Prayers, 4th Sunday of Easter, Cycle B (Good Shepherd Sunday, April 21, 2024)
Acts 4:1-12 (Upon healing the lame man, Peter says: “there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.”)
ELW: Acts 4:5-12
Psalm 23 (The Lord is my Shepherd)
1 John 3:16-24 (Believe in the name of Jesus, and love one another)
John 10:11-18 (The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. There will be one flock, one shepherd)
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Opening hymn: All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name: LBW #328/329, ELW #634, LSB #549
Hymn of the Day: The King of Love My Shepherd Is: LBW #456, ELW #502, LSB #709
OR, With God as Our Friend: LBW #371 (I have a soft spot in my heart for this hymn, as a friend composed an anthem version for my installation at my first congregation after I was ordained. It’s a gently rhythmic Swedish folk tune.)
Communion Hymn #1: Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us: LBW #481, ELW #789, LSB #711
(Note: LSB and ELW both use the tune most people remember for this hymn)
Communion Hymn #2: The Lord’s My Shepherd; I’ll Not Want: LBW #451, ELW #778, LSB #710
Closing Hymn: O/Oh For a Thousand Tongues to Sing: LBW #559, ELW #886, LSB #528
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Let us pray to our victorious Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people.
A brief silence
Lord Jesus, thank you for being our Good Shepherd! We see paintings of you leading spotless sheep through grassy meadows, not a speck of dirt on you. But real life is messy, dirty, and stony. Thank you for bearing us, and bearing with us, through it all. Thank you for leading us safely to your Father’s house.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Good Shepherd, defend the Church from peril. Provide for its needs. Lead it in paths of righteousness and holiness. Use it to lead many to hear your voice and follow you. Bless pastors and bishops and make them faithful sheepdogs for your flock.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Faithful Shepherd, defend and strengthen your people when they are set upon by wolves and persecutors. Make them so lovely with faith that their enemies repent of their evil ways.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Dear Shepherd of this congregation, lead us with your Word. Prepare our table with your Body and Blood. Teach us to do your will with glad and faithful hearts. Use us to lead many into your safe keeping.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Wise Shepherd, raise up under-shepherds to teach and guide your people. Call those with a zeal for truth and knowledge into the classrooms of seminaries, colleges, and church-related schools. Call those with a heart for tending your flock into parish and campus ministry. Call those who are bold to witness to the faith into evangelization and mission among those who have not yet heard or heeded your voice.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Gate of your sheep, protect us all from false shepherds, especially rulers who care nothing for our welfare. Bring your people lasting peace, rich pasture, and true righteousness.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Rod and Staff of your people, bless those who stand in harm’s way on our behalf. Guard, guide, and strengthen them. Prosper all they do that pleases you. Bring them home safely and soon.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Light and Path through death’s dark valley, be the strong guide and sure comfort of all who walk therein, including: {List}. Fill them with your abundant life. Keep them steadfast in faith. Strengthen and bless all who care for them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, thank you for bringing safely home all those who listened to your voice in this earthly life. Keep us close to your side. Lead us to that place where we shall dwell with you and with all the redeemed and shall feast at you heavenly Table forever.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
