Thursday, April 17, 2025: Maundy Thursday, C

Jeremiah 31:31-34 (new covenant; God writes his law upon the heart)

                ELW/RCL: Exodus 12:1-14 (The Passover)

Psalm 116:12-19 (I will take up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord;

 precious in his sight is the death of his faithful servant)

Hebrews 10:15-25 (we have confidence through blood of Jesus to enter God’s holy sanctuary)

                ELW/RCL: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (Holy Communion; words of institution)

Luke 22:7-20 (the Last Supper)

*******

Opening/Foot-washing Hymn: Where Charity and Love Prevail:  LBW #126, ELW #359, LSB #845

OR Jesus, Greatest at the Table: LSB #446

Hymn of the Day: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (and yes, there are – gasp – alleluias. If you can’t sing alleluia on the night of the institution of the Eucharist, when can you?!): LBW #198, ELW #490, LSB #621

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

Thee We Adore, O Savior, God Most True: ELW #476

Communion Hymn #1: Go to Dark Gethsemane: LBW #109, ELW #347, LSB #436

Communion Hymn #2: Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord: LBW #226

OR Soul Adorn Yourself with Gladness: LBW #224, ELW #488, LSB #636

Closing Hymn: If the altar is stripped, chant Psalm 22

OR In the Hour of Trial: LBW #106

*****

For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to the Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

Most holy Jesus, for the gift of yourself, thank you. For your Body and Blood as food for our journey through this death-shadowed world, thank you. For your love that forgives us, and strengthens us to love and forgive one another, thank you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church the one place on earth that speaks divine truth through human lips, offers divine forgiveness to the humanly-unforgiveable, lavishes divine love on the humanly-unlovable, and mirrors divine light in the darkest places in human hearts.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Draw your persecuted Church deeply into the mystery of your Passion. Give it grace to pray, as you did, for the forgiveness and repentance of all who hate you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep this congregation steadfast in faith, constant in hope, and overflowing with love for you and for one another. Use us to lead those far off from your saving presence closer to the foot of your Cross.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless all who will be baptized this Eastertide. Let them ever rejoice in proclaiming the mystery of faith: “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.”

Anoint with the healing presence of your most Holy Spirit this poor world that is ravaged by sin, evil, and death. We plead for hatred, prejudice, lies, and bloodshed to cease, and for the pure light of your Gospel to lead all people into your embrace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give wisdom, prudence, integrity, and courage to all who stand in harm’s way in defense of life, liberty, and justice, here and abroad. Bless all they do that is in accordance with your will. Strengthen and cheer them when they falter; and give patience and hope to their loved ones.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the Way, Truth, and Life to everyone who suffers in body, mind, or spirit, including: {List}. Bestow upon them healing, hope, faith, and trust in your good and merciful will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Shelter our beloved dead in the shadow of your wings, dear Jesus, and keep them safe in your eternal care. Walk with us, we humbly pray, even when we are passing through Gethsemane and lingering at Calvary. Give us grace to trustfully say to your heavenly Father, “Thy will be done.” And lead us in that bright and eternal Easter wherein we gather with all whom you have redeemed, joyfully adore you, and dwell with you in the power of the Holy Spirit in your Father’s house forever. Amen.

The Prayers of the Church,  April 13, 2025: Palm/Passion Sunday, C

Processional Gospel: John 12:12-19 (Triumphal entry into Jerusalem)

                ELW/RCL: Luke 19:28-40 (Triumphal entry into Jerusalem)

Deuteronomy 32:36-39 (There is no god apart from Me who can save you)

                ELW/RCL: Isaiah 50: 4-9a (The Lord opens my ear. Who will contend with me?)

Psalm 31:9-16 (Psalm of deep lament and distress – and trust in God)

Philippians 2:5-11 (Christ humbled himself, become obedient unto death, even death on a Cross)

Luke 22:39-23:56 (from Gethsemane to Golgotha; Passion narrative)

*****

Opening Hymn: All Glory, Laud and Honor: LBW #108, ELW #344, LSB #442

OR Prepare the Royal Highway: LBW #26, ELW #264, LSB #343

OR Hosanna, Loud Hosanna: LSB #443 (Great also at beginning or end of a children’s sermon!)

Hymn of the Day: O Sacred Head, Now Wounded: LBW #117, ELW #351, LSB #449

OR Jesus, I Will Ponder Now: LBW #115, ELW #345, LSB #440

Communion Hymn #1: There Is A Green Hill Far Away: LBW #114

OR Now Behold the Lamb: ELW #341

Communion Hymn #2: Jesus, Remember Me: WOV #740, ELW #616, LSB #767

                OR Lamb of God, Pure and Sinless/Holy: LBW #111, ELW #357, LSB #434

Closing Hymn: Ride On, Ride On in Majesty: LBW #121, ELW #346, LSB #441

OR No Tramp of Soldiers’ Marching Feet: LSB #444 (Fairly familiar English folk tune, and

powerful words)

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

 

For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

 

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem your Church. Through its ministry of Word, Sacrament, fellowship, and service, draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

 

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem those who are persecuted because they proclaim the Gospel to those who do not know you. By their faithful witness, draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

 

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem this congregation. Through our faith toward you, and fervent love for one another, draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

 

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem all children, especially those who are poor, sick, abused, or abandoned. Through their innocent praise of your love draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem the people in every land and nation. By the guidance of the Holy Spirit, establish your peace in every place; and draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

 

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem all whose work is difficult and dangerous, including those in the military and all first responders. By their labors, establish places of safety and calm; and there draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

 

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem all who are afflicted by sin, suffering, and sorrow, including: {List}. Use the witness of their faithful waiting, and their blessed healing, to draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, you have saved and redeemed all who have died trusting your promises. Now keep us steadfast in faith, patient in suffering, generous in service, and loving in fellowship. Through your Cross and innocent suffering for the sake of the world, draw all people to yourself, and bestow upon all the redeemed the fullness of your forgiveness, blessing, and eternal life.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

 

Hear us, gracious Father, for the sake of your well-beloved Son, who intercedes for us before your throne of mercy.

Amen.

Prayers of the Church: April 6, 2025: 5^th Sunday in Lent, C

Isaiah 43:16-21(God announces his new work; the wilderness shall be a place of refreshment)

Psalm 126 (God restored fortunes of Zion; those who sowed with weeping shall harvest with joy)

Philippians 3:4b-14 (All is rubbish, compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ my God)

Luke 20:9-20 (Parable of the wicked tenants of the vineyard)

            ELW/RCL: John 12:1-8 (Mary, Lazarus’s sister, anoints Jesus with oil)

*******

Opening Hymn: The Church’s One Foundation: LBW #369, ELW #654

Hymn of the Day:  When I Survey the Wondrous Cross: LBW #482, ELW #803, LSB #435/426

Communion Hymn #1: In the Cross of Christ I Glory: LBW #104, ELW #324, LSB #427

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

OR O Savior, Precious Savior: LBW #514, ELW #820, LSB #527

Closing Hymn: My Hope is Built on Nothing Less: LBW #294, ELW #596/597; LSB #575/576

*****

 

For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, when we think on your love for us, we can only repeat the words of two beloved hymns: “Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a tribute far too small. Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all!” “Thousand thousand thanks are due, dearest Jesus, unto you!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Let your Church count everything as loss, compared to the surpassing worth of knowing you as Savior. Fill it with the longing to make you known to every sinner in the world, until you truly are the “all in all,” for all. Especially we pray for the persecuted Church, and for seminarians, pastors, and missionaries.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Strengthen this congregation in faithful worship, loving fellowship, generous outreach, and holy living. Make this place a place of refreshment and refuge for souls battered by sin, sorrow, and suffering.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those preparing for Baptism at Eastertide; for everyone seeking to renew their relationship with you; and for pastors and congregations experiencing transition or turmoil. Guide them along their pilgrim path; refresh them with the joy of your saving help; and bless them with your lovingkindness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Give peace, justice, health, and safety to every nation, especially our own. Grant wisdom and integrity to all who have been entrusted with authority and power, especially our elected and appointed leaders. Teach us to love one another through deeds of mercy and words of understanding.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

So many people hunger for healing and thirst for reconciliation. They long for encouragement and seek understanding.  They desire forgiveness, comfort, faith, and hope. Refresh them in the wilderness of their suffering, dear Lord – especially those we lift before you now {List}.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

In gratitude and hope, we entrust our beloved dead into your keeping, dear Lord. Bestow the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, upon all who mourn. Through the same Spirit, grant that we truly know you, O Christ, and the power of your resurrection. Give us grace to share in your suffering. Claim us as your own, and clothe us with your righteousness. In your mercy, welcome us and all whom you have redeemed into your Father’s everlasting Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear us, dear Lord; and answer our prayers according to your will, to your glory and for the benefit of the people you long to save.

Amen.

 

“Now in the early morning, when He was returning to the city, He became hungry.  And seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it except leaves alone; and He said to it, “No longer shall there ever be any fruit from you.” And at once the fig tree withered” (Matthew 21:18-19).

The lesson here is not the disappointment of Jesus, but the reality that a tree which does not do what it was created to do and does not serve a purpose.  We were created, and have the opportunity to become children of God.  If we will not bear fruit befitting the kingdom of God, what good are we?  This world is filled with self-centered people who act as though they are the center of all things.  It is not about you or me, but about the One who calls us to Himself.

Lord, there are many lessons You teach about how we are to live into the new life You give by grace.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to humbly submit to the life You are calling me to live.  Let me grow in You, and in that growing, bear the fruit that You will call me to bear.  Where I am unwilling, remove my unwillingness.  Where I need pruning, help me to be willing to be pruned.

Lord Jesus, with many parables You have called me to be intentional about the life You have given me by grace through faith.  Guide me to live this life no matter what it takes.  Help me to understand that I must be about the business of being what I proclaim when I say I am Christian.  It is about You and what You are doing in me.  Help me to focus upon You in thought, word, and deed.  Amen.