Prayers and Hymns, December 21, 2025: Advent 4, A
Prayers and Hymns, December 21, 2025: Advent 4, A
SOLA/LSB: Isaiah 7:1-17 (2 assurances to King Ahaz of God’s presence: the second is that Emmanuel shall be born of the virgin)
RCL/ELW: Isaiah 7:10-16 (2nd promise)
SOLA/LSB: Psalm 24 (Lift up your heads, that the King of Glory may come in)
RCL/ELW: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 (Restore us; let your face shine, so we may be saved.)
ALL: Romans 1:1-7 (Promise of the Messiah, coming from David’s line)
ALL: Matthew 1:18-25 (The annunciation – to Joseph)
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Opening Hymn: Fling Wide the Door: LBW #32, ELW #259
OR Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates: LSB #340 (same tune!)
Hymn of the Day: Blessed Be the God of Israel: WOV #725, ELW #250
OR my very own hymn paraphrase, sung to “O Zion, Haste”:
- 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.
- 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!
- 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!
Communion 1: O Little Town of Bethlehem: LBW #41, ELW #279; LSB #361
Communion 2: Once in Royal David’s City: WOV #643, ELW #269; LSB #376
Closing Hymn: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Yes, even if you did it Advent 1. Find a version with all the verses and belt it out!): LBW #34, ELW #257, LSB #357
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As we await the coming of Christ in mercy and majesty, let us pray for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.
A brief silence
O come, Emmanuel, our Lord and God, our King and Brother! Come with healing and blessing, with light and life. Come and save us all from sin and evil and endless death.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Wisdom, proceeding from the mouth of the Most High, fill the Church with your Spirit. Sustain and order its worship, proclamation, and works of charity, according to your most holy will. Come, and teach us prudence.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Adonai, ruler of the House of Israel, rule also in the lives and works of your people in this congregation. Give us your Word and show us your glory. Look with favor upon all who seek to be your disciples in this place. Come with your outstretched arm to redeem us.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Emmanuel, the ransom of your people Israel: deliver your persecuted servants from torment this day also. Keep them faithful and steadfast. Help us to honor their witness and provide for their needs. Turn their tormentors from their evil ways. Come; and teach them courage.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Bright and Morning Star, you gladden the hearts of those who sit in darkness. Shine on all who are overwhelmed by despair, confusion, hatred, or unbelief. Come; and lead them into the brightness of your holy love.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O King of the nations, the ruler they long for, unite all people under your glorious and gentle reign. Teach us the things that make for peace. Come and save us, whom you formed from clay.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Root of Jesse, you stand as an ensign before the peoples. Guard and guide all who stand in harm’s way in defense of justice and freedom. Come quickly, and deliver them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Key of David, you open what no one can close; you close what no one can open. Free all who suffer and are imprisoned by the powers of sin, evil, and death: especially {List}. Come, and close the path to misery.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Dayspring, splendor of life everlasting, keep safe in your mighty arms all those who died trusting in your promises. Come and enlighten us, who still sit in the shadow of death, and open wide our heavenly home.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.