Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, March 29, 2026, Palm/Passion Sunday

Sola/LSB: John 12:12-19 (Triumphant entry into Jerusalem)

            RCL/ELW: Matthew 21:1-11 (Triumphant entry into Jerusalem)

All: Isaiah 50:4-9a (The Lord vindicates his servant)

All: Psalm 31:9-16 (Deliver me from my tormentors!)

All: Philippians 2:5-11 (Christ humbled himself, even to death. Every knee shall bow!)

All: 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.)

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!)

OR, if you observe this as Palm Sunday only, Prepare the Royal Highway,

LBW #26, ELW #264, LSB #343

Communion Hymn 1: O Lord, How Shall I Meet You: LBW #23, ELW #241, LSB #334

Communion Hymn 2: Beneath the Cross of Jesus: LBW #107, LSB #338

OR Your Only Son, No Sin to Hide: ELW #336, LSB #550

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

OR Lift High the Cross: LBW #377, ELW #660, LSB #837

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Let us pray for the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood you have redeemed the whole world and drawn all people to yourself. We praise and adore you for your great sacrifice and love. We beseech you to bestow these holy gifts to all whom we lift before you now in prayer.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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.

Lord, in your mercy, 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.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem all who seek to walk the hard path of discipleship. Through their willingness to take up their cross and follow you, draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem those who stand in harm’s way on our behalf. Establish through their labors places of safety and calm; and there draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem your people who walk through dark valleys of suffering, sorrow, and death. Bring healing, rest, and comfort to them and to all who care for them Hide them in the shadow of your wings, and draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, you have saved and redeemed those who have died trusting your promises. Now keep us steadfast in faith, patient in suffering, generous in service, and loving in fellowship, until you have drawn all people to yourself and have bestowed upon all the redeemed the fullness of your forgiveness, blessing, and eternal life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, O blessed Savior, according to the mercy and favor you have for your people. Amen.

Scripture: John 3:1-17

Script: 

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three…Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning everyone! Hey, Pastor! Guess what?

Pastor: Oh boy. Here we go.

Sammy: Guess what!

Pastor: What happened, Sammy?

Sammy: There are new babies coming to our farm!

Pastor: There are? That’s great news!

Sammy: I found out from Farmer John that we have lambs, baby goats, chicks, piglets, and foals coming soon.

Pastor: That’s a lot of babies.

Sammy: Yes it is. I am excited but a little nervous, too. It’s been a while since I’ve been around little baby animals. What do you think I could do to help with the new babies? You guys seem like you know how to take care of animal and human babies.

Pastor: Boys and girls, what is it like to have a new baby around? What are some things Sammy can do to help with the new babies on the farm?

[Allow time for responses]

Sammy: These are great answers. I am going to try my best to help Farmer John with the new animal babies on the farm. I cannot wait to meet them–they are going to be so cute!

Pastor: Sammy, speaking of babies, Jesus is talking in the Gospel today about being born again.

Sammy: That’s silly, Pastor. We can only be born once.

Pastor: Not according to Jesus.

Sammy: He knows better than me, but can you please explain how someone can be born again?

Pastor: Well, first we are born as babies. Our mamas give birth to us. And then we are born again when we are baptized into the family of God.

Sammy: Oh so it’s like we are born two times!

Pastor: Exactly! We are born to our mamas, and then we are born by the Spirit.

Sammy: Why do we need to be born again by the Spirit?

Pastor: God loved us so much that he sent Jesus to die for our sins so that we could be saved. We all sin, but Jesus didn’t come to tell us we are bad, he came to earth to rescue us because he loves us. When we say we believe in Jesus and we are baptized into Jesus’s family, we are born again by the Spirit.

Sammy: That’s a gift, Pastor.

Pastor: Yes it is, Sammy. Let’s pray together. Can everyone please fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, thank you for baptism. Thank you for new life in you. Thank you for rescuing us. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Matthew 4:1-11

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three…Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning everyone!

Pastor: Hey Sammy, how are you doing?

Sammy: I am ready for Spring, Pastor.

Pastor: I am, too, but we still have several more weeks of Winter. 

Sammy: We do. I know.

Pastor: Wouldn’t it be great if we could just melt all the snow?

Sammy: Yes it would.

Pastor: And wouldn’t it be great if we could just have warm spring breezes and sunshine?

Sammy: I would really like that. And fresh grass, too! But you, know, Pastor, winter has a purpose and the seasons are a part of God’s plan for creation.

Pastor: That’s right, Sammy. 

Sammy: I mean, as much as I would love to have new spring grass and feel the warm sun on my wool, I am going to try my best to enjoy the last few weeks of winter.

Pastor: Great perspective, Sammy. It’s tempting, though–to just think about willing winter away. 

Sammy: What does tempting mean?

Pastor: Tempting means that you feel pressure to do something that you shouldn’t do.

Sammy: Oh you mean like eat extra oats out of the oat bin?

Pastor: Yes.

Sammy: Or go in the Pastor’s office and hide somewhere and yell, “Surprise!”

Pastor: Definitely.

Sammy: Or let a whole bunch of mice in the church?

Pastor: Sammy, let’s focus. You know, Jesus was tempted, too.

Sammy: Did he want spring to come, too?

Pastor: No, Sammy. Jesus is fully God and fully man, and he felt hungry, just like we do.

Sammy: I understand that. I’m always hungry. 

Pastor: Being hungry is okay, but because Jesus is the Son of God, he was tempted to make his own food.

Sammy: Well, there’s nothing wrong with that. Men can make food, too, Pastor. I know you can cook–I’ve been to your house. 

Pastor: That’s not what I mean, Sammy. Jesus was tempted to turn stones into bread.

Sammy: Stones? Like rocks on the ground?

Pastor: Yes.

Sammy: That’s silly. Why would he do that?

Pastor: Jesus is God–he is Lord of Creation and can do anything. But he was asked by someone to turn stones into bread so he could prove who he is. 

Sammy: Why would Jesus need to prove he is God? All throughout scripture, people who encounter him just know by the power of the Holy Spirit. They trust him, and they believe.

Pastor: And that’s what we are called to do today, too. We are called to believe in Jesus. 

Sammy: How did Jesus stop being tempted?

Pastor: That’s a great question, Sammy. We all are tempted to do wrong things. Jesus gave us a great example of how to resist temptation: He quoted scripture. 

Sammy: That’s why it’s important to know your Bible verses.

Pastor: Indeed it is. Boys and girls, will you please fold your hands and bow your heads to pray with me? Dear Jesus, thank you for coming to earth to rescue us. We praise you and we love you. Thank you for helping us stay strong when we are tempted to do wrong. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three…Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning everyone! Pastor, I have a question.

Pastor: Okay Sammy. Go ahead. 

Sammy: So the apostles go up the mountain with Jesus right? 

Pastor: Yes they do Sammy.

Sammy: And when they get to where Jesus was, they saw Jesus in all his glory with Moses and Elijah. 

Pastor: You are on track so far. 

Sammy: And then they hear the voice of God. 

Pastor: Sammy, are you just going to recite the passage we just read or are you going to ask me your question?

Sammy: Excuse me pastor, but I said I had a question.

Pastor: I’ll be quiet now Sammy. 

Sammy: If the apostles saw Jesus in all of his glory. Why were they afraid of Jesus? 

Pastor: Well Sammy, Seeing God is quite the scary thing. 

Sammy: It is? 

Pastor: Yes it is, even when Angels come to see people on earth. The first thing they tell them is be not afraid. 

Sammy: Why is that. 

Pastor: Because just seeing an angel is very different than anything else in this world. Seeing God is even scarier. When Israel reached Mt. Siani, God set a whole mountain on fire, and blew trumpets. As said anyone that approached him on the mountain, without being called up like Moses was, would die from the sight of God. Once the apostles heard God’s voice. They thought their life was in danger. 

Sammy: But why would they be afraid of dying just by seeing God? I thought that would be a good thing. 

Pastor: It would be a good thing, but because we sin and do bad things. We can’t look at God. We can’t even approach him. Because sinners cannot approach God. 

Sammy: But how do we approach God then?

Pastor: Because Jesus died and rose again Sammy. Jesus died to forgive our sins so we could be with God again. Just like our first parents were: Adam and Eve. 

Sammy: Oh I see pastor. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection was all about reconciling God and humanity. And because Jesus died and rose from the dead. We don’t have to be afraid. 

Pastor: Exactly Sammy. I hope I answered your question Sammy. 

Sammy: You did Pastor.  

Pastor: Let’s pray everyone. Dear Jesus, thank you for coming down from heaven and living on earth. Thank you for revealing yourself to us so we can approach God without fear. We love you. Amen. 

Scripture

Matthew 5:13-20

Script: 

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three…Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning everyone!

Pastor: How are you doing today, Sammy?

Sammy: I am doing great! Today we are talking about salt. I know all about salt. There is a ton of it outside.

Pastor: What do you mean, Sammy?

Sammy: There’s salt all over the sidewalks and parking lot here at church. Haven’t you seen it, Pastor?

Pastor: Yes I have. It’s a special kind of salt that helps melt the snow and ice. We don’t eat it.

Sammy: Oh. That’s good to know.

Pastor: You tasted it, didn’t you?

Sammy: Yep.

Pastor: Boys and girls, we put a special salt for eating on our food. The salt on the ground outside is not good to eat, but salt that your parents and grandparents give you is good to eat. I have some salt with me here. Let’s talk about it. What are some things you notice about it?

[Allow time for responses]

Sammy: What kinds of foods do you put salt on? 

Pastor: I put salt on every dinner cooked at home.

Sammy: Do your dinners need salt? Aren’t they just fine the way they are?

Pastor: Yes they are wonderful.

Sammy: Boys and girls, what kinds of foods do you put salt on?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: Talking about salt is really important. We all eat and use salt. Jesus is talking about salt and how his followers need to be the salt of the earth. 

Sammy: What does that mean?

Pastor: That means that we need to go into the world and spread the good news that Jesus is Lord. We are called to love God and each other.

Sammy: That’s a big job.

Pastor: Yes it is, but there are a lot of us, and we have the power of the Holy Spirit to help us and to guide us.

Sammy: Every time I eat salt, I’ll be thinking of Jesus calling us to be the salt of the earth.

Pastor: Wonderful, Sammy. Boys and girls, will you please fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, help us to be the salt of the earth. Help us to share your message with everyone we meet. Thank you for being Lord and Savior of our lives. We love you. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12

Script:

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three…Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning everyone!

Pastor: Sammy, today we have scripture from the Gospel of Matthew.

Sammy: Yes, it’s one of my favorites: The Bee-Attitudes.

Pastor: The what?

Sammy: The Bee-Attitudes. You know, like honey bees, and bumblebees, and carpenter bees, and not like wasps or hornets or yellow jackets or anything like that.

Pastor: Here we go again.

Sammy: All right everyone! Can everyone help me with the Bee-Attitudes? Can you buzz like a bee? 

[Allow children time to buzz like bees]

Sammy: That was really good. But let’s do that again, but louder. Ready?

[Allow children to buzz like bees]

Sammy: Great job! That’s just the warm-up!

Pastor: Sammy, I don’t think you understand what Jesus is talking about.

Sammy: Of course I do, Pastor! We just had to warm up. Okay everyone! Are you ready for the next part?

Pastor: I can only imagine…

Sammy: Repeat after me: Be comforted. Be filled. Be merciful. Be pure. Be peaceful. Let’s try again. Ready? Be comforted. Be filled. Be merciful. Be pure. Be peaceful. Great job! See, Pastor. These are the Bee Attitudes.

Pastor: Oh I get it. The Beatitudes. Jesus is teaching us about who is and what he does. He is merciful in his forgiveness. He mourns over our sins and comforts us in our guilt. He is pure in heart and he makes peace between us and God.  What he is saying helps us to know how much he loves us. Even though we fall short of his love. People hearing these words for the first time would be surprised. 

Sammy: Why’s that? 

Pastor: Jesus says that those who are sad will be comforted. The meek will inherit the earth. The pure in heart will see God.

Sammy: These are big promises.

Pastor: Yes they are. They are promises that are filled by Jesus. He loves each one of us, and his love is a gift.

Sammy: The Bee-Attitudes are fun. Can everyone buzz with me one more time?

Pastor: Great job, little bees. Let’s say a prayer and then you can buzz like a bee back to your seats. Let’s fold our hands and bow our heads. Dear Jesus, Thank you for teaching us how to live. Thank you for helping us with our Bee-Attitudes. We love you and praise your name. Amen.

Sammy: Buzzzzzz.

Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, March 22, 2026, A, 5th Sunday in Lent

All: Ezekiel 37:1-14 (The valley of dry bones)

All: Psalm 130 (Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord)

Sola/LSB: Romans 8:1-11 (The life-giving Spirit)

                RCL/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)

All: 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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Let us lift our hearts and voices to the Lord in prayer, that he would be merciful to his people.

A brief silence

Lord, we live in a valley of deathly shadows. Thank you for Jesus, who calls us by name from our tombs. Help us to firmly believe that his is our Resurrection and our Life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Breathe your Spirit upon your Church. Make it the living body of Jesus in the world. In Word and Sacrament, and by deeds of mercy and forgiveness, let it share your life and grace with all who are held captive to sin, evil and death.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Breathe your Spirit upon your persecuted servants throughout the world. Revive their faith and knit them into an undying fellowship with Jesus and with one another. By their courageous witness and their patient suffering, glorify your Name and turn many hearts to repentant faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Breathe your Spirit upon all missionaries, pastors, and theologians. By their faithful preaching and acts of charity, grant life and salvation to those who walk in the valley of the shadow of death.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Breathe your Spirit upon this congregation, so that our worship, words, and deeds abound with the fruits of that Spirit. Fill us with Jesus, and give us grace to share his life with everyone we meet.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Breathe your Spirit upon all to whom death draws near, especially those who die alone or unloved. Grant them serenity, faith, and reconciliation with you and with family. Bless them with the mercy and grace promised by your Son to any who will receive him. Give a double portion of your Spirit to hospice workers and to all who care for the dying.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Breathe your Spirit upon all who lead the nations, especially our own. Fill them with wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, fear of the Lord; and joy in doing your will. Help them work for the welfare of their people. Give your grace and peace to us all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Breathe your Spirit upon all who risk their lives to defend life and liberty. Keep them faithful, true, and bold. Shield and direct them in perilous situations. Raise and heal them when they fall. Deliver them into a place of safety when their task has ended.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Breathe your Spirit upon all who all who suffer, including: {List}. As Jesus raised up Lazarus from death, we beseech you, raise up these dear and restore them to their loved ones.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy and gracious Father, thank you for calling your faithful servants by name, out of death and into your eternal life. Breathe your Spirit upon us, for we are still troubled by the sin, death, and the devil. Give us grace to comfort, encourage, and help each other along life’s road. Grant us faith to confess your Son as the Resurrection and the Life, the One who has come into the world to bring us salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Into your hands, gracious Father, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, March 15, 2026, A, 4th Sunday in Lent

Sola/LSB: Isaiah 42:14-21 (I will lead the blind by paths they don’t see)

                RCL/ELW: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 (Samuel anoints David)

Sola/LSB: Psalm 142 (I cry to the Lord, for I have been brought very low)

                RCL/ELW: Psalm 23 (The Lord is my shepherd)

All: Ephesians 5:8-14 (Once you were in darkness; now walk as children of the light)

All: 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

OR O Son of God, in Galilee: LBW #426, LSB #841 (Both tunes are fairly easy, but if they’re not familiar, use tune for “O God, Our Help in Ages Past.”)

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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Let us lift our hearts and voices to the Lord in prayer, that he would be merciful to his people.

A brief silence

Father, thank you for the light of sun, moon, stars, streetlights, candles, and lamps. Thank you for these “created lights” that bear witness to the true and uncreated Light, your Son, Jesus Christ. Lead us, even when eyes fail and earthly lights grow dim, to his kindly light, which no darkness can overcome.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heal the blindness of your Church. Give it eyes to see its own sin, and to repent. Give it eyes to see the world’s sins, and to offer your forgiveness to any who will receive it. Give it eyes to see the plight of all who are afflicted by sin, death, and the devil, and to proclaim your redemption, given through the Passion of your dear Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heal the blindness of those who hate the followers of Jesus, and of all who turn a blind eye to their plight. Grant that the words and actions of all who suffer on account of Christ may inspire their enemies to repent and believe in you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give clear sight and strong faith to missionaries, seminarians and their professors, pastors, and all of Jesus’ apprentices. Through their labors, lead many who are spiritually blind to Jesus for healing.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heal any spiritual blindness in this congregation. Give us eyes to see Jesus in one another. For his sake, help us love even people we don’t yet like. Give us eyes to see new opportunities for serving you. As we become braver in sharing our faith, make us lamps shining with Jesus’ love for everyone we encounter.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let your healing, blessing, and grace rest upon the blind and deaf, and those with impaired senses of touch, taste, balance, or movement. Give them strength and courage. Sharpen the perception of their other senses. Surround them with people whose respect and encouragement leads them to greater faith in you, their light and their life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heal the blindness of the nations, and all who are in positions of authority. Give them eyes to seek your will, and hearts and hands to do it. Give them eyes to see injustice, deceit and cruelty, and the strength and courage to combat them. Make each of us into children of your light, living in faith toward you and with fervent love toward one another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

As your dear Son healed the man born blind, we pray that he would also bring healing, light, hope, and faith to everyone who suffers from any affliction, including: {List}. Lift them up from pain, sorrow, fear, or grief. And give them the joy of your saving help, now and always.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you, dear Father, for receiving into your greater light and into your eternal life, our beloved dead. Deal mercifully with those shadowed by grief. We pray: Lord, let us receive our sight, so that day by day, we see you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly. Lead us, with all who have redeemed by the merits of your Son, to heaven, there to gaze on his fair beauty forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Into your hands, gracious Father, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, March 8, 2026, A, 3rd Sunday in Lent

All: Exodus 17:1-7 (Israelites murmur against God, who gives water from the rock)

All: Psalm 95: (We are the people of God’s pasture; don’t be like those who murmured!)

All: Romans 5:1-8 (9-11) (Justified by faith in Christ, we have peace with God through

                him, who died for the ungodly)

All: 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 Christ, the Word of God Incarnate: LSB #540, v. 1-3 Fairly familiar Early American tune. Just wonderful words. Verse 2 especially goes with the Gospel reading)

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)

1. 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.

2. 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 2^nd ELW tune is “Kingsfold,” 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: How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds: LBW #345, ELW #620, LSB #524

OR Eat This Bread: WOV #709, ELW #472 (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!)

Glorious Things of You are Spoken: LSB #648

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

***

Let us lift our hearts and voices to the Lord in prayer, that he would be merciful to his people.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus, your living water. Sometimes we don’t realize how thirsty we are. Sometimes what we drink makes us even thirstier. Thank you that Jesus quenches our thirst for your goodness, love, forgiveness, and life, by filling us with Himself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church a place where your living water flows. Use it to quench the thirst, heal the hearts, and cleanse the souls of people dying for lack of your love. May it always share your holy Word so that many may hear, and come to believe, that your Son is the Savior of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray on behalf of our persecuted sisters and brothers. Fulfill in them the Apostle’s words: that suffering produces endurance; endurance produces character; character produces hope; and hope does not put them to shame, because God’s love has been poured into their hearts through the Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Jesus said the fields are ripe for the harvest. Therefore we pray: Call, equip, and send new pastors and evangelists to preach the Good News. Make each of us disciples “on a mission with you” to eagerly share the Living Water with thirsty souls in our communities.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on this congregation. Make us people eager to worship you in spirit and in truth; to care for one another with gentle hearts; and to share the living water of your Son with everyone we know.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for everyone who makes clean water available throughout the world. Grant that all who benefit from the pure and refreshing waters of this life may also be drawn to the Living Water of eternal life, Jesus Christ your Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Have mercy on our nation, its leaders, and its people. Although we are all sinful and rebellious, save us, we pray, from our folly. Give us hearts that delight in your law, and wills set to obey it. Remove from us the spirit of discord and strife, and crown us with the blessing of your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Refresh and heal with your Living Water everyone burdened with suffering and sorrow, including: { List}. Give them renewed strength, deep peace, strong hope, and abiding faith in your compassion.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, with reverence and affection, we entrust our beloved dead into your care. Wipe away the tears all who mourn. Refresh us with your Word and Sacraments as we pass through death’s valleys. Help us to encourage one another; to rejoice even though suffering; to cultivate good character; to live in hope; and to lean on your promises. Speed the day when, in Spirit and in truth, the whole company of the redeemed will worship you, and acclaim your Son as the Savior of the world, our Lord and our God.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Into your hands, gracious Father, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

March 1, 2026, 2nd Sunday in Lent

Sola/LSB: Genesis 12:1-9 (God calls Abram, promises land and offspring)

                RCL/ELW: Genesis 12:1-4a

All: Psalm 121 (From whence does my help come? The Lord, who will watch over you)

All: Romans 4:1-8, 13-17 (The promises to Abraham came through the righteousness

                of faith, not works of law)

All: 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 (If LBW or LSB tune is unfamiliar, take ELW’s suggestion and use Rockingham Old, tune 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

***

Let us lift our hearts and voices to the Lord in prayer, that he would be merciful to his people.

A brief silence

Dearest heavenly Father, we know John 3:16 by heart. Thank you for its truth. You do so love the world! You gave your only Son! We have everlasting life, not death! Thank you for your love. By your Spirit, let our lives reflect that love – to you, and to people who don’t yet know your love or believe your Word.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let the wind of your Spirit blow through your Church. Breathe your life and love through it, to revive everyone who is wounded and dying from the assaults of the sin, death, and the devil. Make the Church your “wounded healer,” able to draw broken and sinful people close to Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep watch over our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world when they cry to you for help. Preserve them from every evil. Grant repentance, forgiveness, and new life to their tormentors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Nicodemus, a teacher in Israel, needed the challenge, wisdom, and words of life that only Jesus could give. Grant that all who seek to be pastors, teachers, and theologians should always sit at Jesus’ feet. Fill them with his Spirit. Make them truth-filled teachers and trustworthy guides to everyone in their care.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill this congregation with the Holy Spirit, so that day by day, our hearts, minds, words, and works are reborn as instruments of your will. Use us to bring your redeeming love to those who need it most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for travelers, immigrants, and refugees. Protect them from cruel traffickers, false promises, and deadly dangers. We also pray for those who strive to keep our nation safe from those who abuse our hospitality and endanger the innocent.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Teach and guide the leaders of all nations, especially our own. Help them prefer integrity and wisdom to the allure of power or popularity. Make them watchful and protective toward those entrusted to their care. Guide them in paths of justice and righteousness, and help us all to walk in those paths.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the shield and strength of those who risk their lives on our behalf. Do not let their foot be moved. Deliver them from evil. Use them to bring safety and help in dangerous situations. Restore them to their loved ones when their task is done. Grant honor to the fallen, healing to the wounded, and peace to all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Watch over everyone who endures pain, sorrow, fear, doubt, loneliness, or despair, including: {List}. Be their shade and shelter. Give hope to their hearts, health to their bodies, confidence to their minds, and faith to their souls.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, thank you for embracing our beloved dead in your everlasting arms. Keep us steadfast in faith. Guide us through this “barren land.” Feed us with the Bread of Heaven. Be our strength and shield. When we tread the verge of Jordan, bid our anxious fears subside. By the Cross of Jesus, land us safe on Canaan’s side. Fill us with songs and praises that, with all the redeemed, we sing to you forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Into your hands, gracious Father, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.