The Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, 4^th Sunday in Advent, Cycle B (December 20, 2020)

 

2 Samuel 7:1-11,16 (David won’t build God’s house; God promises David’s house will endure)

 

Luke 1:46b-55 (Magnificat) (ELW alternate: Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26)

 

Romans 16:25-27 (Mysteries long hidden now revealed; final blessing)

 

Luke 1:26-38 (Annunciation of Gabriel to Mary)

 

 

Opening hymn: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (LBW #34, ELW #257, LSB #357)

(if you didn’t use this the 1^st Sunday in Advent. Or, heck, even if you did!)

 

Hymn of the Day: My Soul Now Magnifies the Lord (LBW #180, ELW #573, LSB #934)

OR I Will Greatly Rejoice in the Lord (LSB #929, Chanted Canticle)

OR The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came (WOV #632, ELW #265, LSB #356)

 

Communion Hymn #1: O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild (LSB #546)

OR O Little Town of Bethlehem (LBW #41, LSB #361, ELW #279)

 

Communion Hymn #2: Lo, How A Rose E’er Growing/Blooming

(ELW #58, ELW #272, LSB #359) (ELW and LSB use the familiar words and harmonization) 

 

Closing Hymn: Let Our Gladness Have No End (LBW #57, ELW #291, LSB #381)

                OR My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness (ELW #251)

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THE PRAYERS

Based on the Great O-Antiphons, which are paraphrased in “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

 

Let us pray to the Lord on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

 

A brief silence

 

O come, O come, Emmanuel, that the Church, your people Israel, and the whole world may rejoice in the splendor of your appearing.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Wisdom, proceeding from the mouth of the Most High, fill the Church with your Spirit. Sustain and order its proclamation and its works of charity, especially in the presence of its enemies, according to your most holy will. Come, and teach us prudence.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Emmanuel, the ransom of your people Israel: deliver also your persecuted Church from torment. Keep it patient, faithful, and steadfast. Help us to honor their witness and provide for their needs. Turn their tormentors from their evil ways. Come; and teach them courage.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Adonai, ruler of the House of Israel, rule also in the hearts and lives of your people in this congregation. Give us your Word and show us your glory. Come; and make our hearts glad.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Bright and Morning Star, you gladden the hearts of those who sit in darkness. Shine upon all who are overwhelmed by grief, despair, doubt, anger, confusion, hatred, or unbelief. Come; and lead them into the brightness of your holy love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O King of the nations, the ruler they long for, unite all people under your glorious and gentle reign. Teach us those things that make for peace. Come and save us all, whom you formed out of clay.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Root of Jesse, you stand as an ensign before the peoples. Guard and guide all who stand in harm’s way in defense of justice and freedom. Come quickly, and deliver them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Key of David, you open what no one can close; you close what no one can open. Free those imprisoned by the powers of sin, evil, and death, especially {LIST}. Come, and close the path to misery.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Dayspring, splendor of life everlasting, keep safe in your mighty arms all those who died trusting in your promises. Come and enlighten us, who still sit in the shadow of death; and open wide our heavenly home.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Graciously answer our prayers for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, 3^rd Sunday in Advent, Cycle B (December 13, 2020)

 

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 (God has anointed me with his Spirit; clothed me

with joy of his salvation)

 

Psalm 126 (God restored fortunes of Jerusalem; those who go out weeping

come back rejoicing)

                (ELW: this, or Luke 1:46b-55, the Magnificat)

 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (Rejoice; don’t quench Spirit; be holy)

 

John 1:6-8, 19-28 (John says who he isn’t, there’s one greater than he)

 

 

Opening hymn: Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers (LBW #25, ELW #244, LSB #515)

 

Hymn of the Day: Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding

(LBW #37, ELW #246, LSB #345; the tune used in ELW and LSB is much superior to the LBW tune. Since they don’t have the tune “Merton” in LBW, use “Omni Dei,” used for For the Bread Which You Have Broken)

 

Communion Hymn #1: Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness (LBW #224, LSB #636)

 

Communion Hymn #2: Hail to the Lord’s Anointed (LBW #87, LSB #398)

 (Can also sing this hymn to tune of LBW #369, “The Church’s One Foundation. In fact, if you use it during communion, or have a congregation unfamiliar with the hymn, I’d recommend it.)

 

Closing Hymn: People, Look East (WOV #626, ELW #248)

                OR There’s a Voice in the Wilderness (ELW #255)

                OR, Hark, the Glad Sound! (LBW #35, LSB #349, ELW #239)

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THE PRAYERS

 

Let us pray to the Lord on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

 

A brief silence

 

O Lord, we long for your salvation; make haste and help us. Come quickly with blessing and comfort for your people, O strong Deliverer of Israel and the Redeemer of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Clothe your Church with the joy of your salvation. Cover it with the righteousness of Christ. Adorn it with the jewels of your Word and Sacraments. Through it, let the poor hear the Good News, the sorrowful find comfort, and captives to sin and death experience your salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Restore the fortunes of Christians who are persecuted for confessing Jesus as Lord. Turn their weeping into rejoicing. Cause those who hate them to repent and believe in the Good News.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless and guide the people of this congregation. Give us faithful hearts; ears attentive to your Word; eyes which see the needs of others; hands skilled in building up the body of Christ; and tongues swift to pray, forgive, and encourage.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Guide and strengthen our seminarians and all considering your call to serve the Church. Make them faithful, true, and bold, and let them find joy in your service.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Anoint the rulers of the world with your Spirit, so that, like you, they love justice and hate evil. Use them to repair lives and cities ruined by violence. Direct their words and their works in your truth. Establish your peace among the nations. Make each of us into trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, bearing much fruit to your glory, and for the building up of your people.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Until your great and acceptable day has dawned, good people must risk their lives for the sake of justice, liberty, and safety. Shield, strengthen and direct them. Help them to serve with competence and integrity. Keep them from harm; heal and raise them when they falter. Give them a joyful reunion with their loved ones when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant your healing to the brokenhearted and to all who suffer in body, mind or spirit, especially {LIST}. Give them beauty for ashes; the oil of joy for mourning; and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Strengthen all who care for them; and give them, and all of us, your everlasting joy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, we entrust to your care all who have died trusting your promises. Thank you for their lives. Thank you for making them—and us—your servants: a royal priesthood and holy nation, your children and portion whom you have blessed. Bring us into the beauty of holy Zion, where with all the redeemed, we shall be adorned as a bride for our heavenly Bridegroom, the Lamb of God who has taken away the sins of the whole world, our Savior Jesus Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Graciously answer our prayers for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, 2^nd Sunday in Advent, Cycle B (December 6, 2020)

 

Isaiah 40:1-11 (Comfort my people; prepare way of the Lord; here is your God,

                who feeds his flock like a shepherd)

 

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 (righteousness and peace kiss)

 

2 Peter 3:8-15a (1000 years like a day; end will come suddenly; live in

righteousness and peace until the Lord comes)

 

Mark 1:1-8 (John the Baptist announces One who is greater than he)

 

 

Opening hymn: Comfort, Comfort Now My People

(LBW #29, ELW #256, LSB #347)

 

Hymn of the Day: On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry

(LBW #26, ELW #249, LSB #344)

                (feel free to teach the choir my version: On Jordan’s banks, the Baptists cry; the Methodists are standing by; the Presbyterians all do sing, while Lutherans a hot dish bring….)

 

Communion Hymn #1: O God, Our Help in Ages Past

(LBW #320, ELW #632, LSB #733)

                OR Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah (WOV #630, ELW #240)

 

Communion Hymn #2: The Advent of Our God

 (LBW #22, LSB #331, The Advent of Our King)

OR Come Now, O Prince of Peace (ELW #247)

 

Closing Hymn: Prepare the Royal Highway (LBW #26, ELW #264, LSB #343)

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THE PRAYERS

 

Let us pray to the Lord on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

 

A brief silence

 

O Lord, we long for your salvation; make haste and help us. Come quickly with blessing and comfort for your people, O strong Deliverer of Israel and the Redeemer of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Prepare your Church for the coming of your Son. From valleys of lukewarm worship and half-hearted service, raise it to heights of praise and compassion. Level mountains of false teaching and self-importance. Lead it along level pathways of faithfulness and humility, so that many may journey to your Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be merciful to our persecuted brothers and sisters who proclaim the name of Jesus even amidst their enemies. Make their witness to shine as a light in the world’s darkest places. And pierce the hearts of their tormentors with the truth of the Gospel.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Prepare the people of this congregation for the coming of our Savior. Help us to exalt the humble; to bring low the mountains of self-will in our lives; and to make level pathways for leading others to Jesus. Look with favor upon those learning the way of discipleship, and upon your missionaries around the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Prepare the hearts of our children for the coming of their dear Savior. Protect and bless them; and help us teach them to love Jesus and to trust him always.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Prepare the world for the coming of its King. Give our leaders the will to raise people from depths of poverty. Level the mountains of injustice throughout the world. Let nation no longer raise sword against nation. And guide all people in pathways of righteousness and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Prepare the hearts of first responders and military personnel for the coming of the King of Peace. Raise up every righteous deed. Level mountains of suspicion and misunderstanding. Lead those we pray for along level pathways to safety and loved ones.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Prepare the hearts of those who suffer for the coming of Christ, the Great Physician. We lift before you the needs of: {LIST}. Raise them up from sickness and sorrow; lay low the mountains of pain; and by your Son’s gentle hand, lead them and their loved ones along level pathways into health and hope.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Holy God, thank you for the lives of all who have died trusting in your promises, especially: {LIST}. Prepare our hearts for the near approach of our Savior. Let him raise us up from death’s dark valley. Let him crumble the mountains of your wrath at our sins. Let him lead us along level roads of faith, hope, and love into your welcoming and eternal embrace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Graciously answer our prayers for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, 1^st Sunday in Advent, Cycle B (November 29, 2020)

 

Isaiah 64:1-9 (tear open heavens and come; we are clay; do not be angry forever)

 

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 (stir up your might and come; do not be angry forever)

 

1 Corinthians 1:3–9 (God strengths you; wait for Christ to be revealed)

 

Mark 13:24-37 (stay alert; lesson of fig tree; parable: master comes unexpectedly)

                OR Mark 11:1-10 (Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey)

Opening hymn: The King Shall Come (LBW #33, ELW #260, LSB #348)

 

Or my “Advent hymn” sung to the same tune as above)

With glory bright and heavenly peace, come quickly, Lord, again.

With judgment true the earth renew; the gates of life unpen.

God, Father, glory gilds your name; we worship and adore,

We bless and praise, our thanks we raise; your mercy we implore.

O glorious Sun of righteousness, bring healing on your wing.

By your dear grace, reveal your face, unbar our hearts to sing:

Sing, “Glory be to you, O Lord; to you, O Christ, be praise,

God’s Lamb of love from heav’n above, Redeemer of our race.”

Most glorious Spirit, Holy Lord, conform us to the Son,

To rightly praise through all our days what he for us has done.

O glory to the Father, Son, and Spirit ever be!

God, bring your life amidst our strife; Lord Jesus, come quickly.

Hymn of the Day: O Lord, How Shall I Meet You (LBW #23, ELW #241, LSB #355)

(if the tune is unfamiliar, use the tune for “All Glory, Laud and Honor,” especially if the Palm Sunday

processional gospel is used today. However, the words are also great for Isaiah text and Psalm)

OR O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (LBW #34, LSB #357, ELW #257)

 

Communion Hymn #1: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

(LBW #30, LSB #338, ELW #254)

 

Communion Hymn #2: My Lord, What a Morning

(WOV #627, ELW #438, LSB #986)

 

Closing Hymn: Savior of the Nations, Come (LBW #28, ELW #263 LSB #332)

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THE PRAYERS

Let us pray to the Lord on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

 

O Lord, we long for your salvation; make haste and help us. Come quickly with blessing and comfort for your people, O strong Deliverer of Israel and the Redeemer of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Tear open the heavens and visit your people with salvation. Anoint your Church with your Holy Spirit. Make it radiant with holiness, lovely with compassion, and bright with faithfulness. Fill it with hope as it awaits the coming of your Son in power and great glory.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Tear open the heavens and visit your people with salvation. Come with healing and gladness for your persecuted servants. Make their words and deeds shine with your goodness and glory. Give the grace of repentance to their tormentors; and draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Tear open the heavens and visit your people with salvation. Anoint this congregation with your Holy Spirit. Make us generous in sharing the grace given to us in Christ. Through us, lift the heads and hearts of our neighbors and those in need. Grant that, with us, they eagerly await the day of Jesus’ return as victorious Lord of all.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Tear open the heavens, O Lord; and visit your people with salvation. Give wisdom and prudence to those who lead the nations, especially those newly elected. Make them good stewards of the authority granted them. Bless our nation with peace, prosperity, and justice. Teach us all to care for one another until your son comes as our great Lord of might.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Tear open the heavens, O Lord; and visit your people with salvation. Give courage, honor, and strength to those who serve and protect our country. Grant healing to those who have been wounded; patience and hope to their loved ones; and a swift, safe homecoming to them all.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Tear open the heavens, O Lord; and visit your people with salvation. Kindle hope within the hearts of all who suffer – especially {List}. Bring them comfort and healing. Give their caretakers patience and compassion. To those who are despairing, imprisoned, abandoned, or dying, bestow the presence of your Son, the Dayspring who puts death’s shadows to flight.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Tear open the heavens, O Lord; and visit your people with salvation. We give you thanks for the lives of all whom you have given victory over the grave. Disperse the clouds of gloom and grief that overshadow us. Lead us to our heavenly home, opened to us by the Key of David, your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Graciously answer our prayers for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

“But on the contrary, seeing that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised (for He who effectually worked for Peter in his apostleship to the circumcised effectually worked for me also to the Gentiles)” (Galatians 2:7-8)

 

There is One Lord and one faith.  We work for the same Lord.  The devil has been good at getting the faithful to rip into one another over the things upon which they do not agree.  Our faith is focused upon our Lord, so look to Him and give thanks that You have been called through Him by faith and grace into the eternal life which He has prepared for those who believe.  We are all of the same heritage in believing the Good News.

 

Lord, whether I am right about some things or not, You have given me the gift of faith as You have to many others.  Help me to see through the deceits of the devil lest I fall prey to hating instead of loving.  Guide me in Your goodness to know that all whom You have saved by grace are my brothers and sisters in Christ, no matter the path You have chosen for them.  Guide me Lord in the path You have made.

 

Lord Jesus, You prayed that we would be one even as You and the Father are One.  Lead me, Lord, in the oneness You intend not with compromise, but with integrity.  Help me to know the lines You have created and to stay within those lines.  Teach me the boundaries of Your love and lead me to the outermost places of love that I would not stay in the place of division and hatred.  Amen.