Lessons and Suggested Hymns, Cycle C,
Holy Cross/14th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 19) – Christ the King Sunday,
September 15 – November 24, 2019
NOTE: LBW – Lutheran Book of Worship (The Green Book)
WOV – With One Voice (The Blue Book)
LSB – Lutheran Service Book (The Maroon Book)
ELW – Evangelical Lutheran Worship (The Cranberry Book)
There are versions of some hymns that are superior in LSB and I recommend using them if possible. Also, there are some superb hymns in LSB that aren’t available in the other hymnals. When I suggest one of the latter, I try to include an alternative from LBW or WOV. I recommend that a license and DVD of downloadable hymns from LSB be purchased if you are looking to expand your hymnody. There are, in ELW, some familiar hymns that have been drastically altered, which I try to note. ELW also has some fine hymns not available in the other hymnals, or has, interestingly, a more “traditional” translation or harmonization.
Color for the day is indicated for each Sunday. Primary liturgical calendar taken from Sola Publishing (www.solapublishing.org), based on LSB. Also, I include the lessons from the standard Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) found in ELW and used in some congregations. It often overlaps the Sola/LCMS calendar lectionary, but when there are differences, I will note them.
September 15, 14th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 19
OR Holy Cross Day, Transferred (from Sept. 14)
14 Pentecost Lessons and Hymns
Ezekiel 34:11-24: God, the true shepherd of his people
RCL: Exodus 32:7-14: Moses pleads for God to not destroy Israel after it worships golden calf
Psalm 119:169-176: Plea for guidance in keeping God’s commandments
RCL: Psalm 51:1-10: I know my sin; purge me; create in me a clean heart.
1 Timothy 1: (5-11), 12-17: (Law is laid down not for the innocent but for the sinful. Though chief of sinners, Paul is a living example of Jesus’ patience. To him be glory!
Luke 15:1-10: Parable of lost sheep and lost coin
Opening Hymn: ELW #789, Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us (LSB #711) (NOTE: much more familiar tune than LBW version)
OR LBW #451, The Lord’s My Shepherd; I’ll Not Want (ELW #778, LSB #710)
Hymn of the Day: LBW #291, Jesus Sinners Will Receive (LSB #609, Jesus Sinners Doth Receive) NOTE: Although the LSB tune is more singable and familiar than is the LBW tune, if you don’t want to try either, I suggest setting this to LBW #535, Holy God, We Praise Your Name. The words to this hymn are good with the epistle and Gospel texts.
OR LBW #372, In Adam We Have All Been One (LSB #569)
OR ELW #768, Lead Me, Guide Me
Communion Hymn #1: LBW #448, Amazing Grace (ELW #779, LSB #744)
Communion Hymn #2: LBW #298, One There is, Above All Others
OR ELW #774, What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine (WOV #780)
Closing Hymn: LBW #263, Abide With Us, Our Savior (ELW #539, LSB #919, Abide, O Dearest Jesus)
Holy Cross (Transferred) Lessons and Hymns
Numbers 21:4-9: The bronze serpent heals the sinful Israelites who were bitten by poisonous snakes
Psalm 40:1-11: Thanksgiving for deliverance. God desires not burnt offerings but a willing heart.
1 Corinthians 1:18-25: Message of the Cross is folly to those who are perishing, but for those who are being saved, Christ the power and wisdom of God.
John 12:27-33: “I, when I am lifted up, will draw all people to myself.”
Opening hymn: LBW #124, The Royal Banners Forward Go (LSB #455) (NOTE: The words are perfect for today. If the tune has your folks coughing up hairballs, this works very well to the Doxology, “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow”, or Erhalt uns, Herr, “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word”.
OR ELW# #342, There in God’s Garden (WOV #668)
Hymn of the Day: LBW #377, Lift High the Cross (ELW #660, LSB #837)
Communion Hymn #1: LBW #104, In the Cross of Christ I Glory (ELW #324, LSB #427)
Communion Hymn #2: LBW #107, Beneath the Cross of Jesus (ELW #338)
Closing Hymn: LBW #482, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (ELW #803, LSB #425/426)
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September 22, 15th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 20
(OR St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, Transferred (from September 21)
Pentecost 15 Lessons and Hymns:
Amos 8:4-7: God condemns the rich and haughty who defraud the poor.
Psalm 113: God raises the poor from the dust; gives children to the barren woman.
1 Timothy 2:1-15: Pray for all, including leaders. We have one mediator: Christ. Comportment of men and women. Yeah, submission and silence of women.
RCL: 1 Timothy 2:1-7: Omits section on comportment, submission, and silence
Luke 16:1-15: Parable of dishonest steward; condemnation of pharisees who ridiculed Jesus.
RCL: Luke 16:1-13: Omits condemnation of Pharisees.
Opening Hymn: LBW #419, Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace (ELW #716, LSB #844)
OR WOV #790, Praise to You, O God of Mercy
Hymn of the Day: LSB #857, Lord, Help Us Walk the Servant Way
OR ELW #722, O Christ, Your Heart, Compassionate (NOTE: familiar tune!)
OR LBW #423, Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service (ELW #712, LSB #848)
Communion Hymn #1: LBW #410, We Give Thee But Thine Own (ELW #686, LSB #781)
OR ELW #498, United at the Table
Communion Hymn #2: LBW #409, Praise and Thanksgiving, Father We Offer (ELW #689, LSB #789)
Closing Hymn: ELW #546, To Be Your Presence
OR LBW #408, God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending (ELW #678) (NOTE: I concur with ELW’s suggestion: Sing to the tune, “Ode to Joy” – Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee!)
St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, Transferred, Lessons and Hymns:
Ezekiel 2:8-3:11: Ezekiel commanded to eat scroll of God’s word; God fortifies him to speak to a rebellious people.
Psalm 119:33-40: “Turn my heart to your decrees, and not to selfish gain.”
Ephesians 4:7-16: The varieties of God’s gifts are given to build up body of Christ.
Matthew 9:9-13: Jesus calls Matthew, eats with sinners, comes to call sinners.
Opening hymn: LBW #178, v. 1, 18, 3: By All Your Saints in Warfare (ELW #421, v. 1, 20, “last;” LSB #518, v. 1, 25, 3)
Hymn of the Day: LBW #291, Jesus Sinners Will Receive (LSB #609… doth receive)
OR ELW #513, Listen, God is Calling (WOV #712, LSB #833)
Communion Hymn #1: LBW #353, May We Your Precepts, Lord, Fulfill (LSB #698…Thy Precepts)
OR ELW #595, Jesus Loves Me
Communion Hymn #2: LBW #492, O Master, Let Me Walk With You (ELW #818)
Closing Hymn: LBW #239, God’s Word is Our Great Heritage (ELW #509, LSB #582)
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September 29: St. Michael and All Angels
Daniel 10:10-14, 12:1-3: Michael is the great prince of his people; will protect them. At his coming, the dead shall rise for judgment.
Psalm 91: Assurance of God’s protection; his angels will bear you up lest you dash foot against a stone
Revelation 12:7-12: War in heaven: Michael defeats dragon, who falls to the earth in great wrath.
Luke 10:17-20: Return of 70: Rejoice not that you cast out demons but that your names are written in book of life.
Opening hymn: LBW #544, v. 1, 9-11, The God of Abraham Praise (LSB #1, 8, 9) (Note: not worth doing in ELW, as the verse about the angels is missing)
OR ELW #787, You Who Dwell in the Shelter of the Lord (WOV #779, LSB #727)
Hymn of the Day: LBW #249, God Himself is Present (LSB #907)
OR LBW #175, Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones (ELW #424, LSB #670)
Communion Hymn #1: LBW #549, Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven (ELW #865, LSB #793)
Communion Hymn #2: LBW #526, Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise (ELW #834, LSB #802)
Closing Hymn: LBW #535, Holy God, We Praise Your Name (ELW #414, LSB #940)
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October 6, 17th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 22
Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4: Prophet complains: God help! God says: write the vision while there is time before the end. The proud have wrong spirit; the righteous shall live by faith.
Psalm 62: My soul waits in silence for God to deliver me from evildoers.
RCL: Psalm 37:1-9: Be still before the Lord, wait patiently.
2 Timothy 1:1-14: Exhortation for Timothy to emulate Paul as herald of Gospel.
Luke 17:1-10: Woe to those who cause little ones to stumble! Rebuke and forgive fellow sinners. Faith like mustard seed. Be like the slave who tirelessly serves master.
RCL: Luke 17:5-10: Omits woes, bit on rebuke.
Opening Hymn: LSB #337, The Night Will Soon be Ending
OR LBW #31, Wake, Awake, For Night is Flying (LSB #516) (ELW #436 [Note: for some reason in v.2, “For her Lord comes down victorious” is replaced by “her dear friend…” no clue.])
Hymn of the Day: LBW #382, Awake, O Spirit of the Watchmen (Note: not real familiar, but not a tough tune, and the words bridge the 3 lessons well)
OR LBW #503, O Jesus, I Have Promised (ELW #810)
Communion Hymn #1: LBW #307, Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive (ELW #605, LSB #843)
Communion Hymn #2: LBW #534, Now Thank We All Our God (ELW #840, LSB #895)
Closing Hymn: LBW #293/4, My Hope is Built on Nothing Less (ELW #596/597, LSB #576/6)
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October 13, 18th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 23
Ruth 1:1-19a: Ruth insists on accompanying Naomi: Your God shall be my God!
RCL: 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15: The healing of Naaman the leper
Psalm 111: Praise for God’s works. “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.
2 Timothy 2:1-13: Share in Christ’s suffering as soldier, farmer, or athlete. If we die with him, we will live with him. If we are faithless, he is faithful; he can’t deny himself.
RCL: 2 Timothy 2:8-15: Omits first section; adds warning to not wrangle over words, and exhortation for Timothy to present himself as one approved by God.
Luke 17:11-19: Jesus heals 10 lepers; only Samaritan returns to give thanks.
Opening Hymn: LBW #336, Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me (LSB #683)
OR LBW #316, Jesus, the Very Thought of You (ELW #754)
Hymn of the Day: LBW #431, Your Hand, O Lord, in Days of Old (Note: This can very nicely be sung to tune for “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear.”) (LSB #846, Note: also a good tune)
OR LBW #360, O Christ the Healer, We Have Come (ELW #610)
Communion Hymn #1: LBW #370, Blest be the Tie that Binds (ELW #656, LSB #649)
Communion Hymn #2: LBW #532, How Great Thou Art (ELW #856, LSB #801)
Closing Hymn: WOV #797, O God Beyond All Praising (ELW #880)
OR LBW #552, In Thee Is Gladness (ELW #867, LSB #818)(Note: remember it’s a dance not a dirge!)
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October 20, 19th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 24
Genesis 32:22-30: Jacob wrestles with God at Peniel
Psalm 121: “I lift up my eyes unto the hills… my help comes from the Lord!”
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5: Exhortation to preach the Word faithfully: exhort, instruct, reprove, encourage with sound doctrine, despite the “itchy ears” of many.
Luke 18:1-8: Parable of woman and unjust judge: Be persistent in prayer!
Opening Hymn: LBW #475, Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove (ELW #404)
Hymn of the Day: (if preaching on Epistle) LBW #230, Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word (ELW #517, LSB #655)
OR (if preaching on Gospel): ELW #748, O God in Heaven (Note: simple, catchy folk tune)
OR LBW #445, Unto the Hills
OR LBW #317, To God the Holy Spirit Let Us Pray (ELW #743, LSB #768)
Communion Hymn #1: LBW #477, O God of Jacob, By Whose Hand
OR ELW #744, Lord, Be Glorified
Communion Hymn #2: LBW #479, My Faith Looks Up to Thee (ELW #759, LSB #702)
Closing Hymn: WOV #771, Great is Thy Faithfulness (ELW #733, LSB #809)
OR LBW #262, Savior, Again to Your Dear Name (ELW #534, LSB #517)
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October 27, Reformation Sunday
Revelation 14:6-7: Fear, worship, and give God glory; his judgment is near!
Psalm 46: God is our refuge and strength; the Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Romans 3:19-28: Righteousness comes by faith in God’s grace, apart from works of Law.
John 8:31-36: If the Son makes you free, you are free indeed.
Opening Hymn: LBW #229, A Mighty Fortress is Our God (ELW #504, LSB #657)
(NOTE: The syncopated version is one number previous in all 3 hymnals)
Hymn of the Day: LBW #233, Thy Strong Word Did Cleave the Darkness (ELW #511, LSB #578)
Communion Hymn #1: LBW #369, The Church’s One Foundation (ELW #654, LSB #644)
Communion Hymn #2: LBW #293/4, My Hope is Built on Nothing Less (ELW #596/597, LSB #575/576)
Closing Hymn: WOV 716, Word of God, Come Down on Earth (ELW #510, LSB #545)
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November 3: All Saints’ Sunday
Revelation 7: (2-8), 9-17: The tribes of Israel are sealed. The numberless host sings “Blessing and honor and glory and might.” Behold the host, arrayed in white, singing around the throne of the Lamb!
Psalm 149: Let everyone praise the Lord for his righteousness and judgment!
1 John 3:1-3: We do not know what we shall be, but when we see Jesus, we shall be like him, for we will see him as he is.
Matthew 5:1-12: The Beatitudes.
Opening Hymn: LBW #525, Blessing and Honor (ELW #854)
OR WOV #791, Alabare (LSB #799)
Hymn of the Day: LBW #174, For All the Saints (ELW #422 [Note: eliminates “O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold], LSB #677)
OR WOV #764, Blest Are They (ELW #728)
Communion Hymn #1: LSB #676, Behold a Host, Arrayed in White (Note: superior translation!) (LBW #314, Behold a Host, Like Mountains Bright; ELW #425, Behold the Host Arrayed in White)
Communion Hymn #2: LBW #315, Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (ELW #631, LSB #700)
Closing Hymn: LBW #328/9, All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name (ELW #634, LSB #549)
OR WOV 801, Thine the Amen, Thine the Praise (ELW #826, LSB #680)
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November 10, Pentecost 22, Proper 27
Exodus 3:1-15: Moses at burning bush; God reveals the divine name YHWH
RCL: Job 19:23-27a: “I know that my Redeemer lives…. after my skin has been thus destroyed, then in my flesh I shall see God.”
Psalm 148: Let all creation praise God for his glory and might!
RCL: Psalm 17:1-9: Prayer for deliverance; “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.”
2 Thessalonians 2:1-8, 13-17: The Day of the Lord will not come until the restraints on the “man of lawlessness” are removed; but he will be annihilated by Christ. Stand fast in the Gospel; you’re chosen to be God’s first fruits of salvation!
RCL: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17: Omits annihilation by Christ’s coming
Luke 20:27-40: Seven brothers for one bride: question about resurrection; Jesus uses Torah passage to refute Sadducees.
RCL: Luke 20:27-38: Omits brief approbation at end.
Opening hymn: LBW #352, v. 1-4, I Know That My Redeemer Lives (ELW #619, LSB #461)
Hymn of the Day: LBW #147, Hallelujah! Jesus Lives (ELW #380)
Communion Hymn #1: LBW #222, O Bread of Life From Heaven (ELW #480)
Communion Hymn #2: LBW #214, Come, Let Us Eat (ELW #491, LSB #626)
Closing Hymn: LBW # 352, v. 5-8, I Know That My Redeemer Lives (ELW #619, LSB #461)
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November 17, 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 28
Malachi 4:1-6: The day of the Lord; he comes with healing in his wings for the righteous, but evildoers are trampled down, Remember the statutes of Moses. Elijah will come on “The great and terrible day” to turn hearts of parents, children to one another and not be cursed.
RCL: Malachi 4:1-2a: Omits everything after “healing in his wings.”
Psalm 98: Let the whole earth praise God, the righteous Judge of all!
2 Thessalonians 3: (1-5), 6-13: (Prayer for Gospel to spread and faithful to be rescued from evil and firmly obedient to God). Warning against idleness, and to not be weary in doing what is right.
Luke 21:5-28, (29-36): Prediction of destruction of Temple; persecutions, fall of Jerusalem; coming of Son of Man; parable of fig tree; be watchful!
RCL: Luke 21:5-19: Omits everything after fall of Jerusalem.
Opening Hymn: LSB #671, Sing With All the Saints in Glory
OR LBW #516, Arise, My Soul, Arise (ELW #827)
Hymn of the Day: LBW #355, Through the Night of Dark and Sorrow (ELW #327)
Communion Hymn #1: LBW #351, O Happy Day When We Shall Stand (ELW #441)
Communion Hymn #2: LBW #343, Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer (ELW #618, LSB #918)
Closing Hymn: WOV #778, O Christ the Same (Note: gotta love singing O Danny Boy!)(ELW #760)
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November 24, Christ the King Sunday
Malachi 3:13-18: Those who revere the Lord are written in book of remembrance, will be spared on Day of the Lord.
RCL: Jeremiah 23:1-6: God will gather, shepherd scattered flock, and raise up a righteous Branch of David to rule and righteously judge his people.
Psalm 46: There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God; he is our refuge.
Colossians 1:13-20: Christ, the image and likeness of God, has rescued us from darkness, made us his body, and granted peace through blood of the Cross.
RCL: Colossians 1:11-20: Adds prayer for strength to endure everything through his glorious power.
Luke 23:27-43: Jesus addresses weeping women along path to Calvary; forgives his enemies; promises Paradise to repentant criminal.
RCL: Luke 23:33-43: Omits address to women.
Opening Hymn: LBW #172, Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor (ELW #475, LSB #534)
Hymn of the Day: LBW #129, Awake, My Heart, With Gladness (ELW #378, LSB #467) (Note: this is just the perfect hymn for today. It should be played and sung with a dancelike lilt!)
Communion Hymn #1: WOV #740, Jesus, Remember Me (ELW #616)
Communion Hymn #2: LBW #171, Rejoice, the Lord is King (ELW #430, Rejoice, for Christ is King)
Closing Hymn: LBW #170, Crown Him With Many Crowns (ELW #855, LSB #525)
NOTE: I’ve attached a hymn I was asked to write for a congregation to sing on Christ the King Sunday, using “O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High” as the tune and recapping the whole life of Jesus. You can split up the verses to use throughout the service, or as one big honking long Communion hymn.
Lord Jesus Christ, Our God and King
Tune: Deo Gracias (O Wondrous Type), LM
Copyright @Rev. Cathy Ammlung, STS
1. Lord Jesus Christ, Our God and King,
Your Father’s well-beloved Son!
His Word, through whom all worlds do spring;
His love, through whom our life is won!
2. O God-with-us, Emmanuel,
How strangely meek your kingliness!
A manger for your throne; you dwell
With mortals in their sinfulness!
3. As babe, as boy, as youth, as man,
No pampered prince, you toiled and grew
In knowledge of your Father’s plan:
To spend yourself for our rescue.
4. As Good Physician, Bread, and Light;
As Teacher, Shepherd, Friend, and Guide,
Though King, you saw our dreadful plight
And lovingly came to our side.
5. You spurned the devil’s evil sway,
Your Father’s will, your royal path.
You took our place that dreadful day
To bear destruction, death, and wrath.
6. Your crown was thorns; your throne, a Cross.
Yet, “Father, forgive” was on your breath.
We counted that as foolish loss;
Abandoned you to final death.
7. But you destroyed the gates of Hell;
Crushed ancient Serpent, sin, and shame;
Destroyed death’s pow’r; arose to tell
The pow’r of your triumphant Name.
8. Your kingly life you gladly give
Through Water and Spirit: baptismal grace.
Your lovely power in us shall live
As holy love in ev’ry place.
9. O Christ our King, Redeemer, Lord!
Grant that from you, we ne’er depart.
O fairest Savior, blest, adored,
Rule undisturbed in ev’ry heart!
