The Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, 3rd Sunday in Advent, Cycle B (December 13, 2020)
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 (God has anointed me with his Spirit; clothed me
with joy of his salvation)
Psalm 126 (God restored fortunes of Jerusalem; those who go out weeping
come back rejoicing)
(ELW: this, or Luke 1:46b-55, the Magnificat)
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (Rejoice; don’t quench Spirit; be holy)
John 1:6-8, 19-28 (John says who he isn’t, there’s one greater than he)
Opening hymn: Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers (LBW #25, ELW #244, LSB #515)
Hymn of the Day: Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding
(LBW #37, ELW #246, LSB #345; the tune used in ELW and LSB is much superior to the LBW tune. Since they don’t have the tune “Merton” in LBW, use “Omni Dei,” used for For the Bread Which You Have Broken)
Communion Hymn #1: Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness (LBW #224, LSB #636)
Communion Hymn #2: Hail to the Lord’s Anointed (LBW #87, LSB #398)
(Can also sing this hymn to tune of LBW #369, “The Church’s One Foundation. In fact, if you use it during communion, or have a congregation unfamiliar with the hymn, I’d recommend it.)
Closing Hymn: People, Look East (WOV #626, ELW #248)
OR There’s a Voice in the Wilderness (ELW #255)
OR, Hark, the Glad Sound! (LBW #35, LSB #349, ELW #239)
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THE PRAYERS
Let us pray to the Lord on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.
A brief silence
O Lord, we long for your salvation; make haste and help us. Come quickly with blessing and comfort for your people, O strong Deliverer of Israel and the Redeemer of the world.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Clothe your Church with the joy of your salvation. Cover it with the righteousness of Christ. Adorn it with the jewels of your Word and Sacraments. Through it, let the poor hear the Good News, the sorrowful find comfort, and captives to sin and death experience your salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Restore the fortunes of Christians who are persecuted for confessing Jesus as Lord. Turn their weeping into rejoicing. Cause those who hate them to repent and believe in the Good News.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Bless and guide the people of this congregation. Give us faithful hearts; ears attentive to your Word; eyes which see the needs of others; hands skilled in building up the body of Christ; and tongues swift to pray, forgive, and encourage.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Guide and strengthen our seminarians and all considering your call to serve the Church. Make them faithful, true, and bold, and let them find joy in your service.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Anoint the rulers of the world with your Spirit, so that, like you, they love justice and hate evil. Use them to repair lives and cities ruined by violence. Direct their words and their works in your truth. Establish your peace among the nations. Make each of us into trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, bearing much fruit to your glory, and for the building up of your people.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Until your great and acceptable day has dawned, good people must risk their lives for the sake of justice, liberty, and safety. Shield, strengthen and direct them. Help them to serve with competence and integrity. Keep them from harm; heal and raise them when they falter. Give them a joyful reunion with their loved ones when their task is done.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Grant your healing to the brokenhearted and to all who suffer in body, mind or spirit, especially {LIST}. Give them beauty for ashes; the oil of joy for mourning; and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Strengthen all who care for them; and give them, and all of us, your everlasting joy.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Most holy Father, we entrust to your care all who have died trusting your promises. Thank you for their lives. Thank you for making them—and us—your servants: a royal priesthood and holy nation, your children and portion whom you have blessed. Bring us into the beauty of holy Zion, where with all the redeemed, we shall be adorned as a bride for our heavenly Bridegroom, the Lamb of God who has taken away the sins of the whole world, our Savior Jesus Christ.
Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.
Graciously answer our prayers for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.
