The Prayers of the Church, 

Good Friday, Cycle C (April 19, 2019)

 

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.

 

Forgive and guide each of us in this congregation, 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 each of 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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 Prayers of the Church

Maundy Thursday, Cycle C (April 18, 2019)

 

Let us pray to our merciful God on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Holy God, purify your Church. Fill it with your Spirit, so it more perfectly loves you and the people your Son came to redeem.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Strengthen our persecuted sisters and brothers in the faith. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly bear witness to the holiness and love of Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Guide our sister congregations, companion dioceses, and all missionaries of the Gospel. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly proclaim Christ, and him crucified.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation. Fill us with your Spirit, so we more perfectly reflect the servant-love of Jesus to one another, and to our neighbors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Kindle the faith of all who will be baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ at Easter. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly follow in his footsteps.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bestow wisdom upon all who have authority and power in our world. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly accomplish your will for the well-being of the people entrusted to their care.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant courage and integrity to our military, to all first responders, and to all who risk their lives for the sake of others. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly establish safety and peace in this troubled world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of for everyone who is sick, grieving, estranged, ashamed, addicted, abused, confused, or despairing, especially those who crave our prayers, including: {List}. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly cling to Christ, their life, their health, and their salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, this day we share a foretaste of your heavenly feast, prepared for all whom you have redeemed by the passion, death, and resurrection of your well-beloved Son. Fill us with your Spirit, so that we might more perfectly take up our Cross, follow Jesus wherever he leads, and encourage one another along life’s way. Bring us, through the merits of Christ, into your heavenly Kingdom, where with him and the Holy Spirit, you reign in the joyous glory of heaven’s endless day.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 For these things, and for whatever else is needful, dear Father, we pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

 

 

The Prayers of the Church, 

Palm/Passion Sunday, Cycle C (April 14, 2019)

 

For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

 Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem your Church. Through its ministry of Word, Sacrament, fellowship and service, draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

 Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem those who suffer for the sake of your name, and those who risk danger to proclaim the Gospel to those who do not know you. By their faithful witness, draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

 Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem this congregation. Through our faith toward you, and fervent love for one another, draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem our children, especially those who are most vulnerable because of illness, poverty, abuse or violence. Through their innocent praise of your goodness, draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem the people in every land and nation. By the guidance of the Holy Spirit, establish your peace in every place; and draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

 Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem all whose work is difficult and dangerous, including those in the military and all first responders. By their labors, establish places of safety and calm; and there draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

  Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem all who are afflicted by sin, suffering, and sorrow, especially: {List}. Use the witness of their faithful waiting, and their blessed healing, to draw all people to yourself.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, you have saved and redeemed all who have died trusting your promises. Now keep us steadfast in faith, patient in suffering, generous in service, and loving in fellowship. Through your Cross and innocent suffering for the sake of the world, draw all people to yourself, and bestow upon all the redeemed the fullness of your forgiveness, blessing, and eternal life.

O Christ, thou Lamb of God, hear our prayer.

 Hear us, gracious Father, for the sake of your well-beloved Son, who intercedes for us before your throne of mercy.

 

Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

5^th Sunday in Lent, Cycle C (April 7, 2019)

 

 For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

 

Lord Jesus, when we contemplate your self-sacrificing love for us, we can only repeat the words of two beloved hymns: “Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a tribute far too small. Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all!” “Thousand thousand thanks are due, dearest Jesus, unto you!”

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Grant that your Church should count everything as loss, compared to the surpassing worth of knowing you as Savior, Lord, and God. Fill it with the overwhelming desire to make you known to every sinner throughout the world, until you truly are the “all in all,” for all. Especially we pray for the persecuted Church, and for missionaries and evangelists throughout the world.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Strengthen and guide this congregation in faithful worship, loving fellowship, generous outreach, and holy living. Make this place a true sanctuary, a place of refreshment and refuge for souls battered by sin, sorrow, and suffering.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for those preparing for Baptism at Eastertide; for everyone seeking to renew their relationship with you; and for all pastors, congregations, and ministries in the midst of transition. Be their companion and guide along their pilgrim path; refresh them with the joy of your saving help; and bless them with your lovingkindness.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Give peace, justice, health and safety to every nation, especially our own. Grant wisdom and integrity to all who have been entrusted with authority and power, especially our elected and appointed leaders. Teach us to love one another through deeds of mercy and words of understanding.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

There are so many people who hunger for healing and thirst for reconciliation; who long for encouragement and seek understanding; who desire forgiveness, comfort, faith, and hope. Refresh them in the wilderness of their suffering, dear Lord – especially those we lift before you now {List}.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

In gratitude and hope, we entrust our beloved dead into your keeping, dear Lord. Bestow the Holy Spirit, the Comforter upon us all, especially upon all who mourn. Through the same Spirit’s power and gifts, grant that throughout our life, we may know you, O Christ, and the power of your resurrection. Give us grace to share in your suffering. Claim us as your own, clothe us with your righteousness, and, of your mercy, welcome us and all whom you have redeemed into your Father’s  everlasting Kingdom.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Hear us, dear Lord; and answer our prayers according to your will, to your glory and for the benefit of the people you long to save.

 

Amen.

 

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

4^th Sunday in Lent, Cycle C (March 31, 2019)

 

 For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

Dearest heavenly Father, thank you for forgiving, welcoming, and restoring us, even when we have foolishly squandered your great gifts and turned away from you! Thank you for your Holy Spirit, who brings us “to our right minds” and helps us repent. Thank you for your Son. He guides us to your embrace; he gives his Body and Blood as the homecoming feast; he clothes us with his own righteousness; and he places the signet-ring of his Sonship upon our hand. We give you thanks, Father, not as we ought, but as we are able.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Make your Church faithful in proclaiming both your Law and Gospel. Make it lovely with holiness, gentle in rebuke, warmhearted in reconciliation, and generous in welcoming all whom you have led to repent.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Help this congregation to pray for, seek out, and forgive anyone who has wronged us. Give us patience, hope, graciousness, and humility. Make this a place where those who are estranged from us, and from you, may return and be reconciled.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for families torn apart by sin, squabbling, and selfishness. Heal them; return each person “to their right minds.” Deliver them from the pigsty of foolish pride and the far country of hostility. Take away whatever resentment and hurt stands in the way of healing and reunion.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Forgive those who, though entrusted with the great gifts of authority, power, and influence, have squandered them and used them foolishly. Give wisdom, integrity, and prudence to our elected and appointed leaders; to those in the military and first responders; to those entrusted with the education of our children and the welfare of our most vulnerable neighbors. And teach us to live at peace with one another, despite our differences!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring healing, hope, and wholeness to everyone who suffers – especially: {List}. Bring them back from the far country of pain, sorrow, or despair. Restore them to the fellowship of all who love them, and increase their joyful trust in you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Father, you have welcomed so many prodigals into your Kingdom already, including many whom we have loved in this life! Thank you for your forgiving and loving embrace. Keep our eyes firmly fixed on the road home to you. Deliver us from the pig sty of our stubborn pride. Soften our hearts to help our fellow prodigals along the way. Lavish your Holy Spirit upon us, so that we constantly strive to live in faith toward you and in fervent love for one another. And, at the last, welcome us to the homecoming feast you have prepared by the prodigality of your dear Son’s great love for us, the wayward sisters and brothers he has redeemed to live in your house forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear us, dear Lord; and answer our prayers according to your will, to your glory and for the benefit of the people you long to save.

Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

3^rd Sunday in Lent, Cycle C (March 24, 2019)

 

 For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

 

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us your Son, who warns us of our sin, and who provides our remedy. Thank you for your Holy Spirit, who gives us grace to repent of our sin, and who provides an escape door when we are tempted to sin. Help us in these struggles; and have mercy on us when we fall.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Make the Church your sure sentinel, so that by word and deed, it helps many people to turn away from their sin and turn toward the Cross, upon which was hung their salvation. Keep your persecuted servants safe in their time of testing; and cause their tormentors to repent of their evil ways.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Help everyone in this congregation to be fruitful fig trees, abounding in righteousness, faithfulness, love, peace, and every good work that proclaims your glory and nourishes your people.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for everyone who is tempted to engage in sinful acts out of fear, desperation, ignorance, or malice. Help us to speak truth in love with them – and help us to hear words of truthful warning when they are spoken to us! Give us grace to encourage and accompany those who resolve to walk in the path of righteousness.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Lord, our earthly leaders – in government, industry, education, and elsewhere – often seem blind, deaf, and dumb regarding wise words, just decisions, and righteous deeds. Lead them to repent of selfish, wrongheaded, and evil laws or decisions, and to eagerly seek the good you set before us all.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

We plead on behalf of everyone who suffers in body, mind, or spirit – especially: {List}. We pray for everyone who cares for hurting, lonely, grieving, and vulnerable people. Refresh them with your gracious Spirit, and give them the joy of your saving help.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Most holy Father, thank you for the lives of your faithful servants who now rest from their labors. Keep their memories bright and their witness strong. Keep us in fellowship with them by faith, and with one another by love. Then, we pray: gather all who have been redeemed through the death and resurrection of your Son into the blessedness of your Kingdom, where with you and the Holy Spirit he reigns as Savior, Lord and God forever.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Hear us, dear Lord; and answer our prayers according to your will, to your glory and for the benefit of the people you long to save.

Amen.

 

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

2^nd Sunday in Lent, Cycle C (March 17, 2019)

 

 For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

A brief silence

 

Lord Jesus, we bless and adore you for your loving desire to gather your people beneath your wings. Your mercy covers our sins – and gives us the courage to repent of them. Grant that we may always remember your tremendous sacrifice; walk in the pathway you have set before us; and stand firm in you, our Savior, Redeemer, and God.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Purify and transform your Church into a lamp shining with the light of your love in this sin-darkened world. Draw it close to you, so that through its words and deeds, many who are afar off may also be drawn close to you, their light and their life.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

There are many who suffer greatly because they name you as Lord. Hide them in the shadow of your wings. Transform their humiliation into your glory; and by their patience in suffering, cause their tormentors to repent of their evil deeds.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Bless this congregation with your dear presence; and make us mirror your humble, self-giving love to everyone we encounter.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Lord Jesus, we pray for our enemies and for all who hate you. We pray for the wicked, the spiteful, the violent, the remorseless, and the cruel. Deliver them from their bondage to the Evil One. Forgive their sins. Grant them your Holy Spirit, that they might truly repent. Heal their spirits, clear their minds, and transform their hearts into thrones worthy of your presence.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Through our Baptism, we have been made citizens of your heavenly Kingdom, but we still live in this world. Therefore, we pray for our earthly leaders; for all who wield power and authority; and for all who stand in harm’s way in defense of life and liberty. Give them wisdom, integrity, humility, a hunger for justice and a thirst for mercy. And bestow your heavenly peace upon us all.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

 

Loving Savior, gather the sick, sorrowing, suffering, and dying beneath your holy wings. Grant them shelter, comfort, healing, and hope. Especially we pray for: {List}. Bless, strengthen, and encourage everyone who cares for them, and grant to them all, the fullness of your strong saving love.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Most holy Jesus, we entrust into your embrace our faithful departed, and all the innocent victims of crime, violence, and injustice – especially your precious little ones whose lives were snuffed out before birth. Shelter them all with your never-failing love. Comfort all who mourn with your never-failing compassion. Guild all who still walk through the valley of the shadow of death with your never-failing Light. And bring all whom you have redeemed through your passion, death, and resurrection, into your Kingdom, where with your Father and the Holy Spirit, you reign in never-failing joy, peace and love.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Hear us, dear Lord; and answer our prayers according to your will, to your glory and for the benefit of the people you came to save.

 

Amen.

 

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

1^st Sunday in Lent, Cycle C (March 10, 2019)

NOTE: This is a “bidding prayer,” with announcement of topics, time for silent personal prayer,

and a brief “collect” before the  “Lord, God, hear our prayer.” You may want to print out the prayer, or explain how it is to be done!

 

For the Church, the world, and our poor sinful selves, let us pray to our Lord, who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

 

A brief silence

Let us pray for the Church throughout the world, that our Lord should purify, forgive, heal, unite, strengthen and guide it, and thereby bring many to the foot of his life-giving Cross.

Silence for individual prayer; then:

Holy Lord; holy and mighty; holy and immortal, have mercy on your Church, and bless it; for your glory and for the salvation of the whole world.

Lord God, hear our prayer.

 

Let us pray for all who are persecuted on account of Jesus, that they may be strengthened in their trials by his strong Word; and for our {synod/district}; our partner congregations and dioceses in {names/places}; and all missionaries throughout the world, that this same strong Word should dwell in their hearts and be confessed by their lips.

Silence for individual prayer; then:

                Holy Lord; holy and mighty; holy and immortal, have mercy on your servants, and bless them; for your glory and for the salvation of the whole world.

Lord God, hear our prayer.

 

Let us pray for this congregation, that God should keep us steadfast in faith, humble in service, diligent in worship, persistent in prayer, and loving in fellowship.

Silence for individual prayer; then:

                Holy Lord; holy and mighty; holy and immortal, have mercy on this congregation, and bless it, for your glory and for the salvation of the whole world.

Lord God, hear our prayer.

 

Let us pray for our children, that God would set his angels around them, to shield them from evil; deliver them from danger; and guide them in the way of eternal life.

Silence for individual prayer; then:

                Holy Lord; holy and mighty; holy and immortal, have mercy on our children, and bless them; for your glory and for the salvation of the whole world.

 Lord God, hear our prayer.

 

Let us pray for our broken world, that God should heal and transform it;  for our leaders, that he grant them wisdom, justice and compassion; and for all people, that he deliver us from evil, strengthen us in every good gift, and bestow his peace among us all.

Silence for individual prayer; then:

                Holy Lord; holy and mighty; holy and immortal, have mercy on your world, its leaders, and its people, and bless them; for your glory and for the salvation of the whole world.

 Lord God, hear our prayer.

 

Let us pray for all whose work is difficult and dangerous, that God would give them cool heads, wise words, and right actions; and that he would shield, support and strengthen those who fall and those who await their loved one’s return.

Silence for individual prayer; then:

                Holy Lord; holy and mighty; holy and immortal, have mercy on these servants, and bless them; for your glory and for the salvation of the whole world.

Lord God, hear our prayer.

 

Let us pray for the sick and injured; the abused and their abusers; the despairing and the confused; the homeless, imprisoned, abandoned and oppressed; the dying and the bereaved, and for all who cry out for mercy, including: {List}: That God would save them from their time of trial, deliver them from evil, and bestow upon them the promise of his eternal Kingdom.

Silence for individual prayer; then:

                Holy Lord; holy and mighty; holy and immortal, have mercy on all who suffer, and bless them; for your glory and for the salvation of the whole world.

Lord God, hear our prayer.

 

Let us with gratitude entrust our beloved dead into our Savior’s keeping; and let us pray for ourselves, that throughout the Lenten pilgrimage of our lives, Christ Jesus would give himself as bread for our journey; forgive us and make us eager to forgive each other; strengthen us in times of trial; deliver us from the power of the Evil One; and bring us safely to his Father’s house.

Silence for individual prayer; then:

                Holy Lord; holy and mighty; holy and immortal, have mercy on us, and bless us; for your glory and for the salvation of the whole world.

Lord God, hear our prayer.

 

Hear us, gracious Father, for the sake of your well-beloved Son, who intercedes for us before your throne of mercy.

Amen.

 

 

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

Ash Wednesday, Cycle C (March 6, 2019)

 

Let us humbly beseech God for his mercy upon the Church, the world, and one another.

 

A brief silence

Have mercy on this world that you created in love, though it has turned away from you, most Holy Father. Have mercy on the people who sit in the darkness of sin and the shadow of death, and whom you came to save, most Holy Son. Have mercy on this fallen and broken creation that cries out in travail for its deliverance from futility and death, most Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Have mercy on your Church, O Lord. Cleanse it from false teaching, feigned holiness, and fake discipleship. Form it in the likeness of your dear Son, fill it with your Holy Spirit, and use it to draw all people to yourself.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Have mercy on your persecuted servants, O Lord. Cleanse them from bitterness, hatred, or thirst for revenge. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and use them to lead the enemies of Christ to repentance and salvation.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Have mercy on this congregation, O Lord. Cleanse us from apathy, inattention, and contention. Form us into the likeness of your dear Son, fill us with your Holy Spirit, and use us to draw our families, friends, and communities to the foot of Jesus’ Cross.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Have mercy on all who doubt your existence or your goodness, O Lord. Cleanse them from spiritual darkness, intellectual pride, or emotional despair. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and bless them with faith and trust in you, their Savior, Lord, and Friend.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Have mercy upon all who are entrusted with power and authority in this sin-shadowed world, O Lord. Cleanse them from cruelty, lust for power, and worship of self. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and use them to bring your blessings of peace, prosperity, and concord to all people.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy upon all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others, O Lord. Cleanse them from wrong judgment or base motives in the execution of their duties. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and use them to bring a measure of safety, justice, and freedom in places of chaos and danger.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Have mercy on all whose lives are shadowed by suffering, sorrow, or any kind of evil, O Lord. Cleanse them from all that troubles them and prevents them from turning to you, their Strength and their Redeemer. Form them into the likeness of your dear Son, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and restore them to wholeness and hope, in the company of all who love them.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Most holy and gracious Father, we commend into your mercy all our beloved dead. We who are but ashes and dust humbly beseech you for your mercy upon us as well. Cleanse us from every sin which separates us from you and from one another. Form us into the likeness of your dear Son, fill us with your Holy Spirit, and use us to help lighten our neighbor’s burdens throughout our earthly pilgrimage. Lead us, with all whom you have redeemed by the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus, into your Kingdom, where, untroubled by sin, evil, or death, we may rejoice in your goodness and gaze upon your glory forever.

 

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

For these things, and for whatever else is needful, dear Father, we pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

 

 

 

Lessons and Hymn Suggestions, Ash Wednesday – Easter Sunday, Cycle C

March 6, 2019 – April 22, 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.

 

Wednesday, March 6, 2019: Ash Wednesday

Joel 2:12-19 (return to the Lord with all your heart; sanctify a fast)

Psalm 51 (wash me from my sins; put a right spirit within me)

 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 (be reconciled with God; don’t let his grace be in vain; we have

            suffered for your sake

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21(fast, pray, give alms, but don’t show them off before others)

Opening Hymn: None; Psalm 51 is spoken or chanted; 

OR LBW #99, O Lord, Throughout These Forty Days (ELW #319, LSB #418)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #295, Out of the Depths I Cry to You (ELW #600)

                        (LSB #607. From Depths of Woe I Cry To You: different translation)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #304, Today Your Mercy Calls Us (LSB #915)

OR ELW #323, God Loved the World So That He Gave (tune is Rockingham Old – “When I

Survey the Wondrous Cross)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #302, Jesus, Your Blood and Righteousness

                        (LSB #563, Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness)

            OR ELW #483, Here is Bread

Closing Hymn: LBW #309, Lord Jesus, Think on Me (ELW #599; LSB #610)

OR ELW #320, The Glory of These Forty Days (tune is “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in

                        Your Word”; words attr. To Luther, very nice) (WOV #657)

 

March 10, 2019: 1^st Sunday in Lent

Deuteronomy 26:1-11 (creedal confession when giving first fruit)

Psalm 91:1-13(God will shield his Righteous One; angels will bear him up)

Romans 10:8b-13 (whether Jew or Gentile, those who believe in heart and confess with lips

that Jesus is Lord shall be saved)

Luke 4:1-13 (Jesus tempted by Satan)

Opening Hymn: ELW #325, I Want Jesus to Walk With Me (WOV #660)

            OR LBW  #312, Once He Came in Blessing (LSB #333)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #229, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

(ELW #504, stay away from 505; LSB #657)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #341, Jesus, Still Lead On (ELW #624)

            (LSB #718, Jesus, Lead Thou On)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #230, Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word (ELW #517, LSB #655)

Closing Hymn:  LSB #424, O Christ, You Walked the Road

            OR LBW #88, O Love, How Deep (especially v. 3) (ELW #322; LSB 544)

  OR

THROUGH THE TIME OF TESTING

(Words: Rev. Cathy Ammlung, STS; Tune: King’s Weston, LBW #179, “At The Name Of Jesus”)

Through the time of testing lead us, Lord, we pray.

Forge a holy people on that desert way.

Strip us from our idols, mortify our pride.

Cleave us and conform us to the Crucified.

And your mind, Christ Jesus, in our midst bestow,

We your love to offer, we your grace to show,

We your service render to your people here:

Murm’ring and rebellious, yet you count them dear.

With your Breath revive us in the wilderness.

Grant us joy, obedience, and your holiness.

Jesus’ new commandment on our hearts engrave.

Your covenant remember; and your people save!

 

March 17, 2019: 2nd Sunday in Lent

Jeremiah 26:8-15 (Jeremiah prophesies against Zion, is marked for death; urges repentance)

            RCL: Genesis 15:1-12, (13-16), 17-18 (God “cuts a covenant” with Abram)

Psalm 4 (The Lord sets apart his faithful; ponder, pray, offer sacrifice, be patient)

            RCL: Psalm 27 (The Lord is my light and salvation; I desire to see the beauty of God)

Philippians 3:17-4:1 (follow example of those who are in Christ; our citizenship is in heaven;

            stand firm in Christ who transforms us from humiliation to his glory)

Luke 13:31-35 (Jesus, like prophets before him, must die in Jerusalem; he longs to gather its

people beneath his wings)

Opening Hymn: LBW #507, How Firm a Foundation, O Saints of the Lord (ELW #796, LSB #728)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #325, Lord, Thee I Love With All My Heart (ELW #750, LSB #708)

Communion Hymn #1: WOV #741, Thy Holy Wings (ELW #613)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #474, Children of the Heavenly Father (ELW #781)

Closing Hymn: LBW #380, O Christ Our Light, Our Radiance True (ELW #675)

 

March 24, 2019: 3rd Sunday in Lent

Ezekiel 33:7-20 (you are a sentinel warning people to repent; if the evil repent, they live;

 If the righteous sin, they die; if you don’t warn, their blood is on you)

RCL: Isaiah 55:1-9: (Listen to God, eat what is good; he makes everlasting covenant;

seek him while he may be found; his Word returns fruitfully to him)

Psalm 85 (Restore us; show us your steadfast love; save us from our sin)

RCL: Psalm 63:1-8 (My soul hungers and thirsts for you; you have helped me;

 I sing for joy)

1 Corinthians 10:1-13 (avoid sin; do not put Christ to the test; God provides a means of escape

when you are tested)

Luke 13:1-9 (tower didn’t fall because the people were worse sinners than you; but if you

 do not repent, worse will happen to you. Parable of unfruitful fig tree)

Opening Hymn: LSB #614, “As Surely As I Live,” God Said (if tune is unfamiliar, this can be sung

                        to “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast”)

 OR LBW #312, Once He Came in Blessing (LSB #333)

OR ELW #733, Great is Thy Faithfulness (WOV #771, LSB #809)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #291, Jesus Sinners Will Receive (if the tune has you coughing up hairballs, you can use “Grosser Gott,” Holy God, We Praise Your Name!)

OR ELW #335, Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross

Communion Hymn #1:  LBW #304, Today Your Mercy Calls Us (LSB #915)

Communion Hymn #2:  LBW #343, Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer (ELW #618, LSB #918)

Closing Hymn: LBW #341, Jesus, Still Lead On  (ELW #624) (LSB #718, Jesus, Lead Thou On)

 

March 31, 2019: 4th Sunday in Lent

Isaiah 12:1-6 (With joy you will draw from waters of salvation and praise the Lord)

RCL: Joshua 5:9-12 (After circumcision, Israelites keep first Passover in Promised Land)

Psalm 32 (happy are they whose transgression is forgiven & whose sin God covers; accept his instruction and live)

2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (God has given us the ministry of reconciliation in Christ)

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 (Parable of the Prodigal Son)

Opening Hymn: LBW #465, Evening and Morning (ELW #761, LSB #726)

Hymn of the Day: WOV #733, Our Father, We Have Wandered (ELW #606)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #448, Amazing Grace (ELW #779, LSB #744)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #385, What Wondrous Love Is This (ELW #666, LSB #543)

Closing Hymn: LBW #447, All Depends on Our Possessing (ELW #589, LSB #732)

 

April 7, 2019: 5^th Sunday in Lent

Isaiah 43:16-21(God announces his new work; the wilderness shall be a place of refreshment) Psalm 126 (God restored fortunes of Zion; those who sowed with weeping shall harvest with joy)

Philippians 3:4b-14 (All is rubbish, compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ my God)

Luke 20:9-20 (Parable of the wicked tenants of the vineyard)

            RCL: John 12:1-8 (Mary, Lazarus’s sister, anoints Jesus with oil)

Opening Hymn: LBW #369, The Church’s One Foundation (ELW #654)

Hymn of the Day: : LBW #482, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (ELW #803, LSB #435, 426)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #104, In the Cross of Christ I Glory (ELW #324, LSB #427)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #298, One There Is, Above All Others

 OR LBW #514, O Savior, Precious Savior (ELW #820, LSB #527)

Closing Hymn: LBW #294, My Hope is Built on Nothing Less (ELW #596, 597; LSB #575, 576)

 

April 14, 2019: Palm/Passion Sunday

Processional Gospel: John 12:12-19 (Triumphal entry into Jerusalem)

            RCL: Luke 19:28-40 (Triumphal entry into Jerusalem)

Deuteronomy 32:36-39 (There is no god apart from Me who can save you)

            RCL: Isaiah 50: 4-9a (The Lord opens my ear, helped me. Who will contend with me?)

Psalm 31:9-16 (Psalm of deep lament and distress – and trust in God)

Philippians 2:5-11 (Christ has humbled himself and become obedient unto death,

even death on a Cross)

Luke 22:39-23:56 (from Gethsemane to Golgotha; Passion narrative)

Opening Hymn: LBW #108, All Glory, Laud and Honor (ELW #344, LSB #442)

Hymn Prior to Reading of Passion: LBW #115, Jesus, I Will Ponder Now (ELW #345, #440)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #117, O Sacred Head, Now Wounded (ELW #351, LSB #449)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #114, There Is A Green Hill Far Away

OR ELW #341, Now Behold the Lamb

Communion Hymn #2: WOV #740, Jesus, Remember Me (ELW #616, LSB #767)

Closing Hymn: LBW #121, Ride On, Ride On in Majesty (ELW #346, LSB #441)

 

Thursday, April 18, 2019: Maundy Thursday

Jeremiah 31:31-34 (new covenant; God writes his law upon the heart)

            RCL: Exodus 12:1-14 (The Passover)

Psalm 116:12-19(I will take up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord;

 precious in his sight is the death of his faithful servant)

Hebrews 10:15-25 (we have confidence through blood of Jesus to enter God’s holy sanctuary)

            RCL: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (Holy Communion; words of institution)

Luke 22:7-20 (the Last Supper)

Opening Hymn, or During Foot-washing: LBW #126, Where Charity and Love Prevail

(ELW #359, LSB #845)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #199, Thee We Adore, O Hidden Savior (LSB #640)

            (ELW #476, Thee We Adore, O Savior, God Most True)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #109, Go to Dark Gethsemane (ELW #347, LSB #436)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #226, Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord

            OR LBW #224, Soul Adorn Yourself With Gladness (ELW #488, LSB #636)

Closing Hymn: if there is one, consider LBW #106, In the Hour of Trial; otherwise,

if the altar is being stripped, chant Psalm 22

 

Friday, April 19, 2019: Good Friday

Isaiah 52:13-53:12 (the Suffering Servant, by whose wounds we are healed)

Psalm 22 (My God, My God, why have you forsaken me….)

Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9 (we have a great High Priest, tested as we are in all things

yet without sin; by his perfect obedience and suffering, we receive salvation)

John 18:1-19:42 (the Passion)

Hymn of the Day: WOV #668, There in God’s Garden (ELW #342)

            OR LBW #111, Lamb of God, Pure and Sinless (ELW #357)

Other hymn: LBW #123, Ah, Holy Jesus (ELW #349)

 

Saturday, April 20, 2019: The Vigil of Easter

Service of Readings: There are twelve all together. If you decide to do seven or four, choose from the following; however, those in boldface must be read; and the final canticle, “All you works of the Lord” is always read after the final lesson. Where appointed, a responsorial psalm/canticle is also noted in parentheses. Where one is not noted, I have indicated a hymn that may be sung instead.

1. Genesis 1:1-2:2 or Genesis 1:1-3:24

Hymn:LBW #540, Praise the Lord! O Heavens adore him (ELW #823)

OR LBW # 372, In Adam We Have All Been One (LSB #569)

1. Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18; 8:6-18; 9:8-13

Hymn: WOV #741, Thy Holy Wings (ELW #613)

OR LBW #334. Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me, (ELW #755, LSB #715)

1. Exodus 14:10-15:1a or Exodus 13:17-15:1a

LBW Canticle 19, The Song of Moses and Miriam

1. Isaiah 55:1-11

Psalm 33:1-11 OR LBW #232, Thy Word, O Lord, Like Gentle Dew

OR ELW #510, Word of God, Come Down on Earth (WOV #716, LSB #545)

1. Ezekiel 37

 Psalm 30

1. Isaiah 4:2-6

The Song of the Vineyard, from Isaiah 5

1. Daniel 3:1-29

LBW Canticle 18: All You Works of the Lord, Bless the Lord

OR LBW #527, All Creatures of Our God and King

(ELW #835, All Creatures, Worship God Most High)

Readings for the Service of Holy Communion:

Romans 6:1-11 (we are baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection)

Luke 24:1-12 (the women come to the empty tomb)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #189, We Know That Christ is Raised and Dies No More

(ELW #449, LSB #603)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #148, Now the Green Blade Rises (ELW #379)

Communion Hymn #2: WOV #671, Alleluia, Alleluia, Give Thanks to the Living Lord

            OR ELW #377, Alleluia! Jesus is Risen! (WOV #674, LSB #474)

Closing Hymn: WOV #676, This Joyful Eastertide (ELW #391, LSB #482)

 

April 21, 2019: Easter Day, the Resurrection of Our Lord

Easter Sunrise Lessons:

Job 19:23-27 (I know that my Redeemer lives!)

Psalm 118:15-29 (The right hand of the Lord has triumphed; this is the Lord’s doing;

 this is the day the Lord has made)

1 Corinthians 15:51-57 (we shall not all die, but we shall all be changed;

the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible)

John 20:1-18 (the women at the tomb; Peter and John; Mary Magdalene and Jesus)

 

Easter Day Lessons:

Isaiah 65:17-25 (God promises new heaven and earth; people will live long and prosper;

  nothing shall hurt or destroy on his holy mountain)

Psalm 16 (you do not give me up to Sheol, nor let your holy one see the Pit)

RCL: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 (Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; I shall not die but live,

and declare the works of the Lord)

1 Corinthians 15:19-26 (if Christ not raised, we are pitiable fools; but he has been raised,

as shall we be!)

Luke 24:1-12 (the women at the empty tomb)

 

Hymn selections are for main services of the day, not the sunrise service

 

Opening Hymn: LBW #151, Jesus Christ is Risen Today (ELW #365, LSB #457)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #134, Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands (ELW #370, LSB #458)

Communion Hymn #1: WOV #671, Alleluia, Alleluia, Give Thanks to the Living Lord

            OR ELW #377, Alleluia! Jesus is Risen! (WOV #674, LSB #474)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #352, I Know that My Redeemer Lives (ELW #619, LSB #461)

Closing Hymn: LBW #145, Thine is the Glory (ELW #376)