December 3, 2023: Advent 1 (Blue or purple)
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)
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, ELW #257, LSB #357
Communion Hymn #1: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: LBW #30, ELW #254, LSB #338
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 come before the throne of grace with our prayers and petitions.
A brief silence
Holy God, we long for your salvation; make haste and help us. Come quickly to your people, O strong Deliverer of Israel and Redeemer of the world.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Tear open the heavens and adorn your Church with holiness, compassion, and 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 grant strength and faith to your persecuted servants. Fill them with steadfast hope. Give the grace of repentance to their enemies, and draw all people to yourself.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Tear open the heavens and anoint this congregation with your Holy Spirit. Make us generous in sharing the grace given to us in Christ. Use us to lift the heads and cheer the hearts of neighbors in need. Help us lead them to the cradle of Jesus their Savior.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Tear open the heavens, O Lord, and grant wisdom and prudence to the leaders of all nations. Make them good stewards of authority and power. Bless this land 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 give courage and prudence to all who stand in harm’s way to protect the innocent. Grant healing to the wounded; patience and hope to their loved ones; and honor to their service and sacrifice.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Tear open the heavens, O Lord, and lift up the hearts of all who suffer, including: {List}. Bring them comfort and healing. Give their caretakers patience and compassion. Bestow on them 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.
