Prayers, readings, and suggested hymns: Epiphany and Baptism of Our Lord
Saturday, January 6, 2024: The Epiphany of Our Lord (White)
Isaiah 60:1-6 (Arise, shine, for your light has come! Israel gathered in; nations come and worship)
Psalm 72: 1-15 (Give the King your justice, O God; may he rule with righteousness)
ELW: Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Ephesians 3:1-12 (Gentiles are now fellow heirs, sharers of the promise of salvation in Christ
Matthew 2:1-12 (Magi worship infant Jesus)
Opening hymn: Bright and Glorious is the Sky: LBW #75, ELW #301
Hymn of Praise: Let All Together Praise Our God: LBW #47, ELW #287LSB #389
Hymn of the Day: O Chief of Cities, Bethlehem: LBW #81 good sung to “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come”
OR The Star Proclaims the King is Here (LSB #399) (same theme as “O Chief of Cities,” same meter, so if THIS tune is unfamiliar, you can also sing it to “From Heaven Above”!)
OR As With Gladness Men of Old: LBW #82, ELW #302, LSB #397
Communion Hymn #1: Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning: LBW #84, ELW #303, LSB #400
Communion Hymn #2: We Three Kings of Orient Are: WOV #646
OR When Morning Gilds the Skies: LBW #546, ELW #853, LSB #807
Closing Hymn: O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright: LBW #76, ELW #308, LSB #395
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January 7, 2024: Baptism of Our Lord (white)
Note: churches may dither, transfer, or combine this feast with the epiphany.
Genesis 1:1-5 (God creates light)
Psalm 29 (the voice of the Lord upon the waters)
Acts 19:1-7 (baptism in name of Jesus)
Mark 1:4-11 (the Baptism of Jesus)
Opening hymn: Thy Strong Word Didst Cleave the Darkness: LBW #233, LSB #578
Hymn of Praise/prior to baptism or renewal of baptismal promises:
I Bind Unto Myself Today: LBW #188, ELW #450, LSB #604
Hymn of the Day: From God the Father, Virgin-Born: LBW #83, LSB #401
(Alternate tunes: The Doxology; From Heaven Above; Lord Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word.)
OR When Jesus Came to Jordan: WOV #647, ELW #305
OR Remember and Rejoice: ELW #454 (very familiar tune)
OR Christ, When for Us You Were Baptized: ELW #304 (ditto!)
Communion Hymn #1: Praise and thanksgiving Be to God Our Maker: LBW #191 (tune is Father Most Holy)
OR We Were/Are Baptized in Christ Jesus: WOV #698, ELW #452
OR Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters: WOV #697
Communion Hymn #2: O Worship the King: LBW #548, ELW #842. LSB #804
Closing Hymn: Hail to the Lord’s Anointed: LBW #87, ELW #311. LSB #398
THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
With gratitude for the gift of Christ, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.
A brief silence
Most holy God, give us ears to hear your voice above the floodwaters of this world. Give us lips to cry “Glory!” Give us hearts to love you above all things. Give us faith to trust you in all things.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Fill the Church with your glory. Make it faithful in proclaiming your promise of salvation to those who do not know you. Let it rejoice when many repent, believe, and are joined to the Body of Christ.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Guide, guard and bless your persecuted servants throughout the world. Let your Word be found on their lips and in their hearts. By their faithful witness, lead even their enemies to the light of your salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Let your Word thunder in this congregation. Let us cry “Glory,” proclaiming your Name in word and deed. Conform our lives to the image of Christ. Let his light shine brightly in all we say and do.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Pour your Spirit upon those who waver between doubt and faith, despair and hope, rebellion and repentance. Nudge them to take one small step of faith, even if it feels like a giant leap.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Let your Word shape the thoughts and actions of our leaders. Fill them with your Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might. Remove hatred from our hearts, and give us peace.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Be the shield of all who risk their lives for the sake of others. Give them wisdom and courage. Let the innocent and defenseless look to them for help. Bring them home in safety to their loved ones.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Let your living Word bring health, wholeness and hope to all who suffer, especially: {LIST}. Bless all who minister to them; and let the radiance of your Son’s love gladden their hearts.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
We thank you, Father, for your powerful voice that calls your servants from death into eternal life. Give comfort and strength to all who grieve. Protect and guide us, until we join those who dwell with you in the splendor of eternal light and life that you share with your Son and the Holy Spirit.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
