Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, February 1, 2026: 4^th Sunday after the Epiphany, Proper 3, Lectionary 4

 

ALL: Micah 6:1-8 (Answer me, my people; how have I burdened you? What does the Lord require but to love justice, do mercy, walk humbly before him?)

ALL: Psalm 15 (Who abides with God? Those who walk blamelessly and do what is right)

ALL: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 (Christ is the wisdom and power of God, despite the foolishness and   stumbling-block nature of the Cross)

ALL: Matthew 5:1-12 (The Beatitudes)

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Opening Hymn: Let Streams of Living Justice Flow: ELW #710 (Gustav Holst’s majestic tune Thaxted pairs well with the Micah text!)

            OR Let Justice Flow Like Streams: WOV #763 (Very familiar tune)

            OR Judge Eternal, Throned in Splendor: LBW #418 (Simple Welsh folk tune)

OR O God of Mercy, God of Light/Might: LBW #425, ELW #714, LSB #852

Hymn of the Day: Blest Are They:  WOV #764, ELW #728, LSB #982

OR (if preaching on Corinthians): When I Survey the Wondrous Cross:

LBW #482, ELW #803, LSB #425/426

Communion 1: Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me: LBW #336, LSB #683

Communion 2: Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842

Closing Hymn: Lift High the Cross: LBW #377, ELW #660 (Note: “soldiers” replaced with “servants,”

and a verse is omitted), LSB #837

OR Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us: LBW #424, ELW #707, LSB #851

 

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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

 

Father, thank you for Jesus and his teaching! His Beatitudes challenge, humble, and energize us. Give us a double portion of your Holy Spirit, so that by your grace, we may begin to live out those Beatitudes, to your glory and for the blessing and benefit of others.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Fill your Church with your Holy Spirit. In the power of the Spirit, make it love justice, do mercy, and walk humbly before you, its Lord and God. Fill the Church with the splendor of Jesus’ glory, the beauty of his holiness, and the sweetness of his love.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Make each member of this congregation into disciples of Jesus, so that we may be a sign of your goodness and mercy to our friends, families, neighbors, and community.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Raise up pastors, theologians, professors, deacons, and other Christian leaders who earnestly and patiently seek your will, and who teach others, by word and by example, to do the same.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Be the light in dark places, the sword and shield victorious, for all who risk their life on behalf of others. Give them integrity, courage, and wisdom as they strive to bring justice and safety in dangerous places. Heal their body, mind, and soul. Strengthen their loved ones. Help us to honor their sacrifice and benefit from their labors.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for our earthly rulers, whether or not we agree with them. Conform their minds, hearts, and actions to your holy will. Help them to strengthen bonds of respect, trust, and concord in every community across our nation.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Bless, heal, and strengthen the sick and sorrowful, including those we name now before you: {List}. We also pray for women who are pregnant or have recently given birth, especially those whose health is imperiled; for women who have had an abortion or miscarriage; for newborn infants, especially those at risk of illness or injury; for all fathers; and for everyone who cares for and rejoices in the gift of new life.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

As we entrust our beloved dead into your hands, and commend ourselves to your care, we pray: Now, Lord, you let your servants go in peace; your Word has been fulfilled. Our own eyes have seen the salvation that you have prepared in the sight of every people. A light to reveal you to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.

 

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever, Amen.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, January 25, 2026,

3^rd Sunday after the Epiphany, Proper 2, Lectionary 3

OR Conversion of St. Paul

 

Conversion of St. Paul Lessons and Hymns

 

ALL: Acts 9:1-22 (The conversion of Saul)

ALL: Psalm 67 (God be merciful, bless us, make his face shine on us; let all praise him)

ALL: Galatians 1:11-24 (Paul touches on his conversion and its consequences for him)

SOLA/LSB: Matthew 19:27-30 (All who follow Jesus will be given much – with persecution)

            RCL/ELW: Luke 21:10-19 (You will be brought before authorities, persecuted, but will be saved if you are faithful)

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Opening Hymn: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise: LBW #526, ELW #834, LSB #802

OR Rise, Shine, You People: LBW #393, ELW #665, LSB #825

            OR Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness: LSB #849 (A winner, worth getting permission for it. Beach Spring is a familiar Early American tune, too.)

Hymn of the Day: Thy Strong Word: LBW #233, ELW #511, LSB #578

OR Lord, ‘Tis Not That I Did Choose Thee: LSB #573 (Heartfelt, very Pauline. Relatively easy tune, but can also be sung to Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, “Hyfrydol”)

                OR How Clear is Our Vocation, Lord (Lovely hymn tune, thought-provoking words! Highly recommend) ELW #880, LSB #853

Communion 1: Chief of Sinners Though I Be: LBW #306, ELW #609, LSB #611

OR What Wondrous Love is This: LBW #385, ELW #666, LSB #543

Communion 2: Renew Me, O Eternal Light: LBW #511, LSB #704

Closing Hymn: Jesus Calls Us; O’er the Tumult: LBW #494, ELW #696

OR Let Us Ever Walk With Jesus: LBW #487, ELW #802, LSB #685

OR There Is A Balm in Gilead (trust me!): WOV #737, ELW #614, LSB #749

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3^rd Sunday after the Epiphany Lessons and Hymns

 

ALL: Isaiah 9:1-4 (The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light)

ALL: Psalm 27:1-9 (The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?)

ALL: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 (1^st mention of divisions in Church; message of Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but the power of God to those being saved)

ALL: Matthew 4:12-25 (In the region mentioned by Isaiah, Jesus begins his ministry – “Repent; the kingdom of Heaven has come near” – and calls his first disciples)

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Opening Hymn: The People That in Darkness Sat: LSB #412 (great words, familiar tune!)

OR Rise, Shine, You People: LBW #393, ELW #665, LSB #825

            OR Shine, Jesus, Shine:  WOV #651, ELW #671

Hymn of the Day: O Christ, Our Light, Our Radiance True: LBW #380, ELW #875

O Christ, Our True and Only Light: LSB #839

Communion 1: God Himself is Present: LBW #249

OR (if you didn’t use it on Baptism of Our Lord) I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light:

WOV #660, ELW #815, LSB #411

Communion 2: Renew Me, O Eternal Light: LBW #511, LSB #704

Closing Hymn: Jesus Calls Us; O’er the Tumult: LBW #494, ELW #696

OR Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness: LSB #849 (Another winner, worth getting permission for it. Beach Spring is a familiar Early American tune, too.)

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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

 

Lord, sometimes we think you see us only “From a distance.” Sometimes that’s right where we want you! As St. Paul learned, your presence convicts and upends before it forgives and transforms us. Be gentle, Father, as you shed your holy light on us! Send us Jesus to be God-with-Us, Emmanuel. Give us the grace and comfort of your Holy Spirit, who helps us to repent and to delight in your “joyous light of glory.”

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

The world scorns the Cross as folly and stumbling block. Therefore, give your Church faith, courage, and wit as it proclaims Christ crucified as the only means of forgiveness, salvation, and life with you forever. Make it lovely with the light of Jesus’ strong saving love for us sinners.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Bring light and clarity to the people of this congregation, so that every act of worship, fellowship, outreach, stewardship, service, study, and support is centered in Christ alone.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for all who are persecuted on account of naming Christ as Lord. Keep them steadfast in faith and gracious in witness. Soften the hearts of their tormentors, as you changed the heart of St. Paul himself, and bring them to repentant faith in Jesus.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

This is a hard prayer for us, merciful Father: we pray for the evil and wicked, for abusers and killers, cheaters and deserters, and those who commit every sort of despicable act. When their victims cannot forgive, help us to pray the prayer they cannot: Forgive, dear Lord. Cause the wicked to repent of their evil ways and cling to the Cross of Christ as their only hope.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Shine the light of reason, charity, justice, and mercy upon the minds of our earthly rulers. Turn them from every agenda, plan, and pronouncement that does not serve your will or benefit the people entrusted to their care. Remind them that they, and all who have power and authority in society, must give an account of their stewardship to you, the Lord and ruler of all. And bestow upon us all a measure of your peace.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Bring healing, hope, and the light of your dear presence to everyone who sits in the darkness of suffering, shame, or sorrow. Today we plead on behalf of: {List}. Give them, and all who care for them, the grace to say: “May God be gracious and bless us. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.”

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Father, we thank you for the lives and the witness of the faithful departed, including St. Paul {whose conversion we commemorate today}. Be the lamp to our feet and light to our path throughout our earthly pilgrimage. For the sake of your dear Son, lead us, and all whom you are pleased to redeem, into your bright courts of heaven, and into your endless day.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, January 18, 2026:  Confession of St. Peter

OR 2^nd Sunday After Epiphany, Proper 1/Lectionary 2

 

 

Confession of Peter Hymns, Lessons, and Prayers

ALL: Acts 4:8-13 (After healing lame man, Peter proclaims, “There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved!”)

SOLA/LSB: Psalm 118:19-29 (The One whom builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone; this is the Lord’s doing, it’s marvelous in our eyes)

            RCL/ELW: 18:1-6, 16-19 (God delivered me out of many waters, saved me from calamity)

SOLA/LSB: 2 Peter 1:1-15 (In Christ, we become partakers of the divine nature. Now add virtue and understanding to God’s grace and your faith.

            RCL/ELW: 1 Corinthians 10:1-5 (Christ was the Rock in the wilderness from which Israelites drank)

SOLA/LSB: Mark 8:27-35 (The confession of Peter)

            RCL/ELW: Matthew 16:13-19 (Confession of Peter, especially good in Year of Matthew!)

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Opening Hymn: Christ is Made the Sure Foundation: LBW #367 (If possible, use the one from WOV, ELW, or LSB, which use a better tune), WOV #747, ELW #645, LSB #909

            OR Christ is Our Cornerstone: LSB #912 (tune is “Rise Up, O Saints of God)

Hymn of the Day: By All Your Saints in Warfare: LBW #177, v. 1, 10, 3; ELW #420, v. 1, 7, 2, last; LSB #517, v. 1,10, 3)

OR All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name: LBW #328/329, ELW #634, LSB #549

OR Holy God, We Praise Your/Thy Name: LBW #535, ELW #414, LSB #940

Communion 1: How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds: LBW #345, ELW #620, LSB #524

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

Closing Hymn: Built on A/The Rock The Church Shall Stand: LBW #365, ELW #652, LSB #645

 

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2^nd Sunday after the Epiphany, Proper 1/Lectionary 2 Lessons and Hymns

 

ALL: Isaiah 49:1-7 (God’s Servant given as light to all nations)

ALL: Psalm 40:1-11 (Happy are they who make the Lord their trust; he does not require burnt

            offerings but a willing heart)

ALL: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 (Thanksgiving that Corinthians are enriched with every spiritual gift)

ALL: John 1:29-42a (John says, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!” 

2 of his disciples become Jesus’ disciples)

 

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Opening Hymn: O God, My Faithful God: LBW #504, ELW #806, LSB #696

            OR Christ, the Word of God Incarnate, v.1-3: LSB #540 (GREAT hymn, singable early American tune! This is worth getting copyright permissions for if you don’t have LSB)

Hymn of the Day: O Christ, Thou Lamb of God: LBW #103

OR Jesus, Lamb of God: ELW #199

OR Lamb of God (Your only Son, no sin to hide): ELW #336, LSB #550

Communion 1: I Lay My Sins on Jesus: LBW #305, LSB #606

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

Closing Hymn: Hail to the Lord’s Anointed: LBW #87, ELW #311, LSB #398

OR Christ, the Word of God Incarnate, v. 4-6: LSB #540

 

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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

 

(COP) Thank you, Father, for granting such faith to Peter that he could boldly confess your Son as the Christ. Thank you for promising that the gates of hell cannot withstand the gracious battering-ram of your faith-filled Church. Thank you for the forgiveness of sin that the Church pronounces in Jesus’ name and at his command.

 

(2 Epiph) Thank you, Father, for Jesus. Thank you for making him our doorway into your heart. Thank you for making him your dear Lamb, the sacrifice for our sin. Thank you for making him the light of the world, and of our lives.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

(COP) Lord, make your Church confess Jesus as your Son, the Savior and Messiah of the world. Teach it to discern sin and preach repentance. Strengthen it to generously forgive the repentant sinner, and to be pastoral in withholding forgiveness from the persistently unrepentant. Use the Church to be the means by which Jesus draws new disciples to himself and shapes them into his likeness.

 

(2 Epiph) Lord, cause your Church to preach like John the Baptist. May it always point to Jesus, and say, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” Prune away every program or teaching that does not serve that end. Let Jesus use the Church to draw new disciples to himself, and to shape them into his likeness.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Make disciples of everyone in this congregation. Give us willing and trust-filled hearts. Help us to use our spiritual gifts to glorify you and build up our community of faith. Make us bold to tell others, “This is the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Bless the Church wherever it is persecuted on account of Jesus. By its patient witness, turn its enemies from hatred to repentance. For missionaries throughout the world, for our seminaries, church colleges, and schools, and for all who seek to proclaim the Gospel in word and deed, we also lift our hands, hearts and voices in fervent supplication.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

This weekend, we celebrate the confession of St. Peter, and commemorate the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Thank you for this double witness. Teach us to value one another not based on race, creed, or gender, but because you have created all people in your image, and have given your Son as the sacrifice for all our sin. By your Holy Spirit, make the content of our character reflect your will, so that we treat each other with respect, justice, and charity.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Enlighten the minds and purify the hearts of those who take counsel for the nations. Turn them away from the false gods of power, prestige, and ideology, and teach them your ways. Bestow your favor upon our country. Make it a beacon of righteousness, justice and freedom for all.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Stoop down, O Lord, and hear the cry of all who are afflicted by suffering or sorrow, including: {List}. Lift them out of their desolation, make their footing sure, and put a new song into their mouths. Restore them to their loved ones, so they may joyfully proclaim your deliverance.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Gracious Father, thank you for your servants who have died to us but rest safely in your hand. Sustain us with that same strong and merciful hand. Help us trust and follow Jesus, and to bear his saving love to the world. Keep us close to him, so we are declared guiltless on that day when he is revealed to the world. Make us fit to dwell with him in the glory he shares with you and the Holy Spirit 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The people saw them going, and many recognized them and ran there together on foot from all the cities, and got there ahead of them.  When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things” (Mark 6:33-34).

No matter where we go, there are always more who are in need.  Such is the state of the world in this age.  Many are called but few are chosen.  The choosing comes in belief and belief is action.  It is not busy-ness for its own sake but doing what the Father gives us to do.  It seems many are trying to live for themselves only – and this is what sin has done – so we are called to be diligent in all that we do.

Lord, I know how to be lazy.  I also know how to look for others to do what I can do.  Teach me to be diligent and serve my neighbor with justice and grace.  Teach me to not be a burden to others, but to be a person of action.  Through all things, teach me to look to You, the source of all goodness, and to live according to Your will and not according to the constant pressure of this world.

Lord Jesus, You have told us to work while it is day.  Your word tells us to put our hand to the plow and not look back.  I know that this has nothing to do with earning something but is a part of how You teach me what I need to know.  As Your disciple, lead me in the power of Your Holy Spirit to live the life You give me to live knowing that all things are in Your hands and You will accomplish all that is needful.  Amen.