Lessons and Suggested Hymns,
Easter Sunday – Trinity Sunday, Cycle B
March 31 – May 26, 2024
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.
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 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 anyone and anything but 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/Prayer of Self-Dedication for the Easter Season
P: Let us pray.
C: Lord Jesus, thank you for being our strength and our song. We gladly lay before you everything we have received from you: our lives, our time, our treasures, and our talents. Use all we have and all we are to glorify you and show your love to those who need it most.
OR:
C: 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.
March 31, 2024, Easter Sunday, The Resurrection of Our Lord, B
Easter Sunrise:
Exodus 15:1-11(Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously)
Psalm 118:15-29 (I shall not die but live, and declare the works of the Lord)
1 Corinthians 5:6b-8 (Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us)
John 20:1-18 (John and Peter at tomb; Mary Magdalene meets risen Jesus)
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Opening hymn: Christ the Lord is Risen Today (this is the one that DOESN’T have the alleluias at
the end of each line!): LBW #130, ELW #373, LSB #469
Hymn of the Day: This Joyful Eastertide:
LBW #149 (has only 1 verse), WOV #676, ELW #391, LSB #482
Communion Hymn #1: Let Us Break Bread Together: LBW #212
Communion Hymn #2: Now the Green Blade Rises: LBW #148
Closing Hymn: The Day of Resurrection: LBW #141, ELW #361, LSB #478
(I’d suggest singing the LBW version to the tune for Lead On, O King Eternal, which LSB uses)
OR Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain: LBW #132, ELW #363, LSB #487
Easter Day, Main Services
Isaiah 25:6-9 (A feast of fat things; God will swallow up death forever)
ELW: Isaiah 25:6-9 OR Acts 10:34-43 (Peter preaches Gospel to Gentiles)
Psalm 16 (My heart is glad; my body rests secure;10 you do not let your faithful one see the Pit.)
ELW: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 (This is the Lord’s gate; the rejected stone now head of the corner)
1 Corinthians 15:1-11 (Christ died for our sins, was buried, rose in accordance with
Scripture; and appeared to many, including Paul)
ELW: I Corinthians 15:1-11 OR Acts 10:34-43, as above)
Mark 16:1-8 (Angel announces Resurrection to the women)
ELW: Mark 16:1-8 OR John 20:1-18 (Foot race to tomb; Magdalene and Jesus)
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Opening hymn: Jesus Christ is Risen Today: LBW #151, ELW #365, LSB #457
Hymn of the Day: Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands:
LBW #134, ELW #370, LSB #458
OR (if using ELW Gospel): O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing (version 2): ELW #387
OR (if preaching on 1 Corinthians) Christ is Risen, Christ is Living: LSB #479
Communion Hymn #1: I Know That My Redeemer Lives: LBW #352, ELW #619, LSB #461
Communion Hymn #2: At the Lamb’s High Feast LBW #210, ELW #362, LSB #633
Closing Hymn: Thine is the Glory LBW #145, ELW #376
April 7, 2024, 2nd Sunday of Easter, B
Acts 4:32-35 (The believers share their possessions)
Psalm 148 (Praise for God’s universal glory)
ELW: Psalm 133 (The blessedness of unity)
1 John 1:1-2:2 (We declare what we have seen, heard, touched; Christ is advocate when we confess sins)
John 20:19-31 (Jesus appears to disciples – and Thomas)
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Opening hymn: This Joyful Eastertide:
LBW #149 (has only 1 verse), WOV #676, ELW #391, LSB #482
Hymn of the Day: O Sons and Daughters of the King: LBW #139, LSB #470/471
O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing, ELW #386, version 1
OR We Walk By Faith and Not By Sight: WOV #675, ELW #635, LSB #720
OR Three Things Did Thomas Count as Real: LSB #472
OR The Risen Christ: ELW #390
Communion Hymn #1: Blest Be the Tie That Binds: LBW #370, ELW #656, LSB #649
Communion Hymn #2: Alleluia! Jesus is Risen!: WOV #674, ELW #377, LSB #474
OR Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing!: LBW #144, ELW #385, LSB #475
Closing Hymn: In Thee Is Gladness: LBW #552, ELW #867, LSB #818
April 14, 2024, 3rd Sunday of Easter, B
Acts 3:11-21 (Peter preaches: “you acted in ignorance; repent, believe in Jesus, be forgiven”)
ELW: Acts 3:12-19)
Psalm 4 (The Lord has set apart the faithful for himself; in him, we may lie down in safety)
1 John 3:1-7 (We are God’s children now; we shall be like Jesus, for we will see him face to face)
Luke 24:36-49 (Risen Jesus appears to disciples; opens their minds to understand Scriptures)
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Opening hymn: Christ the Lord is Risen Today; Alleluia!: LBW #128, ELW #369, LSB #463
Hymn of the Day: Christ is Risen! Alleluia!: LBW #131, ELW #382
Communion Hymn #1: Children of the Heavenly Father: LBW #474, ELW #781, LSB #725
Communion Hymn #2: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light:
WOV #649, ELW #815, LSB #411
Closing Hymn: The Day of Resurrection!: LBW #141, ELW #361, LSB #478
(NOTE: The LBW version of this hymn has a dorky tune. It works MUCH better to tune
“Lancashire,” (Lead On O King Eternal) – used for this in LSB, or “Ellacombe,” (O Day of
Rest and Gladness), the tune used in ELW)
April 21, 2024, 4th Sunday of Easter (Good Shepherd Sunday), B
Acts 4:1-12 (Upon healing the lame man, Peter says: “there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.”)
ELW: Acts 4:5-12
Psalm 23 (The Lord is my Shepherd)
1 John 3:16-24 (Believe in the name of Jesus, and love one another)
John 10:11-18 (The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. There will be one flock, one shepherd)
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Opening hymn: All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name: LBW #328/329, ELW #634, LSB #549
Hymn of the Day: The King of Love My Shepherd Is: LBW #456, ELW #502, LSB #709
OR, With God as Our Friend: LBW #371 (I have a soft spot in my heart for this hymn, as a friend composed an anthem version for my installation at my first congregation after I was ordained. It’s a gently rhythmic Swedish folk tune.)
Communion Hymn #1: Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us: LBW #481, ELW #789, LSB #711
(Note: LSB and ELW both use the tune most people remember for this hymn)
Communion Hymn #2: The Lord’s My Shepherd; I’ll Not Want: LBW #451, ELW #778, LSB #710
Closing Hymn: O/Oh For a Thousand Tongues to Sing: LBW #559, ELW #886, LSB #528
April 28, 2024, 5th Sunday of Easter, B
Acts 8:26-40 (Philip explains Suffering Servant to Ethiopian eunuch)
Psalm 150 (Let everything praise the Lord!)
ELW: Psalm 22:25-31 (Everyone shall bow down and worship!)
1 John 4:1-21 (Test spirits to see if they are from God. Love one another, for love is of God)
ELW: 1 John 4:7-21 (no testing of spirits!)
John 15:1-8 (I am the vine; you are the branches; my Father prunes you so you bear much fruit)
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Opening hymn: Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven:
LBW #549, ELW #865 (note: 864 is the gender-neutral version), LSB #793
OR We Know That Christ is Raised and Dies No More: LBW #189, ELW #449, LSB #603
Hymn of the Day: Alleluia! Jesus is Risen: WOV #674, ELW #377, LSB #474
OR Fruitful Trees, the Spirit’s Sowing: LSB #691
OR (especially if there’s a baptism) All Who Believe and Are Baptized:
LBW ##194, ELW #442, LSB #601
Communion Hymn #1: Let All Things Now Living: LBW #557, ELW #881
Communion Hymn #2: Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee: LBW #551, ELW #836, LSB #803
Closing Hymn: Oh, That I Had A Thousand Voices: LBW #560, ELW #833
May 5, 2024, 6th Sunday of Easter, B
Acts 10:34-48 (Peter preaches to Gentiles, who receive Holy Spirit and are baptized)
ELW: Acts 10:44-48 (having preached to them a couple of weeks ago 😉,
now Peter baptizes Gentiles)
Psalm 98 (Let all creation praise the Lord, the Judge of the world!)
1 John 5:1-8 (We know we love God’s children when we love him,
obey his commandments and believe Jesus is his Son.)
ELW: 1 John 5:1-6 (stops short of obeying his commandments…)
John 15:9-17 (Love each other as I have loved you. You didn’t choose me, I chose you to bear much fruit)
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Opening hymn: All People That on Earth Do Dwell: LBW #245, ELW #883, LSB #791
OR This is the Spirit’s Entry Now: LBW #195, ELW #448, LSB #591
Hymn of the Day: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling: LBW #315, ELW #631, LSB #700
OR Eternal Ruler of the Ceaseless Round: LBW #373 (trust me on this.
The words are gorgeous and fit the Epistle and Gospel)
Communion Hymn #1: In Christ There Is No East or West:
LBW #359, ELW #650, LSB #653
Communion Hymn #2: O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts: LBW #356, ELW #658
Closing Hymn: O Savior, Precious Savior: LBW #514, ELW #820, LSB #527
May 12, 2024, 7th Sunday of Easter, or Ascension (Transferred); Mother’s Day
7th Sunday of Easter
Acts 1:12-26 (Matthias chosen to replace Judas)
ELW: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 (no references to Judas)
Psalm 1 (Blessed is the one whose delight is in the law of the Lord!)
1 John 5:9-15 (11And this is God’s testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life
is in his Son. 12Whoever has the Son has life; if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.)
ELW: 1 John 5:9-13 (omits praying according to his will)
John 17:11b-19 (Jesus prays that his Father would protect and sanctify all who believe in him)
ELW: John 17:6-19 (adds “They have known everything I have from you”)
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Opening hymn: By All Your Saints in Warfare:
LBW #177, v. 1, 12, 3; ELW #420, v. 1, 12, “last”; LSB #517, v. 1, 13, 3
OR Blessing and Honor: LBW #525, ELW #854
Hymn of the Day: Up Through Endless Ranks of Angels: LBW #159, LSB #491
(Note: If tune isn’t familiar, use melody for Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, “Picardy”)
OR Alleluia! Sing to Jesus: LBW #158, ELW #392, LSB #821
Communion Hymn #1: O Christ, Our Hope, Our Heart’s Desire: LBW #300, LSB #553
Communion Hymn #2: Beautiful Savior: LBW #518, ELW #838, LSB #537
Closing Hymn: The Church’s One Foundation: LBW #369, ELW #654, LSB #644
Ascension (Transferred)
Acts 1:1-11(Promise of Holy Spirit and ascension of Jesus)
Psalm 47 (God has gone up with a shout! He rules over the nations)
Ephesians 1:15-23 (Paul’s prayer for eternal inheritance in Christ, whom God has raised, given all power and authority, and made him head over all things for the Church, his body)
Luke 24:44-53 (Jesus reminds followers of Scriptures; blesses them and ascends)
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Opening hymn: Look, The Sight is Glorious: LBW #156
Look, Ye Saints, the Sight is Glorious: LSB #495
OR Alleluia! Sing to Jesus: LBW #158, ELW #392, LSB #821
Hymn of the Day: Up Through Endless Ranks of Angels: LBW #159, LSB #491
If tune isn’t familiar, use melody for Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, LBW #198)
OR Blessing, Honor, Glory to the Lamb: ELW #433
Communion Hymn #1: Beautiful Savior: LBW #518, ELW #838, LSB #537
Communion Hymn #2: Blessing and Honor: LBW #525, ELW #854
Closing Hymn: At the Name of Jesus: LBW #179, ELW #416, LSB #512
OR Thine the Amen, Thine the Praise: WOV #801, ELW #826, (LSB #680
May 19, 2024, Day of Pentecost, B
Ezekiel 37:1-14 (Mortal, can these bones live?!)
ELW: same, OR Acts 2:1-21 Spirit descends; “All who call on Name of Lord shall be saved!”)
Psalm 139:1-16 (You search and know us; none can escape from your Spirit)
ELW: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b (God’s manifold works; he gives food in due season; bless his name. Oh, v. 35a is omitted, the bit about the wicked being no more…)
Acts 2:1-21(The Spirit descends; “All who call on the Name of the Lord shall be saved!)
ELW: Romans 8:22-27 (Creation groans; Spirit intercedes in sighs too deep for words)
John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 (The Advocate Spirit will testify; prove the world wrong; guide you in all truth; glorify me by taking what is mine and giving it to you)
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Opening hymn: Come Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire: LBW #472/473
Come Holy Ghost, Creator Blest: LSB #498/499
Creator Spirit Heavenly Dove: ELW #577/578 (nice variant; has all 7 verses)
Hymn of the Day: Gracious Spirit, Hear Our Pleading: WOV #687, ELW #401
OR Come, O Come, O Quickening Spirit: LBW #478
OR Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord: LBW #163, ELW #395, LSB #497
Communion Hymn #1: O Spirit of Life: WOV #680, ELW #405
Communion Hymn #2: Come Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove: LBW #475, ELW #404
Closing Hymn: Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling: LBW #523, ELW #582, LSB #650
May 26, 2024, The Holy Trinity, B
Isaiah 6:1-8 (“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts!”)
Psalm 29 (The voice of the Lord is a powerful voice; in his temple, all cry, “Glory!”)
Acts 2:14a,22-36 (“This Jesus, God raised up; 33having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this, that you both see and hear”)
ELW: Romans 8:12-17 (We have received the Spirit of adoption, cry out “Abba, Father”)
John 3:1-17 (Jesus and Nicodemus; the Spirit blows where it wills; God gave his only-begotten Son….)
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Opening hymn: O Worship the King: LBW #548, ELW #842, LSB #804
Hymn of the Day: All Glory Be to God on High: LBW #166, ELW #410, LSB #947
OR my versification of the Nicene Creed, sung to “The Strife is O’er”
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 God and Lord: 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
Communion Hymn #2: Holy, Holy, Holy: LBW #165, ELW #473, (LSB #507
Closing Hymn: Holy God, We Praise Your/Thy Name: LBW #535, ELW #414, LSB #940
Hymn Paraphrases of Liturgy, for Lent and Easter Seasons
LENT
Kyrie
Meter: Common Meter Doubled (CMD, 8 6 8 6 8 6 8 6)
Tune: “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need”, sung antiphonally
A: In heav’nly peace, we pray to Thee. C: Have mercy, Lord, on us.
A: For peace, salvation, unity, C: Have mercy, Christ, on us.
A: For world, for Church, for this dear place, C: Have mercy, Lord on us.
A: Grant comfort, help, defense and grace. C: Amen, Lord Christ, amen.
Lenten hymn (Yes, I know.)
Meter: 88 88 88
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.
Nicene Creed
Meter 10 10 10 10 10
Tune: Old 124th, “Your Kingdom Come; O Father, Hear Our Prayer”
Thrice Holy, mighty and immortal Lord,
Three-personed God, confessed, praised, and adored.
Father, you spoke: by your might and your grace,
All things, all creatures, all time, and all space,
Burst into being, and were giv’n their place.
Lord Jesus Christ, the Father’s well-loved Son,
Only-begotten, with him you are one.
True God from God, true light from endless light,
Worlds sprang from you, O Word who spoke them right.
In you we live and move and take delight.
For us, to save and to redeem your bride,
Spirit- and Virgin-born, come to our side.
Flesh of our flesh, who under Pilate died:
Risen, ascended to your Father’s side,
Returning as Judge and King, glorified.
Life-giving Spirit, come from Fath’r through Son,
Holy and glorious, with them you are one.
Advocate, Comforter, Guide, God’s own Breath,
You spoke through prophets; you bring life from death.
You form the worldwide Church in all its breadth!
Built on the Rock, that Church confesses faith
Professed by martyr, apostle, and saint.
One in our baptism, bride of our Lord,
Heirs of his Kingdom, forgiven, restored,
By us fore’er will God’s name be adored!
Lamb of God
Meter: SM, 6 6 8 6
Tune: Southwell, “Lord Jesus, Think on Me”
Christ Jesus, God’s own Lamb,
True man, yet great I AM,
Our sins you take, slain for our sake.
Have mercy, Lord, on us.
Christ Jesus, Lamb and Lord
By heav’n and earth adored,
This sad world’s sin you bear within;
Have mercy, Christ, on us.
O Christ, thou Lamb of God,
You die beneath sin’s rod,
And rise with life to heal our strife.
To us, O Lord, grant peace.
Sanctus
Meter: 12 9 12 12 9
Tune: Wondrous Love, “What Wondrous Love is This, O My Soul”
Holy, most holy God, holy Lord God of hosts,
Your glory fills all heaven and earth.
“Hosanna!” angels cry; “hosanna!” we reply;
“Hosanna, God most high, Lord of love, high above;
Hosanna, mighty Lord, God of love.”
Blest be the One who bears God’s blest name unto us,
Blest be the holy name of our Lord.
Let Jesus’ name be blest, by all the world confessed;
Our highest and our best praises ring, anthems sing:
“Hosanna, Christ our Lord, God and King!”
Nunc Dimittus
Meter: LM, 8 8 8 8
Tune: Walton, “O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts”
Or Distress, “We Place Upon You Table, Lord”
Or Rockingham Old, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”
Lord, let your servant go in peace, your faithful Word you have fulfilled.
This Word made flesh I now embrace: the sure salvation you have willed!
With my own eyes I see the lamp of glory giv’n to Israel,
The light for nations lost; the peace that makes your wounded people well.
Glory and praise, blest Trinity, dear Father, Holy Spirit, Son,
Your light no darkness overtakes, while endless ages ever run!
EASTER
Kyrie
Meter: 7 7 7 7 and Alleluias
Tune: Llanfair, “Christ the Lord is Ris’n today! Alleluia!”
A: In Thy peace, we pray to Thee. C: Lord, have mercy on us.
A: For our life and unity, C: Christ, have mercy on us.
A: For the world, for this dear place, C: Lord, have mercy on us.
A: For Thy all-sufficient grace, C: Lord, have mercy. Amen.
Hymn of Praise
Meter: Peculiar
Tune: In Dir Ist Freude, “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!
Nicene Creed
Meter: 10 10 10 10 10
Tune: American Hymn, “Blessing Honor and Glory and Power”
Thrice Holy, mighty and immortal Lord,
God in three persons, confessed and adored.
Father, you spoke: by your might and your grace,
All things, all creatures, all time, and all space,
Burst into being, and were giv’n their right place.
Lord Jesus Christ, God the Father’s dear Son,
Only-begotten, with him you are one.
True God from God, endless light from true light,
Worlds sprang from you, O Word who spoke them aright.
In you we live and move and take our delight.
For us, to save and to redeem us, your bride,
Spirit- and Virgin-born, come to our side.
Flesh of our flesh, under Pilate you died:
Risen, ascended to your Father’s right side,
You shall return as Judge and King, glorified.
Life-giving Spirit, come from Father through Son,
Holy and glorious, with them you are one.
Advocate, Comforter, Guide, God’s own Breath,
You spoke through prophets; you bring life out of death.
You form the Church throughout the world in it breadth!
Built on the Rock, that Church confesses the faith
Professed by martyr, apostle, and saint.
One in our baptism, bride of our Lord,
Heirs of his Kingdom, forgiven, restored,
By us forever will God’s name be adored!
OR
Meter: 8 8 8, with Alleluias
Tune: Victory, “The Strife is O’er”
Refrain, before first and after last 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 God and Lord: 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!
Lamb of God
Meter: CM, 8 6 8 6
Tune: Dundee, “My God, How Wonderful Thou Art”
OR Winchester Old, “When All Your Mercies, O My God”
Lord Jesus Christ, God’s blessed Lamb,
True man, yet great I AM.
Our sins you take, slain for our sake.
Have mercy, Lord on us.
O risen Christ, our Lamb and Lord,
By heav’n and earth adored,
Victorious over sin and death,
Have mercy, Christ, on us.
O Christ, our Lamb and Priest and King,
Forgiveness to us bring.
Let hatred cease, let love increase;
Grant mercy, Lord, and peace.
Sanctus
Meter: 11 10 10 11
Tune: Noel Nouvelet, “Now the Green Blade Rises”
Holy, holy, holy, God of power and might,
Heav’n and earth are glorious with your splendid light.
“Hosanna!” angels cry; “hosanna!” we reply;
All creation sings hosanna in the heights!
Blessed is our Savior, bearing God’s own Name,
Coming to redeem us from our guilt and shame.
Glad, now we stand and see him face to face,
Shouting our hosannas, saved by his dear grace!
Nunc Dimittus
Meter: LM, 8 8 8 8
Tune: Old Hundredth, “Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow”
Or Mendon, “Thee We Adore, Eternal Lord!”
Lord, let your servant go in peace, your faithful Word you have fulfilled.
This Word made flesh I now embrace: the sure salvation you have willed!
With my own eyes I see the lamp of glory giv’n to Israel,
The light for nations lost; the peace that makes your wounded people well.
Glory and praise, blest Trinity, dear Father, Holy Spirit, Son,
Your light no darkness overtakes, while endless ages ever run!
OR
Meter: LMD, Long Meter Doubled, 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
Tune: He Leadeth Me, “He Leadeth Me, O Blessed Thought”
Note: this is identical to the one above, except it uses the last verse as a refrain.
Lord, let your servant go in peace, your faithful Word you have fulfilled.
This Word made flesh I now embrace: the sure salvation you have willed!
Refrain: Glory and praise, blest Trinity, dear Father, Holy Spirit, Son,
Your light no darkness overtakes, while endless ages ever run!
With my own eyes I see the lamp of glory giv’n to Israel,
The light for nations lost; the peace that makes your wounded people well.
Refrain: Glory and praise, blest Trinity, dear Father, Holy Spirit, Son,
Your light no darkness overtakes, while endless ages ever run!
