchased if you are looking to expand your hymnody. There are, in ELW, some familiar hymns that have been drastically altered, which I try to note. ELW also has some fine hymns not available in the other hymnals, or has, interestingly, a more “traditional” translation or harmonization.
Color for the day is indicated for each Sunday. Primary liturgical calendar taken from Sola Publishing (www.solapublishing.org), based on LSB. Also, I include the lessons from the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) found in ELW and used in some congregations. It often overlaps the Sola/LCMS calendar lectionary, but when there are differences, I will note them.
Because some of the prayers of confession, as well as offertory and post-communion prayers, provided on certain resource pages lack theological heft or linguistic elegance, I have added some seasonal prayers that you are free to cut, paste, and revise as needed. They are modified from the copyright-free Online Book of Common Prayer, or are my own creation. These are found on the following pages. The regular prayers of intercession will, as usual, be provided weekly in their own Word documents.
A Brief Order of Confession and Holy Absolution for Lent
P: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son+, and of the Holy Spirit: Amen.
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence may be kept.
P: Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal,
C: Have mercy and hear us. Though we are poor sinful creatures, have mercy and hear us. Though we have turned from you and grieved you, have mercy and hear us. Though we have hardened our hearts against you and against our sisters and brothers, have mercy and hear us. Though we deserve judgment, wrath, and condemnation, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy and hear us. Forgive us, heal us, and save us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
P: God hates nothing that he has made and forgives the sins of all those who are penitent. He shall create in us new and contrite hearts, so that we who worthily lament our sins and acknowledge our wretchedness, may receive from him, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness. This he promises through Jesus Christ, his Son, who is our Lord, our Savior, and our righteousness forever. AMEN.
A Spoken Gospel Acclamation for Lent:
C: One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. Your words, O Lord, are Spirit and life.
An Offertory Prayer for Lent
P: Let us pray.
C: What can we render to you, Lord, for all your benefits to us? All we have is yours. Our lives are in your hands. Receive, hallow, and use our time, talents, and treasures, for the love of your Son and the benefit of those he came to save. Amen.
A Proper Preface for Lent
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. You bid your faithful people cleanse their hearts, and prepare with joy for the Paschal feast; that, fervent in prayer and in works of mercy, and renewed by your Word and Sacraments, they may come to the fullness of grace which you have prepared for those who love you.. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
A Eucharistic Prayer for Lent
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Sanctify these gifts of bread and wine by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.
All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and forever. AMEN.
A Post-Communion Prayer for Lent
P: Let us pray. Almighty and ever-living God,
C: You have given your only Son to be for us both a sacrifice for sin and also an example of godly life. Give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive these his inestimable gifts, and also daily endeavor to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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A Brief Order of Confession and Holy Absolution for the Easter Season
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son+, and of the Holy Spirit: Amen.
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence may be kept.
Lord Jesus, our risen Savior,
We come to you confessing our sins – especially our hurtfulness, selfishness, and unbelief. We have lived by our own strength, and not by the power of your resurrection. We have lived by the light of our own eyes, as faithless and not believing. We have lived for this world alone, and doubted our home in heaven. In your mercy, forgive us. In your goodness, resurrect us. Amen.
Your Savior Christ comes with healing, forgiveness, and life in his wounded hands. He breathes his Holy Spirit upon you, kindling renewed faith, hope, and love. Receive all he gives with humble joy, and share them with others with warm generosity, in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
A Gospel Acclamation for the Easter Season
Alleluia. I am the way, the truth, and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father, except through me. Alleluia.
An Offertory Prayer for the Easter Season
Let us pray. Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated unto you; and then use us, we pray you, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
A Proper Preface for the Easter Season
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. But chiefly are we bound to praise you for the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the true Paschal Lamb, who was sacrificed for us, and has taken away the sin of the world. By his death he has destroyed death, and by his rising to life again he has won for us everlasting life. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
A Eucharistic Prayer for the Easter Season
We give thanks to you almighty God, through your beloved son Jesus Christ, whom you sent to us in former times as Savior, Redeemer, and Messenger of your Will. He is your inseparable Word, through whom you made all things, and in whom you were well-pleased. You sent from heaven into the womb of a virgin, who, being conceived within her, was made flesh, and appeared as your Son, born of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary. It is he who, fulfilling your will and acquiring for you a holy people, extended his hands in suffering, in order to liberate from sufferings those who believe in you. Who, when he was delivered to voluntary suffering, in order to dissolve death, and break the chains of the devil, and tread down hell, and bring the just to the light, and set the limit, and manifest the resurrection, taking the bread, and giving thanks to you, said, “Take, eat, for this is my body which is broken for you.” Likewise the chalice, saying, “This is my blood which is shed for you. Whenever you do this, do this in memory of me.”
Therefore, remembering his death and resurrection, we offer to you the bread and the chalice, giving thanks to you, who has made us worthy to stand before you and to serve as your priests. And we pray that you would send your Holy Spirit upon your Holy Church. In their gathering together, give to all those who partake of your holy mysteries the fullness of the Holy Spirit, toward the strengthening of the faith in truth, that we may praise you and glorify you,
through your son Jesus Christ, through whom to you be glory and honor, Father and Son, with the Holy Spirit, in your Holy Church, now and throughout the ages of the ages.
Amen. AMEN.
A Post-Communion Prayer for the Easter Season
P: Let us pray. Heavenly Father,
C: We thank you for your great gift of love, your Son Jesus Christ. May we who have received his body and blood bear the light of his love into the world, to your glory and for the healing of our world. Amen.
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Lessons and Suggested Hymns
February 23, 2020: Ash Wednesday
Joel 2:12-19 (Declare a fast; repent, pray)
Psalm 51 (Create in me a clean heart!)
2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 (Be reconciled to God and one another; now is the acceptable time!)
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (On prayer, fasting, and giving alms)
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Opening Hymn, if you’re not chanting Psalm 51 here:
LBW #99, O Lord, Throughout These Forty Days (ELW #319, LSB #418)
Lenten Hymn, if desired: written by Cathy Ammlung
May alternatively be used as the opening hymn
Meter: 88 88 88 Tune: St. Catherine, “Faith of Our Fathers.”
Use refrain as opening line by cantor.
A: Glory we give you, God of Grace! In Jesus’ Cross, you grant us peace.
C: Father almighty, great God and King,
Glorious, gracious, merciful, true,
Our praise and worship and blessing we bring;
Receive it, Lord, as homage due.
Glory we give you, God of grace! In Jesus’ Cross, you grant us peace.
Lord Jesus Christ, your Father’s true Son,
Sin-bearing Lamb, the world’s one true Light,
Grant life and mercy from your heav’nly throne.
Our praise make perfect in your sight.
Glory we give you, God of Grace! In Jesus’ Cross, you grant us peace.
Most Holy Spirit, great God and Lord,
You give us grace to bless and adore
One with the Father and with the Word,
To you be glory forevermore!
Glory we give you, God of Grace! In Jesus’ Cross, you grant us peace.
Hymn of the Day: LBW #438, Lord, Teach Us How to Pray Aright (ELW #745)
OR WOV #659, O Sun of Justice ( 2nd verse great if you preach on 2 Corinthians text; tune is simple plainsong chant, but feel free to sing it to the Doxology, Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow)
Communion Hymn 1: ELW #328, Restore in Us, O God
OR LBW #103, O Christ, Thou Lamb of God
OR ELW #697, Just a Closer Walk With Thee
Communion Hymn 2: LBW #304, Today Your Mercy Calls Us (LSB #915)
OR WOV 734, Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling (ELW #608)
Closing Hymn: ELW #326, Bless Now, O God, the Journey
OR LBW #307, Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive (ELW #605, LSB #843)
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March 1, 2020, 1st Sunday in Lent
Genesis 3:1-21 (The serpent tempts Adam and Eve to disobey God)
(ELW: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7)
Psalm 32:1-7 (Happy are they whose sins are forgiven!)
Romans 5:12-1 (Sin came through Adam; righteousness, through Christ)
Matthew 4:1-11 (Satan tempts Jesus to disobey his Father)
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Opening Hymn: LBW #229, A Mighty Fortress is Our God (ELW #504, LSB #657)
OR if you’re a bit braver, LBW #308, God the Father, Be Our Stay (LSB #505)
Lenten Hymn, if desired: see Ash Wednesday
Hymn of the Day: LBW #372, In Adam We Have All Been One (LSB #569)
OR LSB #668, Rise! To Arms! With Prayer Employ You
(Tune is “Wake, Awake, For Night is Flying.” Words are gutsy encouragement against temptation. Pretty cool.)
OR ELW #334, v. 1-3, Lent 1 stanza, Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery)
Communion Hymn 1: LBW #309, Lord Jesus, Think on Me (LSB #610)
OR ELW #591, That Priceless Grace
Communion Hymn 2: LBW #498, All Who Would Valiant Be
Closing Hymn: LBW #41, Jesus, Still Lead On (ELW #624) (LSB #843, Jesus, Lead Thou On)
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March 8, 2020, 2nd Sunday in Lent
Genesis 12:1-9 (God calls Abram, promises land and offspring)
(ELW: Genesis 12:1-4a)
Psalm 121 (From whence does my help come? The Lord, who will watch over you)
Romans 4:1-8, 13-17 (The promises to Abraham came through the righteousness of faith, not works of law)
John 3:1-17 (Jesus and Nicodemus; God so loved the world….)
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Opening Hymn: LBW #544, v. 1-4, 11, The God of Abraham Praise (ELW #831, v. 1-4, 8, LSB #798, v. 1-4, 9)
Lenten Hymn, if desired: see Ash Wednesday
Hymn paraphrase of Psalm 121: LBW #445, Unto the Hills
Hymn of the Day: LBW #292, God Loved the World So That He Gave
(ELW #323, God Loved the World, LSB #571) Suggestion: if the LBW or LSB tune is unfamiliar, take ELW’s suggestion and use “Rockingham Old,” one of the tunes for “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross)
OR ELW #334, v. 1-3, Lent 2 stanza, Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery)
Communion Hymn 1: LBW #333, Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me (ELW #767, LSB #722)
OR WOV #746, Day by Day (ELW #790)
Communion Hymn 2: LBW #324, O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
OR ELW #464, Jesus, Feed Us
Closing Hymn: LBW #543, Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer (ELW #618)
(LSB #918, Guide Me, O, Thou Great Redeemer)
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March 15, 2020, 3rd Sunday in Lent
Exodus 17:1-7 (Thirsty Israelites murmur against God, who gives water from the rock)
Psalm 95: (We are the people of God’s pasture; do not be like those who murmured!)
Romans 5:1-8 (9-11) (Justified by faith in Christ, we have peace with God through him, who died for the ungodly)
John 4:5-26 [may add 27-30, 39-42]) (Jesus and the woman at the well)
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Opening Hymn: LBW #358, Glories of Your Name are Spoken (ELW #648)
(LSB #648, Glorious Things of You are Spoken )
OR “Come, Let Us Sing Unto the Lord” (paraphrase of Psalm 95)
Words by Rev. Cathy Ammlung, STS
Tune: Kirken (Built on a Rock, the Church Shall Stand)
1.Come, let us sing unto the Lord,
Our mighty Rock of salvation.
Come, with our psalms of thanks outpoured
To the great King of all nations.
Come, make a joyful noise of praise;
Come, worship God through all our days;
Come in his presence, adoring.
2.Within the hollow of his hand,
Caverns and hills find their dwelling.
Measureless seas and trackless land
Their Maker’s glories are telling.
Come; worship; bend the knee and bless
Our God, Our Shepherd. We confess
His hand’s our pasture forever.
Lenten Hymn, if desired: see Ash Wednesday
Hymn of the Day: LBW #497, I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say (ELW 332, 611; LSB #699)
Note: the 2nd ELW tune is Kingsfold,” which is a nice English folk tune. If you prefer using it, you’ll find it used in LBW #391, And Have the Bright Immensities)
OR ELW #331, As the Deer Runs to the River
OR LBW #356, O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts
OR ELW #334, v. 1-3, Lent 3 stanza, Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery)
Communion Hymn 1: LBW #345, How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds (ELW #620, LSB #524)
OR WOV #709, Eat This Bread (ELW #472 [CAUTION: Don’t use italicized words in ELW as a “second verse.” Just repeat first set of words 3x])
Communion Hymn 2: LBW #219, Come With Us, O Blessed Jesus (ELW #501)
Closing Hymn: LBW #197, O Living Bread from Heaven (ELW #542, LSB #642)
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March 22, 2020, 4th Sunday in Lent
Isaiah 42:14-21 (I will lead the blind by paths they don’t see)
(ELW: 1 Samuel 16:1-13)
Psalm 142 (I cry to the Lord, for I have been brought very low)
(ELW: Psalm 23, The Lord is my shepherd)
Ephesians 5:8-14 (Once you were in darkness; now walk as children of the light)
John 9:1-41 (Jesus heals the man born blind)
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Opening Hymn: WOV #660, I Want Jesus to Walk With Me (ELW #325)
Lenten Hymn, if desired: see Ash Wednesday
Hymn of the Day: WOV #661, My Song is Love Unknown (ELW #343, LSB #430)
(LBW uses a different tune; #94)
OR ELW #334, v. 1-3, Lent 4 stanza, Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery)
Communion Hymn 1: LBW #448, Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound (ELW #779, LSB #744)
Communion Hymn 2: LBW #524, My God, How Wonderful Thou Art (ELW #863)
OR LBW #481, Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us (ELW #789, LSB #711)
Note: Both LSB and ELW use the tune older members will remember from SBH, “Bradbury.”
Closing Hymn: WOV #649, I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light (ELW #815, LSB #411)
OR LBW #504, O God, My Faithful God (ELW #806, LSB #696)
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March 29, 2020, 5th Sunday in Lent
Ezekiel 37:1-14 (The valley of dry bones)
Psalm 130 (Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord)
Romans 8:1-11 (The life-giving Spirit)
(ELW, Romans 8:6-11, You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit of Christ,
who dwells within you and gives you life)
John 11:1-45[46-53]) (The death and raising of Lazarus)
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Opening Hymn: LBW #315, Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (ELW #631, LSB #700)
Lenten Hymn, if desired: see Ash Wednesday
Hymn Paraphrase of Psalm 130: LBW #295, Out of the Depths I Cry to You
(ELW #600)(LSB #607, From Depths of Woe I Cry to Thee)
Hymn of the Day: LSB #486, If Christ Had Not Been Raised From Death
OR LBW #97, Christ, the Life of All the Living (ELW #339, LSB #420)
OR ELW #334, v. 1-3, Lent 5 stanza, Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery)
Communion Hymn 1: LBW #385, What Wondrous Love is This, O My Soul (ELW #666, LSB #543)
Communion Hymn 2: WOV #776, Be Thou My Vision (ELW #793)
Closing Hymn: LBW 293/294, My Hope is Built on Nothing Less (ELW #596, 597, LSB #575/576)
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April 5, 2020, Palm/Passion Sunday
John 12:12-19 (Triumphant entry into Jerusalem)
(ELW: Matthew 21:1-11, Triumphant entry into Jerusalem)
Isaiah 50:4-9a (The Lord vindicates his servant)
Psalm 31:9-16 (Deliver me from my tormentors!)
Philippians 2:5-11 (Christ humbled himself, even to death. Every knee shall bow!)
Matthew 26:1-27:66 (The Passion of Our Lord)
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Hymn for Procession With Palms: LBW #108, All Glory, Laud and Honor (ELW #344, LSB #442)
OR LSB #443, Hosanna, Loud Hosanna (A familiar tune and words I remember from SBH. A nice alternative to All Glory, Laud, and Honor)
Hymn prior to and following Passion narrative: LBW #116/117, O Sacred Head
(LSB #449/450; Note: the former uses the wonderful Bach harmonization, but the latter has more verses and can be used to break up the Passion narrative, if desired) (ELW #351, 352)
Hymn of the Day: LBW #491, O God, I Love Thee (Note: trust me on this. The words are exquisite. If the tune isn’t familiar, sing to the tune of LBW #272, Abide With Me.)
OR LBW #92, Were You There When They Crucified My Lord (ELW #353, LSB #456 )
OR WOV #668, There in God’s Garden (ELW #342)
OR LSB #444, No Tramp of Soldiers’ Marching Feet (familiar English folk tune and phenomenal words that tie together the entry into Jerusalem and the crucifixion. I heartily recommend you obtain permission to use this!)
Communion Hymn 1: LBW #111, Lamb of God, Pure and Sinless
(ELW #357, LSB #434, Lamb of God, Pure and Holy)
Communion Hymn 2: LBW #107, Beneath the Cross of Jesus (LSB #338)
OR ELW #335, Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross (LSB #335, #346)
Closing Hymn: LBW #121, Ride On, Ride On in Majesty (ELW #346)
(LSB #441; uses different, fairly familiar tune)
OR LBW #102, On My Heart Imprint Your Image (ELW #811, LSB #422)
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April 9, 2020: Maundy Thursday
John 13:1-35 (for foot washing): Jesus washes disciples’ feet, explains significance
ELW: This is the only Gospel appointed for Maundy Thursday
Exodus 24:3-11): Moses and the elders eat in God’s presence
ELW: Exodus 12:1-4 [5-10] 11-14: The first Passover
Psalm 116: What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me?
ELW: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
Hebrews 9:11-22: Christ, the mediator of new covenant, cleanses us by his blood
ELW: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26: Paul’s words of institution
Matthew 26:17-30: Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper at his Last Supper
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Opening Hymn, if used: LBW #496, Around You, O Lord Jesus (ELW #468)
Foot Washing Hymn: LBW #126, Where Charity and Love Prevail (ELW #359, LSB #845)
OR LSB #446, Jesus, Greatest at the Table
Hymn of the Day: WOV #701, What Feast of Love (ELW #487)
OR LSB #445, When You Woke That Thursday Morning (Jaroslav Vajda’s powerful words pair surprisingly well with Marty Haugen’s tune usually used for “Joyous Light of heavenly Glory”)
Communion Hymn #1: LBW #224, Soul, Adorn Yourself With Gladness
(ELW #488; #489 has Hispanic tune, same words) (LSB #636 has All. Eight. Verses!)
Communion Hymn #2: LBW #225, Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray
OR LBW #199, Thee We Adore, O Hidden Savior, Thee (LSB #840)
(ELW #476, Thee We Adore, O Savior, God Most True (Gerard Manley Hopkins’ translation of Aquinas’ words)
Closing Hymn: Generally omitted in favor of Psalm 22 while the altar is stripped
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April 10, 2020: Good Friday
Isaiah 52:13-53:12: The Suffering Servant bears our griefs and carries our sorrows
Psalm 22: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9: Jesus the great high priest learned obedience through suffering and therefore obtained salvation for all who obey him
John 18:1-19:42: The Passion of Our Lord according to St. John
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Here are a number of hymns to use whether you use the above texts, have a Tenebrae service with 7 readings, or do the 7 last words of Christ.
Were You There (LBW #92, ELW #353, LSB #456)
Ah, Holy Jesus (LBW #123, ELW #349)
O Sacred Head (LBW 116, ELW #352, LSB #450 [rhythmic; note 7 verses in LSB makes it useful for separating portions of the Passion reading],
OR LBW #117, ELW #351, LSB #449 [more familiar; note ELW and LSB use beautiful Bach harmonization])
Jesus, in Thy/Your Dying Woes (LBW #112, 113{need to use both to get all 7 words}; LSB #447)
O Darkest Woe (LSB #448, also if you have the old SBH, it’s #87)
Upon the Cross Extended (LSB #453; Lovely Paul Gerhard tune, heartfelt lyrics, public domain. If you want to use it, therefore, feel free to copy it!)
Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle (LBW #118, ELW #356, LSB #454)
Go to Dark Gethsemane (LBW #109, ELW #347, LSB #436)
There in God’s Garden (wherever your last hymn appears in the service, and whatever form of Good Friday liturgy you use, I think this is a perfect “capstone” to our worship) (WOV #668, ELW #342)
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April 11, 2020: The Vigil of Easter
For the Service of the Word portion: The great acts of salvation, as taken shamelessly
from the ELW pericope. If fewer than 12 readings (snort) are used,
make sure to use the ones marked with an asterisk
*Genesis 1:1-2:4a: Creation
Response: Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26
OR How Marvelous God’s Greatness LBW #515, ELW #830 (Easy Swedish tune)
Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18; 8:6-18; 9:8-13: The Great Flood
Response: Psalm 46
OR Thy Holy Wings WOV #741, ELW #613
Genesis 22:1-18: God tests Abraham, commanding him to sacrifice his son
Response: Psalm 16
OR God Loved the World (So That He Gave) (Even I don’t know the tune in LBW, so use the tune suggested in ELW, used often for “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”) LBW #292, ELW #323, LSB #571
*Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21: Deliverance of Israel at the Red Sea
Response: Exodus 15:1b-13, 17-18
OR Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer LBW #343, ELW #618, LSB #918
OR The God of Abraham Praise, v. 1, 3, 5 LBW #544, ELW #831, LSB #798
*Isaiah 55:1-11: Salvation freely offered to all
Response: Isaiah 12:2-6
OR I’ve Just Come From the Fountain WOV #696
Proverbs 8:1-8, 19-21; 9:4b-6: The wisdom of God
Response: Psalm 19
OR Let All Things Now Living LBW #557, ELW #881
Ezekiel 36:24-28: God promises to give a new heart and spirit to his people
Response: Psalms 42 and 43 (combine them)
OR As Pants the Hart for Cooling Streams LBW #452
OR As the Deer Runs to the River ELW #331
Ezekiel 37:1-14: The valley of the dry bones
Response: Psalm 143
OR O Happy Day When We Shall Stand LBW #351, ELW #441
Zephaniah 3:14-20: The gathering of God’s people
Response: Psalm 98
OR Joy to the World (hey why not?!) LBW #39, ELW #267, LSB #387
Jonah 1:1-2:1: Jonah’s faithlessness and deliverance
Response: Jonah 2:2-9
OR Great is Thy Faithfulness WOV #771, ELW #733, LSB #809
Isaiah 61:1-4, 9-11: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me” to proclaim good news to all who suffer; God clothes his servant in the garments of salvation
Response: Deuteronomy 32:1-4, 7, 36a, 43a
OR In Thee Is Gladness LBW #552, ELW #867, LSB #818
*Daniel 3:1-29: Shadrach, Meshach, and A Bean to Go (look it up for great coffee!) are delivered from the fiery furnace
Response: Song of the Three (LBW Canticle #18)
OR All Creatures of Our God and King LBW #527, ELW #835 (de-gendered, de-kinged – it’s All Creatures of Our God Most High)
During the order for Holy Baptism or Affirmation of Baptism
The Litany of the Saints (ELW Service Music, #237) may be sung
The Service of Holy Communion
Romans 6:3-11: We are baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ: dead now to sin, alive in Christ!
John 20:1-18: John and Peter race to the tomb; Mary Magdalene encounters the risen Jesus
Hymn of the Day: We Know That Christ is Raised and Dies No More LBW #189, ELW #449, LSB #603
Hymn During Communion: I Know That My Redeemer Lives LBW #352, ELW #619, LSB #461
Closing Hymn: This Joyful Eastertide WOV #676, ELW #391, LSB #482
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April 12, 2020, Easter Sunday, The Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Sunrise:
Exodus 14:10-15:1 (Song of thanksgiving after crossing the Red Sea)
Psalm 118:15-29 (I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord!)
1 Corinthians 15:1-11 (I handed on to you what I received: that Christ rose from the dead)
John 20:1-18 (Peter and John’s foot race; Mary Magdalene encounters risen Jesus)
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Easter Day
Acts 10:34-43 (Peter preaches Gospel to Gentiles)
Psalm 16 (You do not give me up to Sheol, nor let your faithful one see the Pit)
(ELW: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24), I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord!)
Colossians 3:1-4 (your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.)
Matthew 28:1-10 (The resurrection; Jesus greets the women, bids them tell disciples to go to Galilee)
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Opening Hymn: LBW #151, Jesus Christ is Risen Today (ELW #365, LSB #457)
Hymn of Praise: WOV #678, Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia (ELW #364, LSB #466)
OR Hymn paraphrase of “This is the Feast” by Cathy Ammlung
Meter: Peculiar; Tune: In Dir Ist Freude, “In Thee is Gladness”
This feast of gladness triumphs o’er sadness; Jesus, Lord, the victor now.
The Lamb, once slain now lives again! Every knee to him shall bow.
Joy in full flower! Blessing and power, honor and praises all heaven raises,
And earth shall echo: Alleluia!
Sing of his glory, for Christ is worthy of adoration; and our salvation
In love he wins for us. Alleluia!
Gospel Procession Hymn: WOV #676, This Joyful Eastertide (ELW #391, LSB #482)
Hymn of the Day: LBW #134, Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands (ELW #370, LSB #458)
Communion Hymn 1: LBW #145, Thine is the Glory (ELW #376)
OR LBW #135, The Strife is O’er (ELW #366, LSB #464)
Communion Hymn 2: LBW #352, I Know that My Redeemer Lives (ELW #619, LSB #461)
Closing Hymn: LBW #131, Christ is Risen! Alleluia! (ELW #382)
OR LSB #480, He’s Risen, He’s Risen
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April 19, 2020, 2nd Sunday of Easter
Acts 5:29-42 (Gamaliel counsels caution dealing with apostolic teaching and miracles)
(ELW: Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Peter exhorts crowd to repent, be baptized)
Psalm 148 (Praise God for his universal glory)
(ELW: Psalm 16, I keep the Lord always before me; I shall not be moved)
1 Peter 1:3-9 (Christ’s resurrection promises new hope, imperishable inheritance)
John 20:19-31 (Jesus appears to disciples – including Thomas)
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Opening Hymn: LBW #139, v.1-4, O Sons and Daughters of the King
(LSB #470/471; Note: the latter is the same as in green book, but the former is a well-known Easter tune also)
(ELW #386, v.1-4, O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing)
Hymn of Praise: LBW #144, Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing! (ELW #385, LSB #475)
OR Hymn paraphrase of “This is the Feast;” See Easter Sunday
Hymn of the Day: WOV #675, We Walk By Faith and Not by Sight (ELW #635, LSB #720)
OR LBW #132, Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain (I don’t know who has the old Arthur Sullivan tune from the old red book…) (ELW #363, LSB #487)
OR ELW #390, The Risen Christ
OR LSB #472, These Things Did Thomas Count as Real
Communion Hymn 1: LBW #514, O Savior, Precious Savior (ELW #820, LSB #527)
Communion Hymn 2: LBW #316, Jesus, the Very Thought of You (ELW #754)
Closing Hymn: LBW #139, v. 5-9, O Sons and Daughters of the King (ELW #386, v. 5-8, LSB #470/471)
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April 26, 2020, 3rd Sunday of Easter
Acts 2:14a, 36-41 (Pentecost: Peter exhorts listeners to repent, be baptized)
Psalm 116:1-14 (15-19) (Thanksgiving for deliverance from illness)
1 Peter 1:17-25 (You were ransomed not with gold, but the precious blood of Christ)
Luke 24:13-35 (The Road to Emmaus story)
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Opening Hymn: LBW #496, Around You, O Lord Jesus (ELW #468)
OR ELW #374, Day of Arising
Hymn of Praise: LBW #130, Christ the Lord is Risen Today! (ELW #373, LSB #469)
OR Hymn paraphrase of “This is the Feast;” See Easter Sunday
Hymn of the Day: LSB #476, Who Are You Who Walk in Sorrow
OR WOV #674, Alleluia! Jesus is Risen! (ELW #377, LSB #474)
OR LBW #209, Come, Risen Lord
Communion Hymn 1: LBW #222, O Bread of Life From Heaven (ELW #480)
(LSB #642, O Living Bread From Heaven; Note, this is a different tune)
OR LSB #629, What Is This Bread
Communion Hymn 2: LBW #219, Come With Us, O Blessed Jesus (ELW #501)
OR LSB #776, Come, Lord Jesus, Be Our Guest (sing 3x, or as round)
Closing: LBW #210, At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing (ELW #362, LSB #633)
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May 3, 2020, 4th Sunday of Easter
Acts 2:42-47 (The common life of the first believers)
Psalm 23 (The Lord is my shepherd)
1 Peter 2:19-25 (Endure suffering for doing right; for you’ve returned to Shepherd and guardian of your souls)
John 10:1-10 (Sheep know Shepherd’s voice; Jesus is both shepherd and gate for the sheep)
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Opening Hymn: LBW #128, Christ the Lord is Risen Today; Alleluia! (ELW #369, LSB #463)
Hymn of Praise: LBW #144, Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing! (ELW #385, LSB #475)
OR Hymn paraphrase of “This is the Feast;” See Easter Sunday
Hymn of the Day: LBW #451, The Lord’s My Shepherd; I’ll Not Want (ELW #778, LSB #710)
OR LBW #476, Have No Fear, Little Flock (ELW #764, LSB #735)
OR LSB #625, Lord Jesus Christ, Life-Giving Bread
Communion Hymn 1: LBW #456, The King of Love My Shepherd Is (ELW #502, LSB #709)
Communion Hymn 2: LBW #370, Blest Be the Tie That Binds (ELW #656, LSB #649)
OR LSB #740, I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb
Closing Hymn: LBW #481, Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
(ELW #789, LSB #711; both use Bradbury, a much more familiar tune)
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May 10, 2020, 5th Sunday of Easter (also Mother’s Day)
Acts 6:1-9; 7:2a, 51-60 (Deacons are chosen; excerpts from Stephen’s speech; the stoning of Stephen)
(ELW: Acts 7:55-60, The stoning of Stephen)
Psalm 146 (Happy are they whose help is from the Lord, who executes justice for the poor)
(ELW: Psalm 31: 1-5,15-16, Prayer for deliverance from enemies)
1 Peter 2:2-10 (Come to Christ, the living Stone who will cause many to stumble;
but you are his own people, a royal priesthood)
John 14:1-14 (I am the Way, Truth and Life; believe that the Father is in me and I am in him)
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Opening Hymn: LBW #468, From God Can Nothing Move Me (LSB #713)
OR LBW #183, The Son of God Goes Forth to War (LSB #661)
OR LBW #383, Rise Up, O Saints of God! (ELW #669)
Hymn of Praise: LBW #150, Make Songs of Joy to Christ Our Head (Note: calm down, it’s an easy, sprightly tune) (LSB #484)
OR ELW #878, Soli Deo Gloria
OR Hymn paraphrase of “This is the Feast;” See Easter Sunday
Hymn of the Day: LBW #464, You Are the Way (ELW #758) (LSB #526, You Are the Way; Through You Alone)
OR WOV #777, Give Me Jesus (ELW #770)
Communion Hymn 1: WOV #781, My Life Flows On in Endless Song (ELW #763)
Communion Hymn 2: LBW #336, Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me (LSB #683)
OR LBW #513, Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life (ELW #816)
Closing Hymn: LBW #553, Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart (ELW #873)(LSB #813, Rejoice, O Pilgrim Throng)
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May 17, 2020, 6th Sunday of Easter
Acts 17:16-31 (Paul in Athens: What you worship as unknown, I proclaim to you)
(ELW: Acts 17:22-31)
Psalm 66:8-20 (God has tested us but delivered us; we will offer sacrifices and extol him)
1 Peter 3:13-22 (Give account of hope within you with gentleness; suffer for doing good, as Christ did;
baptism an appeal to God for good conscience, through Christ’s resurrection and exaltation)
John 14:15-21 (If you love me, keep my commandments; I will pray the Father, who will send you the Spirit)
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Opening Hymn: LBW #386, Christ is the King! O Friends, Rejoice (ELW #662)
OR LBW #245, All People That On Earth Do Dwell (ELW #883, LSB #791)
Hymn of Praise: LBW #549, Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven (ELW #865, LSB #793)
OR Hymn paraphrase of “This is the Feast;” See Easter Sunday
Hymn of the Day: LBW #508, Come Down, O Love Divine (ELW #804, LSB #501)
Communion Hymn 1: LBW #364, Son of God, Eternal Savior (ELW #655, LSB #842)
Communion Hymn 2: LBW #403, Lord, Speak to Us, That We May Speak (ELW #676)
Closing Hymn: LBW #353, May We Your Precepts, Lord, Fulfill
(LSB #698, May We Thy Precepts, Lord, Fulfill)
OR LBW #390, I Love to Tell the Story (ELW #661)
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May 24, 2020, 7th Sunday of Easter, or Ascension (Transferred)
7th Sunday of Easter
Acts 1: (6-10), 12-26 (Matthias chosen to replace Judas)
Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 (The holy God is also the protector of orphans and widows)
1 Peter 4:12-19; 5:6-11 (Suffering as a Christian; the God of grace will support, strengthen, establish you)
John 17:1-11 (Jesus’ High Priestly prayer; glorify yourself in them as you have in me)
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Opening Hymn: LBW #546, When Morning Gilds the Skies (ELW #853, LSB #807)
OR LBW #525, Blessing and Honor (ELW #854)
OR WOV #801, Thine The Amen, Thine The Praise (ELW #826, LSB #680)
Hymn of Praise: LBW #520, Give to Our God Immortal Praise (ELW #848)
OR Hymn paraphrase of “This is the Feast;” See Easter Sunday
Hymn of the Day: LBW #77, O One With God the Father
OR LBW #170, Crown Him With Many Crowns (ELW #855, LSB #525)
Communion Hymn 1: LBW #526, Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise (ELW #834, LSB #802)
Communion Hymn 2: LBW #518, Beautiful Savior (ELW #838, LSB #537)
Closing Hymn: WOV #797, O God Beyond All Praising (ELW #880)
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Ascension (Transferred)
Acts 1:1-11 (The Ascension of Jesus)
Psalm 47 (God has gone up with a shout!)
Ephesians 1:15-23 (The power of grace put into effect when God exalted Jesus above every authority and power)
Luke 24:44-53 (Shorter account of Ascension; conclusion of the gospel)
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Opening Hymn: WOV #797, O God Beyond All Praising (ELW #880)
OR LBW #525, Blessing and Honor (ELW #854)
OR WOV #801, Thine The Amen, Thine The Praise (ELW #826, LSB #680)
Hymn of Praise: LBW #156, Look, the Sight is Glorious (LSB #495, Look, Ye Saints, the Sight is Glorious)
OR LBW #170, Crown Him With Many Crowns (ELW #855, LSB #525)
OR Hymn paraphrase of “This is the Feast;” See Easter Sunday
Hymn of the Day: LBW #158, Alleluia! Sing to Jesus (ELW #392, LSB #821)
OR LSB #477, Alleluia, Alleluia! Hearts To Heaven (Note: tune is “Ode to Joy!)
Communion Hymn 1: LBW #526, Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise (ELW #834, LSB #802)
Communion Hymn 2: LBW #518, Beautiful Savior (ELW #838, LSB #537)
Closing Hymn: LBW #157, A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing!
(ELW #393, LSB #493; mercifully has left off excessive exclamation points)
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May 31, 2020, Day of Pentecost
Numbers 11:24-30 (The Spirit descends on 70 elders)
(ELW, ditto, or Acts 2:1-11, the Holy Spirit descends like tongues of fire)
Psalm 25:1-15 (Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.)
(ELW: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, The Spirit renews creation)
Acts 2:1-21 (The Holy Spirit descends; Peter comments)
(ELW, ditto, or 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, the gifts of the Spirit)
John 7:37-39 (The Spirit wells up like living water in believers’ hearts)
(ELW, ditto, or John 20:19-23)
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Opening Hymn: LBW #472/3, Come Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire
(ELW #577/578, Creator Spirit, Heavenly Dove) (LSB #498/9, Come Holy Ghost, Creator Blest)
OR ELW #400, God of Tempest, God of Whirlwind
Hymn of Praise: WOV #682, Praise the Spirit in Creation (Note: Suggested alternate tune is LBW #549, Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven, and I’d recommend using it!)
OR LBW #523, Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling (ELW #582, LSB #650)
Hymn of the Day: WOV #687, Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading (ELW #401)
OR LSB #502, Holy Spirit, The Dove Sent From Heaven
Communion Hymn 1: LBW #475, Come Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove (ELW #404)
Communion Hymn 2: LBW #257, Holy Spirit, Truth Divine (ELW#398) (LSB #496, Holy Spirit, Light Divine)
OR WOV #680, O Spirit of Life (ELW #405)
Closing Hymn: LBW #161, O Day Full of Grace (ELW #627, LSB #503)
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June 7, 2020, The Holy Trinity
Genesis 1:1-2:4a (God creates the universe and blesses it)
Psalm 8 (What is man that you are mindful of him?)
Acts 2:14a, 22-36 (Again, part of Peter’s Pentecost sermon)
(ELW, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Trinitarian blessing)
Matthew 28:16-20 (The Great Commission)
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Opening Hymn: LBW #165, Holy, Holy, Holy (ELW #473, LSB #507)
Hymn of Praise: LBW #247, Holy Majesty, Before You
OR ELW #762, Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy
Hymn of the Day: LBW #233, Thy Strong Word Did Cleave The Darkness (ELW #511, LSB #578)
OR the following hymn paraphrase of the Nicene Creed:
Almighty Father, Creator Blest
Tune: Victory (The Strife is O’er); Words: Rev. Cathy A. Ammlung, STS
Dedicated to the Pastors of the Society of the Holy Trinity
(before first verse; note, “in” is sung on two notes):
Credo, credo, credo in_ unum Deum!
1. Almighty Father, Creator blest,
Worlds sprang to life at his behest;
Seen and unseen, his name they confessed:
Credo, credo!
2. Lord Jesus Christ, his only Son,
In truth and substance, they are one;
Pure Light from Light, in him life’s begun:
Credo, credo!
3. 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!
4. Born of the virgin, Mary most pure,
And of the Spirit, to be sin’s cure,
Christ became man; let praises endure –
Credo, credo!
5. For us, ‘neath Pilate’s judgment he died –
For us, our Lord was crucified,
For us, he rose again, glorified:
Credo, credo!
6. Ascended to the Father’s throne,
He shall return, to judge everyone,
And rule fore’er, as Lord and God:
Credo, credo!
7. Most Holy Spirit, life-giving Lord,
One with the Father and Son, adored,
Inspiring prophets’ holy word,
Credo, credo!
8. Making one holy Church in the world,
One with apostles, martyrs and Lord,
One through baptism with water and Word,
Credo, credo!
9. 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 #249, God Himself is Present(LSB #907)
OR ELW #412, Come, Join the Dance of Trinity
Communion Hymn 2: LBW #169, Father Most Holy (ELW #415, LSB #504)
Closing Hymn: LBW #535, Holy God, We Praise Your Name (ELW #414, LSB #940)
