Prayers and Hymns, January 11, 2026, A: The Baptism of Our Lord
ALL: Isaiah 42:1-9 (God’s servant will not crush a bruised reed; he is given as light to nations, to open blind eyes and free prisoners of darkness)
ALL: Psalm 29 (The voice of the Lord; all cry “Glory!”)
SOLA/LSB: Romans 6:1-11 (We have been baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection)
RCL/ELW: Acts 10:34-43 (Peter preaches sermon to newly-baptized Gentiles)
ALL: Matthew 3:13-17 (Jesus comes to John in the Jordan and is baptized)
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Opening Hymn: O, Worship the King: LBW #548, ELW #842; LSB #804 Perfect w/Psalm 29)
OR How Marvelous God’s Greatness: LBW #515, ELW #830 (very simple, lovely Swedish tune, but can be sung to “The Church’s One Foundation,” Aurelia)
Hymn of the Day: Praise and Thanksgiving Be to God Our Maker: LBW #191, ELW #458
Tune is same as for “Father Most Holy, Merciful and Tender.” Good hymn for baptism/renewal of baptism
OR To Jordan Came the Christ, Our Lord: LBW #79, LSB #406/7
I know, I know, but it’s one of the great doctrinal hymns on Baptism. Heck, you might not have to
preach more than 5 minutes if you sing this hymn. Have the choir do a few verses, then alternate choir
and congregation. It’s good for them.
OR When Jesus Came to Jordan: WOV #647, ELW #305
OR Christ, When For Us You Were Baptized: ELW #304 (familiar tune)
Communion 1: Songs of Thankfulness and Praise: LBW #90, ELW #310, LSB #394
Communion 2: Baptized in Water: WOV #693, ELW #456
OR Remember and Rejoice: ELW #454 (Familiar tune, great words)
Closing Hymn: I Bind Unto Myself This Day: LBW #188, ELW #450, LSB #604
OR I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light: WOV #649, ELW #815, LSB #411
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Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.
A brief silence
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, we adore you! You reveal your heart to us in the Baptism of Jesus. By the Spirit’s power, unite us to Christ, so that we may hear the Father say to each of us, “You are my beloved son, my beloved daughter; in you I am well pleased.”
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Fill the Church with your Spirit. Bind it to your Son, your Word of truth. Adorn it with your goodness, holiness, and love. Make it fruitful in discipleship. Use it to lead many to the waters of Baptism, there to be made your beloved children.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Be enthroned, O Lord, in the midst of this congregation. Overwhelm us with your majesty and mercy. Fill our worship with the beauty of holiness. Strengthen us to do your will. Conform us to the heart and mind of Jesus. Bestow on us your peace.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Do not quench the spirit or break the hearts of your persecuted servants, O Lord; nor let them be discouraged when they suffer on account Christ. For them, for missionaries throughout the world; for all who wonder if they are called to ministry; for seminarians, professors, pastors, bishops, and other ministers, we also lift our hearts and voices in fervent supplication.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless everyone who is baptized today, and all who remember and give thanks for their Baptism. Thank you for adopting us as brothers and sisters of your dear Son, and for filling us with the same Spirit that descended upon him. Let us glorify you in all we say and do.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Put your Spirit upon the leaders of this and every nation. Establish your justice through them. Give them the wisdom and the will to protect and provide for their people, especially those who are like “bruised reeds and faintly burning wicks.” Make them prefer mercy over might; righteousness over renown; and integrity over influence.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Keep in your care all who take up arms in defense of liberty and justice for all. Give them a spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, so their deeds conform to your will. Bring them safely home, and speed the day when deeds of war need not be done anymore.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We beseech you on behalf of everyone afflicted by suffering, especially those who crave our prayers, including: {List}. Bring them out of the dungeon of suffering and the prison of darkness. Lead them into the brightness of your presence and the company of all who love them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal: we praise and adore you for the mercy you have shown to all who have died to us but are alive eternally to you. Grant that we walk the broken pathways of this mortal life, refreshed by your Spirit and conformed to your Son. Bring us through the floodwaters of death into your presence, where with all your redeemed children we worship and adore you in the beauty of your holiness forever.
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.
