Prayers, readings, and suggested hymns: January 14, 2024: 2nd Sunday after Epiphany (Proper 1)

Prayers, readings, and suggested hymns: January 14, 2024: 2^nd Sunday after Epiphany (Proper 1)

 

1 Samuel 3:1-20 (the call of Samuel to be a prophet)

Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 (I am fearfully and wonderfully made; you knew me in the womb)

1 Corinthians 6:12-20 (the body made for the Lord; you are a temple for the Holy Spirit)

John 1:43-51 (Jesus calls Philip and Nathaniel)

 

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

OR Wondrous Are Your Ways, O God: LBW #311 (paraphrase of psalm, but tune wanders a bit.)

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

OR “Come, Follow Me” the Savior Spake: LBW #455, ELW #799, LSB #688

OR Speak, O Lord, Your Servant Listens: LSB #589 (Ties Old Testament and Gospel together!)

Communion Hymn #1:, Take My Life, That I May Be/and Let It Be: LBW #406, ELW #583, 685; LSB 783/4

Communion Hymn #2: Blessed Assurance: WOV #699, ELW #638

Closing Hymn: The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve: WOV #723

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

 

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

With gratitude for the gift of Christ, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

 

Father, thank you for being patient with us! Thank you for calling us to be your disciples, prophets, teachers, servants, saints, and even fools for Christ. Thank you for using simple words to reveal profound truth. Help us to do the same as we share your Word with those who don’t know you well.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You called Samuel to be your prophet. Your Son called Philip and Nathaniel to be his disciples. Fill the Church with your Spirit, so it heeds Jesus’ call to follow him. Give it preachers, professors, and people who are faithful to your Word.  Us the Church to draw many to Jesus, the salvation of the whole world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Purify and perfect all who suffer on account of Christ. Lead them in your everlasting way. By their faithful witness, turn the hearts of their tormentor to repentant faith in you.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation as we seek to do your will. Keep us steadfast in faith.  Conform us to Christ our Lord. Use us to bring the Gospel to those who need to hear it most.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We remember with gratitude the life, words, and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Thank you for raising him up as your servant. Help us to honor him, and to glorify you, by finding good and gracious ways to extend the blessings of liberty, justice, and equality to all people.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Shine the light of your wisdom into the hearts of earthly leaders. Teach them your ways. Take all wickedness from them, and use them to establish your will among all people. Help us to live in peace with our neighbors, striving always to outdo one another in showing honor, kindness, justice, and mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Send the power of your Holy Spirit into the hearts of all who suffer, especially {List}. Fill them with health and hope. Bless all who minister to them. Let the radiance of Jesus’ love gladden their hearts.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Merciful Father, thank you for your servants who followed you in this life and now abide in your presence. Grant that we, too, heed your gracious invitation, given through your dear Son. Make us into living temples of your Spirit. Lead us into your presence with Samuel and all the faithful people of Israel; with Nathaniel and Philip and all the apostles, martyrs, and saints of your Church. Grant that, with them, we rejoice forever in the salvation you have accomplished for us in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers and petitions, dear Father, as may be best for us and to your greater glory, thorough your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.