The First Half of the Season of Pentecost, Cycle A

June 7, 2026 – September 6, 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

Let us pray. Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated unto

you; and then use us, we pray you, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

OR

 

Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we humbly offer to you the gifts of our treasures, talents, and time. Use them to you glory, and for the benefit of all your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 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.

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.

 

Or, after first paragraph above, continue:

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

June 7, 2026: 2^nd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 5, Lectionary 10

 

All: Hosea 5:15-6:6 (Israel’s superficial repentance, God’s frustration. God desires not sacrifice but steadfast love, knowledge of God)

 

Sola/LSB: Psalm 119:65-72: (You humbled me when I strayed from your commands. Teach me your way!)

            ELW/RCL: Psalm 50:7-15 (God wants not burnt offerings but the sacrifice of praise)

 

All: Romans 4:13-25: (God’s promise realized through faith like Abraham’s)

 

Sola/LSB: Matthew 9:9-13: (Call of Matthew. Jesus comes to call sinners!)

ELW/RCL: Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 (Ditto; also girl restored to life, woman healed)

 

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Opening Hymn: Give Me Jesus/ In the Morning When I Rise: WOV #777, ELW #770, LSB #976

 

            OR Dearest Jesus, At Your Word/We Are Here: LBW #248, ELW #520, LSB #520

 

Hymn of the Day: Chief of Sinners Though I Be: LBW #306, ELW #609, LSB #611

 

Communion Hymn #1: Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven: LBW #549, ELW #865, LSB #793

 

Communion Hymn #2: My Faith Looks Up to Thee: LBW #479, ELW #759, LSB #702

 

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

 

OR Rise, Shine, You People: LBW #393, ELW #665, LSB #825

 

 

 

 

 

June 14, 3^rd  Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 6, Lectionary 11

 

All: Exodus 19:2-8a (Obey my voice, be my treasured people)

 

All: Psalm 100 (Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!)

 

Sola/LSB: Romans 5:6-15 (While we were weak, Christ died for the ungodly. Though in Adam’s trespass all died, God’s grace abounds in Christ’s righteousness)

            ELW: Romans 5:1-8 (We rejoice in suffering, which leads to hope that doesn’t disappoint, for Christ died for us at the right time)

 

All: Matthew 9:35-10:8 (9-20) (Jesus calls, instructs, and sends out the Twelve)

 

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Opening Hymn: All People That on Earth Do Dwell: LBW #245, ELW #883, LSB #791

 

Hymn of the Day: Preach You the Word and Plant it Home: LSB #586

 

OR Spread, O Spread, Almighty Word: LBW #379, ELW #663

                        Spread the Reign of God the Lord, LSB #830

 

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

(use if you preach on Romans text)

 

Communion 1: I Love to Tell the Story: LBW #390, ELW #661

 

OR This Little Light of Mine: ELW #677

 

Communion 2: Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling: LBW 381, LSB #827

 

Closing Hymn: Guide Me Ever/O Thou Great Redeemer: LBW #343, ELW #618, LSB #918

 

OR Rise Up, O Saints of God: LBW #383, ELW #669

 

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June 21, 4th Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 7, Lectionary 12, Father’s Day

 

All: Jeremiah 20:7-13 (I must speak God’s Word, though I’m mocked for it)

 

Sola/LSB: Psalm 91:1-16 (God will deliver from snares, pestilence and evil)

            ELW/RCL: Psalm 69:7-18 (Zeal for your house has consumed me; save me from the mire)

 

Sola/LSB: Romans 6:12-23 (Having been delivered from slavery to sin, now be slaves to righteousness)

            ELW/RCL, Romans 6:1-11 (Baptized into Jesus’ death and resurrection)

 

Sola/LSB: Matthew 10:5, 21-33 (Jesus instructs disciples before their mission; fear the One who can destroy body and soul!)

            ELW/RCL: Matthew 10:24-39 (Disciple not above teacher, but you are of great value

to your Father. I have not come to bring peace but a sword.)

 

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Opening Hymn: On Eagles’ Wings: WOV #779, ELW #787, LSB #727

 

OR Herald, Sound the Note of Judgment: LBW #556, LSB #511

NOTE: If tune is unfamiliar, use the tune Regent Square, LBW #50, “Angels, From the Realms of Glory”

 

 

Hymn of the Day: O Master, Let Me Walk with You: LBW #492, ELW #818

 

OR Let Us Ever Walk With Jesus: LBW #487, ELW #802, LSB #685

 

Communion 1: Just as I Am, Without One Flea: LBW #296, LSB #570

 

Communion 2: Amazing Grace: LBW #448, ELW #779, LSB #744

 

Closing Hymn: Our Father, By Whose Name: LBW #357, ELW #640, LSB #863

 

OR O God of Mercy, God of Light/Might: LBW #425, ELW #714, LSB #852

 

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June 28, 5^th Sunday after Pentecost:  Proper 8, Lectionary 13

 

All: Jeremiah 28:5-9 (Would that the word of the prophet who speaks peace come to pass!)

 

Sola/LSB: Psalm 119:153-160 (Preserve my life from those who do not heed your law)

            ELW/RCL: Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18 (God’s covenant with David)

 

Sola/LSB: Romans 7:1-13 (We have died to Law in Christ; sin caused the Law to be death for us)

            ELW/RCL: Romans 6:12-23 (Delivered from slavery to sin, be slaves to righteousness)

 

Sola/LSB: Matthew 10:34-42 (I come not with peace but a sword; whoever doesn’t take up cross and follow isn’t worthy of Jesus, whoever gives cup of water in His name receives reward)

            ELW/RCL: Matthew 10:40-42 (Whoever welcomes you welcomes me)

 

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Opening Hymn: O God of Mercy, God of Light/Might: LBW #425, ELW #714, LSB #852

 

Hymn of the Day: Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus: LBW #389, LSB #660 (Even if your congregation , like mine, normally sits for the Hymn of the Day, GET EM ON THEIR FEETSES for this one!)

 

OR Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word: LBW #230, ELW #517, LSB #655

 

Communion 1: We Give Thee but Thine Own: LBW #410, ELW #686, LSB #781

 

Communion 2:  Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842

 

Closing Hymn: Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun: LBW #530, ELW #434, LSB #832

 

 

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July 5: 6^th Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 9, Lectionary 14, Independence Day Weekend

 

All: Zechariah 9:9-12 (Rejoice, daughter of Zion, your lowly King comes to you)

 

All: Psalm 145:1-14 (The Lord is gracious and full of compassion; all his works praise him)

 

All: Romans 7:14-25 (I don’t do the good I want to do; another law is at work in me!)

 

Sola/LSB: Matthew 11:25-30 (My yoke is easy, my burden light)

            ELW/RCL: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 (Jesus, friend of sinners; take my yoke…)

 

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Opening Hymn: Before You, Lord, We Bow: LBW #401, ELW #893, LSB #966

 

OR Hark, the Glad Sound: LBW #35, ELW #239, LSB #349

 

Hymn of the Day: I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say: LBW #497, ELW #332/611, LSB #699

NOTE: I know, nobody knows Lydian and Doric modes anymore, so the Tallis tune is tough  for many folks. The words, which are wonderful with the Gospel, can also be sung to the tune Kingsfold, and in ELW is specifically set to that melody at #611. The tune is commonly used for “My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness, Lord” (WOV #730) and is also used for hymns in LSB (#444, 846) and LBW (#391). Try it out!

 

OR Come to Me, All Pilgrims Thirsty: ELW #777

 

OR Come unto Me, Ye Weary: LSB #684

 

Communion 1:  Father Most Holy, Merciful and Tender: LBW #169, ELW #415, LSB #504

 

Communion 2: When Peace, Like a River, Attendeth My Way: LBW #346, ELW #785, LSB #763

 

OR One There Is, Above All Others: LBW #298

 

Closing Hymn: God of Our Fathers: LBW #567

 

OR America the Beautiful: ELW #888

 

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July 12: 7^th Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 10, Lectionary 15

 

All: Isaiah 55:10-13 (God’s Word does not return to him empty)

 

Sola/LSB: Psalm 65:1-13 (A song of praise for God’s bounty in nature)

            ELW/RCL: Psalm 65:1-13 (Happy are they whom you choose to live in your courts;

thanksgiving for the bounty of creation)

 

Sola/LSB: Romans 8:12-17 (Spirit bears witness to our adoption by God; we cry Abba, Father)

            ELW/RCL: Romans 8:1-11 (Mind set on the flesh can’t please God; but you are in the Spirit, and the life of Christ dwells in you)

 

All: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (Parable of the good seed on different soils)

 

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Opening Hymn: How Marvelous God’s Greatness: LBW #515 simple, singable tune!

           

OR This Is My Father’s World: LBW #554, ELW #824

 

Hymn of the Day: Sing to the Lord of Harvest: LBW #412, ELW #412, LSB #893

 

OR We Plow the Fields and Scatter: LBW #362, ELW #680 [more modern, Hispanic tune], #681 [traditional, German tune])

 

Communion 1: Children of the Heavenly Father: LBW #474, ELW #781, LSB #725

 

Communion 2: Now Thank We All Our God: LBW #533/4, ELW #839/40, LSB #895

 

Closing Hymn: On What Has Now Been Sown: LBW #261, ELW #550, LSB #921

 

OR Lord, Let My Heart Be Good Soil: WOV #713, ELW #512

 

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July 19: 8^th Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 11, Lectionary 16

 

All: Isaiah 44:6-8 (I am the first and last; beside me there is no god.)

 

Sola/LSB: Psalm 119:57-64 (I hasten to keep your commandments)

            ELW/RCL: Psalm 86:11-17 (Teach me your way; you are gracious and merciful,

slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love)

 

Sola/LSB: Romans 8:18-27 (Creation in travail; we groan, Spirit intercedes for us)

            ELW/RCL:  Romans 8:12-25 (At the right time Christ died for the ungodly; sin and death not like the free gift of forgiveness and life)

 

All: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 (Parable of the wheat and the weeds)

 

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Opening Hymn: Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading: WOV #687, ELW #401

 

OR Holy Spirit, Truth/Light Divine (if not used on Pentecost): LBW #257, ELW #398, LSB #496

 

Hymn of the Day: Come, You Thankful People, Come: LBW #407, ELW #693, LSB #892

 

Communion 1: Eternal Spirit of the Living Christ: LBW #441, LSB #769, ELW #402

 

OR Abide with Us, Our Savior: LBW #263, ELW #539

Abide, O Dearest Jesus: LSB #919

 

Communion 2: Great Is Thy Faithfulness: WOV #771, LSB #809, ELW #733

 

Closing Hymn: Savior, Again to Your/Thy Dear Name: LBW #262, ELW #534, LSB #917

 

OR My Hope is  Built on Nothing Less: LBW #293/294, ELW #596/597, LSB #575/576

 

OR Lead Me, Guide Me: ELW #768, LSB #721

 

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July 26: 9^th Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 12, Lectionary 17

 

Sola/LSB: Deuteronomy 7:6-9 (Israel chosen because of God’s love, not their deserving)

            ELW/RCL: 1 Kings 3:5-12 (Solomon asks for wisdom)

 

Sola/LSB: Psalm 125 (God stands round his people like the hills surrounding Jerusalem)

            ELW/RCL: Psalm 119:129-136 (Your words enlighten the simple; keep my steps steady

 in your precepts)

 

All: Romans 8:28-39 (Nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus)

 

Sola/LSB: Matthew 13:44-52 (Parable of the pearl of great price)

            ELW/RCL:  Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 (Mustard seed, yeast, pearl)

 

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Opening Hymn: I Love Your Kingdom, Lord: LBW #368, LSB #651

 

OR Praise, Praise! You are the Rock: ELW #862

 

OR Alleluia! Sing to Jesus, v. 1-3: LBW #158, ELW #392, LSB #821

 

Hymn of the Day: Jesus, Priceless Treasure: LBW #457/8, ELW #775, LSB #743

 

OR One Thing’s Needful; Lord, This Treasure: LSB #536

 

Communion 1: Jesus, the Very Thought of You: LBW #316, ELW #754

 

Communion 2: How Great Thou Art: LBW #532, ELW #856, LSB #801

 

Closing Hymn: In Thee is Gladness: LBW #552, ELW #867, LSB #818

 

            OR Praise to the Father: LBW #517 (simple tune)

 

OR Alleluia! Sing to Jesus, v. 4, 5: LBW #158, ELW #392, LSB #821

 

 

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August 2: 10^th Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 13, Lectionary 18

 

 

All: Isaiah 55:1-5 (Buy wine and milk without money; don’t spend for bread that doesn’t satisfy)

 

Sola/LSB: Psalm 136:1-26 (God’s mercy endures forever!)

            ELW/RCL: Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 (God is gracious, merciful, opens his hand, feeds every living thing)

 

Sola/LSB: Romans 9:1-13 (Paul’s anguish for fellow Jews who do not have faith in Christ, expanded version)

            ELW/RCL: Romans 9:1-5 (Paul’s anguish for fellow Jews who do not have faith in Christ, short version)

 

All: Matthew 14:13-21 (Miracle of feeding 5000)

 

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Opening Hymn: All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly: ELW #461

 

OR Glories of Your Name Are Spoken: LBW # 358

Glorious Things of You Are Spoken: LSB #648, ELW #647 (NOTE: ELW DOESN”T USE

 THE FAMILIAR TUNE “AUSTRIA!” Please substitute that familiar tune! It’s used at ELW #843.)

 

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

 

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

 

Communion 1: What Feast of Love: WOV #701, ELW #487

 

OR What is This Bread: LSB #629

 

Communion 2: Break Now the Bread of Life: LBW #235, ELW #515

 

OR O Gracious Lord, I Firmly Am Believing: LSB #635

 

Closing Hymn: Now Thank We All Our God: LBW #533/534, ELW #839, 840, LSB #895

 

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August 9: 11^th Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 14, Lectionary 19

 

Sola/LSB: Job 38:4-18 (Where were you when I laid out the foundations of the earth?!)

            ELW/RCL: 1 Kings 19:9-18 (Elijah encounters God as still small voice)

 

Sola/LSB: Psalm 18:1-16 (“His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form, and dark is his path on the wings of the storm!”)

            ELW/RCL: Psalm 85:8-13 (God speaks peace to his people; righteousness, peace kiss)

 

All: Romans 10:5-17 (Righteousness of faith comes through hearing the Gospel preached)

 

All: Matthew 14:22-33 (Jesus and Peter take a watery walk on the sea)

 

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

 

Hymn of the Day:, Eternal Father, Strong to Save: LBW #467, ELW #756, LSB #717

 

OR Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me: LBW #534, LSB #715, ELW #755

 

Communion 1: Precious Lord, Take My Hand: WOV #731, ELW #773, LSB #739

 

OR I am Trusting You, Lord Jesus: LBW #460, LSB #729

 

Communion 2: Lead Me, Guide Me: ELW #768 LSB #721

 

OR Calm to the Waves: ELW #794

 

OR My Life Flows On in Endless Song: WOV #781, ELW #763

 

Closing Hymn: Great Is Thy Faithfulness: WOV #771, ELW #733, LSB #809

 

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August 16: 12^th Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 15, Lectionary 20

 

All: Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 (My house shall be a house of prayer for all peoples)

 

All: Psalm 67 (God judges the nations with equity and guides all the people of earth)

 

All: Romans 11:1-2a, 13-15, 28-32 (God’s election of Jews irrevocable; he will show mercy!)

 

All: Matthew 15:21-28 (Healing of Syro-Phoenecian woman’s daughter)

 

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Opening Hymn: Both go well with Romans text. Blessed Be the God of Israel: WOV #725, ELW #250

 

OR Bless Israel’s God Words: Rev. Cathy Ammlung, STS; Tune: Angelic Songs (O Zion, Haste)

 

1. Bless Israel’s God; he has redeemed his people:

Raised up a Savior born from David’s line;

Promised of old, through prophets’ proclamation,

To save from deadly foes with pow’r divine;

Promised to show our fathers mercy sure;

Promised his covenant forever shall endure.

 

2. Through Abraham, God swore an oath to save us

From hands of foes, to serve him fearlessly

In holiness and righteousness before him,

There to adore and bless him constantly.

You, child – God’s prophet, go before his face,

Give saving knowledge of forgiveness and God’s grace!

 

3. Tenderly, God bestows his love and mercy,

His heav’nly Dayspring shines upon our plight.

Darkness and death no longer can confound us:

In paths of peace, he guides us by his light.

Glory to Father, Son, and Spirit – Lord

God who through the ages ever is adored!

 

Hymn of the Day: In Christ There is No East or West: LBW #359, ELW #650, LSB #653

 

OR How Wide the Love of Christ!: LSB #535 (Simple tune. Another Herm Stuempfle gem ignored by many Lutheran hymnals. I’d recommend you get a one-time license from CPH to use this.)

 

Communion 1: I Love to Tell the Story: LBW #390, ELW #661

 

Communion 2: What a Friend We Have in Jesus: LBW #439, ELW #742, LSB #770

 

Closing Hymn: Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun: LBW #530, ELW #434,  LSB #832

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August 23: 13^th Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 16, Lectionary 21

 

All: Isaiah 51:1-6 (Listen for God’s teaching, wait for his deliverance)

 

All: Psalm 138 (God is faithful; he listens to the lowly)

 

Sola/LSB: Romans 11:33-12:8 (The depth and riches of God’s wisdom! Present bodies as living sacrifice to him; do not be conformed to this world, but transformed by renewal of your mind)

           

ELW/RCL: Romans 12:1-8 (Present your body as a living sacrifice to God; do not be

conformed to this world, but transformed by renewal of your mind)

 

All: Matthew 16:13-20 (Peter’s confession; on this rock I will build my Church)

 

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Opening Hymn:  Listen, God is Calling: WOV #712, ELW #513, LSB #833

 

OR Father of Mercies, In Your Word: LBW #240 Note: do try this nice hymn; same tune as

                           “Forgive our sins as we forgive” – early American.

 

Hymn of the Day: Built on a Rock, the Church Shall Stand: LBW #365, ELW #652, LSB #645

 

OR The Son of God Goes Forth to War: LBW #183, LSB #661

 

Communion 1: Take My Life, That I May Be: LBW #406, ELW #583, 685

Take My Life and Let it Be: LSB #783/4

 

Communion 2: The Church’s One Foundation: LBW #369, ELW #654, LSB #644

 

Closing Hymn: Christ is Made the Sure Foundation: WOV #747, ELW #645, LSB #909

LBW #367, same words, different tune. I recommend using the WOV version if you can.

 

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August 30: 14^th Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 17, Lectionary 22

 

All: Jeremiah 15:15-21(Jeremiah laments; God promises strength, deliverance if he speaks what is precious)

 

All: Psalm 26 (I have lived with integrity; do not sweep me away with sinners)

 

All: Romans 12:9-21 (Live in harmony, respect, and mutual forbearance; vengeance is God’s)

 

All: Matthew 16:21-28 (Get behind me, Satan! Take up cross and follow me; what does it profit to gain world, lose soul?

 

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Opening Hymn: God’s Word is Our Great Heritage: LBW #239, ELW #509, LSB #582

 

Hymn of the Day: Let Us Ever Walk With Jesus: LBW #487, ELW #802, LSB #685

 

OR When I Survey the Wondrous Cross: LBW #482, ELW #803, LSB #425/426

 

Communion 1: Blest Be the Tie That Binds: LBW #370, ELW #649/975, ELW #656

 

Communion 2: In the Cross of Christ I Glory: LBW #104, ELW #324, LSB #427

 

Closing Hymn: Jesus, Still Lead On: LBW #341, ELW #624

Jesus, Lead Thou On: LSB #718

 

OR Onward, Christian Soldiers: LBW #509, LSB #662

 

 

September 6: 15^th Sunday after Pentecost: 18^th Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary 23; Labor Day Weekend

 

Ezekiel 33:7-11 (You are a sentinel, so warn those who sin. I do not desire the death of sinners, but that they turn to me and live)

 

Psalm 32:1-7 (The joy of confession and forgiveness of sin)

            ELW/RCL: Psalm 119: 33-40 (Teach, lead, give me a heart to obey your commandments)

 

Romans 13:1-10 (Obey earthly rulers. Love fulfills all the commandments)

            ELW/RCL: Romans 13:8-14 (No rulers mentioned. Love each other, put on Christ, for salvation is near!)

 

Matthew 18:1-20 (Become like a little child. Do not lead God’s little ones astray! Cut off whatever causes you to sin. God rejoices over penitent sinners. Discipline in the Church.)

            ELW/RCL: Matthew 18:15-20 (Discipline in the Church)

 

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Opening Hymn: Herald, Sound the Note of Judgment (Trust me: this can be sung to tune for “Angels, From the Realms of Glory): LBW #556, LSB #511

 

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

 

Hymn of the Day: Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive, LBW #307, ELW #605, LSB #843

 

OR Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us: LBW #481 (Oh for pity’s sake, this tune is dorky! Use “Bradbury” from SBH, also used in ELW and LSB – like decent people do!!!), ELW #789, LSB #711

 

Communion 1: Blest Be the Tie That Binds: LBW #370, ELW #656, LSB #649/975

 

Communion 2: Where Charity and Love Prevail: LBW #126, ELW #359, LSB #845

 

Closing Hymn: May We Your/Thy Precepts, Lord, Fulfill: LBW #353, LSB #698

 

            OR O/In God, My Faithful God: LBW #504, ELW #806, LSB #745

 

 

“They took him, and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard.  What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the vine-growers, and will give the vineyard to others” (Mark 12:8-9).

Killing, or thinking about killing the problem never resolves anything.  Authority finally catches up with you.  Solving the problem of sin, greed, and avarice does require death, not to gain, but to overcome.  We must die to these things. The pollution of sin is in us all.  When we die to sin, what is gained is not what we imagine, but something better and beyond the pollution that sin brings, which clouds our thinking.

Lord, I do understand this small-thinking way of seeking to gain what I can never have.  Lead me through what You know I need to overcome in order that I may not look at the world as something to gain, but as Your creation.  Help me to learn to be content with my circumstances and gain the life You offer me through grace.  Guide me, Lord, in the way of everlasting life.

Lord Jesus, You were taken to the cross, but it was not done for Your gain.  It was Your willing sacrifice that we might gain the true inheritance.  Lead me away from this world’s way of thinking and into the truth You have come to reveal.  I am a steward and You have placed me where I can grow in Your image.   Guide me so that I may humbly follow You wherever You lead.  Amen.

 

“He had one more to send, a beloved son; he sent him last of all to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’  But those vine-growers said to one another, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours!’” (Mark 11:6-7)

The devil thinks He can steal what belongs to God.  This world is filled with those who believe things will go the way they want them to go.  The Father sent the Son and they killed Him.  We know it really doesn’t work this way, either in the world, or in heaven, but many act this way all the same.  It really is as simple as recognizing that we are stewards, servants, and we have been created to serve.

Lord, open my eyes to see the insanity of the merry-go-round of sin and the rebellion against You.  You have caused all things to be and in You is all hope and an eternal future.  Lead me, Lord, in the way of living so that I do not seek for myself but live in the way life is meant to be lived.  No matter what we rebels do, You take what was meant for evil and turn it into good.

Lord Jesus, they killed You hoping to gain the inheritance, but through Your death, the true inheritance has been made possible.  Through You, we are heirs of eternal life with You in Trinity.  Through You, we have the restoration of the hope that because You live, we too shall live.  Guide me on the upward way of living so that I no longer scheme but instead seek to do the Father’s will.  Amen.

 

“Again he sent them another slave, and they wounded him in the head, and treated him shamefully.  And he sent another, and that one they killed; and so with many others, beating some and killing others” (Mark 11:6-7).

The amount of legitimized thievery that happens in our day is appalling.  From the miser who relies upon others to provide, to the large companies that wantonly take from those who do not have, our world legitimizes thievery shrouded in excuses.  We are stolen from each day by those who take for themselves.  We should respond neither with envy nor anger, but with a desire to seek to become faithful.

Lord, You know that I cannot correct others in those places of avarice and greed, but I can deal with what You give me.  Teach me my part in this life.  Help me to live according to Your word knowing that You are creating in me a right spirit.  Even if I am the only one doing so, help me to hold fast and do what is right and true.  Guide me according to Your will and help me to not follow the will of this world.

Lord Jesus, I need to be saved.  You know where the infection of this world has taken hold of my heart.  You know those places where my attitude needs to be changed.  Take from me the excuses and claims of inability to be a willing servant at every time and in every place.  Guide me to grow in Your likeness and listen to Your leading by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Lead me to the place of living faithfully.  Amen.

 

“At the harvest time he sent a slave to the vine-growers, in order to receive some of the produce of the vineyard from the vine-growers.  They took him, and beat him and sent him away empty-handed” (Mark 12:2-3).

The least attended service of the year is often stewardship Sunday.  Who wants to hear about giving?  How often is the Lord sent away empty-handed?  We often rely upon the good stewardship of others.  In the end of our earthly life, we will leave behind all that we have accumulated in this world.  The pattern of this world is all around us.  The Lord calls us to be stewards and not owners.  All we have belongs to Him and He entrusts it to us.

Holy and Triune God, there is poor stewardship all around us.  From the ones who, without thinking drop their trash for another to pick up to Your church where many do little to nothing but sit.  Help us to move away from the greed of this world to the place where we seek to live faithfully, whatever that may mean.  You know the stumbling blocks in the way of our life in You.  Remove them so we may grow in the likeness of our Savior.

Come, Holy Spirit, and convict me in those places where I am like the world and not like Christ.  Plant in me the word of Christ so that I seek to live in the balance You give.  All I need is provided for.  A good steward does store for times of need; but help me to be balanced according to Your leading and not according to the way of the world.  Teach me to be a good steward and not leave You empty-handed when the need arises.  Amen.

 

“And He began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard and put a wall around it, and dug a vat under the wine press and built a tower, and rented it out to vine-growers and went on a journey” (Mark 12:1).

Our Lord is the Creator of all things.  He has made all things existing and entrusted all of them to us for our use.  How have we done?  Look at history and you see over and over those who take and do not share.  Contrast this with what the Lord has taught us about sharing with others in need.  It is one thing to accumulate for one’s need and quite another to become greedy.  There is a moral difference.

Lord, I do not know where the line is.  I know that many, perhaps even myself, raise the line to where I do not know when enough is enough.  Help me, Lord, to see the line and live within the means You give me.  I need Your direction as to what I means to be a good steward of what You have entrusted to me.  Teach me the difference between hoarding versus storing up.  Guide me in generosity.

Lord Jesus, You lived humbly and simply while walking the earth in Your earthly ministry.  All that You needed was provided.  Help me to understand that You have provided for my needs with every step I have taken in this life.  Guide me to become a steward of all that You entrust to me, knowing that all things are Yours.  Lead me to live within the boundaries You have established that I may learn to live faithfully.  Amen.

 

“Answering Jesus, they said, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Nor will I tell you by what authority I do these things” (Mark 11:33).

The Lord does not answer all our questions at this time.  I suspect we would still not understand if we did get the answer.  Better is the way of trusting the Lord, even above our ability to understand.  The Lord grants authority to whom He grants it and He has His reasons.  Sometimes this puzzles us, especially if there is a wicked despot who rules.  But the Lord has purpose in all things and He alone is trustworthy.

Lord, when I am puzzled and have unanswered questions, help me so that my faith is not dependent upon circumstances or my ability to understand.  You alone have the words of life and life eternal.  You have spoken Your word of promise, and You alone can be trusted.  Help me to understand the simple wisdom that trusting You above all things is the way to live.  You have promised that You will work it all together for good.

Guide me, gracious Savior.  I encounter people all day long and wonder by what authority they do what they do.  Help me to understand that You are working all things together according to Your purpose.  Help me to remain in Your will, exercising whatever authority You grant me, respecting those whom You have placed in authority over me and living according to Your word.  Amen.

 

“They began reasoning among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’  But shall we say, ‘From men’?” – they were afraid of the people, for everyone considered John to have been a real prophet” (Mark 11:31-32).

Here is the contradiction that every politically thinking person faces: how far can we push this.  This first points to the reality that free thinking people cannot be controlled.  The second point is that the wicked seek to control.  The Lord does not use force, the wicked do.  You have been offered salvation and invited to live in the salvation of Christ.  Do not be swayed by fear of men but gain wisdom with fear of the Lord.

Lord, You are loving and gracious, but You are also serious about the condemnation of wickedness.  The two are together.  We see it in nature.  It is beautiful and glorious, but it is also quite dangerous. Help me to live with wisdom, knowing that all things are in Your hands.  Guide me to see that in You is hope and an eternal future.  John’s baptism was from You.  Lead me by Your baptism to repent of the wickedness in me.

Lord Jesus, You have come to lead the way through this rebellious world.  Help me to see more clearly each day and not be driven by the winds of the fear that is in this world.  Let me be afraid of neither the crowds nor those who seek to gain control but fear You above all things.  Lead me into Your love so that I live a life that is faithfully following You wherever You lead me.  Amen.

 

“And Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question, and you answer Me, and then I will tell you by what authority I do these things.  Was the baptism of John from heaven, or from men? Answer Me” (Mark 11:29-30).

There are many questions we cannot answer, but we can look at what the authorities say.  Wickedness abuses authority and we know that the Lord is the source of all legitimate authority.  Here, the ones opposed to the Lord stopped short because they could not deny that the Baptism of John was affecting the crowds.  They feared the crowd, but not the Lord.  Fear the Lord and not the crowd.

Lord, You know how much I am influenced by those around me.  I sometimes fear the crowd instead of You.  You are the source of all authority, and Your will shall be accomplished.  I may question the actions of others; but teach me to understand when You are speaking and to trust You above all created things.  I may not know how or even why; but help me comprehend when it is Your hand that is acting.

Lord Jesus, You came to save all who believe.  You offer this gift to all.  There are those who are constantly questioning and do not want to believe.  Help my unbelief so that I look to You and do not doubt that You are always acting in our world.  When confronted with those who do not believe, help me to answer them with wisdom, pointing to You, as the One through whom all things have their being.  Amen.

 

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD

A devotional Bible study based upon Psalm 23
The Psalm for Good Shepherd Sunday, April 26

What do you think David had in mind when he wrote the Twenty-Third Psalm? Can you even imagine having such a gift with language and such a close relationship with God so that you could write something like that? Later in life, when David was reflecting back on what he had written, what kinds of thoughts and feelings do you think might and must have been going through his mind? Maybe something like this –

“The Lord is my shepherd”

In David’s day, as well as at the time of the birth of Jesus, being a shepherd was an occupation that was looked down on. When Samuel came to Bethlehem to anoint one of the sons of Jesse to be king, he asked whether all the sons were present. Jesse replied, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” (1 Samuel 16: 11) Later, when David went to visit his older brothers who were in the army, his oldest brother Eliab asked him, “Why have you come here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness?” (1 Samuel 17: 28)

David took an occupation that was looked down on and gave it dignity and value by using that image to describe his relationship with God. Reminds me of when the apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “So whatever you do, do everything to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10: 31)

“He restores my soul”

There were many reasons why David’s soul needed to be restored. After his sin with Bathsheba the prophet Nathan told him, “The sword shall never depart from your house” (2 Samuel 12: 10), which turned out to be painfully true. Son Amnon raped daughter Tamar, whereupon son Absalom murdered Amnon. After stealing the hearts of the people, Absalom stole the kingdom from his father, whom he publicly humiliated, and then eventually met his death after his short-lived rebellion.

David experienced unimaginable sorrow, as the prophet Nathan told him he would. But still God called him a man after God’s own heart. (1 Samuel 13: 14) His soul was also restored in the birth by Bathsheba of Solomon, who would build the Temple that David had wanted to build and would be the ancestor of Joseph, the legal father of Jesus.

“Your rod and your staff – they comfort me”

David was confronted by a wise woman from Tekoa for refusing to reconcile with his son Absalom. He was also confronted by the prophet Nathan regarding his sin with Bathsheba. “You are the man!” Nathan had said. (2 Samuel 12: 7) Realizing the greatness of his sin, David experienced the greatness of God’s mercy and wrote a most powerful psalm of repentance. “Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to Your abundant mercy, blot out my transgressions.” (Psalm 51: 1)

“You spread a table before me in the presence of my enemies”

David spent many of his younger years fleeing from Saul, who saw David as a threat to the throne and therefore wanted to kill him. Three Psalms are identified as written by David while he was fleeing from Saul and living in a cave – Psalm 142, Psalm 57, and Psalm 34. These Psalms show a progression in his trust in God. Whatever was happening in David’s life when he wrote Psalm 22 also shows how many enemies he had. This is a psalm that Jesus prayed from the cross, beginning with the lament, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

“My cup overflows”

David had wanted to buy from Araunah the Jebusite a threshing floor where he would build an altar to the Lord, but Araunah wanted to give it to him at no cost. David replied, “I will not offer to the Lord my God sacrifices that cost me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24: 24) First Chronicles 29 records the enormity of David’s gift towards the project of building the Temple. How much David must have rejoiced over the resources God had given him so that he would be able to make such a large contribution and in doing so inspire other leaders of Israel to give significantly. The Bible tells us that the people rejoiced over the generosity of the king.

“Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life”

The prophet Nathan, who later would confront David over his great sin, earlier in David’s life comforted David with the promise that after his death, his son would build the Temple that David had wanted to build, and his house, kingdom, and throne would be established forever. (2 Samuel 7: 16) It would not all end with David.

“And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”

For days David had prayed that God would spare the life of the child that was born out of his adulterous relationship with Bathsheba, but on the seventh day the child died. At that point David rose from the ground, washed himself, changed his clothes, went into the house of the Lord and worshipped, and then went home and went on with his life. When asked why he had responded in that way David replied, “Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.” (2 Samuel 12: 23) People go through death only in one direction. David was saying, “Someday I too will die and will go to where my son is. But he will never return to where I am.”

The Twenty-Third Psalm has given comfort, strength, encouragement, and hope to millions of people for three thousand years. I believe it did the same for the one who wrote it – the shepherd who became king. Could he have written a psalm of such depth, insight, and beauty if it did not also speak powerfully to his own life?

How does the Twenty-Third Psalm speak to your life? Where and how especially does it give you comfort, strength, encouragement, and hope?

Sharing with you in following and in being cared for by the Good Shepherd,

Dennis D. Nelson
Executive Director of Lutheran CORE