September 14: 14th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 19) OR Holy Cross Day
September 14: 14th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 19)
OR Holy Cross Day
14 Pentecost Lessons and Hymns
Ezekiel 34:11-24 (God will be the Good Shepherd, will judge between strong and weak sheep)
ELW/RCL: Exodus 32:7-14 (Moses pleads for Israel after they make gold calf)
Psalm 119:169-176 (Teach me your statutes; I will sing your praises!)
ELW/RCL: Psalm 51:1-10 (Have mercy on me for my wickedness and sin!)
1 Timothy 1:(5-11), 12-17 (The Law is good; meant to convict evildoers of their sin; yet Christ came to save sinners)
ELW/RCL: 1 Timothy 1:12-17 (Eliminates warning against bad teachers, and discussion of why the law exists to convict the wicked)
Luke 15:1-10 (Jesus eats with sinners, parables of lost sheep, lost coin)
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Opening Hymn: Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us: LBW #481, ELW #789, LSB #711 (ELW and LSB use the tune found also in SBH, the “old red book.” The LBW tune is uninspiring. Find the “real” tune if you have SBH, or go online to Hymnary.org, as it’s probably public domain)
OR The Lord’s My Shepherd; I’ll Not Want: LBW #451, ELW #778, LSB #710
Hymn of the Day: Jesus Sinners Will/Doth Receive: LBW #291, LSB #609
I suggest setting this to LBW #535, Holy God, We Praise Your Name.
OR In Adam We Have All Been One: LBW #372, LSB #569
Communion Hymn #1: Amazing Grace: LBW #448, ELW #779, LSB #744
Communion Hymn #2: One There is, Above All Others: LBW #298
Closing Hymn: Now Thank We All Our God: LBW #534, ELW #840, LSB #895
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Holy Cross Lessons and Hymns:
Isaiah 45: 21-25 (I am God of the whole earth; look to me and be saved)
Psalm 98:1-5 (God has given mercy, truth, and salvation to Israel and the whole world)
1 Corinthians 1:18-24 (The cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but salvation to all who believe in Christ)
John 12:20-33 (I, when I am lifted up, will draw all people to myself)
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Opening Hymn: Will You Come and Follow Me: ELW # 798
OR Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven: LBW #549, ELW #865 (#865 is the de-gendered version); LSB #793
Hymn of the Day: Lift High the Cross: LBW #377, ELW #660, LSB #837
OR The Royal Banners Forward Go (Words are perfect for today. First LBW tune is sorta okay-ish. Tune Vexilla Regis is a bit tricky. A fine alternate is Mendon, commonly used for “Thee We Adore, Eternal God”): LBW #124, 125; LSB #455
Communion Hymn #1: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross:
LBW #482, ELW #803, LSB #425, 426
Communion Hymn #2: What Wondrous Love Is This: LBW #385, ELW #666, LSB #543
Closing Hymn: Blessing and Honor: LBW #525, ELW #854
OR O Christ Our Hope, Our Heart’s Desire: LBW #300, LSB #553
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Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.
A brief silence
Holy God, thank you for Jesus! Thank you for making him our good Shepherd. Thank you for loving us so much that you give us forgiveness, life, fellowship with you, and love beyond all telling. Thank you most of all for giving us your Son, crucified, raised, and ascended to your right hand for our salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, give your Church the grace and desire to faithfully follow Jesus. Give it leaders who rightly proclaim your Word and lift high the Cross of Christ. Give it your Holy Spirit, so it is a place of welcome, forgiveness, and transformation for every sinner who enters it.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give your grace to this congregation. Forgive us when, like unruly sheep, we head-butt and distress your flock. Help us to repent of thoughtless words, self-centered actions, and anything else that hinders one of your dear children from loving and trusting you.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give us strength to carry our crosses and follow Jesus wherever he leads us. Give us courage, to bear his love in the dark and ugly places of our world. Give us hope, so we believe that his Light will shine in every darkness, and no darkness can comprehend or overcome it.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Our nation continues to struggle with enemies within and beyond its borders, and with political and ideological divides that threaten to bring out the worst rather than the best in us. Shepherd us through these troubled times. Bring healing to our hearts, homes, and communities. Anoint our eyes to see one another as fellow citizens and as beloved children of the same heavenly Father. And bring a measure of your peace to this weary world.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Be merciful to all who are hurting, weak, abused, hungry, or grieving; or who in any way need the abundance of your grace. Especially we lift before you: {List}. Be their Good Shepherd, and bring them healing and hope. Help us all to be gentle, gracious, compassionate and kind to them, so that together, we may praise your goodness.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Dear heavenly Father, we entrust into your care all our beloved dead. Comfort all who mourn, and fill us with your Holy Spirit’s wisdom and grace. Teach us to love each other tenderly and care for one another diligently, and keep us ever in Christ’s care. Of your goodness, grant that he should heal us from every sin and infirmity. Keep our eyes fixed on the Cross of our Savior as he leads us into your Kingdom. With one voice, as one flock may we may praise, adore, and glorify our Good Shepherd forever.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.