“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine” (Titus 2:3a).

Be dutiful and keep what you know to yourself.  This may sound easy, but look at how many gossip and slander.  Do not be deceived, this behavior is not acceptable in the sight of the Lord.  Walk humbly with Your God and live in the character of what is right and fitting.  You do not need to guess what these things are, for here you have them before you.  Put them into practice.

Lord, our world wants to know what others think.  When we do not know, there are the evil ones who will make it up.  Take away the desire to know information that is not proper for me to know.  Lead me to be content with what You do give me.  Guide me in Your goodness to see that in You alone is all hope.  Help me to develop the character befitting one who is a follower of Christ.

Lord Jesus, You have come into the world so that I may have life and have it abundantly.  You have also come to fulfill the will of the Father.  Guide me Lord in the way of everlasting life in order that where these things are present in me, I may be conformed to Your image.  Help me see clearly where I need what You alone can give.  Guide me Jesus in the way of life which I have been given through grace.  Amen. 

“Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness” (Titus 2:2).

This list is not impossible, nor unfair.  It might read like a posting for a job.  We live in a world that does not respect temperance or prudence, yet these are the qualities that are needed to keep things running.  Be a person who is temperate and displays common sense.  Be of sound mind and live out the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The Lord has called you to be in your right mind and live His way.

Lord, I know these things are inside of me.  Yes, I too have struggles, but I do not disagree with this list of behaviors, but in fact, seek others who have them when I want someone to do something responsibly.  Help me in this journey of life to be one who is like this.  Guide me into the faith You have given me and grow in me the godly character I shall have for all eternity.

Lord Jesus, You have modeled the godly behavior expected of us all as Your followers.  Where I am deficient, lead me to become what You are making of me.  Guide me, O Lord, in order that I may always know the hope I have because of Your grace and mercy.  Clear my mind and heart to walk this day in the confidence of the hope You give as I become a child of the Heavenly Father.  Amen.

“But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1).

There is good doctrine and doctrine which is not good.  Do not be led astray by wickedness, even in the guise of good religion.  Know that in the Lord there is that which is useful, but that the wicked one will send those along who will speak what itching ears want to hear.  Pay attention to what you say and to what you take in.  Let the Lord lead so that You may have good and sound doctrine leading you.

Lord, grant that I would have discerning ears that understand the difference between what is good and what is bad.  Lead me, Lord, so that I understand and take in what is good spiritual food and reject the junk garbage of this age.  Lead me into spiritual health so that I may know the good and do it.  When I am speaking of You, help me to be true to the Gospel and always speak the truth.

Holy Spirit, You know the condition in which I find myself.  You know what is right and what is perverse.  Guide me, Lord, so that I would discern the difference and reject what is not good and take in what is right.  Lead me, Lord, so that I may grow in this faith You have given me.  Guide me according to the Father’s will to live into the life that emulates Christ and grows in godliness.  Amen.

“To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled.  They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work” (Titus 1:15-16).

Paul is not promoting some kind of super criterion for salvation, but speaking of the heart which is wicked and deceitful until the Holy Spirit grabs hold and starts the work of sanctification.  Yes, you can know them by their fruits (but the real and final judgement belongs to God).  Pay attention to what you see and not necessarily what people say.  Actions speak louder than words.

Lord, grant that I would have my eyes open to see what You would have me see.  You know the hearts of others and I do not.  You know where some mislead.  Guide me Lord so that I would humbly see what You give me to see and go where You send me.  Help me understand the seriousness of this life of faith You have given me in order that I may be genuine and faithful in this gift of grace.

Lord Jesus, You have come in order that I might have a new life.  Help me to not live for myself, but to come to You who is the only One who can and will save me.  Help me to be what I proclaim and to live according to Your goodness and mercy.  Guide me this day so that what people see is who I truly am and let that be one who is following You with all that I am.  Amen.

“This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth” (Titus 1:13-14).

The Lord is not granting us permission to be cruel or unloving; but gives us the command to protect the body of Christ from those who would harm it.  Sometimes this requires a sharp rebuke.  Be willing to stand firm in the Lord and say what needs to be said.  Far too often people grumble, but say nothing.  We are to stand firm in the truth and not abide with those who are seeking other things.

Lord, I cannot do this on my own.  I have my opinions and my own sinfulness gets in the way.  Where there is a situation that You give me the ability to do something about, be the One who leads me so that I do what You would have me do, even if that means speaking a sharp rebuke.  Help me to not be a part of the wandering that many seem to be doing these days but hold fast to the faith You have given once for all.

Lead me, Lord Jesus.  You know Your church better than I ever will.  You have given us mercy and grace so that we can come into the faith You give.  Help me to be bold in that faith and intolerant of the lies of the wicked one.  For the sake of others, learning to love my neighbor, help me to be truthful even when it is painful.  Teach me devotion to You and the Gospel which is my right to proclaim through word and deed.  Amen.

Lessons and Hymn Suggestions

The Vigil of Easter – Trinity Sunday, Cycle C

April 16, 2022 – June 12, 2022

 

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.

 

I’ve also included a complete Tenebrae service for Good Friday. This is one I’ve used at my little churches. Feel free to use different hymns, but the ones I chose seemed to fit the readings.

 

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 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 confess to you our sinfulness. We believe mortal words above your holy Word. We prefer easy lies to hard truth. We are quick to judge, condemn, and exclude, but slow to forgive. We have lived for this world alone, and doubted our home in heaven. In your mercy, forgive us. In your goodness, resurrect us. Amen.

 

Our Savior Christ comes with healing, forgiveness, and life in his wounded hands. He breathes his Holy Spirit upon us, kindling renewed faith, hope, and love. Receive all he gives with humble joy, and share them 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.

 

 

Saturday, April 16, 2022: The Vigil of Easter

 

Service of Readings: There are twelve all together. If you decide to do seven or four, choose from the following; however, those in boldface must be read; and the final canticle, “All you works of the Lord” is always read after the final lesson. Where appointed, a responsorial psalm/canticle is also noted in parentheses. Where one is not noted, I have indicated a hymn that may be sung instead.

 

1. Genesis 1:1-2:2 or Genesis 1:1-3:24

Hymn: Praise the Lord! O Heavens adore him: LBW #540, ELW #823

 

OR In Adam We Have All Been One: LBW # 372, LSB #569

 

2. Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18; 8:6-18; 9:8-13

Hymn: Thy Holy Wings: WOV #741, ELW #613

 

OR Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me: LBW #334, ELW #755, LSB #715

 

1. Exodus 14:10-15:1a or Exodus 13:17-15:1a

 

The Song of Moses and Miriam: LBW Canticle 19

 

1. Isaiah 55:1-11

Psalm 33:1-11

 

OR Thy Word, O Lord, Like Gentle Dew: LBW #232  

 

OR Word of God, Come Down on Earth: WOV #716, ELW #510, LSB #545

 

1. Ezekiel 37

 Psalm 30

 

1. Isaiah 4:2-6

The Song of the Vineyard, from Isaiah 5

 

1. Daniel 3:1-29

All You Works of the Lord, Bless the Lord: LBW Canticle 18

 

OR All Creatures of Our God and King: LBW #527

All Creatures, Worship God Most High: ELW #835

 

 

 

 

Readings for the Service of Holy Communion:

 

Romans 6:1-11 (we are baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection)

 

Luke 24:1-12 (the women come to the empty tomb)

 

*******

 

Hymn of the Day: We Know That Christ is Raised and Dies No More: LBW #189,

ELW #449, LSB #603

 

Communion Hymn #1: Now the Green Blade Rises: LBW #148, ELW #379

 

Communion Hymn #2: Alleluia, Alleluia, Give Thanks to the Living Lord: WOV #671

OR Alleluia! Jesus is Risen!: WOV #674, ELW #377, LSB #474

 

Closing Hymn: This Joyful Eastertide: WOV #676, ELW #391, LSB #482

 

 

 

 

April 17, 2022: Easter Day, the Resurrection of Our Lord

 

Easter Sunrise Lessons:

 

Job 19:23-27 (I know that my Redeemer lives!)

 

Psalm 118:15-29 (The right hand of the Lord has triumphed; this is the Lord’s doing;

 this is the day the Lord has made)

 

1 Corinthians 15:51-57 (we shall not all die, but we shall all be changed;

the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible)

 

John 20:1-18 (the women at the tomb; Peter and John; Mary Magdalene and Jesus)

 

 

Easter Day Lessons:

 

Isaiah 65:17-25 (God promises new heaven and earth; people will live long and prosper;

 nothing shall hurt or destroy on his holy mountain)

 

Psalm 16 (you do not give me up to Sheol, nor let your holy one see the Pit)

RCL: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 (Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; I shall not die but live,

and declare the works of the Lord)

 

1 Corinthians 15:19-26 (if Christ not raised, we are fools; but he has been raised, as shall we be!)

 

Luke 24:1-12 (the women at the empty tomb)

 

Hymn selections are for main services of the day, not the sunrise service

Opening Hymn: Jesus Christ is Risen Today: LBW #151, ELW #365, LSB #457

 

Hymn of the Day: Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands: LBW #134, ELW #370, LSB #458

 

Communion Hymn #1: Alleluia, Alleluia, Give Thanks to the Living Lord:  WOV #671,

OR Alleluia! Jesus is Risen: WOV #674, ELW #377, LSB #474

 

Communion Hymn #2: I Know that My Redeemer Lives: LBW #352, ELW #619, LSB #461

 

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

 

 

April 24, 2022: 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 glorified Jesus amidst their lampstands)

 

John 20:19-31 (Jesus appears, gives Spirit, commission to forgive/retain sins;

Thomas’s confession of faith)

 

*******

 

Opening Hymn: The Day of Resurrection: LBW #141, ELW #361, LSB, #478 (LBW tune is awful. Use tune for “O Day of Rest and Gladness”, LBW #251, as ELW does; or tune for “Lead On, O Kinky Turtle,” LBW #495)

OR O Sons and Daughters of the King: LBW #139, LSB #471; 470

O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing: ELW #386

 

Hymn of the Day: That Easter Day With Joy Was Bright: LBW #154, ELW #384 (LBW tune is meh.

 Use the tune for “On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry”)            

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

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

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

Closing Hymn: Thine is the Glory: LBW #145, ELW #376

 

 

 

 

May 1, 2022: 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)

 

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

 

******

 

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

 

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

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

Communion Hymn #2: Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing:

LBW #144, ELW #385, LSB #475

Closing Hymn: Crown Him with Many Crowns: LBW #170, ELW #855, LSB #525

 

 

 

 

May 8, 2022: 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: Behold A Host, Arrayed in White: LSB #676, (far superior translation)

Behold A/The Host, Like Mountains Bright: LBW 314, ELW #425

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

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

 

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

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

Have No Fear, Little Flock: LBW #476, ELW #764, LSB #735

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

 

 

 

 

May 15, 2022: 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: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling: LBW #315, ELW #631, LSB #700

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

 

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

 

Communion Hymn #2: Soon and Very Soon: WOV #744, ELW #439

 

Closing Hymn: Alabare, WOV #791, LSB #799/800

            OR Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee, LBW #551, ELW #836, LSB #803

OR Jesus Loves Me: ELW #595

May 22, 2022: 6^th Sunday of Easter

 

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: O Day Full Of Grace: LBW #161, ELW #627, LSB #503

 

Hymn of the Day: O, What Their Joy: LBW #337 (may be sung to tune for “Blessing and Honor,” LBW #535)

 

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

 

Communion Hymn #2: My Life Flows On In Endless Song: WOV #781, ELW #763

 

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

 

 

May 29, 2022: 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 put all under Christ’s feet, made him head of body; glorious inheritance)

Luke 24:44-53 (You’re witnesses to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Proclaim repentance, forgiveness. Brief account of Ascension)

 

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;

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; Zion rejoices; God loves and guards the faithful)

 

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

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

 

*******

 

I’ve offered alternatives for Hymn of Day

 

Opening Hymn: Alleluia! Sing to Jesus: LBW #158, ELW #392, LSB #821

 

Hymn of the Day, Ascension theme: Look, O Look, the Sight is Glorious: LBW #156

Look, Ye Saints, The Sight Is Glorious: LSB #495

OR My Lord of Light: WOV #796, ELW #832

 

Hymn of Day, 7 Easter theme: Lord, Who in the Night You Were Betrayed Did Pray:

LBW #206, ELW #463

 

Communion Hymn #1: All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name: LBW #328, ELW #634, LSB #549

 

Communion Hymn #2: A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing: LBW #157, ELW #393, LSB #493

 

Closing Hymn: Rejoice, the Lord is King: LBW #171

Rejoice, For Christ is King: ELW #430

 

 

 

June 5, 2022: 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: Holy Spirit, Truth/Light Divine: LBW #257, ELW #398, LSB #496

 

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

Creator Spirit, Heavenly Dove: ELW #577

Come Holy Ghost, Creator Blest: LSB #498

Weirdly, these are all basically the same hymn! Same tune, basically same gist, just different translations!

 

OR O Spirit of Life: ELW #405

 

Communion Hymn #1: Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove: LBW #475, ELW #578

 

Communion Hymn #2: Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading: WOV #687, ELW #401

 

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

OR Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness: WOV #684, ELW #396

OR Holy Spirit, the Dove Sent From Heaven: LSB #502 (Great words, and nice Hispanic melody)

 

 

 

 

June 12, 2022: 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: Holy, Holy, Holy: LBW #165, ELW #473, LSB #507

 

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

 

OR

Almighty Father, Creator Blest

Tune: Victory (The Strife is O’er)

By Rev. Cathy A. Ammlung, STS

 

(before first verse; “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!

 

1. Lord Jesus Christ, his only Son,

In truth and substance, they are one;

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

Credo, credo!

 

1. 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!

 

1. Born of the virgin, Mary most pure,

And of the Spirit, to be sin’s cure,

Christ became man; let praises endure –

Credo, credo!

 

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

For us, our Lord was crucified,

For us, he rose again, glorified:

Credo, credo!

 

1. Ascended to the Father’s throne,

He shall return, to judge everyone,

And rule fore’er, as Lord and God:

Credo, credo!

 

1. Most Holy Spirit, life-giving Lord,

One with the Father and Son, adored,

Inspiring prophets’ holy word,

Credo, credo!

 

1. Making one holy Church in the world,

One with apostles, martyrs and Lord,

One through baptism with water and Word,

Credo, credo!

 

1. 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: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise: LBW #526, ELW #834, LSB #802

 

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

 

Closing Hymn: Thee We Adore, Eternal Lord!: LBW #547

OR Thy Strong Word Didst Cleave the Darkness: LBW #233, ELW #511, LSB #578

“One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons” (Titus 1:12).

Take care, not all people are whatever we may name them, but there are many who are.  In our current culture, we say don’t call anyone anything.  But I say, speak truth.  If one is a liar, then they are a liar.  If they are lazy and evil, then they are lazy and evil.  Speaking the truth is speaking the truth even if it means speaking what others do not want to hear.  Always say what you mean, but don’t say it mean.

There is always a time and place and a way to say things that are not comfortable to say.  Guide me, Lord, so that I would speak what is right and true.  Guide me according to Your goodness in order that I would not hold back, nor seek the approval of what culture deems the right way to speak, but that I would speak what is right in Your eyes.  Lead me Lord into truth, speaking truth with love, no matter the cost.

Lord Jesus, You have always been gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.  Lead me to be like You.  You also confronted those who sought to trap You and spoke truth to them.  Help me to speak truth.  Lord, You are my Sovereign and You know where I stumble.  Lead me, O Lord, to walk humbly with You and learn from You so that I may be a person of diligence and truth. Amen.

“They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach” (Titus 1:11).

It is sad that there are those who use religion for themselves.  Outsiders then wonder what is what.  Yes, they ought to be silenced, but they will not be silent.  So, be one with good theology and know what you believe.  Know the difference between what is good and what is bad.  Do not do what you do for gain, but because it is right and true.  Know that in the Lord alone is truth.  Speak only what you know to be true.

Lord, give me eyes to see and ears to hear.  Lead me, Lord, that I would be guided by You and the truth You have revealed through Your Word.  Help me to understand that in You is all truth and that You have given me the ability to know these things.  Grant that I would be diligent in pursuing what is right and bold in standing up to those who promote themselves rather than the truth.

Come, Holy Spirit, and enlighten me in  the truth of Your Word.  Guide me in the goodness You have made possible through grace to understand that You alone are truth.  Keep me from ever exploiting this truth for gain and guide me to live according to Your Word so that I would live as a child of the Heavenly Father, doing what is right and good and sharing with all whom I meet the truth.  Amen.

“For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party” (Titus 1:10).

Listen to just about anybody these days and you hear a parroting of whatever the latest trend is.  “Get with the program and walk alongside everyone else,” they say.  Empty talkers seek to convince you to do what you do not want to do and spend money you do not have on things that do not matter.  Do not be deceived.  The Lord gives you his grace and mercy and calls for you to follow Him alone.

Lord, there are so many in the world today who lead folk all over the place.  Guide me, Lord, so that I would humbly walk with you and not be led astray by what does not matter.  Guide me, O Lord, in order that I would hold fast to You first and then understand all the other things around me through Your eyes.  Let me see through the traps that have been laid by those who are insubordinate and empty talkers, seeking whom they may lead away from You.

Lord Jesus, You have come to set free those who look to You.  There are those in this world who want people to look to them instead.  There are those who try to say there is a new way to do the impossible: pleasing you through perfect obedience.  Lead me into the arms of Your mercy and grace so that I would walk humbly with You, my Savior.  You alone are the only way of everlasting life.  Lead me into You alone!  Amen.

“He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it” (Titus 1:9).

Hold firm!  How many are tempted to be nothing to nobody all the time?  Hold firm to what you have been given.  The world rides on the tossing waves of whatever the trend may be.  Give it a year, it will change.  The Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Hold firm to what you have been taught so that you may be able to instruct and rebuke those who contradict it.  Be trustworthy.

Lord, You know where I have been tossed about.  You know where I am not the person I should be.  You know where I have compromised.  I know these things.  Help me to repent and stand firm in the faith You have given me so that I may be guided by Your goodness and mercy.  Lead me, Lord, in the way of everlasting life.  Bring me to the place where I am trustworthy and able to resist the ever-changing whims of this world.

Lord Jesus, You held fast so that I would have to opportunity to live the gift of faith You have given me.  Guide me, O Lord, in order that I may now and always abide in the truth of life You make possible through grace.  In You, Lord, is life and apart from You is nothing.  Lead me to live under the sound doctrine and way of life found in You.  Guide me today and every day to live humbly with You as my Savior.  Amen.