PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH: December 29, 2024: First Sunday After Christmas
Exodus 13:1-3a, 11-15:(Consecrate your firstborn males: I freed you from slavery by killing Egyptian firstborn)
RCL/ELW: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 (The child Samuel ministers at Shiloh)
Psalm 111: (Great are God’s works; the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom)
Colossians 3:12-17: (Clothe selves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
forgiveness, love. Let peace of Christ rule in your hearts, and his word dwell in you richly)
Luke 2:22-40: (In Temple, Simeon and Anna glorify God for Jesus, the fulfillment of his promises)
RCL/ELW: Luke 2:41-52: (the boy Jesus with the elders in the Temple)
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Opening Hymn: Let Our Gladness Have No End: LBW #57, ELW #291, LSB #381
OR Let All Together Praise Our God: LBW #47, v. 1-4; ELW #287, v. 1-4; LSB #389, v. 1-4
Hymn of Praise: Hark, the Herald Angels Sing: LBW #60, ELW #270, LSB #380
Hymn of the Day: Speak, O Lord, Your Servant Listens: LSB #589 (Outstanding words. Fits Samuel, either Gospel text)
OR Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (Good for Simeon/ Anna): LBW#30, ELW #254, LSB#338
Communion Hymn #1: O Little Town of Bethlehem: LBW #41, ELW #279, LSB #361
Communion Hymn #2: The First Noel: LBW #56, ELW #300
Closing Hymn: Let All Together Praise Our God: LBW #47, v. 5-7; ELW #287, v. 5-6; LSB #389, v. 5-7
OR O Lord, Now Let Your Servant: LBW #339, ELW #313
OR my paraphrase of the Nunc Dimittus, “Lord, Let Your Servant Go in Peace.”
Use tune for “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come” or “The Bells of Christmas.”
Lord, let your servant go in peace; your faithful Word you have fulfilled.
This Word made flesh I now embrace: the sure salvation you have willed.
With my own eyes I see the lamp of glory given to Israel,
The Light to nations lost, the peace that makes your wounded people well.
Glory and praise, blest Trinity, dear Father, Holy Spirit, Son!
Your light no darkness overtakes while endless ages ever run.
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With joy and gratitude for the gift of Jesus, 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
Dear Father, thank you for Jesus. Though your eternal Son, he is also our brother – “flesh of our flesh and bone of our bone.” Thank you for allowing him to share with us every stage of growth, life, and death. Thank you for revealing who Jesus is, and why you sent him. Turn our hearts, eyes, and lives toward Christ, our eternal Dayspring and our heart’s delight.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Make your Church into the true Temple of Jesus. Let it always reveal him as your light and glory for all people. Enthrone him in the Church as your Word, wisdom, and salvation for the world. Unite your persecuted servants to him, so they may confound their tormentors’ scorn and call them to repentance.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant safe passage to all who travel in this joyous season. Give endurance, patience, and a sense of humor to clerks, cashiers, waitstaff, delivery truck drivers, and everyone else who labors at this hectic time. Thank you for co-workers of different faiths who willingly “cover” for Christians during these holy days. Help us to graciously reciprocate, even before we are asked.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We lift up before you, dear Lord, the many people and committees of our congregation. Keep our focus on loving you, caring for one another, and sharing the Gospel with those who do not yet know Jesus.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Our Christmas cards and carols often speak of peace and goodwill. Yet we see anger, suspicion, discord, and hatred all around us. Gracious God, we implore you to touch every life with your peace, forgiveness, and love. Clothe each of us with the festive garments of goodwill, charity, and generosity.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bring “tidings of comfort and joy” to everyone burdened by suffering, sin, and sorrow, especially those we name before you: {List}. Gladden the hearts of their loved ones, and give compassion and wisdom to all who care for them.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Thank you, dear Father, for the salvation you have granted to all who have died trusting in you. Ease the grief of those who mourn in this season of joy. Lead us into the New Year and into your eternal Kingdom, with the light of Christ around us; with his peace ruling our hearts; and with his word dwelling in us richly. Gather us, with everyone whom you have redeemed through the merits of your dear Son, at your festal Table. There, in the power of the Holy Spirit, we shall joyfully praise and worship you, forever and ever and unto the ages of ages.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Thank you for hearing our prayers, dear Lord. We entrust them, and our lives, into your merciful care. Amen.
