7th Sunday of Easter, Cycle B (May 16, 2021)
(May also be used for Ascension, Transferred)
7th Sunday of Easter texts:
Acts 1:12-26 (Matthias chosen to replace Judas)
ELW: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 (no references to Judas)
Psalm 1 (Blessed is the one whose delight is in the law of the Lord!)
1 John 5:9-15 (And this is God’s testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.)
ELW: 1 John 5:9-13 (nothing about praying according to his will)
John 17:11b-19 (Jesus prays that his Father would protect and sanctify all who believe in him)
ELW: John 17:6-19 (adds “They have known everything I have from you”)
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Ascension Texts:
Acts 1:1-11(Promise of Holy Spirit and ascension of Jesus)
Psalm 47 (God has gone up with a shout! He rules over the nations)
Ephesians 1:15-23 (Paul’s prayer for eternal inheritance in Christ, whom God has raised, given all power and authority, and made him head over all things for the Church, his body)
Luke 24:44-53 (Jesus reminds followers of Scriptures; blesses them and ascends)
THE PRAYERS
Let us pray in the name of our risen and ascended Savior for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their needs.
A brief silence
Heavenly Father, with joy we cry, “Jesus has gone up with a shout! The Lord has ascended on high!” Thank you for his triumph over sin and death. Keep us faithful unto death, until Jesus gives us his crown of life.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give your Church faith, joy, and boldness to proclaim Jesus’ Lordship to all the world until he comes again in glory.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Ease the suffering of all who are persecuted for naming Jesus as Lord. Give gentleness to their words and peace in their hearts. Bring to repentance and humble faith all who torment them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
This congregation thanks and praises you for the triumph of Christ our Savior. Grant us grace to live in accordance with his commands; to proclaim him as Lord and King; and to share his forgiveness and grace with those who need them most.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Be with all students graduating this Spring! Bless them with wisdom as well as knowledge. Give them integrity along with passion. Help them to use all they have learned in ways that glorify you and help others.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Your Son has ascended on high, and is king of all nations. We pray for the earthly leaders of those nations, especially our own. Make them righteous and merciful, and conform them to your will. Teach all people to live together in peace and unity, until the day Christ comes to judge the living and the dead.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We lift before you the needs of all whose lives are shadowed by suffering or sorrow— especially: {List}. Grant to them the abundant life promised by Jesus; fill them with the grace and comfort of your Holy Spirit; and bless those who care for them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, we await the coming of that day when we, shall live with you and with all of your people in joy and glory everlasting. We entrust into your care those who have died trusting your promised inheritance. Keep us in union with them, with all of your saints, and with you, in the power of your Holy Spirit, for the sake of Christ our Savior.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Hear and graciously answer our prayers in accordance with your will, dear Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
