“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands” (Revelation 7:9).

From amongst all peoples will come those cleaned by the blood of the Lamb.  They who have sought the Kingdom of God will stand before the Savior.  It is a great multitude, Notice that unlike a couple of verses where the number is specific, this is not.  Those who have made a religion out of numbers have ignored the One who created them and calls them to follow Him.  Come to the Savior and know the One who gives life.

Lord, apart from Your grace I can do nothing.  Help me to live into the life You are giving me, wearing the robe of righteousness that You have purchased, and given to me by your grace.  Guide me  in the way of life You have established so that I may walk according to the purpose You have laid out before me, joined with all of those who walk faithfully by the grace You give.  Let me understand that I am a part of a multitude.

Lord Jesus, Savior of the world, guide me this day to reach out to all because I do not know who is invited to Your marriage feast.  Guide me to follow the principles You have laid out so that I may grow in Your likeness and become a part of the one true church which You have knit together by Your own blood.  Lead me now and always toward that day when I stand with Your chosen before You face to face.  Amen.

“From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000″ (Revelation 7:5-8).

From each of the twelve tribes comes the complete number.  When the tribes were carried off into captivity, most of the descendants did not return.  Most were scattered around the world.  From around the world come those who are descendants of Abraham, both of physical but also faith lineage who have been made righteous through the sacrifice of the Lamb of God.  Spiritual children from all tribes.  Children of God because of the sacrifice of the Lamb who is worthy.

Lord, my corner is not the church.  My brand and my style are not the church.  The church is made up of all of the people whom You have saved by grace.  Help me to understand that the church, Your people, belongs to You and that You have come so that as many as believe would be counted among those who are saved.  The privilege of membership is knowing You.  Thank you, Lord, for the salvation You have made possible.

<emLord Jesus, You have come to save us.  The day will come when we shall see the number You have saved.  Rather than thinking myself as somehow privileged, swelling of my pride, guide me to humbly understand that You are making this revelation to tell us what You are doing, not how special I am.  Strip my pride and increase my thanks and praise that I may grow in Your likeness.  Amen.

“Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel” (Revelation 7:4).

Twelve tribes, twelve disciples, twelve is a complete number.  When a number times a number is expressed in Scripture and zeros are added, it is an emphasis of infinity.  “How many times should I forgive,” Peter asked.  Jesus replies, “seven times seventy.”  These numbers are not literal, as we think of math, but express an idea.  How many are saved?  The complete number.  From whom?  Every tribe, tongue, folk, and nation.  God is our salvation.

Lord, I know there are those who do all kinds of things with this number.  In context, You are expressing a vast number that is inclusive of all kinds of people.  Help me to not think that I am so smart as to have all of this figured out, but instead, help me focus upon being one of Your children in the making.  Guide me in the salvation You have purchased for me on the cross that I may shine the light of Your presence in my life.

Lord Jesus, I often make things much more complex than they need to be.  Guide me, dear Lord, in the way of salvation this day so that I may focus upon being one of Yours.  Help me to understand that there are others included in these numbers and that they are all a part of the body You are knitting together from all peoples.  Lord, help me learn how to better love my neighbor.  Amen.

 

“Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God” (Revelation 7:3).

Have you been marked with the cross of Christ and sealed by the Holy Spirit forever?  Do not underestimate what God has already done to provide for you.  He has always been at work.  He knows the plans He has for you.  Do not overlook the simple word, “until.”  Yes, the day will come, and these things will happen.  It is a mystery as to why people think all should be well in this age of sin and rebellion.

Lord, the amazing thing is that the world has as much decency as it does.  But there is wickedness in this world; doubt it not.  Sometimes it even comes through me.  Lead me into Your righteousness so that I will walk humbly with You, my Savior and Lord.  Let the mark You have made upon my new life be evident in what I say and do, no matter the cost, so that others may see the light of Your presence in me.

Lord Jesus, without Your intervention and help, this would be impossible.  Guide me, Lord, in my way of life so that I may walk humbly with You in all aspects of it.  Guide me in Your goodness to know the way I should go and then empower me to walk with Your mark upon me and apparent to others.  Lead me today in the way of truth and keep me in the Father’s will.  Lead me always, Lamb of God.  Amen.

“Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea” (Revelation 7:2)

From whence comes power?  All power belongs to God.  All power!  Do not be deceived in this age.  Too many think they have power, struggle for power, or want power.  It belongs to God.  Come then and live in peace, humbly knowing that the One who holds all power will gather together those who have turned to Him in faith.  Those who learn to become His children in the power He gives them through Christ will look to the rising sun in anticipation.

The devil can do nothing without permission.  No one can.  Why do you believe the lies of those who say they have power?  Why do you not believe the One who has all power?  The Lord who knows you will guard you until the day when you meet Him face to face.  Come into His presence and live according to His plan for your life.  Live and do not rebel.  Live the good life and praise the One who is worthy of all praise.

Lord Jesus, You have given this revelation to encourage those who believe to live toward the day when this age shall pass away and we shall be ushered into eternity.  It will come at death, but that great and terrible day is coming when this age shall forever pass away.  Let me not be concerned with when, for You warned us not to try and figure it out, but to live for You and your neighbors.  Help me to simply keep my eyes upon You always.  Amen.   

“After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree” (Revelation 7:1).

Who created the earth?  Who can calm the sea with a word?  We modern people discount what Scripture says and we may forget that this creation belongs to the Lord.  Does He still use weather to get our attention?  The Lord uses everything to get our attention.  Why do you think this is mere superstition?  The Lord will stop at nothing to gain your attention so that you may give up the rebellion and join with Him. Do you not know that the LORD abounds in steadfast love?

Lord, many miraculous things have taken place around me in my lifetime and I discount them as just chance or natural occurrences.  You are Lord of all and You have set all things upon their course.  Help me to never forget that You alone are Lord, and of course the four winds are in Your hands.  If You still the wind, You have a purpose.  Help me to look to You for all things knowing that in You is true life and eternal liberty.

Thank You, Lord, for reminding me that all things are in Your hands.  In one sense, all things are natural so that when I hear of something being unnatural, I can smile and know that Your hand has stilled the storm or allowed a storm to come raging in for Your own purpose.  Lead me, Lord, in thanksgiving that You will stop at nothing to fulfill the promise that all things will work together for good for those who love You.  Amen.

“For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can withstand it?” (Revelation 6:17)

The great and terrible day is coming for all.  On that day there will be a separation of the wheat from the chaff, goats from the sheep, saved from the condemned.  In one sense. It is not a moment to look forward to.  Not that we who are in Jesus will not be saved, but that the condemned will be eternally separated for God.  We should have such compassion that we would want to see no one be damned.  Who indeed will withstand it?  We all shall face the end.

Lord, raise the level of my compassion so that I see in others those who bear Your image.  How easy it is to think like the world and see in others through the hatred, bigotry, and prejudice that drives this age.  Lead me according to Your promises and the hope You have implanted in me so that I continue to hope for those who, for me, seem most hopeless.  Change my heart to be one filled with compassion for those lost in themselves.

Lord Jesus, in great compassion, You died for the ungodly.  That includes me.  You taught us to love our neighbor.  Any whom You have put into my life, regardless of how I feel about them in the moment, are my neighbors.  Help me to learn how to love them as You love them.  Guide me in the upward way of living so that I learn from You how to have compassion for all, knowing the great and terrible day is coming.  Amen.

“They called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!” (Revelation 6:16)

What will happen in the moment when this age fades away and reality is exposed for those who have lived lives believing that they were their own rulers?  It is not hard to imagine that people such as these, and like some whom you know, will be terrified because they finally know the truth.  Our Lord has told us that the truth will set us free, but some want to remain captive to their own delusions.

Lord, where I am delusional, shatter the delusion.  Even in the moment of discovery, what good will it do to think I have enough power yet to run to the rocks and hide from You?  Oh, the vanity of pride!  Guide me to repent and believe so that I may live according to Your word of hope.  Lead me away from the vanity of this age to live into the truth of eternity.  Do not let me think I can hide my face from You, Lord.

My Lord and Savior, save me this day from the idea that I can run and hide on that day.  Lead me according to Your goodness to live into the hope You give according to Your word.  Help me, O Lord, so that I may ever be guided by You.  When that day comes that this age melts away into eternity, help me to look forward and rejoice in seeing You face to face.  Amen.

“Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and everyone else, both slave and free, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains” (Revelation 6:15).

When one is faced with the reality of the Lord, where can they go to hide?  There is no place where the Lord is not able to see.  He who knows all things knows everyone.  But we run and scatter as though we still had power or authority.  That too belongs to the Lord.  Put the Lord on – that is, wear His righteousness and do not think you can flee.  He loves you and condemnation is only for those who refuse and reject His love.

Lord, I pretend to understand much more than I do.  What do I know?  I know that You are God, Creator of heaven and earth.  I know that You have come and died in my place so that I might have by Your grace the ability to live with You.  I know that You claimed me through the water of my baptism.  I know that You care for me and love me.  Lord, teach me to live with the things I know and stop pretending as the world does about the things I do not know.

Lord Jesus, You have made salvation possible.  There are times when I want to run and hide, but what good will that do?  Teach me to live into the life You have given me by grace.  Guide me in Your goodness to know that in You alone is life, hope, and a future.  The rulers of this age may rule for a time, but You are the true ruler of all times, ruling with love, mercy and true justice.  Help me trust You above all things.  Amen.

 

The First Half of the Season of Pentecost, Cycle A

June 11 – September 3, 2023

 

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.

 

 

 

For General/Green Season Use: A Brief Order of Confession and Holy Absolution

 

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.

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

 

For General/Green Season Use: The Gospel Acclamation (Spoken)

Alleluia. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of eternal life. Alleluia.

OR

Alleluia. Your Word, O Lord, is truth; consecrate us in the truth. Alleluia.

 

 

For General/Green Season Use: The Offertory Prayer

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.

 

OR

 

Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we humbly offer to you the gifts of our treasures, talents, and time. Use them to you glory, and for the benefit of all your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

 

For General/Green Season Use: The Great Thanksgiving and Proper Preface

 

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. For you are the source of light and life, you made us in your image, and called us to new life in Jesus Christ our Lord; who on the first day of the week overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of 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:

 

For General/Green Season Use: The Eucharistic Prayer

 

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.”

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, with praise and thanksgiving. Recalling our Savior’s death, resurrection, and ascension, we pray that you would sanctify these gifts 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.

 

OR

 

And so, Father, we bring you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

On the night he was betrayed he took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread, and gave it to his friends, 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, gave thanks, 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.”

 

Father, we now celebrate the memorial of your Son. By means of this holy bread and cup, we proclaim his death and resurrection, until he comes again. Gather us by this Holy Communion into one body in your Son Jesus Christ. Make us a living sacrifice of praise. 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.

 

 

For General/Green Season Use: Post-Communion Prayer

Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members

of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

OR

Almighty and ever-living God, we thank you for feeding us with the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. Send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

 

 

 

June 11, 2023: 2^nd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 5

OR St. Barnabas, Apostle

 

For 2 Pentecost

Hosea 5:15-6:6 (Israel’s superficial repentance, God’s frustration. God desires not sacrifice but steadfast love, knowledge of God)

 

Psalm 119:65-72: (You humbled me when I strayed from your commands. Teach me your way!)

            ELW/RCL: Psalm 50:7-15 (God wants not burnt offerings but the sacrifice of praise)

 

Romans 4:13-25: (God’s promise realized through faith like Abraham’s)

 

Matthew 9:9-13: (Call of Matthew. Jesus comes to call sinners!)

ELW/RCL: Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 (Ditto; also girl restored to life, woman healed)

 

*******

 

Opening Hymn: The God of Abraham Praise, v. 1-4: LBW #544, ELW #831, LSB #798

 

            OR Dearest Jesus, At Your Word/We Are Here: LBW #248, ELW #520, LSB #520

 

Hymn of the Day: What Wondrous Love is This: LBW #385, ELW #666, LSB #543

 

Communion Hymn #1: Chief of Sinners Though I Be: LBW #306, ELW #609, LSB #611

 

Communion Hymn #2: Give Me Jesus/ In the Morning When I Rise:

WOV #777, ELW #770, LSB #976

 

Closing Hymn: The God of Abraham Praise:

LBW #544, v. 6, 7, 10, 11, ELW #831, v. 5-8, LSB #798, v. 6-9

 

OR One There Is, Above All Others: LBW #298

 

OR Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven: LBW #549, ELW #865, LSB #793

 

 

 

 

 

For St. Barnabas:

 

Isaiah 42:5-12: (The Lord, who created all, called you in righteousness to be a covenant to the people. Let them all praise God!)

 

Psalm 112: (Happy are the righteous, who are gracious, merciful, and generous)

 

Acts 11:19-30; 13:1-3: (Barnabas sent to Antioch; he was gracious and good; he and Paul commissioned by the Spirit in Antioch church)

 

Matthew 10:7-16: (Jesus commissions the Twelve: preach, heal, drive out demons, be as sheep among wolves.)

 

*******

 

Opening Hymn: Dearest Jesus, At Your Word/We Are Here: LBW #248, ELW #520, LSB #520

 

OR  Word of God, Come Down on Earth (Yes, smartypants, it’s the same tune!!):

WOV #716, ELW #510, LSB #545

 

Hymn of the Day: Lord, You Gave the Great Commission: WOV #756, ELW #579

 

OR Lord, Speak to Us, That We May Speak: LBW #403, ELW #676

 

Communion Hymn #1: Give Me Jesus: WOV #777, ELW #770, LSB #976

 

Communion Hymn #2: One There Is, Above All Others: LBW #298

 

Closing Hymn: Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven: LBW #549, ELW #865, LSB #793

 

 

 

 

 

June 18, 3^rd  Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 6); Fathers’ Day

 

Exodus 19:2-8a (Obey my voice, be my treasured people)

 

Psalm 100 (Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!)

 

Romans 5:6-15 (While we were weak, Christ died for the ungodly. Though in Adam’s trespass all

died, God’s grace abounds in Christ’s righteousness)

            (ELW: Romans 5:1-8)

 

Matthew 9:35-10:8 (9-20) (Jesus calls, instructs, and sends out the Twelve)

 

********************

 

Opening Hymn: All People That on Earth Do Dwell: LBW #245, ELW #883, LSB #791

 

Hymn of the Day: Preach You the Word and Plant it Home: LSB #586

 

OR Spread, O Spread, Almighty Word: LBW #379, ELW #663

                        Spread the Reign of God the Lord, LSB #830

 

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

(use if you preach on Romans text)

 

Communion 1: I Love to Tell the Story: LBW #390, ELW #661

 

OR This Little Light of Mine: ELW #677

 

Communion 2: Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling: LBW 381, LSB #827

 

Closing Hymn: Our Father, By Whose Name: (LBW #357, ELW #640, ELW #863)

 

OR Rise Up, O Saints of God: (LBW #383, ELW #669)

 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

 

 

 

June 25, 4th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7)

 

Jeremiah 20:7-13 (I must speak God’s Word, though I’m mocked for it)

 

Psalm 91:1-16 (God will deliver from snares, pestilence and evil)

            (ELW: Psalm 69:7-18, Zeal for your house has consumed me; save me from the mire)

 

Romans 6:12-23 (Having been delivered from slavery to sin, now be slaves to righteousness)

            (ELW, Romans 6:1-11, Baptized into Jesus’ death and resurrection)

 

Matthew 10:5, 21-33 (Jesus instructs disciples before their mission;

fear the One who can destroy body and soul!)

            (ELW, Matthew 10:24-39, Disciple not above teacher, but you are of great value

to your Father. I have not come to bring peace but a sword.)

 

*********************

 

Opening Hymn: On Eagles’ Wings: WOV #779, ELW #787, LSB #727

 

OR Herald, Sound the Note of Judgment: LBW #556, LSB #511

NOTE: If tune is unfamiliar, use the tune Regent Square, LBW #50, “Angels, From the Realms of Glory”

 

 

Hymn of the Day: O Master, Let Me Walk with You: LBW #492, ELW #818

 

OR Let Us Ever Walk With Jesus: LBW #487, ELW #802, LSB #685

 

Communion 1: Just as I Am, Without One Flea: LBW #296, LSB #570

 

Communion 2: Amazing Grace: LBW #448, ELW #779, LSB #744

 

Closing Hymn: Lift Every Voice and Sing: LBW #562, ELW #841, LSB #964

 

OR O God of Mercy, God of Light/Might: LBW #425, ELW #714, LSB #852

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

 

 

July 2, 5^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 8); Independence Day Weekend

 

Jeremiah 28:5-9 (Would that the word of the prophet who speaks peace come to pass!)

 

Psalm 119:153-160 (Preserve my life from those who do not heed your law)

            (ELW, Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18, God’s covenant with David)

 

Romans 7:1-13 (We have died to Law in Christ; sin caused the Law to be death for us)

            (ELW, Romans 6:12-23, Delivered from slavery to sin, now be slaves to righteousness)

 

Matthew 10:34-42 (I come not with peace but a sword; whoever doesn’t take up cross and follow isn’t worthy of Jesus, but whoever gives cup of water in His name will receive reward)

            (ELW, Matthew 10:40-42, Whoever welcomes you welcomes me)

 

********************

 

Opening Hymn: Before You, Lord, We Bow: LBW #401, ELW #893, LSB #966

 

Hymn of the Day: Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus: LBW #389, LSB #660 (Even if your congregation , like mine, normally sits for the Hymn of the Day, GET EM ON THEIR FEETSES for this one!)

 

OR Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word: LBW #230, ELW #517, LSB #655

 

Communion 1: We Give Thee but Thine Own: LBW #410, ELW #686, LSB #781

 

Communion 2:  Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842

 

Closing Hymn: Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun: LBW #530, ELW #434, LSB #832

 

OR God of Our Fathers: LBW #567

 

OR America the Beautiful: ELW #888

 

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

 

 

July 9: 6^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 9)

 

Zechariah 9:9-12 (Rejoice, daughter of Zion, your lowly King comes to you)

 

Psalm 145:1-14 (The Lord is gracious and full of compassion; all his works praise him)

 

Romans 7:14-25 (I don’t do the good I want to do; another law is at work in me!)

 

Matthew 11:25-30 (My yoke is easy, my burden light)

            (ELW, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Jesus, friend of sinners; take my yoke…)

 

***********************

 

Opening Hymn: Hark, the Glad Sound: LBW #35, ELW #239, LSB #349

 

OR I Know That My Redeemer Lives, v. 1-4: LBW # 352, ELW #619, LSB #461

 

Hymn of the Day: I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say: LBW #497, ELW #332/611, LSB #699

NOTE: I know, nobody knows Lydian and Doric modes anymore, so the Tallis tune is tough  for many folks. The words, which are wonderful with the Gospel, can also be sung to the tune Kingsfold, and in ELW is specifically set to that melody at #611. The tune is commonly used for “My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness, Lord” (WOV #730) and is also used for hymns in LSB (#444, 846) and LBW (#391). Try it out!

 

OR Come to Me, All Pilgrims Thirsty: ELW #777

 

OR Come unto Me, Ye Weary: LSB #684

 

Communion 1:  Father Most Holy, Merciful and Tender: LBW #169, ELW #415, LSB #504

 

Communion 2: When Peace, Like a River, Attendeth My Way: LBW #346, ELW #785, LSB #763

 

OR One There Is, Above All Others: LBW #298

 

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

 

            OR I Know That My Redeemer Lives, v. 5-8: LBW # 352, ELW #619, LSB #461

 

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July 16: 7^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 10)

 

Isaiah 55:10-13 (God’s Word does not return to him empty)

 

Psalm 65:1-13 (A song of praise for God’s bounty in nature)

            (ELW, Psalm 65:1-13, Happy are they whom you choose to live in your courts;

thanksgiving for the bounty of creation)

 

Romans 8:12-17 (The Spirit bears witness to our adoption by God, so we cry Abba, Father)

            (ELW, Romans 8:1-11, The mind set on the flesh cannot please God;

but you are in the Spirit, and the life of Christ dwells in you)

 

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (Parable of the good seed on different soils)

 

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Opening Hymn: How Marvelous God’s Greatness: LBW #515 simple, singable tune!

           

OR This Is My Father’s World: LBW #554, ELW #824

 

Hymn of the Day: Sing to the Lord of Harvest: LBW #412, ELW #412, LSB #893

 

OR We Plow the Fields and Scatter: LBW #362, ELW #680 [more modern, Hispanic tune], #681 [traditional, German tune])

 

Communion 1: Children of the Heavenly Father: LBW #474, ELW #781, LSB #725

 

Communion 2: Now Thank We All Our God: LBW #533/4, ELW #839/40, LSB #895

 

Closing Hymn: On What Has Now Been Sown: LBW #261, ELW #550, LSB #921

 

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July 23: 8^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 11)

 

Isaiah 44:6-8 (I am the first and last; beside me there is no god.)

 

Psalm 119:57-64 (I hasten to keep your commandments)

            (ELW, Psalm 86:11-17, Teach me your way; you are gracious and merciful,

slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love)

 

Romans 8:18-27 (Creation is in travail; we groan, but Spirit searches heart, intercedes for us)

            (ELW, Romans 8:12-25)

 

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 (Parable of the wheat and the weeds)

 

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

 

OR Holy Spirit, Truth/Light Divine (if not used on Pentecost): LBW #257, ELW #398, LSB #496

 

Hymn of the Day: Come, You Thankful People, Come: LBW #407, ELW #693, LSB #892

 

Communion 1: Eternal Spirit of the Living Christ: LBW #441, LSB #769, ELW #402

 

OR Abide with Us, Our Savior: LBW #263, ELW #539,

LSB #919, Abide, O Dearest Jesus

 

Communion 2: Great Is Thy Faithfulness: WOV #771, LSB #809, ELW #733

 

Closing Hymn: Savior, Again to Your/Thy Dear Name: LBW #262, ELW #534, LSB #917

 

OR Almighty Father, Bless the Word: LSB #923

 

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July 30: 9^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 12)

 

Deuteronomy 7:6-9 (Israel chosen because of God’s love, not their deserving)

            (ELW, 1 Kings 3:5-12, Solomon asks for wisdom)

 

Psalm 125 (God stands round his people like the hills surrounding Jerusalem)

            (ELW, Psalm 119:129-136, Your words enlighten the simple; keep my steps steady

 in your precepts)

 

Romans 8:28-39 (Nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus)

 

Matthew 13:44-52 (Parable of the pearl of great price)

            (ELW, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Mustard seed, yeast, pearl)

 

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Opening Hymn: I Love Your Kingdom, Lord: LBW #368, LSB #651

 

OR Praise, Praise! You are the Rock: ELW #862

 

Hymn of the Day: Jesus, Priceless Treasure: LBW #457/8, ELW #775, LSB #743

 

OR One Thing’s Needful; Lord, This Treasure: LSB #536

 

Communion 1: Jesus, the Very Thought of You: LBW #316, ELW #754

 

Communion 2: How Great Thou Art: LBW #532, ELW #856, LSB #801

 

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

 

            OR Praise to the Father: LBW #517 (simple tune)

 

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August 6: 10^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 13)

 

 

Isaiah 55:1-5 (Buy wine and milk without money; don’t spend for bread that doesn’t satisfy)

 

Psalm 136:1-26 (God’s mercy endures forever!)

            (ELW, Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21, God is gracious and merciful, opens his hand,

feeds every living thing)

 

Romans 9:1-13 (Paul’s anguish for fellow Jews who do not have faith in Christ)

            (ELW, Romans 9:1-5)

 

Matthew 14:13-21 (Miracle of feeding 5000)

 

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Opening Hymn: All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly: ELW #461

 

OR Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray: LBW #225, LSB #623

 

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

 

OR Thee We Adore, O Hidden Savior: LBW #199, LSB #640

Thee We Adore, O Savior: ELW #476 (different translation of Thomas Aquinas’ wonderful hymn)

 

Communion 1: What Feast of Love: WOV #701, ELW #487

 

OR What is This Bread: LSB #629

 

Communion 2: Break Now the Bread of Life: LBW #235, ELW #515

 

OR O Gracious Lord, I Firmly Am Believing: LSB #635

 

Closing Hymn: O Living Bread from Heaven: LBW #197, ELW #542, LSB #642

 

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August 13: 11^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 14)

 

Job 38:4-18 (Where were you when I laid out the foundations of the earth?!)

            (ELW, 1 Kings 19:9-18, Elijah encounters God as still small voice)

 

Psalm 18:1-16 (“His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,

 and dark is his path on the wings of the storm!”)

            (ELW, Psalm 85:8-13, God will speak peace to his people;

righteousness and peace have kissed)

 

Romans 10:5-17 (Righteousness of faith comes through hearing the Gospel preached)

 

Matthew 14:22-33 (Jesus and Peter take a watery walk on the sea)

 

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Opening Hymn: O Worship the King, All-glorious Above: LBW #548, ELW #842, LSB #804

 

Hymn of the Day:, Eternal Father, Strong to Save: LBW #467, ELW #756, LSB #717

 

OR Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me: LBW #534, LSB #715, ELW #755

 

Communion 1: Precious Lord, Take My Hand: WOV #731, ELW #773, LSB #739

 

OR I am Trusting You, Lord Jesus: LBW #460, LSB #729

 

Communion 2: Lead Me, Guide Me: ELW #768 LSB #721

 

OR Calm to the Waves: ELW #794

 

OR My Life Flows On in Endless Song: WOV #781, ELW #763

 

Closing Hymn: Great Is Thy Faithfulness: WOV #771, ELW #733, LSB #809

 

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August 20: 12^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 15)

 

Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 (My house shall be a house of prayer for all peoples)

 

Psalm 67 (God judges the nations with equity and guides all the people of earth)

 

Romans 11:1-2a, 13-15, 28-32 (God’s election of Jews irrevocable; he will show mercy!)

 

Matthew 15:21-28 (Healing of Syro-Phoenecian woman’s daughter)

 

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Opening Hymn: Both go well with Romans text. Blessed Be the God of Israel: WOV #725, ELW #250

 

OR Bless Israel’s God Words: Rev. Cathy Ammlung, STS; Tune: Angelic Songs (O Zion, Haste)

 

1. Bless Israel’s God; he has redeemed his people:

Raised up a Savior born from David’s line;

Promised of old, through prophets’ proclamation,

To save from deadly foes with pow’r divine;

Promised to show our fathers mercy sure;

Promised his covenant forever shall endure.

 

2. Through Abraham, God swore an oath to save us

From hands of foes, to serve him fearlessly

In holiness and righteousness before him,

There to adore and bless him constantly.

You, child – God’s prophet, go before his face,

Give saving knowledge of forgiveness and God’s grace!

 

3. Tenderly, God bestows his love and mercy,

His heav’nly Dayspring shines upon our plight.

Darkness and death no longer can confound us:

In paths of peace, he guides us by his light.

Glory to Father, Son, and Spirit – Lord

God who through the ages ever is adored!

 

Hymn of the Day: In Christ There is No East or West: LBW #359, ELW #650, LSB #653

 

OR How Wide the Love of Christ!: LSB #535 (Simple tune. Another Herm Stuempfle gem ignored by many Lutheran hymnals. I’d recommend you get a one-time license from CPH to use this.)

 

Communion 1: I Love to Tell the Story: LBW #390, ELW #661

 

Communion 2: What a Friend We Have in Jesus: LBW #439, ELW #742, LSB #770

 

Closing Hymn: Spread, O Spread, Almighty Word: LBW #279, ELW #663

Spread the Reign of God the Lord: LSB #830

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August 27: 13^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 16)

 

Isaiah 51:1-6 (Listen for God’s teaching, wait for his deliverance)

 

Psalm 138 (God is faithful; he listens to the lowly)

 

Romans 11:33-12:8 (The depth and riches of God’s wisdom! Present your bodies

as living sacrifice to him)

            (ELW, Romans 12:1-8, Present your body as a living sacrifice to God;

do not be conformed to this world, but transformed by renewal of your mind)

 

Matthew 16:13-20 (Peter’s confession; on this rock I will build my Church)

 

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Opening Hymn:  Listen, God is Calling: WOV #712, ELW #513, LSB #833

 

OR Father of Mercies, In Your Word: LBW #240 Note: do try this nice hymn; same tune as

                           “Forgive our sins as we forgive” – early American.

 

Hymn of the Day: Built on a Rock, the Church Shall Stand: LBW #365, ELW #652, LSB #645

 

OR The Son of God Goes Forth to War: LBW #183, LSB #661

 

Communion 1: Take My Life, That I May Be: LBW #406, ELW #583, 685

Take My Life and Let it Be: LSB #783/4

 

Communion 2: The Church’s One Foundation: LBW #369, ELW #654, LSB #644

 

Closing Hymn: Christ is Made the Sure Foundation: WOV #747, ELW #645, LSB #909

LBW #367, same words, different tune. I recommend using the WOV version if you can.

 

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September 3: 14^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 17; Labor Day weekend)

 

Jeremiah 15:15-21(Jeremiah laments; God promises strength, deliverance

if he speaks what is precious)

 

Psalm 26 (I have lived with integrity; do not sweep me away with sinners)

 

Romans 12:9-21 (Live in harmony, respect, and mutual forbearance; vengeance is God’s)

 

Matthew 16:21-28 (Get behind me, Satan! Take up cross and follow me;

what does it profit to gain world, lose soul?

 

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Opening Hymn: God’s Word is Our Great Heritage: LBW #239, ELW #509, LSB #582

 

Hymn of the Day: The Son of God Goes Forth to War: LBW #183, LSB #661

 

OR When I Survey the Wondrous Cross: LBW #482, ELW #803, LSB #425/426

 

Communion 1: Blest Be the Tie That Binds: LBW #370, ELW #649/975, ELW #656

 

Communion 2: In the Cross of Christ I Glory: LBW #104, ELW #324, LSB #427

 

Closing Hymn: Jesus, Still Lead On: LBW #341, ELW #624

Jesus, Lead Thou On: LSB #718

 

OR Onward, Christian Soldiers: LBW #509, LSB #662