Lessons and Suggested Hymns, Ash Wednesday – Trinity Sunday, Cycle A
February 22 – June 4, 2023
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 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.
I’ve also included a complete Tenebrae service for Good Friday. This is one I’ve used at my little churches. Feel free to use different hymns, but the ones I chose seemed to fit the readings.
Because some of the prayers of confession, as well as offertory and post-communion prayers, provided on certain resource pages lack theological heft or linguistic elegance, I have added some seasonal prayers that you are free to cut, paste, and revise as needed. They are modified from the copyright-free Online Book of Common Prayer, or are my own creation. These are found on the following pages. The regular prayers of intercession will, as usual, be provided weekly in their own Word documents.
A Brief Order of Confession and Holy Absolution for Lent
P: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son+, and of the Holy Spirit: Amen.
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence may be kept.
P: Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal,
C: Have mercy and hear us. Though we are poor sinful creatures, have mercy and hear us. Though we have turned from you and grieved you, have mercy and hear us. Though we have hardened our hearts against you and against our sisters and brothers, have mercy and hear us. Though we deserve judgment, wrath, and condemnation, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy and hear us. Forgive us, heal us, and save us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
P: God hates nothing that he has made and forgives the sins of all those who are penitent. He shall create in us new and contrite hearts, so that we who worthily lament our sins and acknowledge our wretchedness, may receive from him, the God of all mercy, perfect remission, and forgiveness. This he promises through Jesus Christ, his Son, who is our Lord, our Savior, and our righteousness forever. AMEN.
A Spoken Gospel Acclamation for Lent:
C: One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. Your words, O Lord, are Spirit and life.
An Offertory Prayer for Lent
P: Let us pray.
C: What can we render to you, Lord, for all your benefits to us? All we have is yours. Our lives are in your hands. Receive, hallow, and use our time, talents, and treasures, for the love of your Son and the benefit of those he came to save. Amen.
A Proper Preface for Lent
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. You bid your faithful people cleanse their hearts, and prepare with joy for the Paschal feast; that, fervent in prayer and in works of mercy, and renewed by your Word and Sacraments, they may come to the fullness of grace which you have prepared for those who love you.. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
A Eucharistic Prayer for Lent
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Sanctify these gifts of bread and wine by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.
All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and forever. AMEN.
A Post-Communion Prayer for Lent
P: Let us pray. Almighty and ever-living God,
C: You have given your only Son to be for us both a sacrifice for sin and also an example of godly life. Give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive these his inestimable gifts, and also daily endeavor to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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A Brief Order of Confession and Holy Absolution for the Easter Season
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son+, and of the Holy Spirit: Amen.
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence may be kept.
Lord Jesus, our risen Savior,
We confess to you our sinfulness. We believe mortal words above your holy Word. We prefer easy lies to hard truth. We are quick to judge, condemn, and exclude, but slow to forgive. We have lived for this world alone, and doubted our home in heaven. In your mercy, forgive us. In your goodness, resurrect us. Amen.
Our Savior Christ comes with healing, forgiveness, and life in his wounded hands. He breathes his Holy Spirit upon us, kindling renewed faith, hope, and love. Receive all he gives with humble joy, and share them with warm generosity, in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
A Gospel Acclamation for the Easter Season
Alleluia. I am the way, the truth, and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father, except through me. Alleluia.
An Offertory Prayer for the Easter Season
Let us pray. Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated unto you; and then use us, we pray you, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
A Proper Preface for the Easter Season
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. But chiefly are we bound to praise you for the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the true Paschal Lamb, who was sacrificed for us, and has taken away the sin of the world. By his death he has destroyed death, and by his rising to life again he has won for us everlasting life. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
A Eucharistic Prayer for the Easter Season
We give thanks to you almighty God, through your beloved son Jesus Christ, whom you sent to us in former times as Savior, Redeemer, and Messenger of your Will. He is your inseparable Word, through whom you made all things, and in whom you were well-pleased. You sent from heaven into the womb of a virgin, who, being conceived within her, was made flesh, and appeared as your Son, born of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary. It is he who, fulfilling your will and acquiring for you a holy people, extended his hands in suffering, in order to liberate from sufferings those who believe in you. Who, when he was delivered to voluntary suffering, in order to dissolve death, and break the chains of the devil, and tread down hell, and bring the just to the light, and set the limit, and manifest the resurrection, taking the bread, and giving thanks to you, said, “Take, eat, for this is my body which is broken for you.” Likewise the chalice, saying, “This is my blood which is shed for you. Whenever you do this, do this in memory of me.”
Therefore, remembering his death and resurrection, we offer to you the bread and the chalice, giving thanks to you, who has made us worthy to stand before you and to serve as your priests. And we pray that you would send your Holy Spirit upon your Holy Church. In their gathering together, give to all those who partake of your holy mysteries the fullness of the Holy Spirit, toward the strengthening of the faith in truth, that we may praise you and glorify you, through your son Jesus Christ, through whom to you be glory and honor, Father and Son, with the Holy Spirit, in your Holy Church, now and throughout the ages of the ages.
Amen. AMEN.
A Post-Communion Prayer for the Easter Season
P: Let us pray. Heavenly Father, C: We thank you for your great gift of love, your Son Jesus Christ. May we who have received his body and blood bear the light of his love into the world, to your glory and for the healing of our world. Amen.
Lessons and Suggested Hymns
February 22, 2023: Ash Wednesday
Joel 2:12-19 (Declare a fast; repent, pray)
Psalm 51 (Create in me a clean heart!)
2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 (Be reconciled to God and one another; now is the
acceptable time!)
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (On prayer, fasting, and giving alms)
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Opening Hymn, if you’re not chanting Psalm 51: O Lord, Throughout These Forty Days:
LBW #99, ELW #319, LSB #418
Lenten Hymn, if desired: written by Cathy Ammlung. Or use as the opening hymn
Tune: St. Catherine, “Faith of Our Fathers.”
Use refrain as opening line by cantor.
A: Glory we give you, God of Grace! In Jesus’ Cross, you grant us peace.
C: Father almighty, great God and King,
Glorious, gracious, merciful, true,
Our praise and worship and blessing we bring;
Receive it, Lord, as homage due.
Glory we give you, God of grace! In Jesus’ Cross, you grant us peace.
Lord Jesus Christ, your Father’s true Son,
Sin-bearing Lamb, the world’s one true Light,
Grant life and mercy from your heav’nly throne.
Our praise make perfect in your sight.
Glory we give you, God of Grace! In Jesus’ Cross, you grant us peace.
Most Holy Spirit, great God and Lord,
You give us grace to bless and adore
One with the Father and with the Word,
To you be glory forevermore!
Glory we give you, God of Grace! In Jesus’ Cross, you grant us peace.
Hymn of the Day: All Depends on Our Possessing: LBW #447, ELW #589, LSB #732
OR O Sun of Justice: WOV #659 (2nd verse great if you preach on 2 Corinthians text; tune is simple plainsong chant, but feel free to sing it to the Doxology, Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow)
Communion Hymn 1: Restore in Us, O God: ELW #328
OR O Christ, Thou Lamb of God: LBW #103
OR Just a Closer Walk With Thee: ELW #697
Communion Hymn 2: Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive: LBW #307, ELW #605, LSB #843
OR Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling: WOV 734, ELW #608
Closing Hymn: Bless Now, O God, the Journey: ELW #326
OR Savior, When in Dust to You/Thee: LBW #91, ELW #601, LSB #419
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February 26, 2023, 1st Sunday in Lent
Genesis 3:1-21 (The serpent tempts Adam and Eve to disobey God)
(ELW: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7)
Psalm 32:1-7 (Happy are they whose sins are forgiven!)
Romans 5:12-1 (Sin came through Adam; righteousness, through Christ)
Matthew 4:1-11 (Satan tempts Jesus to disobey his Father)
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Opening Hymn: A Mighty Fortress is Our God: LBW #229, ELW #504, LSB #657
OR if you’re a bit braver, God the Father, Be Our Stay: LBW #308, LSB #505
Lenten Hymn, if desired: see Ash Wednesday
Hymn of the Day: O Lord, Throughout These Forty Days: LBW #99, ELW #319, LSB #418
OR Rise! To Arms! With Prayer Employ You: LSB #668 (Tune is “Wake, Awake, For Night is Flying.” Words are gutsy encouragement against temptation. Pretty cool.)
OR Lent 1 stanza, Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery: ELW #334, v. 1-3
Communion Hymn 1: Lord Jesus, Think on Me: LBW #309, LSB #610
OR That Priceless Grace: ELW #591
Communion Hymn 2: All Who Would Valiant Be: LBW #498
Closing Hymn: Jesus, Still Lead/Lead Thou On: LBW #341, ELW #624, LSB #843
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March 5, 2023, 2nd Sunday in Lent
Genesis 12:1-9 (God calls Abram, promises land and offspring)
(ELW: Genesis 12:1-4a)
Psalm 121 (From whence does my help come? The Lord, who will watch over you)
Romans 4:1-8, 13-17 (The promises to Abraham came through the righteousness
of faith, not works of law)
John 3:1-17 (Jesus and Nicodemus; God so loved the world….)
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Opening Hymn: The God of Abraham Praise:
LBW #544, v. 1-4, 11; ELW #831, v. 1-4, 8; LSB #798, v. 1-4, 9
OR O Christ, Our Hope: LBW #300, ELW #604, LSB #553
Lenten Hymn, if desired: see Ash Wednesday
Hymn paraphrase of Psalm 121: Unto the Hills: LBW #445
Hymn of the Day: God Loved the World So That He Gave: LBW #292, ELW #323, LSB #571 Suggestion: if the LBW or LSB tune is unfamiliar, take ELW’s suggestion and use “Rockingham Old,” one of the tunes for “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross)
OR Lord, Thee I Love With All My Heart: LBW #325, ELW #750, LSB #708 (One of the great chorales. If congregation is timid, have soloist or choir sing it.)
OR Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery: ELW #334, v. 1-3, Lent 2 stanza
Communion Hymn 1: Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me: LBW #333, ELW #767, LSB #722
OR Day by Day: WOV #746, ELW #790
Communion Hymn 2: O Love That Will Not Let Me Go: LBW #324
OR Jesus, Feed Us: ELW #464
Closing Hymn: Guide Me Ever/O Thou, Great Redeemer: LBW #543, ELW #618, LSB #918
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March 12, 2023, 3rd Sunday in Lent
Exodus 17:1-7 (Israelites murmur against God, who gives water from the rock)
Psalm 95: (We are the people of God’s pasture; don’t be like those who murmured!)
Romans 5:1-8 (9-11) (Justified by faith in Christ, we have peace with God through
him, who died for the ungodly)
John 4:5-26 [may add 27-30, 39-42]) (Jesus and the woman at the well)
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Opening Hymn: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing: LBW #499, ELW #807, LSB #686
OR “Come, Let Us Sing Unto the Lord” (paraphrase of Psalm 95)
Words by Rev. Cathy Ammlung, STS; Tune: Kirken (Built on a Rock, the Church Shall Stand)
- Come, let us sing unto the Lord,
Our mighty Rock of salvation.
Come, with our psalms of thanks outpoured
To the great King of all nations.
Come, make a joyful noise of praise;
Come, worship God through all our days;
Come in his presence, adoring.
- Within the hollow of his hand,
Caverns and hills find their dwelling.
Measureless seas and trackless land
Their Maker’s glories are telling.
Come; worship; bend the knee and bless
Our God, Our Shepherd. We confess
His hand’s our pasture forever.
Lenten Hymn, if desired: see Ash Wednesday
Hymn of the Day: I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say: LBW #497, ELW 332, 611; LSB #699
(Note: the 2nd ELW tune is “Kingsfold,” which is a nice English folk tune. You’ll find it used in LBW #391)
OR As the Deer Runs to the River: ELW #331,
OR O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts: LBW #356
OR Lent 3 stanza, Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery: ELW #334, v. 1-3
Communion Hymn 1: LBW #345, How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
(ELW #620, LSB #524)
OR Eat This Bread: WOV #709, ELW #472 (: Don’t use italicized words in ELW as a “second verse.” Just repeat first set of words 3x)
Communion Hymn 2: Come With Us, O Blessed Jesus: LBW #219, ELW #501
Closing Hymn: Glories of Your Name are Spoken: LBW #358, ELW #648 (BEWARE! Uses different tune, even though “Austria” is used elsewhere in hymnal!)
Glorious Things of You are Spoken: LSB #648
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March 19, 2023, 4th Sunday in Lent
Isaiah 42:14-21 (I will lead the blind by paths they don’t see)
(ELW: 1 Samuel 16:1-13: Samuel anoints David)
Psalm 142 (I cry to the Lord, for I have been brought very low)
(ELW: Psalm 23, The Lord is my shepherd)
Ephesians 5:8-14 (Once you were in darkness; now walk as children of the light)
John 9:1-41 (Jesus heals the man born blind)
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Opening Hymn: I Want Jesus to Walk With Me: WOV #660, ELW #325
Lenten Hymn, if desired: see Ash Wednesday
Hymn of the Day: When to the World Our Savior Came: LSB #551 (Great words, familiar tune!)
OR Be Thou My Vision: WOV #776, ELW #793
OR Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery: ELW #334, v. 1-3, Lent 4 stanza
Communion Hymn 1: Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound: LBW #448, ELW #779, LBW #744
Communion Hymn 2: My God, How Wonderful Thou Art: LBW #524, ELW #863
OR Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us: LBW #481, ELW #789, LSB #711
Note: Both LSB and ELW use the tune older members will remember from SBH, “Bradbury.”
Closing Hymn: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light: WOV #649, ELW #815, LSB #411
OR O God, My Faithful God: LBW #504, ELW #806, LSB #696
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March 26, 2023, 5th Sunday in Lent
Ezekiel 37:1-14 (The valley of dry bones)
Psalm 130 (Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord)
Romans 8:1-11 (The life-giving Spirit)
(ELW, Romans 8:6-11, You are not in the flesh but in the Spirit of Christ,
who dwells within you and gives you life)
John 11:1-45[46-53]) (The death and raising of Lazarus)
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Opening Hymn: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling: LBW #315, ELW #631, LSB #700
Lenten Hymn, if desired: see Ash Wednesday
Hymn Paraphrase of Psalm 130: Out of the Depths I Cry to You: LBW #295, ELW #600
From Depths of Woe I Cry to Thee: LSB #607
Hymn of the Day: Be Still, My Soul: LSB #752 (Yeah, Finlandia. They used to play it on KFUO in St. Louis when they remembered the faithful departed. Can’t sing it without tearing up!)
OR Christ, the Life of All the Living: LBW #97, ELW #339, LSB #420
OR Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery: ELW #334, v. 1-3, Lent 5 stanza
Communion Hymn 1: What Wondrous Love is This: LBW #385, ELW #666, LSB #543
Communion Hymn 2: We Sing the Praise of Him Who Died: LBW #344, LSB #429 (Unfamiliar, though fairly simple tune. Words are superb. Sing to the Doxology!)
Closing Hymn: My Hope is Built on Nothing Less:
LBW 293/294, ELW #596/ 597, LSB #575/576
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April 2, 2023, Palm/Passion Sunday
John 12:12-19 (Triumphant entry into Jerusalem)
(ELW: Matthew 21:1-11, Triumphant entry into Jerusalem)
Isaiah 50:4-9a (The Lord vindicates his servant)
Psalm 31:9-16 (Deliver me from my tormentors!)
Philippians 2:5-11 (Christ humbled himself, even to death. Every knee shall bow!)
Matthew 26:1-27:66 (The Passion of Our Lord)
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Hymn, Procession With Palms: All Glory, Laud and Honor: LBW #108, ELW #344, LSB #442
OR LSB #443, Hosanna, Loud Hosanna (A familiar tune and words I remember
from SBH. A nice alternative to All Glory, Laud, and Honor)
Hymn prior to and following Passion narrative: O Sacred Head: LBW #116/117, ELW #351/352,
LSB #449/450 (Note: the former uses the wonderful Bach harmonization, but the latter has more verses and can be used to break up the Passion narrative, if desired)
Hymn of the Day: O God, I Love Thee: LBW #491 (Note: trust me on this. The words are exquisite. You can sing to the tune of LBW #272, Abide With Me.)
OR Were You There: LBW #92, ELW #353, LSB #456
OR There in God’s Garden: WOV #668, ELW #342
OR No Tramp of Soldiers’ Marching Feet: LSB #444 (familiar English folk tune, great words that tie together the entry into Jerusalem and the crucifixion. I heartily recommend you obtain permission to use this!)
Communion Hymn 1: Lamb of God, Pure and Sinless/Holy: LBW #111, (ELW #357 LSB #434
Communion Hymn 2: Beneath the Cross of Jesus: LBW #107, LSB #338
OR Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross: ELW #335, LSB #335/346
Closing Hymn: Ride On, Ride On in Majesty: LBW #121, ELW #346, LSB #441 (different, fairly familiar tune)
OR On My Heart Imprint Your Image: LBW #102, ELW #811, LSB #422
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April 6, 2023: Maundy Thursday
John 13:1-35 (for foot washing): Jesus washes disciples’ feet, explains significance
ELW: This is the only Gospel appointed for Maundy Thursday
Exodus 24:3-11): Moses and the elders eat in God’s presence
ELW: Exodus 12:1-4 [5-10] 11-14: The first Passover
Psalm 116: What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me?
ELW: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
Hebrews 9:11-22: Christ, the mediator of new covenant, cleanses us by his blood
ELW: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26: Paul’s words of institution
Matthew 26:17-30: Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper at his Last Supper
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Opening Hymn, if used: Around You, O Lord Jesus: LBW #496, ELW #468
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: What Feast of Love: WOV #701, ELW #487
OR When You Woke That Thursday Morning: LSB #445 (Jaroslav Vajda’s powerful words pair surprisingly well with Marty Haugen’s tune usually used for “Joyous Light of heavenly Glory”)
Communion Hymn #1: Soul, Adorn Yourself With Gladness: LBW #224, ELW #488 (#489 has Hispanic tune, same words), LSB #636 (It has All. Eight. Verses!)
Communion Hymn #2: LBW #225, Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray
OR Thee We Adore, O Hidden Savior, Thee: LBW #199, LSB #840
Thee We Adore, O Savior, God Most True: ELW #476 (Gerard Manley Hopkins’ translation)
Closing Hymn: Generally omitted in favor of Psalm 22 while the altar is stripped
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April 7, 2023: Good Friday
Isaiah 52:13-53:12: The Suffering Servant bears our griefs and carries our sorrows
Psalm 22: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9: Jesus the great high priest learned obedience through
suffering and therefore obtained salvation for all who obey him
John 18:1-19:42: The Passion of Our Lord according to St. John
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Here are a number of hymns to use whether you use the above texts, have a Tenebrae service with 7 readings, or do the 7 last words of Christ.
Were You There (LBW #92, ELW #353, LSB #456)
Ah, Holy Jesus (LBW #123, ELW #349)
O Sacred Head (LBW 116, ELW #352, LSB #450 [rhythmic; note 7 verses in LSB makes it useful for separating portions of the Passion reading],
OR LBW #117, ELW #351, LSB #449 [more familiar; note ELW and LSB use Bach harmonization]
Jesus, in Thy/Your Dying Woes (LBW #112, 113 {need to use both to get all 7 words}; LSB #447
O Darkest Woe (LSB #448, also if you have the old SBH, it’s #87)
Upon the Cross Extended (LSB #453; Lovely Paul Gerhard tune, heartfelt lyrics, public
domain. If you want to use it, therefore, feel free to copy it!)
Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle (LBW #118, ELW #356, LSB #454)
Go to Dark Gethsemane (LBW #109, ELW #347, LSB #436)
There in God’s Garden (wherever your last hymn appears in the service, and whatever form of Good Friday liturgy you use, I think this is a perfect “capstone” to our worship)
(WOV #668, ELW #342)
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Good Friday Tenebrae Service
Prayer of the Day:
Almighty Father, we ask you to look with mercy on your family, for whom your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, was willing to be betrayed and to be given over to the hands of sinners and to suffer death on the cross; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. AMEN.
The first section: Jesus is arrested
Psalm 25
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame;
do not let my enemies exult over me.
Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame;
let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all day long.
Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!
Good and upright is the Lord; therefore, he instructs sinners in the way.
He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.
All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
For your name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great.
Who are they that fear the Lord?
He will teach them the way that they should choose.
They will abide in prosperity,
and their children shall possess the land.
The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him,
and he makes his covenant known to them.
My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he will pluck my feet out of the net.
Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.
Relieve the troubles of my heart, and bring me out of my distress.
Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.
Consider how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me.
O guard my life, and deliver me; do not let me be put to shame,
for I take refuge in you.
May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.
Redeem Israel, O God, out of all its troubles.
Hymn: WOV #667, Stay here and Watch With Me (sung 3x)
Stay here and keep watch with me. The hour has come.
Stay here and keep watch with me. Watch and pray.
John 18:1-14
After Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to a place where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus replied, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they stepped back and fell to the ground. Again he asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken, “I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me.” Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave’s name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?” So the soldiers, their officer, and the Jewish police arrested Jesus and bound him.
First they took him to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have one person die for the people.
Prayer
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.
A brief silence
Forgive and save your Church, O God, for heeding anything that distracts it from knowing, proclaiming, and sharing the love of Jesus, its crucified and risen Redeemer.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.
Forgive and renew pastors, bishops, theologians, and other church leaders when by treacherous words and shameful deeds they crucify Christ anew, and turn people from his salvation.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.
The first candle is extinguished
The second section: Peter denies Jesus
Psalm 54
Save me, O God, by your name, and vindicate me by your might.
Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.
For the insolent have risen against me, the ruthless seek my life;
they do not set God before them.
But surely, God is my helper;
the Lord is the upholder of my life.
He will repay my enemies for their evil.
In your faithfulness, put an end to them.
With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you;
I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good.
For he has delivered me from every trouble,
and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.
Hymn: WOV #668, v.1: There in God’s Garden
There in God’s garden stands the Tree of Wisdom,
Whose leaves hold forth the healing of the nations.
Tree of all knowledge, Tree of all compassion, Tree of all beauty.
John 18:15-27
Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter was standing outside at the gate. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out, spoke to the woman who guarded the gate, and brought Peter in. The woman said to Peter, “You are not also one of this man’s disciples, are you?”
He said, “I am not.” Now the slaves and the police had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and they were standing around it and warming themselves. Peter also was standing with them and warming himself.
Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. Jesus answered, “I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said.”
When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?”
Jesus answered, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?” Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They asked him, “You are not also one of his disciples, are you?”
He denied it and said, “I am not.”
One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?”
Again Peter denied it, and at that moment the cock crowed.
Prayer
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.
A brief silence
Forgive and guide each of us, for the small and great ways in which we fail to love you with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength, and do not love one another as Jesus has loved us.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.
Forgive and challenge everyone who says they believe in you, but have more pressing obligations than worship, prayer, forgiveness, or service in your name.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.
The second candle is extinguished
The third section: Jesus before Pilate
Psalm 2
Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord and his anointed, saying,
“Let us burst their bonds asunder, and cast their cords from us.”
He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord has them in derision.
Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying,
“I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.”
I will tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to me,
“You are my son; today I have begotten you.
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
You shall break them with a rod of iron,
and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear, with trembling
kiss his feet, or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way;
for his wrath is quickly kindled. Happy are all who take refuge in him.
Hymn: WOV #668, v.2: There in God’s Garden
Its name is Jesus, name that says, “Our Savior!”
There on its branches see the scars of suffering;
See where the tendrils of our human selfhood feed on its lifeblood.
John 18:28-40
Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate’s headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. So Pilate went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” They answered, “If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.”
The Jews replied, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death.” (This was to fulfill what Jesus had said when he indicated the kind of death he was to die.) Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?”
Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?”
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.”
Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?”
Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”
Pilate asked him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, “I find no case against him. But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?”
They shouted in reply, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a bandit.
Prayer
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.
A brief silence
Forgive and enlighten all who believe in other gods, or who have limited and distorted notions of who you are.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.
Forgive and rescue all who say they are “spiritual but not religious,” or who are fascinated by the occult or dark spiritual arts.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.
The third candle is extinguished
The fourth section: Jesus is sentenced to death
Isaiah 52: 13-15
See, my servant shall prosper; he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high. Just as there were many who were astonished at him—so marred was his appearance, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of mortals— so he shall startle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths because of him; for that which had not been told them they shall see, and that which they had not heard they shall contemplate.
Hymn: WOV #668, v.3: There in God’s Garden
Thorns not its own are tangled in its foliage;
Our greed has starved it, our despite has choked it.
Yet look! It lives! Its grief has not destroyed it nor fire consumed it.
John 19: 1-16
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe. They kept coming up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and striking him on the face.
Pilate went out again and said to them, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no case against him.” So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!”
When the chief priests and the police saw him, they shouted, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him; I find no case against him.”
The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has claimed to be the Son of God.” Now when Pilate heard this, he was more afraid than ever. He entered his headquarters again and asked Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer.
Pilate therefore said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?”
Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”
From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor.”
When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside and sat on the judge’s bench at a place called The Stone Pavement, or in Hebrew Gabbatha. Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon.
He said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” They cried out, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Shall I crucify your King?”
The chief priests answered, “We have no king but the emperor.”
Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.
Prayer
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.
A brief silence
Forgive and teach those who do not believe in you at all, especially those who persecute believers.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.
Forgive and bring to repentance our enemies, personal and communal. Forgive all who slander, lie, and spew hate, as did their spiritual ancestors toward your beloved Son.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.
Forgive and transform all who break promises, break laws, and break hearts, especially when we still struggle to forgive.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.
The fourth candle is extinguished
The fifth section: Jesus is crucified
Isaiah 53:1-6
Who has believed what we have heard? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by others; a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity; and as one from whom others hide their faces he was despised, and we held him of no account.
Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Hymn: WOV #668, v.4: There in God’s Garden
See how its branches reach to us in welcome;
Hear what the Voice says: “Come to me, ye weary!
Give me your sickness, give me all your sorrow, I will give blessing.”
John 19:17-25
So they took him out; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them.
Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”
When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it.” This was to fulfill what the scripture says, “They divided my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots.” And that is what the soldiers did.
Prayer
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.
A brief silence
Forgive and energize all who whine, complain, make excuses, and shift blame to others.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.
Forgive and reform everyone who seeks to divide, not build up; to sow suspicion, not trust; and who insists on their own way at any cost.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.
The fifth candle is extinguished
The sixth section: Jesus dies
Psalm 69:16-21, 29-33
Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good;
according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.
Do not hide your face from your servant, for I am in distress—
make haste to answer me.
Draw near to me, redeem me,
set me free because of my enemies.
You know the insults I receive, and my shame and dishonor;
my foes are all known to you.
Insults have broken my heart, so that I am in despair.
I looked for pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.
They gave me poison for food,
and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
But I am lowly and in pain;
let your salvation, O God, protect me.
I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.
This will please the Lord more than an ox or a bull with horns and hoofs.
Let the oppressed see it and be glad;
you who seek God, let your hearts revive.
For the Lord hears the needy,
and does not despise his own that are in bonds.
Hymn: WOV #668, v.5: There in God’s Garden
This is my ending, this my resurrection;
Into your hands, Lord, I commit my spirit.
This have I searched for; now can I possess it. This ground is holy.
John 19:26-30
Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.
After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), “I am thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Prayer
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.
A brief silence
Forgive and liberate those who are enslaved by their desires, passions, fears, addictions, or by their attraction to evil for its own sake.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.
Forgive and heal all who are caught in snares of illness and pain, depression and anxiety, regret and shame.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.
Forgive, save, transform, and redeem all of us – for if we are honest, we know we must number ourselves in the great and miserable fellowship of sinners. Forgive, dear Lord, forgive us who despair; who seek revenge; who are cruel and selfish; who are bored and apathetic; who are thoughtless, clueless, heedless, merciless, and faithless.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.
The sixth candle is extinguished
The seventh section: Jesus is buried
Isaiah 53:7-12
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
By a perversion of justice he was taken away.
Who could have imagined his future?
For he was cut off from the land of the living,
stricken for the transgression of my people.
They made his grave with the wicked and his tomb with the rich,
although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.
Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him with pain.
When you make his life an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring,
and shall prolong his days;
through him the will of the Lord shall prosper.
Out of his anguish he shall see light;
he shall find satisfaction through his knowledge.
The righteous one, my servant, shall make many righteous,
and he shall bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will allot him a portion with the great,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong;
because he poured out himself to death,
and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.
Hymn: WOV #668, v.6: There in God’s Garden
All heav’n is singing, “Thanks to Christ whose Passion
Offers in mercy healing, strength, and pardon.
Peoples and nations, take it, take it freely!” Amen! My Master!
John 19:31-40
Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the sabbath, especially because that sabbath was a day of great solemnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him.
But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. (He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth.) These things occurred so that the scripture might be fulfilled, “None of his bones shall be broken.” And again another passage of scripture says, “They will look on the one whom they have pierced.”
After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews.
Prayer
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy and hear our prayer.
A brief silence
By the suffering and passion, of your holy and beloved Son; by his prayers from the Cross for our sake; by his sinless death and his descent into the depths of hell for the sake of sinners; by his glorious resurrection and ascension, and by his promise to come again as victorious Lord of all, forgive us our sins, heavenly Father. Crucify our sins and burn them in hell; but hide us, your poor sinful creatures, in the life-giving wounds of Jesus, and shelter us in his outstretched arms. Anoint us with the same Spirit he committed to you with his dying breath. Raise us, in the power of that Spirit, to share in the glorious resurrection life of Christ. And speed the coming of that great eternal day when everyone whom you have forgiven and healed, transformed and redeemed, is made fit to stand together before your throne, there to praise and adore you in the unity you share with your Son, our Savior and Lord, and with the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
The seventh candle is removed but not extinguished.
The closing
The single lighted candle is returned. All rise and recite the Apostles’ Creed and Lord’s Prayer.
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Our Father, who art in heaven…..
April 8, 2023: The Vigil of Easter
For the Service of the Word portion: The great acts of salvation, as taken shamelessly from the ELW pericope. If fewer than 12 readings (snort) are used,
make sure to use the ones marked with an asterisk
*Genesis 1:1-2:4a: Creation
Response: Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26
OR How Marvelous God’s Greatness LBW #515, ELW #830 (Easy Swedish tune)
Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18; 8:6-18; 9:8-13: The Great Flood
Response: Psalm 46
OR Thy Holy Wings WOV #741, ELW #613
Genesis 22:1-18: God tests Abraham, commanding him to sacrifice his son
Response: Psalm 16
OR God Loved the World (So That He Gave) (Even I don’t know the tune in LBW,
so use the tune suggested in ELW, used often for “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”)
LBW #292, ELW #323, LSB #571
*Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21: Deliverance of Israel at the Red Sea
Response: Exodus 15:1b-13, 17-18
OR Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer LBW #343, ELW #618, LSB #918
OR The God of Abraham Praise, v. 1, 3, 5 LBW #544, ELW #831, LSB #798
*Isaiah 55:1-11: Salvation freely offered to all
Response: Isaiah 12:2-6
OR I’ve Just Come From the Fountain WOV #696
Proverbs 8:1-8, 19-21; 9:4b-6: The wisdom of God
Response: Psalm 19
OR Let All Things Now Living LBW #557, ELW #881
Ezekiel 36:24-28: God promises to give a new heart and spirit to his people
Response: Psalms 42 and 43 (combine them)
OR As Pants the Hart for Cooling Streams LBW #452
OR As the Deer Runs to the River ELW #331
Ezekiel 37:1-14: The valley of the dry bones
Response: Psalm 143
OR O Happy Day When We Shall Stand LBW #351, ELW #441
Zephaniah 3:14-20: The gathering of God’s people
Response: Psalm 98
OR Joy to the World (hey why not?!) LBW #39, ELW #267, LSB #387
Jonah 1:1-2:1: Jonah’s faithlessness and deliverance
Response: Jonah 2:2-9
OR Great is Thy Faithfulness WOV #771, ELW #733, LSB #809
Isaiah 61:1-4, 9-11: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me” to proclaim good news to
all who suffer; God clothes his servant in the garments of salvation
Response: Deuteronomy 32:1-4, 7, 36a, 43a
OR In Thee Is Gladness LBW #552, ELW #867, LSB #818
*Daniel 3:1-29: Shadrach, Meshach, and A Bean to Go (look it up for great coffee!)
are delivered from the fiery furnace
Response: Song of the Three (LBW Canticle #18)
OR All Creatures of Our God and King LBW #527,
ELW #835 (de-gendered, de-kinged – it’s All Creatures of Our God Most High)
During the order for Holy Baptism or Affirmation of Baptism
The Litany of the Saints (ELW Service Music, #237) may be sung
The Service of Holy Communion
Romans 6:3-11: We are baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ:
dead now to sin, alive in Christ!
John 20:1-18: John and Peter race to the tomb; Mary Magdalene encounters
the risen Jesus
Hymn of the Day: We Know That Christ is Raised and Dies No More
LBW #189, ELW #449, LSB #603
Hymn During Communion: I Know That My Redeemer Lives
LBW #352, ELW #619, LSB #461
Closing Hymn: This Joyful Eastertide WOV #676, ELW #391,LSB #482
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
April 9, 2023, Easter Sunday, The Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Sunrise:
Exodus 14:10-15:1 (Song of thanksgiving after crossing the Red Sea)
Psalm 118:15-29 (I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord!)
1 Corinthians 15:1-11 (I handed on to you what I received: that Christ rose
from the dead)
John 20:1-18 (Peter and John’s foot race; Mary Magdalene encounters risen Jesus)
#########
Easter Day
Acts 10:34-43 (Peter preaches Gospel to Gentiles)
Psalm 16 (You do not give me up to Sheol, nor let your faithful one see the Pit)
(ELW: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24), I shall not die but live, and declare the works
of the Lord!)
Colossians 3:1-4 (your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth,
for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.)
Matthew 28:1-10 (Risen Jesus greets the women, bids them tell disciples to go to Galilee)
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Opening Hymn: Jesus Christ is Risen Today: LBW #151, ELW #365, LSB #457
Hymn of Praise: Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia: WOV #678, ELW #364, LSB #466
OR Hymn paraphrase of “This is the Feast” by Cathy Ammlung. Tune: “In Thee is Gladness”
This feast of gladness triumphs o’er sadness; Jesus, Lord, the victor now.
The Lamb, once slain now lives again! Every knee to him shall bow.
Joy in full flower! Blessing and power, honor and praises all heaven raises,
And earth shall echo: Alleluia!
Sing of his glory, for Christ is worthy of adoration; and our salvation
In love he wins for us. Alleluia!
Gospel Procession Hymn: This Joyful Eastertide: WOV #676, ELW #391, LSB #482
Hymn of the Day: Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands: LBW #134, ELW #370, LSB #458
OR Awake, My Heart, With Gladness: LBW #129, ELW #378, LSB #467 (This is a DANCE tune! Play it as a sprightly minuet, not a solemn dirge, and by, er, verse 7, folks will be warbling and swaying!)
Communion Hymn 1: Thine is the Glory: LBW #145, ELW #376
OR The Strife is O’er: LBW #135, ELW #366, LSB #464
Communion Hymn 2: I Know that My Redeemer Lives: LBW #352, ELW #619, LSB #461
Closing Hymn: Alleluia! Sing to Jesus: LBW #158, ELW #392, LSB #821
April 16, 2023, 2nd Sunday of Easter
Acts 5:29-42 (Gamaliel counsels caution dealing with apostolic teaching, miracles)
(ELW: Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Peter exhorts crowd to repent, be baptized)
Psalm 148 (Praise God for his universal glory)
(ELW: Psalm 16, I keep the Lord always before me; I shall not be moved)
1 Peter 1:3-9 (Christ’s resurrection promises new hope, imperishable inheritance)
John 20:19-31 (Jesus appears to disciples – including Thomas)
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Opening Hymn: O Sons and Daughters of the King/Let Us Sing:
LBW #139, v.1-4, ELW #386, v.1-4, LSB #470/471; Note: the latter is the same as LBW, but the former is a well-known Easter tune also)
Hymn of Praise: Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing: LBW #144, ELW #385, LSB #475
OR Hymn paraphrase of “This is the Feast;” See Easter Sunday
Hymn of the Day: We Walk By Faith and Not by Sight: WOV #675, ELW #635, LSB #720
OR Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain: (I don’t know who has the Arthur Sullivan tune from SBH):
LBW #132, ELW #363, LSB #487
OR The Risen Christ: ELW #390
OR These Things Did Thomas Count as Real: LSB #472
Communion Hymn 1: O Savior, Precious Savior: LBW #514, ELW #820, LSB #527
Communion Hymn 2: Jesus, the Very Thought of You: LBW #316, (ELW #754
Closing Hymn: O Sons and Daughters: LBW #139, v. 5-9, (ELW #386, v. 5-8, LSB #470/471)
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April 23, 2023, 3rd Sunday of Easter
Note: Even if today isn’t a usual Communion Sunday, consider making it one!!
Acts 2:14a, 36-41 (Pentecost: Peter exhorts listeners to repent, be baptized)
Psalm 116:1-14 (15-19) (Thanksgiving for deliverance from illness)
1 Peter 1:17-25 (You were ransomed not with gold, but the precious blood of Christ)
Luke 24:13-35 (The Road to Emmaus story)
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Opening Hymn: Around You, O Lord Jesus: LBW #496, ELW #468
OR Day of Arising: ELW #374
Hymn of Praise: Christ the Lord is Risen Today: LBW #130, ELW #373, LSB #469
OR Hymn paraphrase of “This is the Feast;” See Easter Sunday
Hymn of the Day: Who Are You Who Walk in Sorrow: LSB #476
OR Alleluia! Jesus is Risen: WOV #674, ELW #377, LSB #474
OR Come, Let Us Eat: LBW #214, ELW #491, LSB #626
Communion Hymn 1: O Bread of Life/Living Bread From Heaven:
LBW #222, ELW #480, LSB #642 (this is a different tune)
OR What Is This Bread: LSB #629
Communion Hymn 2: Come With Us, O Blessed Jesus: LBW #219, ELW #501
OR Come, Lord Jesus, Be Our Guest: LSB #776 (sing 3x, or as round)
Closing: At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing: LBW #210, ELW #362, LSB #633
OR Abide With Me: LBW #272, ELW #629, LSB #878
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April 30, 2023, 4th Sunday of Easter/ Good Shepherd Sunday
Acts 2:42-47 (The common life of the first believers)
Psalm 23 (The Lord is my shepherd)
1 Peter 2:19-25 (Endure suffering for doing right; for you’ve returned to Shepherd
and guardian of your souls)
John 10:1-10 (Sheep know Shepherd’s voice; Jesus is shepherd, gate for the sheep)
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Opening Hymn: Christ the Lord is Risen Today; Alleluia: LBW #128, ELW #369, LSB #463
Hymn of Praise: Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing: LBW #144, ELW #385, LSB #475
OR Hymn paraphrase of “This is the Feast;” See Easter Sunday
Hymn of the Day: The Lord’s My Shepherd; I’ll Not Want: LBW #451, ELW #778, LSB #710
OR Have No Fear, Little Flock: LBW #476, ELW #764, LSB #735
OR Lord Jesus Christ, Life-Giving Bread: LSB #625
Communion Hymn 1: The King of Love My Shepherd Is: LBW #456, ELW #502, LSB #709
Communion Hymn 2: Blest Be the Tie That Binds: LBW #370, ELW #656, LSB #649
OR I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb: LSB #740
Closing Hymn: O Happy Day When We Shall Stand: LBW #351, ELW #441
OR Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us: LBW #481, ELW #789, LSB #711 (latter 2 use Bradbury, a much more familiar tune)
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May 7, 2023, 5th Sunday of Easter
Acts 6:1-9; 7:2a, 51-60 (Deacons, including Stephen, are chosen; excerpts from
Stephen’s speech; the stoning of Stephen)
(ELW: Acts 7:55-60, The stoning of Stephen)
Psalm 146 (Happy are they whose help is from the Lord, who executes justice
for the poor)
(ELW: Psalm 31: 1-5,15-16, Prayer for deliverance from enemies)
1 Peter 2:2-10 (Come to Christ, the living Stone who will cause many to stumble;
but you are his own people, a royal priesthood)
John 14:1-14 (I am the Way, Truth and Life; believe that the Father is in me
and I am in him)
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Opening Hymn: From God Can Nothing Move Me: LBW #468, LSB #713
OR The Son of God Goes Forth to War: LBW #183, LSB #661
OR Rise Up, O Saints of God: LBW #383, ELW #669
Hymn of Praise: Make Songs of Joy to Christ Our Head (easy tune!): LBW #150, LSB #484
OR Soli Deo Gloria: ELW #878
OR Hymn paraphrase of “This is the Feast;” See Easter Sunday
Hymn of the Day: You Are the Way: LBW #464, ELW #758, LSB #526
OR Give Me Jesus: WOV #777, ELW #770
Communion Hymn 1: My Life Flows On in Endless Song: WOV #781, ELW #763
Communion Hymn 2: Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me: LBW #336, LSB #683
OR Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life: LBW #513, ELW #816
Closing Hymn:, Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart: LBW #553, ELW #873
Rejoice, O Pilgrim Throng: LSB #813
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May 14, 2023, 6th Sunday of Easter (Also Mother’s Day)
Acts 17:16-31 (Paul in Athens: What you worship as unknown, I proclaim to you)
(ELW: Acts 17:22-31)
Psalm 66:8-20 (God has tested, delivered us; we will offer sacrifices and extol him)
1 Peter 3:13-22 (Give account of hope within you with gentleness; suffer for doing
good, as Christ did; baptism an appeal to God for good conscience, through
Christ’s resurrection and exaltation)
John 14:15-21 (If you love me, keep my commandments; I will pray the Father,
who will send you the Spirit)
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Opening Hymn: Christ is the King! O Friends, Rejoice: LBW #386, ELW #662
OR All People That On Earth Do Dwell: LBW #245, ELW #883, LSB #791
Hymn of Praise: Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven: LBW #549, ELW #865, LSB #793
OR Hymn paraphrase of “This is the Feast;” See Easter Sunday
Hymn of the Day: Come Down, O Love Divine: LBW #508, ELW #804, LSB #501
Communion Hymn 1: Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842
Communion Hymn 2: Lord, Speak to Us, That We May Speak: LBW #403, ELW #676
Closing Hymn: May We Your/Thy Precepts, Lord, Fulfill: LBW #353, LSB #698
OR I Love to Tell the Story: LBW #390, ELW #661
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May 21, 2023, 7th Sunday of Easter, or Ascension (Transferred)
7th Sunday of Easter
Acts 1: (6-10), 12-26 (Matthias chosen to replace Judas)
Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 (The holy God is also the protector of orphans and widows)
1 Peter 4:12-19; 5:6-11 (Christian suffering; God of grace will support, strengthen, establish you)
John 17:1-11 (Jesus’ High Priestly prayer; glorify yourself in them as you have in me)
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Opening Hymn: When Morning Gilds the Skies: LBW #546, ELW #853, LSB #807
OR Blessing and Honor: LBW #525, ELW #854
OR Thine The Amen, Thine The Praise: WOV #801, ELW #826, LSB #680
Hymn of Praise: Give to Our God Immortal Praise: LBW #520, ELW #848
OR Hymn paraphrase of “This is the Feast;” See Easter Sunday
Hymn of the Day: O One With God the Father (Use tune for “The Church’s One Foundation”): LBW #77
OR Hear Us, Father, When We Pray (Great words, ok tune): LSB #773
Communion Hymn 1: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise: LBW #526, ELW #834, LSB #802
Communion Hymn 2: Beautiful Savior: LBW #518, ELW #838, LSB #537
Closing Hymn: O God Beyond All Praising: WOV #797, ELW #880
OR Crown Him With Many Crowns: LBW #170, ELW #855, LSB #525
#####
Ascension (Transferred)
Acts 1:1-11 (The Ascension of Jesus)
Psalm 47 (God has gone up with a shout!)
Ephesians 1:15-23 (The power of grace put into effect when God exalted Jesus
above every authority and power)
Luke 24:44-53 (Shorter account of Ascension; conclusion of the gospel)
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Opening Hymn: O God Beyond All Praising: WOV #797, ELW #880
OR Blessing and Honor: LBW #525, ELW #854
OR Thine The Amen, Thine The Praise: WOV #801, ELW #826, LSB #680
Hymn of Praise: Look, the Sight is Glorious: LBW #156
Look, Ye Saints, the Sight is Glorious: LSB #495
OR Hymn paraphrase of “This is the Feast;” See Easter Sunday
Hymn of the Day: Alleluia! Sing to Jesus: LBW #158, ELW #392, LSB #821
OR Alleluia, Alleluia! Hearts To Heaven: LSB #477 (Note: tune is “Ode to Joy!)
Communion Hymn 1: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise (ELW #834, LSB #802)
Communion Hymn 2: Beautiful Savior: LBW #518, ELW #838, LSB #537
Closing Hymn: A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing: LBW #157, ELW #393, LSB #493 (which mercifully has left off excessive exclamation points)
OR Crown Him With Many Crowns: LBW #170, ELW #855, LSB #525
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May 28, 2023, Day of Pentecost
Numbers 11:24-30 (The Spirit descends on 70 elders)
(ELW, ditto, or Acts 2:1-11, the Holy Spirit descends like tongues of fire)
Psalm 25:1-15 (Good and upright is the Lord; so he instructs sinners in the way.)
(ELW: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, The Spirit renews creation)
Acts 2:1-21 (The Holy Spirit descends; Peter comments)
(ELW, ditto, or 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, the gifts of the Spirit)
John 7:37-39 (The Spirit wells up like living water in believers’ hearts)
(ELW, ditto, or John 20:19-23)
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Opening Hymn: Come Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire: LBW #472/473
Creator Spirit, Heavenly Dove: ELW #577/578
Come Holy Ghost, Creator Blest: (LSB #498/499
Hymn of Praise: God of Tempest, God of Whirlwind: ELW #400
OR Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling: LBW #523, ELW #582, LSB #650
Hymn of the Day: Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading: WOV #687, ELW #401
OR Holy Spirit, The Dove Sent From Heaven: LSB #502
Communion Hymn 1: Come Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove: LBW #475, ELW #404
Communion Hymn 2: Holy Spirit, Truth/Light Divine: LBW #257, ELW#398, LSB #496
OR O Spirit of Life: WOV #680, ELW #405
Closing Hymn: O Day Full of Grace: LBW #161, ELW #627, LSB #503
OR O Day of Rest and Gladness: LBW #251, ELW #521, LSB #906
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June 4, 2023, The Holy Trinity
Genesis 1:1-2:4a (God creates the universe and blesses it)
Psalm 8 (What is man that you are mindful of him?)
Acts 2:14a, 22-36 (Again, part of Peter’s Pentecost sermon)
(ELW, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Trinitarian blessing)
Matthew 28:16-20 (The Great Commission)
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Opening Hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy: LBW #165, ELW #473, LSB #507
Hymn of Praise: How Great Thou Art: LBW #532, ELW #856, LSB #801
Hymn of the Day: Thy Strong Word Did Cleave The Darkness: LBW #233, ELW #511, LSB #578
OR the following hymn paraphrase of the Nicene Creed:
Almighty Father, Creator Blest
Tune: Victory (The Strife is O’er); Words: Rev. Cathy A. Ammlung, STS
Dedicated to the Pastors of the Society of the Holy Trinity
(before first verse; note, “in” is sung on two notes): Credo, credo, credo in_ unum Deum!
- Almighty Father, Creator blest,
Worlds sprang to life at his behest;
Seen and unseen, his name they confessed:
Credo, credo!
- Lord Jesus Christ, his only Son,
In truth and substance, they are one;
Pure Light from Light, in him life’s begun:
Credo, credo!
- For us poor sinners, mortal and weak,
He came from heav’n, the lost to seek,
God’s Word made flesh, salvation to speak.
Credo, credo!
- Born of the virgin, Mary most pure,
And of the Spirit, to be sin’s cure,
Christ became man; let praises endure –
Credo, credo!
- For us, ‘neath Pilate’s judgment he died –
For us, our Lord was crucified,
For us, he rose again, glorified:
Credo, credo!
- Ascended to the Father’s throne,
He shall return, to judge everyone,
And rule fore’er, as Lord and God:
Credo, credo!
- Most Holy Spirit, life-giving Lord,
One with the Father and Son, adored,
Inspiring prophets’ holy word,
Credo, credo!
- Making one holy Church in the world,
One with apostles, martyrs, and Lord,
One through baptism with water and Word,
Credo, credo!
- From sin forgiven, we are made free,
Christ’s life from death our future shall be,
Forever praising the Trinity:
Credo, credo!
(final refrain: as in opening) Credo, credo, credo in_ unum Deum!
Communion Hymn 1: God Himself is Present: LBW #249, LSB #907
OR Come, Join the Dance of Trinity: ELW #412
Communion Hymn 2: Father Most Holy: LBW #169, ELW #415, LSB #504
Closing Hymn: Holy God, We Praise Your Name: LBW #535, ELW #414, LSB #940