“But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He told you.’”  They went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had gripped them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid” (Mark 16:7-8).

They were afraid.  The Lord has done something not expected and they did not know how to react.  How often is this pattern of this world so ingrained in us that we will not believe what we have been told by the Lord?  Fear shuts our mouths and we do not speak.  The joy of the resurrection is so great that we should be shouting about it.  Instead. we flee, trembling and afraid.

Lord, what seems impossible to us is the very thing which gives us hope.  I would like to think that I would not have reacted that way, but I probably would have.  Teach me, so that when You do what seems impossible to me, I react with faith and not fear.  There is much to fear in this world and my mind races to those fear places.  Help me to abide in Your peace which surpasses all understanding.

Lord Jesus, You did exactly what You said You would do.  On the third day You, the true temple, were raised.  What the world means to destroy, You resurrect, making all things new.  Help me to learn how to trust You above all things.  Guide me in Your goodness and grace so that I live into the life You have set before me.  Lead me to react with faith and not fear.  Grant that I become calm and accepting of Your continual presence.  Amen.

 

 

The 2^nd Half of the Season of Pentecost, Cycle A

September 13 – November 22, 2026

 

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)

 

Please note, I’ve done some updates to the format to make things as user friendly as I can – given that I’m using two lectionaries and four hymnals….

 

Some hymn translations/versions are superior in LSB. There are some great hymns in LSB that aren’t available in the other hymnals (I try to include an alternative from ELW, 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. Additionally, in ELW, some familiar hymns have been significantly altered, which I try to note. ELW also has some fine hymns not available in the other hymnals, or sometimes has 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 the LSB/Missouri Synod rendition of RCL. I also include the lessons from the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) found in ELW and used in most Augsburg/Fortress inserts. It often overlaps the Sola/LSB calendar lectionary, but when there are differences, I will note them. I denote things as RCL/ELW and SOLA/LSB, indicating where they’re most commonly found.

 

Green Sundays after Pentecost/Holy Trinity this year are Proper 5, 6, 7, etc., in Sola/LSB. They’re designated “Lectionary 10, 11, 12” in RCL/ELW this year, and though there’s a reason, I’m not going to explain that discrepancy! I’ll try to indicate where we are so you can reference things from the Sola liturgical calendar, the lectionaries in the front of ELW or LSB, or elsewhere. A reminder that the lectionary in the front of LBW is an older, first “go” at a three year lectionary. It’s got significant enough differences that I don’t reference it, and to my knowledge Augsburg-Fortress doesn’t support it. Reminder, very soon they won’t be providing LBW-specific materials at all. LBW is nearly 50 years old, after all!

 

I have added some seasonal liturgies 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.

 

For General/Green Season Use: A Brief Order of Confession and Holy Absolution

 

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.

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

 

For General/Green Season Use: The Gospel Acclamation (Spoken)

Alleluia. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of eternal life. Alleluia.

OR

Alleluia. Your Word, O Lord, is truth; consecrate us in the truth. Alleluia.

 

 

For General/Green Season Use: The Offertory Prayer

(Note: both are prayers of Ignatius Loyola!)

Let us pray. Lord, teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve you as you deserve; to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to ask for reward, save that of knowing that I do your will. Amen.

 

OR

 

Let us pray. Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will. All I have and call my own, You have given all to me; to you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace, for

that is enough for me. Amen.

 

For General/Green Season Use: The Great Thanksgiving and Proper Preface

 

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. For you are the source of light and life, you made us in your image, and called us to new life in Jesus Christ our Lord; who on the first day of the week overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of 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:

 

For General/Green Season Use: The Eucharistic Prayer

 

Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, with praise and thanksgiving. Recalling our Savior’s death, resurrection, and ascension, we pray that you would sanctify these gifts by your Holy Spirit, to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.

 

All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and forever. AMEN.

 

OR

 

And so, Father, we bring you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

On the night he was betrayed he took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread, and gave it to his friends, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

 

After supper, he took the cup of wine, gave thanks, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

 

Father, we now celebrate the memorial of your Son. By means of this holy bread and cup, we proclaim his death and resurrection, until he comes again. Gather us by this Holy Communion into one body in your Son Jesus Christ. Make us a living sacrifice of praise. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and forever. AMEN.

 

 

For General/Green Season Use: Post-Communion Prayer

Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members

of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

OR

Almighty and ever-living God, we thank you for feeding us with the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. Send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

September 13: 16^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 19, Lectionary 24)

 

 

ALL: Genesis 50:15-21 (Joseph forgives his brothers)

           

ALL: Psalm 103:1-13 (Bless the Lord, O my soul; he has not dealt with us according to our sins)

 

ALL: Romans 14:1-12 (Don’t quarrel with those weaker in faith over opinions;

whether we live or die, it’s unto the Lord)

 

ALL: Matthew 18:21-35 (Parable of the unforgiving servant)

 

********************

 

Opening Hymn: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (nice Psalm paraphrase):

LBW #543, ELW #858 Note: ELW #859 is a “re-translation”), LSB #790

 

OR (if you’re up for a challenging but dance-like tune and a paraphrase of the Psalm)

My Soul, Now Praise Your Maker: LSB #820

 

Hymn of the Day: Come Down, O Love Divine: LBW #508, ELW #804, LSB #501

 

OR Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us: LBW #424, ELW #707, LSB #851

 

Communion 1: I Lay My Sins on Jesus: LBW #305, LSB #606

 

OR Bread of Life, Our Host and Meal: ELW #464

 

OR Bless the Lord, O My Soul: WOV #798 (repeat as needed)

 

Communion 2: Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive: LBW #307, ELW #605, LSB #843

 

Closing Hymn: Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

 

 

September 20: 17^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 20, Lectionary 25)

OR St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist (transferred)

 

17 Pentecost/Proper 20:

 

SOLA/LSB: Isaiah 55:6-9 (Seek the Lord; he will abundantly pardon, his ways are not our ways)

            ELW/RCL: Jonah 3:10-4:11 (Jonah’s ticked at God’s mercy; God’s rejoinder)

 

SOLA/LSB: Psalm 27:1-9 (The Lord is my light and salvation, whom then shall I fear?)

           

ELW/RCL: Psalm 145:1-8 (Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised)

 

SOLA/LSB: Philippians 1:12-14, 19-30 (Paul’s imprisonment. To live is Christ, to die is gain; only live lives worthy of your calling in Christ)

           

ELW/RCL: Philippians 1:21-30 (Eliminates imprisonment)

 

ALL: Matthew 20:1-16 (Parable of the 11^th-hour workers in the vineyard)

 

*******

 

St. Matthew:

Ezekiel 2:8-3:11 (Eat the scroll, O prophet; speak my words to a rebellious people)

Psalm 119:33-40 (Teach me your statutes; lead me in the way of understanding)

Ephesians 2:4-10 (By grace you have been saved! Riches of God’s mercy show in Christ)

Matthew 9:9-13 (Call of Matthew; Jesus came for sinners, not righteous)

*******

The hymns work well for either celebration!

 

Opening Hymn: There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy: LBW #290, ELW #588

 

OR for a Hispanic paraphrase of Psalm 27, The Lord is My Light: LSB #723

 

OR Seek Where You May To Find A Way: LSB #557

 

Hymn of the Day: Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling: LBW #381, LSB #827

 

OR How Clear is Our Vocation, Lord (lovely, fairly familiar tune): LSB #853

 

Communion 1: For Me to Live is Jesus: LSB #742

 

OR O Jesus, I Have Promised: LBW #503, ELW #810

 

Communion 2: Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service: LBW #423, ELW #712, LSB #848

 

Closing Hymn: Lord of All Hopefulness: LBW #469, ELW #765, LSB #738

 

            OR Take My Life, That I May Be: LBW #406, ELW #583/685

Take My Life, and Let It Be: LSB #783/784

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

 

 

September 27: 18^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 21, Lectionary 26)

 

ALL: Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 (you are responsible for your own sins; turn from them and live!)

 

ALL: Psalm 25:1-10 (Lead me in your truth and teach me!)

 

SOLA/LSB: Philippians 2:1-18 (Be of one heart and mind – the mind of Christ; act without grumbling; be his lights in this broken world, that Paul may boast in you!)

 

ELW/RCL: Philippians 2:1-13 (Eliminates personal reference)

 

ALL: Matthew 21:23-32 (By what authority does Jesus act? Parable of two sons who act contrary to their words; which are you like?)

 

****************

 

Opening Hymn: (echoing Psalm) Lead Me, Guide Me: ELW #768, LSB #721

 

OR Renew Me, O Eternal Light: LBW #511, LSB #704

 

OR Come, Let Us Join Our Cheerful Songs: LBW #254, ELW #847, LSB #812

 

Hymn of the Day: Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word: LBW #230, ELW #517, LSB #655

 

OR O Master, Let Me Walk with You: LBW #492, ELW #818

 

Communion 1: Jesus Calls Us; O’er the Tumult: LBW #494, ELW #696

 

Communion 2: O God, My Faithful God: LBW #504, LSB #696

 

Closing Hymn: Strengthen for Service, Lord, the Hands: LBW #218, ELW #497

 

OR Look, O Look/Ye Saints, the Sight is Glorious (echoes epistle): LBW #156, LSB #495

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

 

 

October 4: 19^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 22, Lectionary 27)

 

ALL: Isaiah 5:1-7 (Love song about beloved vineyard turns to lament over its wild grapes)

 

SOLA/LSB: Psalm 80:7-19 (Come to the aid of your vineyard, against those who trample it!)

            ELW/RCL: Psalm 80:7-15

 

ALL: Philippians 3:4b-14 (My richest gains I count but loss because of surpassing excellence

of knowing Christ)

 

ALL: Matthew 21:33-46 (Parable of the wicked tenants in master’s vineyard)

 

*****************

 

Opening Hymn: Judge Eternal, Throned in Splendor: LBW #418

 

OR Built on A/The Rock the Church Shall Stand: LBW #365, ELW #652, LSB #645

 

OR As Saints of Old Their Firstfruits Brought: LBW #404 (aw heck. I hate when great hymns are set to bad or difficult tunes. Use “Forest Green,” the jaunty English folk melody used for “I Sing the Almighty Power of God.” That’s what is used in ELW #695!), ELW #695

 

Hymn of the Day: There in God’s Garden: WOV #668, ELW #342 (This is a great and noble hymn, magnificent words, majestic tune. If your folks don’t know it, teach it to them! Use it as a Hymn of the Month Club hymn! I’m serious. Do it. It’s up there with “In Christ Alone,” which if you can find it online, is also a wonderful hymn here.)

OR Ah, Holy Jesus: LBW #123, ELW #349

 

OR  Fruitful Trees, the Spirit’s Sowing: LSB #691

 

Communion 1: Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842

 

Communion 2:  When I Survey the Wondrous Cross: LBW #482, ELW #803, LSB #425/6

 

Closing Hymn: The Church’s One Foundation: LBW #369, ELW #654, LSB #644

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

October 11: 20^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 23, Lectionary 28)

 

Note: even if your practice isn’t to have weekly communion, you might want to make an exception today! 😉

 

ALL: Isaiah 25:6-9 (On God’s holy mountain, a feast of fat things; death shall be destroyed)

 

ALL: Psalm 23 (You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies)

 

SOLA/LSB: Philippians 4:4-13 (Rejoice in the Lord always; think on things excellent, honorable;

thanks for Philippians’ gift)

 

            ELW/RCL: Philippians 4:1-9, Stand fast in the Lord, rejoice, think on these things

 

ALL: Matthew 22:1-14 (The wedding feast…and its, er, substitute guest list)

 

********************

 

Opening Hymn: Arise, My Soul, Arise: LBW #516, ELW #827

 

OR Behold a/the Host, Like Mountains Bright/Arrayed in White:

LBW #314, ELW#425, LSB # 676

 

OR Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee: LBW #551, ELW #836, LSB #803

 

Hymn of the Day:  O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts: LBW #356, ELW #658

 

OR At the Lamb’s High Feast: LBW #210, ELW #362, LSB #633

 

OR O Living Bread From Heaven: LBW #197, ELW #542, LSB #642

 

OR The Feast is Ready: ELW #531

 

Communion 1: Come, Let Us Eat, For Now the Feast is Spread: LBW #214, ELW #491, LSB #626

 

Communion 2: Soul Adorn Yourself with Gladness: LBW #224, ELW #488/9, LSB #636

 

Closing Hymn: Thine the Amen, Thine the Praise: WOV #801, ELW #826, LSB #680

 

OR Sent Forth By God’s Blessing: LBW #221, ELW #547, LSB #643

 

 

 

*******

October 18: 21^st Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 24, Lectionary 29)

OR St. Luke, Evangelist

 

 

21 Pentecost/Proper 24:

ALL: Isaiah 45:1-7 (God anoints Cyrus on behalf of his Chosen People)

 

ALL: Psalm 96: 1-13 (Declare God’s glory among the nations, whose gods are worthless idols)

 

ALL: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 (Paul commends Thessalonians for turning from idols to Christ)

 

ALL: Matthew 22:15-22 (Render to Caesar, and to God, what is due each)

 

*******

Opening Hymn: All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name: LBW #328/9, ELW #634, LSB #549

 

OR Come, All You People: ELW #819

 

Hymn of the Day: Holy God, We Praise Your Name: LBW #535, ELW #414, LSB #940

 

OR We Give Thee But Thine Own: LBW #410, ELW #686, LSB #781

 

Communion 1: On My Heart Imprint Your Image: LBW #102, ELW #811, LSB #422

 

Communion 2: Take My Life, That I May Be: LBW #406, ELW #583, 685, LSB #783/4

 

Closing Hymn: Gracious God, You Send Great Blessings: LSB #782 (really nice hymn!)

 

OR God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending: LBW #408, ELW #678

                        Note: if tune is unfamiliar, sing it to “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”

 

                OR God, Whose Almighty Word: LBW #400, ELW #673, LSB #979

 

*******

 

 

 

St. Luke:

Isaiah 35:5-8 (Eyes opened, deaf hear, lame run, ransomed return)

Psalm 147:1-11 (Sing praise to the Lord who heals, forgives, ransoms, redeems)

2 Timothy 4:5-11 (Paul’s final instructions to Timothy; before his death, only Luke is with him)

Luke 10:1-9 (the 72 are appointed to preach, teach, heal, announce Kingdom)

*******

Opening Hymn: All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name: LBW #328/9, ELW #634, LSB #549

 

OR Hail to the Lord’s Anointed: LBW #87, ELW #311, LSB #398

 

Hymn of the Day: Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus: LBW #389, LSB #660

 

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

 

Communion 1: Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love: WOV #765, ELW #708, LSB #980

 

Communion 2: Take My Life, That I May Be: LBW #406, ELW #583, 685, LSB #783/4

 

Closing Hymn: By All Your Saints in Warfare/Still Striving:

LBW #178, v. 1, 19, 3; ELW #421, v. 1, 21, 3; LSB #518, v.1, 26, 3)

 

OR Oh, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing: LBW #559, ELW #886, LSB #528

 

 

 

 

October 25: Reformation Sunday

 

SOLA/LSB: Revelation 14:6-7 (Angel with eternal Gospel: fear God, give glory, hour of judgment)

            ELW/RCL: Jeremiah 31:31-34 (A new heart, engraved with God’s Word)

 

ALL: Psalm 46 (A mighty fortress is our God!)

 

ALL: Romans 3:19-28 (All have sinned, fallen short of God’s glory; but his righteousness is grasped by faith, not works)

 

ALL: John 8:31-36 (If the Son makes you free, you are free indeed)

 

******************

 

Opening Hymn: Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty: LBW #250, ELW #533, LSB #901

 

Hymn of Praise: All Glory Be to God on High: LBW #166, ELW #410, LSB #947

 

Hymn of the Day: Thy Strong Word Did Cleave the Darkness: LBW #233, ELW #511, LSB #578

 

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

 

Communion 2:  Now Thank We All Our God: LBW #534, ELW #839/840, LSB #895

 

Closing Hymn: A Mighty Fortress is Our God:

LBW #228/9, ELW #504 (note, #505 is a gender-neutral version), LSB #656/7

 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

 

November 1: All Saints’ Sunday

 

ALL: Revelation 7:9-17 (Behold a host, arrayed in white! Blessing and honor and glory and power be unto God and the Lamb!)

 

ALL: Psalm 34:1-10, 22 (O taste and see how gracious the Lord is; look upon him and be radiant;

the Lord ransoms the lives of his servants)

 

ALL: 1 John 3:1-3 (We are God’s children now; we shall be like Jesus, see him as he is)

 

ALL: Matthew 5:1-12 (The Beatitudes)

 

********************

 

Opening Hymn: For All the Saints: LBW #174, ELW #422 (note: it’s edited to be less martial), LSB #677

 

OR Blessing, Honor, Glory to the Lamb: ELW #433

 

Hymn of Praise: Blessing and Honor and Glory and Power: LBW #525, ELW #854

 

OR Alabare: WOV #791, LSB #799/800

 

OR Cantad Al Senor: WOV #795, ELW #822

 

Hymn of the Day: Behold the/a Host, Arrayed in White: ELW #425, LSB #676

Who Is this Host, Arrayed in White: LBW #314

 

OR Blest are They: WOV #764, ELW #728

 

Communion 1: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling: LBW #315, ELW #631, LSB #700

 

Communion 2: Thee We Adore, O Hidden Savior, Thee: LBW #199, LSB #640

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

 

Closing Hymn: Rejoice, O Pilgrim Throng: LBW #553, LSB #813

Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart: ELW #873/4

 

 

 

November 8: 24^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 27, Lectionary 32)

 

ALL: Amos 5:18-24 (Woe to those who desire the Day of the Lord! He despises your feasts

 and sacrifices; let justice, righteousness roll down like streams of water)

 

ALL: Psalm 70 (Let those who seek you find deliverance)

 

ALL: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (Do not grieve as those without hope; Christ will come with trumpet)

 

ALL: Matthew 25:1-13 (Parable of the wise and foolish virgins)

 

 

***************

 

Opening Hymn: Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers: LBW #25, ELW #244, LSB #515

 

Hymn of the Day: Wake, Awake, For Night is Flying: LBW #31, ELW #436 (funky translation warning!), LSB #516

 

Communion 1: Let Justice Roll Like Streams: WOV #763, ELW #717

 

OR Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise: LBW #526, ELW #834, LSB #802

 

Communion 2: My Lord, What a Morning: WOV #627, ELW #438, LSB #968

 

Closing Hymn: My Hope is Built on Nothing Less: LBW #293/4, ELW #596/597, LSB #575/6

 

OR Let Streams of Living Justice (great tune!): ELW #710

 

OR The Bridegroom Soon Will Call Us: LSB #514

 

 

 

 

November 15: 25^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 28, Lectionary 33)

 

ALL: Zephaniah 1:7-16 (The Day of the Lord: darkness and judgment for the complacent)

 

ALL: Psalm 90:1-12 (O God, our help in ages past! Teach us to number our days

and apply our hearts to wisdom)

 

ALL: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (Be sober, watchful – the Lord will come like a thief in the night;

therefore act as children of the day)

 

ALL: Matthew 25:14-30 (The parable of the servants given talents)

 

***************

 

Opening Hymn: O Worship the King, All-Glorious Above: LBW #548, ELW #842, LSB #804

 

OR Christ is Surely Coming: LSB #509

 

Hymn of the Day:  The Night Will Soon Be Ending (great words and tune!): LSB #337

 

OR (if preaching on Epistle): Rise, My Soul, to Watch and Pray: LBW #443, LSB #663

 

OR Take My Life, That I / and Let it Be: LBW #406, ELW #583(interesting Hispanic melody), 685; LSB #783/784 (another interesting tune!)

 

Communion 1: O God, Our Help in Ages Past: LBW #320, ELW #733 LSB #733

 

Communion 2: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light: WOV #649, ELW #815 LSB #411

 

Closing Hymn: Through the Night of Doubt and Sorrow: LBW #355, ELW #327

 

OR One Thing’s Needful; Lord, This Treasure: LSB #536, v. 1, 3-5

 

OR Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending: LBW #27, ELW #435, LSB #336

 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

November 22: Christ the King Sunday

 

ALL: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 (God himself will be King and Shepherd to his people)

 

ALL: Psalm 95:1-7a (The Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods)

 

ALL: Ephesians 1:15-23 (Glorious inheritance given those who believe in Christ,

whom the Father has exalted high above all rulers and authorities)

 

ALL: Matthew 25:31-46 (Parable of the Last Judgment and the sheep/goat divide)

 

*******************

 

Opening Hymn: O God Beyond All Praising: WOV #797, ELW #880

 

OR Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor: LBW #172, LSB #534, ELW #475

 

Hymn of the Day: Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us: LBW #424, ELW #707, LSB #851

 

OR O Christ, What Can It Mean for Us (familiar tune) (ELW #431)

 

OR Jesus Shall Reign: LBW #530, ELW #434, LSB #832

 

Communion 1: O Jesus, King Most Wonderful: LBW #537, LSB #554

 

            OR Rejoice, The Lord/ For Christ is King: LBW #171, ELW #430

 

Communion 2:  Beautiful Savior: LBW #518, ELW #838, LSB #537

 

Closing Hymn: Crown Him with Many Crowns: LBW #170, ELW #855, LSB #525

 

 

 

 

“Entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting at the right, wearing a white robe; and they were amazed.  And he said to them, “Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him” (Mark 16:5-6).

The Lord sends His messengers.  Things are not what we often imagine.  The Lord is not in the grave.  Our faith is built upon the fact that Christ has been raised from the dead.  If He lives, then we too shall live.  This singular truth is the hope we all have in Christ.  We were created to live in the Father’s presence forever.  Let this simple truth be the foundation of your trust and hope.

Holy Lord and God of salvation, the way of the world sneaks in and makes things so difficult.  In the utter simplicity of the truth of the resurrection, help me to build my faith upon the fact of the resurrection.  Guide me to do what You would have me do.  There are many ways in which this truth has been expressed, so help me to express this through my daily living.  You have revealed the truth of the ages through Your resurrection from the dead.  Help me to abide in the truth.

Lord Jesus, You are not some antiquated idea, long dead in the grave, but alive and active in our world.  You have called me to You and given me the hope and promise of the resurrection.  Lead me ever deeper into the mystery of all that this means.  Help me to form my life around You, the One who has redeemed me and called me to follow You in the grand adventure of faith.  Guide me now and always in the truth You have revealed.  Amen.

 

“They were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?”  Looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away, although it was extremely large” (Mark 16:3-4).

If you are going about your daily business and something is not as you expect, look for the hand of the Lord.  He shows up in our daily life.  He is interested in your day.  Do not ignore the signs He gives.  Yes, things can be amiss, but also the Lord does show up, so do not be deceived.  Go about your day, but trust that the Lord will be with You, preparing the way before you.

Lord, I often do not think in these terms.  I think of magnificent things happening when You are present, not just the ordinary things.  Yet, You have told me that You are with me always and will prepare the way before me.  Lead me so that I trust the truth that You are always with me.  Guide me to live into the life You have given me knowing that all things will work together for good because of Your love.

Lord Jesus, You were not in the tomb, and accomplished what the Father intended.  Let me not be swayed by momentary circumstances but know that You are always with me.  Guide me in the way of Your goodness and mercy so that I live in the Christ-life to which You have called me.  Lead me in this new life and help me to see those places You show me where You have prepared the way before me.  Amen.

 

“When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might come and anoint Him.  Very early on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen” (Mark 16:1-2).

No matter what happens in this world, we are called to do whatever needs to be done each day.  Whether it is preparing for a funeral or a feast, we should do what the day gives us to do.  If these women, whose hope had been shattered, could come and be respectful and do what tradition called for, cannot we do the same?  They did not know what the Lord was going to do, but they trusted anyway.

Lord, grant trust such that I would do what You give me to do today.  The world often seems so messed up that I cannot understand what is happening.  I am tempted to think that You are not present, but You are.  Help me to go about the tasks You give me to do, being faithful and living the life You have set before me.  Lead me into faithfulness.  Guide me in the way of becoming like Christ.

Lord Jesus, You were in the grave and tasted death.  It was a part of Your plan.  You know the plans You have for each one of us.  Lead me to humbly walk in the way You would have me go and guide me so that I look to You and do what You give me to do no matter what is happening around me.  Help me in the way of this new life You have given me and aid me to be faithful each step of the way.  Amen.

“Joseph bought a linen cloth, took Him down, wrapped Him in the linen cloth and laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out in the rock; and he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.  Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Joses, were looking on to see where He was laid” (Mark 15:46-47).

The purpose of every funeral is to honor God, the giver of all life, and the one whom the Lord has called home.  Learning to honor in a world that does not honor can be difficult.  We are called to live the life our Lord has given us and to grant honor where honor is due.  Just like Jesus, who was raised from the dead, the Lord often has surprises for us; but we are to continue doing what is right, even if we do not see where it is in the moment.

Lord, in the example of these faithful people, help me so that if I knew tomorrow were my last day, I would still do what is right for me to do today.  Change my thinking so that I trust You above every circumstance.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to see that all things truly are in Your hands and that You will do all that You have promised.  Grant me the gift of living in faith.

Lord Jesus, the faithful lost hope after Your crucifixion.  Your hope was and still is present; but in this world the circumstances are often overwhelming.  Lead me in the faith You have given me so that I trust in all that You have promised.  Help me to be diligent in the faith I have and do what You give me to do.  Lead me in the way of faithfulness and grant me courage to press on when I am in doubt.  Amen.  

 

“Pilate wondered if He was dead by this time, and summoning the centurion, he questioned him as to whether He was already dead.  And ascertaining this from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph” (Mark 15:44-45).

Pilate seemed to be a consummate politician.  Perhaps he asked himself if some kind of plot were being launched.  The world thinks in terms of intrigue.  Joseph wanted to honor the Lord and knew He was dead.  Let the world do what it will, but continue in the way of righteousness.  Do not be hindered by what others think, but be led by the guidance of the Holy Spirit in spite of what is happening around you.

Lord, help me to see that You have asked me to be faithful.  The world will do what it does.  There will be those who accuse but are themselves doing the very thing that they are accusing you of.  Lead me to look to You for all things knowing that You will lead me in the way of truth.  May I be Your willing servant and do what You give me to do each day, seeking to be faithful to the call You have given me.

Lord Jesus, the world thought You were finished.  The world was moving on.  The political intrigue continued, and Your faithful sought to be faithful.  Help me to live in their example and seek faithfulness no matter what is happening around me.  Guide me to live in the goodness and mercy You have given me by grace through faith knowing that You are the author and finisher of all history.  Lead me, Lord, to go where I need to go.  Amen.

 

“When evening had already come, because it was the preparation day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent member of the Council, who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God; and he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus” (Mark 15:42-43).

It is easy to overlook the courage it took for Joseph to come to Pilate.  Jesus had just been crucified for treason (according to the false charges).  There was great political intrigue, but in spite of these things, Joseph wanted to honor Jesus.  He risked his position and perhaps even his own life in order to do this.  What are we willing to risk for the truth which has been revealed?  Would we do what Joseph did?

Lord, I want to think I am bold and capable, but often I do not have the fortitude to stand firm for what is right, and I capitulate to those who hate You.  Grant fortitude that we may hold fast to the truth You have revealed and humbly walk in the way You set before us no matter what may come.  You have given us life in You, and nothing has more value than that.  Help all Your people of faith to learn how not to compromise the truth You have given us.

Lord Jesus, You suffered beyond my ability to comprehend.  You have done this so that I may live into the eternal life You have set before me.  Grant me courage where I need it in order that I may do what is right, no matter the fears that would hold me back.  Guide me to be willing to pay any price in order to remain in Your grace.  Lead me to be both humble and bold in the faith You have given me.  Amen.

 

“There were also some women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the Less and Joses, and Salome.  When He was in Galilee, they used to follow Him and minister to Him; and there were many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem” (Mark 15:40-41).

The women were there, but His disciples seemed to have fled.  Fear in this age often leads us in living a lie rather than living the truth of which has been revealed.  Our Lord knows.  He loves us in spite of our frailties, but we are not to stay living in fear.  No matter who encourages you, do not be held back by the fear of this age which is only momentary.  Jesus has conquered sin.  He has opened the way to being holy even as He is holy. So fear not!

Lord, this world will often ask, “What do you think?”  Who cares what I think?  You are the truth.  You have gone to the cross for all of the insane thinking of this world.  Lead me to live according to the word You have given me.  Guide me in the way of everlasting life which You have opened up for all who believe.  Help me according to Your purpose to do the Father’s will  in and through me.

Lord Jesus, there are too many times when I have not fully  lived in the new life You have given me.  I have been driven by the fears of this world.  Help me to hold fast to the truth which You have revealed, the life You have made possible through Your death, and the hope that comes in your resurrection so that I may be guided by You and not by this world of rebellion.  Help me to follow You, minister to others, and abide in You, the One through whom I have true life.  Amen.

 

“And Jesus uttered a loud cry, and breathed His last.  And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.  When the centurion, who was standing right in front of Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:37-39)

The veil kept the Holy of Holies separate from all but the High Priest.  The veil was torn open.  God is now approachable by all who come through Christ.  It is a privilege granted by grace.  Jesus has done this so that we may come as we are into the Holy presence of the living God.  Not by our merit or strength, but through His goodness, we have been given the greatest gift of all.  Truly this man IS God.  He has come to lead the lost home.

Lord, You have opened the way of everlasting life.  You have come so that we who are dead in our trespasses may live into the life You created us to live.  We may not fully understand all that You have done, but the way has been cleared, and You have made possible what otherwise is impossible.  Lead us out of the rebellion which leads to death and into the light which shines in the darkness of this age.

Savior of all who come through faith, You have paid a price we cannot fathom to open the way for believers to enter into Your holy presence.  Lead me this day in holiness.  Guide me according to Your perfect will to see that in You is hope and an eternal future.  Help me to hear Your word, receive and accept all that You have shown me.  Lead me in the way of this new life which You have given me.  Amen.