Category: narrative lectionary

Summer Hebrews Series #1-Hebrews 1:1-4 and John 1:1-5 (7/12/19?)

Featured image:  https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiX8bqd6J3jAhXFZc0KHS7nCd0QjRx6BAgBEAU&url=http%3A%2F%2Frippleeffectdisciplines.com%2F5-7-15-god-actually-communicates-with-humans-hebrews-11-4%2F&psig=AOvVaw3UkhkTpk5YQrsx7Plp3ma9&ust=1562417316242334

Note: We are planning a “Christmas in July” for 7/28. In fact, Hebrews and John 1 are together in the RCL for Christmas; see resources below–and the incarnational themes for Hebrews could lead to a twinning of Christmas/Advent themes and Hebrews throughout this series.

INTRODUCTION  to Hebrews summer Narrative Lectionary series: https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=4080

From the RCL, which also includes verses from chapter 2 in its pericope, this commentary answers the question “Why preach a series on Hebrews” and talks incarnation.  Also gives two illustrations, one from Kierkegaard and the other from The Man Which Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales. https://cep.calvinseminary.edu/sermon-starters/proper-22b/?type=lectionary_epistle

Book of Hebrews resources: http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/hebrews.htm

 

WORSHIP RESOURCES

Opening prayer of adoration: https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2012/09/opening-prayer-hebrews-1-1-4.html

1:1-4 and 2:5-12 for two readers                                                                                                            https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2012/09/readers-theatre-hebrews-1-1-4-2-5-12.html

Original prayers:

Opening Prayer   by  Rev. Dr. Barb Hedges-Goettl; please give credit if using/adapting.

God, you have spoken, and you continue to speak, to your people.

Reveal Christ Jesus to us this day as your Son and heir.

In him, reveal to us your glory and your very self,

that we may be purified and sustained by him,

sharing in his life and light. In his name,

the name above all others, we pray, Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP (from Hebrews 1 and John 1 The Message)                                                by Barb Hedges-Goettl; please give credit if using/adapting.

One: The Word came first.

Many: The Word was with God and the Word was God.

By his Son, God created the world in the beginning.

Everything was created through the Word.

Nothing—not one thing!—came into being without him

and it will all belong to the Son at the end.

The Son perfectly mirrors God.

He is stamped with God’s nature.

He holds everything together by what he says,

His Life is the Light to live by.                                                                                      

The Life-Light blazes out of the darkness

and the darkness cannot put it out.

ALL: THANKS BE TO GOD.              

RITE OF CONFESSION  by Barb Hedges-Goettl; please give credit if using/adapting.

*Call to Confession:

God sent Jesus to light our way, but at times we stumble about cursing the darkness instead of using the light that God provides, and so we seek God’s forgiveness.

*Prayer of Confession                                                                                        Reader O God, you give us glimpses of your light,                                                               but sometimes, instead of following you, we stumble around on our own.                        We accept poor imitations of your light.                                                                     We try to catch your light and hold it,                                                                      so that we do not have to always look to you.                                                                         You speak the words that give and sustain life,                                                                             but we listen to the noise around us instead.

Forgive us. Give us eyes to see and ears to listen. (Silent Confession)

*Assurance of Pardon (from Psalm 40, The Message)                                Pastor Barb                                                     When Jesus had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor              at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. And so we give thanks and praise                 to God for the Good News:   In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

 

FREE POWERPOINT BACKGROUND

1:1-2  https://www.heartlight.org/powerpoint/905.html

 

OTHER IMAGES for bulletins/powerpoints

https://www.google.com/search?safe=active&q=hebrews+1:1-4+images&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiT3NK75p3jAhXHX80KHZamDwMQsAR6BAgHEAE&biw=1517&bih=730

 

CHILDREN’S SERMON

For preaching series on Hebrews: http://worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.com/2012/09/year-b-proper-22-27th-sunday-in.html

Remaining Faithful to Jesus: “The Neglected Gift” https://sermons4kids.com/neglected_gift.html

God’s proud parent speech https://www.episcopalchurch.org/sermons-that-work

CRAFT PROJECT/Sunday School:   By His Own Mighty Word He Holds the Universe Together http://www.sundayschoollessons.com/pent17kart.htm

 

HYMNS

Hymnary search at  https://hymnary.org/search?qu=Hebrews+1%3A1-4

Cyberhymnal

:1

1:2

1:3

The Lutheran Hymnal

Hebrews 1:06  Hark! Ten Thousand Harps and Voices.

221

At Digital Hymnal (midi files, guitar chords, karaoke files, projection text):

Memorizing scripture through song: Hebrews 1:1-3                  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dWMHYUtmbI

Presbyterian Hymnal (1990)

1.1-4
331.1+3 Thanks to God Whose Word Was Written
1.1-2a
255.4-6 Now Praise the Lord
327 O Word of God Incarnate
330 Deep in the Shadows of the Past
1.1
222.7 Psalm 103
319.2 Spirit
1.2-14
309 Of the Father’s Love Begotten
1.2-4
4 Creator of the Stars of Night
74 Jesus on the Mountain Peak
75 O Wondrous Sight, O Vision Fair
83 O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High
133 All Glory Be to God on High
137.2 We All Believe in One True God
346.1 Christ, You Are the Fullness
474 O Splendor of God’s Glory Bright
1.2a
10.4 On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry
31.2 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
36.2 In the Bleak Midwinter
41.2 O Come, All Ye Faithful
49.2 Once in Royal David’s City
52.2 Sheep Fast Asleep
54.3 From Heaven Above
55.5 That Boy-Child of Mary
57.4 The Snow Lay on the Ground
60.3 Silent Night, Holy Night
74.4 Jesus on the Mountain Peak
75.3 O Wondrous Sight, O Vision Fair
139.2 Come, Thou Almighty King
148.1 At the Name of Jesus
412.5 Eternal God, Whose Power Upholds
454 Blessed Jesus, at Your Word
485 To God Be the Glory
512.1 Living Word of God Eternal
1.3-14
41 O Come, All Ye Faithful
42 O Come, All Ye Faithful
141 A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing
142 All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!
143 All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!
150 Come, Christians, Join to Sing
153 He Is King of Kings                                                                                                                      306 Fairest Lord Jesus
477 Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim
566 Glory to God in the Highest (Gloria in Excelsis)
575.6 Glory to God in the Highest (Gloria in Excelsis)
1.3a
133.3 All Glory Be to God on High
203.1 God of Mercy, God of Grace
263 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
412.5 Eternal God, Whose Power Upholds
474 O Splendor of God’s Glory Bright
519.4 Thee We Adore, O Hidden Savior, Thee
548.1+2 O Radiant Light, O Sun Divine
549.1 O Gladsome Light
550.1 O Light Whose Splendor Thrills
1.3c-d
110.1 Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands
147 Blessing and Honor
151 Crown Him with Many Crowns
155 Rejoice, the Lord Is King
308.4 O Sing a Song of Bethlehem
466.3 O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
1.3c
154.3 Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor
341.1 Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine!
492.1 Baptized in Water
1.3d
133.2 All Glory Be to God on High
194.2 Peoples, Clap Your Hands!
1.4
148.3 At the Name of Jesus

NAME: OF CHRIST
4.3 Creator of the Stars of Night
19.4 To a Maid Engaged to Joseph
142.1 All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!
143.1 All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!
147.2 Blessing and Honor
148 At the Name of Jesus
260.2 A Mighty Fortress is Our God
310.2 Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee
311.2 We Meet You, O Christ
346.3 Christ, You Are the Fullness
371R Lift High the Cross
395.3 Have Mercy, Lord, on Me (Take Pity, Lord)
442.2 The Church’s One Foundation
466.2+4 O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
477.1 Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim
498.3 Child of Blessing, Child of Promise
500.3 Become to Us the Living Bread
504.1 Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether
515.3 Now to Your Table Spread
539.1 Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name We Raise
548.2 O Radiant Light, O Sun DivineEXEGESIS

Christological questions from the passage: https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=486

Brief overview of Hebrews & our passage; also includes John 1  http://montreal.anglican.org/comments/archive/zxmascm.shtml                                                 This same author also publishes his leftover, more technical word-study type notes Again still yet includes John 1. See http://montreal.anglican.org/comments/archive/zxmascl.shtml

Commentary from the passage’s use for RCL at Christmas focuses on  “What’s His Name,” allowing readers to listen in on God’s announcement of the name of his Son,  http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=1479                                 At Christmas, the RCL also includes John 1:1-14, for that commentary see http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=1523

Another commentary from the Christmas context; this one addresses the wisdom underpinnings of the passage, Jesus as Logos/logic,  and even mentions John 1! Also addresses Jesus as the anointed king. http://wwwstaff.murdoch.edu.au/~loader/BEpChristmasDay2.htm

This passage is also in the RCL for 22B (October, 2018), This Working Preacher commentary takes up the challenges of the NRSV’s inclusive language translation, which loses the concept of “Son of Man,” thus truncating some of the meaning of Hebrews’ discussion of incarnation. http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=2276

This one addresses the concept of Jesus as trailblazer using Harriet Tubman as an example. Also touches on the problem of the NRSV’s lack of the phrase “Son of Man.”http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=422

From the RCL context, this commentary introduces the book of Hebrews as well as discussing 1:1-4 (and 2:5-12). For chapter 1, it focuses on the word given the prophets, Christ as the Word, and the nature of the Son. http://wwwstaff.murdoch.edu.au/~loader/BEpPentecost19.html

Exhortation against lack of commitment; addresses 1;1-4 but continues through 2:12. http://www.crivoice.org/biblestudy/bbheb2.html

Hebrews as providing hope/the big picture (Christmas context) https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=3517

Incarnation plus pre-existence and exaltation (Heb. 1:1-12 in Christmas context) https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id

Christmas Reflection: Alone with the Stars                                         https://www.theologyofwork.org/the-high-calling/christmas-reflection-alone-stars

 

Image result for bulletin cover hebrews 1:1-4https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjMqsGl4p3jAhVKUt8KHfXBCNAQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fslideplayer.com%2Fslide%2F4249287%2F&psig=AOvVaw166so3ycYlHFs5XQM8ANIN&ust=1562415726953315

Summer Psalm Series #4: Psalm 40:1-10; Luke 17:11-19

Collected by Rev. Dr. Barb Hedges-Goettl

INTRODUCTION

Intro to the Psalm series, including commentary on Psalm 40 as a psalm of re-orientation. https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspxcommentary_id=4073#post_comments  This commentary says v.1 is not “i waited patiently” so much as “Iwaited and waited.”

Psalm 40:1-10 is also an RCL text; see http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm40.htm

Luke 17:11-19 is also in the RCL. See http://www.textweek.com/mtlk/lk17b.htm

PARAPHRASES/RETELLINGS

This Mud Psalm paraphrases/recasts the psalm from David’s own experience http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-40-the-mud-psalm.html

A poetic re-interpretation of Psalm 40:1-11 by Donna Hardy, a psychotherapist, poet and author .”      https://www.faithandleadership.com/nathan-kirkpatrick-psalm-40

Billabong: a translation for today                                                            http://thebillabong.info/lectionary-2/year-a-matthew/10a-epiphany-2a/

Waiting for Rescue: drama of two girls in a cave                                                              http://www.dramatix.org/archive/Preevangelism/waiting_for_rescue.html

Sung responsorial version https://globalworship.tumblr.com/post/108501167245/responsorial-psalm-40-arranged-by-jeremy

U2’s song “40” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XzHlySYR_Y

EXEGESIS

Bono and Eugene Peterson (writer of the Message translation) discussing the psalms https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l40S5e90KY

Verse by verse devotional/reflection, including stories that can be used as illustrations  and one line prayers for each verse. http://asanefaith.com/devotions-on-psalm-401-10/

Psalm 40 as an unusual lament psalm, running from thanksgiving to lament. http://hwallace.unitingchurch.org.au/WebOTcomments/EpiphanyA/Epiphany2Psalm40.html

Psalm 40 as the Pit and the Peak https://cep.calvinseminary.edu/sermon-starters/epiphany-2a/?type=the_lectionary_psalms

Word study-oriented commentary (keeping the “I waited patiently” translation); “Here I am”;  having open ears; happy v. blessed; and “forever.” http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=1870

Another take, this one favoring “I waited and waited” https://www.theologyofwork.org/the-high-calling/waiting-patiently-god

Another Working Preacher take on the text focusing on thanksgiving recognizing trouble and the need for salvation https://reworship.blogspot.com/2014/01/responsive-benediction-psalm-40.html

Yet another Working Preacher commentary, noting that v. 1-10=trust and v.11ff=lament. https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=830

LITURGICAL RESOURCES                                                                                                                Call to Worship (Psalm 40:1-11 and John 1:29-42) Re: Worship                                          https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2014/01/call-to-worship-epiphany-2a.html

Call to Worship, Prayers of the People, and Personal Meditation by Joan Stott                        http://www.thetimelesspsalms.net/w_resources/epiphany2%5B2%5Da_2014.htm

(Another) Call to Worship, Prayers of Praise, and Personal Meditation by Joan Stott http://www.thetimelesspsalms.net/w_resources/epiphany2a_2011.htm

Responsive Call to Worship calling for singing praise to the Lord https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2014/01/responsive-call-to-worship-psalm-40.html

Responsive Benediction https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2014/01/responsive-benediction-psalm-40.html

Offering prayer based on Psalm 40 https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2014/01/offering-prayer-psalm-40-1-11.html

Also listed above under exegesis: Verse by verse devotional/reflection, including stories that can be used as illustrations  and one line prayers for each verse. http://asanefaith.com/devotions-on-psalm-401-10/

SERVICES OF WORSHIP

In the Pit Waiting: A Service Based on Psalm 40 https://www.reformedworship.org/article/december-1994/pitwaiting-service-based-psalm-40

United Methodist worship service entitled The Great Invitation-Come and See using Psalm 40:1-11 and also Isaiah 49:1-17; 1 Cor. 1:1-19; John 1:29-42 https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship/lectionary-calendar/second-sunday-after-the-epiphany-year-a

U2:Unexpected Prophets (Singing Our Lives) study from Baylor University including U-2’s use of Psalm 40.,
https://www.baylor.edu/ifl/christianreflection/SingingOurLivesStudyGuide6.pdf

HYMNS

CHILDREN’S SERMON

http://worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.com/2010/11/year-second-sunday-in-epiphany-second.html

ILLUSTRATIONS

The story of St. Catherine and the Wheel https://reformedjournal.com/on-st-catherines-wheel/

Also listed above under exegesis and liturgical resources: Verse by verse devotional/reflection, including stories that can be used as illustrations  and one line prayers for each verse. http://asanefaith.com/devotions-on-psalm-401-10/

BULLETIN COVERS

Psalm040

 

psalm 40-2

 

10 Things to do While You’re Waiting on God

Summer Psalm Series #3B-Psalm 27:1-6 Exegesis/Word study

This Sunday we will have a baptism; the verses in this Psalm about enemies, which are omitted from the RCL, align themselves as a compare/contrast to the psalmist’s statements about God. For me, this will be fodder for talking about which kin(g)dom we are choosing by choosing baptism and what we mean by rejecting sin and evil.

There are all kinds of parallels/contrasts in the language used for enemies and for God, such as

salvation has an overtone of freedom, being set loose v. the word for enemies, which has the sense of being hemmed in/in a tight spot

trembling/revering/fearing God v. trembling/revering/fearing enemies

war being lifted up v. the psalmist being lifted up onto the rock and having his (her) head lifted up

the enemies encamping in a temporary sense v. the psalmist dwelling in the house of the Lord foever

the Lord as the heart of the psalmist’s life v. the enemies coming to eat the flesh of the psalmist (this “flesh” can be a euphemism for the genitals as the source of life)

 

Details below.

 

 

v.1 Light as in diffused light, an uncountable noun that is not the same as light(s)/luminaries that grant light. See https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H216&t=KJV

 

v.1 Salvation (cf. Joshua/Jesus)

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?strongs=H3467&t=KJV

 

 

Outline of Biblical Usage [?]

  1. to save, be saved, be delivered
    1. (Niphal)
      1. to be liberated, be saved, be delivered
      2. to be saved (in battle), be victorious
    2. (Hiphil)
      • . to save, deliver
  1. to save from moral troubles
  2. to give victory to

Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)

יָשַׁע yâshaʻ, yaw-shah’; a primitive root; properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor:—× at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, saving

 

 

 

 

  1. 1 – whom shall I fear

 

  • to fear, revere, be afraid
    1. (Qal)
      • to fear, be afraid
      • to stand in awe of, be awed
      • to fear, reverence, honour, respect
    2. (Niphal)
      • .to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared
      • to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe
      • to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe
    3. (Piel) to make afraid, terrify
  • (TWOT) to shoot, pour

Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)

יָרֵא yârêʼ, yaw-ray’; a primitive root; to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten:—affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), × see, terrible (act, -ness, thing).

 

Also be in awe of, reverence, admire, venerate. See https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H3372&t=KJV

 

 

  1. 1 strength

 

The KJV translates Strong’s H4581 in the following manner: strength (24x), strong (4x), fortress (3x), hold (2x), forces (1x), fort (1x), rock (1x), strengthen (1x).

Outline of Biblical Usage [?]

  • place or means of safety, protection, refuge, stronghold
    1. place of safety, fastness, harbour, stronghold
    2. refuge (of God) (fig.)
    3. human protection (fig.)

Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)

מָעוֹז mâʻôwz, maw-oze’; (also מָעוּז mâʻûwz ); or מָעֹז mâʻôz (also מָעֻז mâʻuz; from H5810; a fortified place; figuratively, a defence:—force, fort(-ress), rock, strength(-en), (× most) strong (hold).

 

  1. 1 – of my life

The word translated “life” also apparently serves as an adjective:

 

adjective

  • living, alive
    1. green (of vegetation)
    2. flowing, fresh (of water)
    3. lively, active (of man)
    4. reviving (of the springtime)

masculine noun

  • relatives
  • life (abstract emphatic)
    • . life
  1. sustenance, maintenance

feminine noun

  • living thing, animal
    • . animal
  1. life
  2. appetite
  3. revival, renewal
  • community

Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)

חַי chay, khah’-ee; from H2421; alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing), whether literally or figuratively:— age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, merry, multitude, (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop.

 

Gesenius’ Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon [?]

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H2416&t=KJV

  1. alive, living
  2. lively, vigorous
  3. reviving
  4. raw
  5. fresh
  6. life: living/sustenance; refreshment; prosperity/welfare/happiness

 

v.1 fear: to fear, tremble, revere, dread, be in awe or dread

  1. (Qal)
    • to be in dread
    • to be in awe
  2. (Piel) to be in great dread
  3. (Hiphil) to cause to dread

 

 

v.2 “Enemies” is a word that means a tight place; cf. salvation as a wide/free place. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H6862&t=KJV

צַר tsar, tsar; or צָר tsâr; from H6887; narrow; (as a noun) a tight place (usually figuratively, i.e. trouble); also a pebble (as in H6864); (transitive) an opponent (as crowding):—adversary, afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe, narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble.

 

v.2 foe(s)- one who hates/persecutes the other as an enemy, adversary, foe

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H341&t=KJV

 

v.2 come to eat up my flesh-flesh here includes the possibility of referring to the male “organ of generation”; that is, the genitals, particularly as the source of life. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H1320&t=KJV

 

v.2 Enemies stumble-tremble in the ankles, presumably through weakness, however, maybe this is an echo of the possible fear mentioned above?

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H3782&t=KJV

כָּשַׁל kâshal, kaw-shal’; a primitive root; to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall:—bereave (from the margin), cast down, be decayed, (cause to) fail, (cause, make to) fall (down, -ing), feeble, be (the) ruin(-ed, of), (be) overthrown, (cause to) stumble, ×utterly, be weak.

 

 

 

 

v.2 and fall:

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H5307&t=KJV

  • to fall, lie, be cast down, fail
    1. (Qal)
      • to fall
      • to fall (of violent death)
      • to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before
      • to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to , go away to, fall into the hand of
      • to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result
      • to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to
      • to lie, lie prostrate
    2. (Hiphil)
      • .to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate
      • to overthrow
      • to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot
      • to let drop, cause to fail (fig.)
      • to cause to fall
    3. (Hithpael)
      • .to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon
      • to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself
    4. (Pilel) to fall

Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)

נָפַל nâphal, naw-fal’; a primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative):—be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for 6419), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be (× hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, ×surely, throw down.

 

 

V.3 encamp/pitch a tent-an impermanent kind of dwelling

Fear-same word as in v.1 “whom shall I fear?”

 

V 3 heart-really the seat of the person/everything/personhood cf. living/life although possibly more internalized?

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H3820&t=KJV

לֵב lêb, labe; a form of H3824; the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything:—care for, comfortably, consent, × considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), × heed, × I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), ×regard(-ed), × themselves, × unawares, understanding, × well, willingly, wisdom.

inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding

 

 

  1. inner part, midst
    • midst (of things)
    • heart (of man)
    • soul, heart (of man)
    • mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory
    • inclination, resolution, determination (of will)
    • conscience
    • heart (of moral character)
    • as seat of appetites
    • as seat of emotions and passions
    • as seat of courage

 

v.3 confident:

בָּטַח bâṭach, baw-takh’; a primitive root; properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as H2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure:—be bold (confident, secure, sure), careless (one, woman), put confidence, (make to) hope, (put, make to) trust.

Does this echo freedom/being out of a tight spot?

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H982&t=KJV

 

  1. 4 dwell/set up an abode (also used for marrying)-a more permanent kind of inhabiting versus encampment of the enemy above. Continue/rest/tarry/inhabit etc.https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H3427&t=KJV

 

  1. 4 house-home, temple, abode, place, household, family

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H1004&t=KJV

 

  1. 4 day-year, lifetime, yesterday/today/tomorrow

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H3117&t=KJV

 

v.4 life-same as v.1

 

v.4 see-to see, perceive, look, behold, prophesy, provide

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H2372&t=KJV

  1. (Qal)
    • to see, behold
    • to see as a seer in the ecstatic state
    • to see, perceive
      1. with the intelligence
      2. to see (by experience)
      3. to provide

 

  1. 4 beauty-
  • kindness, pleasantness, delightfulness, beauty, favour
    1. delightfulness
    2. symbolic name of one of two staves
    3. pleasantness

Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)

נֹעַם nôʻam, no’-am; from H5276; agreeableness, i.e. delight, suitableness, splendor or grace:—beauty, pleasant(-ness).

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H5278&t=KJV

 

v.4 inquire-

  • to seek, enquire, consider
    1. (Piel)
      • to seek, look for
      • to consider, reflect

Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)

בָּקַר bâqar, baw-kar; a primitive root; properly, to plough, or (generally) break forth, i.e. (figuratively) to inspect, admire, care for, consider:—(make) inquire (-ry), (make) search, seek out.

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H1239&t=KJV

 

  1. 4 temple
  • palace, temple, nave, sanctuary
    1. palace
    2. temple (palace of God as king)
    3. hall, nave (of Ezekiel’s temple)
    4. temple (of heavenly temple)

Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)

הֵיכָל hêykâl, hay-kawl’; probably from H3201 (in the sense of capacity); a large public building, such as a palace or temple:—palace, temple.

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H1964&t=KJV

 

  1. 5 in the time same as days/years/lifetime in v. 4
  2. 5 of trouble

adjective

  • bad, evil
    1. bad, disagreeable, malignant
    2. bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery)
    3. evil, displeasing
    4. bad (of its kind – land, water, etc)
    5. bad (of value)
    6. worse than, worst (comparison)
    7. sad, unhappy
    8. evil (hurtful)
    9. bad, unkind (vicious in disposition)
    10. bad, evil, wicked (ethically)
      • in general, of persons, of thoughts
      • deeds, actions

masculine noun

  • evil, distress, misery, injury, calamity
    • . evil, distress, adversity
  1. evil, injury, wrong
  2. evil (ethical)

feminine noun

  • evil, misery, distress, injury
    • . evil, misery, distress
  1. evil, injury, wrong
  2. evil (ethical)

Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)

רַע raʻ, rah; from H7489; bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral):—adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), +exceedingly, × great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), + mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, + not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Including feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.)

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H7451&t=KJV

 

  1. 5 house-The KJV translates Strong’s H5520 in the following manner:den(1x), pavilion (1x), tabernacle (1x), covert (1x).

Outline of Biblical Usage [?]

  • thicket, lair, covert, booth

Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)

סֹךְ çôk, soke; from H5526; a hut (as of entwined boughs); also a lair:—covert, den, pavilion, tabernacle.

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H5520&t=KJV

 

Secret-masculine noun

  • covering, shelter, hiding place, secrecy
    1. covering, cover
    2. hiding place, shelter, secret place
    3. secrecy
      • secrecy (of tongue being slanderous)

 

feminine noun

  • shelter, protection

Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)

סֵתֶר çêther, say’-ther; or (feminine) סִתְרָה çithrâh; (Deuteronomy 32:38), from H5641; a cover (in a good or a bad, a literal or a figurative sense):—backbiting, covering, covert, × disguise(-th), hiding place, privily, protection, secret(-ly, place).

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H5643&t=KJV

 

 

  1. 5 tabernacle (covers from tent to permanent installation!) Transliteration

‘ohel

Pronunciation

ō’·hel (Key)

Part of Speech

masculine noun

Root Word (Etymology)

From אָהַל (H166)

Dictionary Aids

TWOT Reference: 32a

KJV Translation Count — Total: 345x

The KJV translates Strong’s H168 in the following manner: tabernacle(s) (198x), tent(s) (141x), dwelling (2x), place(s) (2x), covering (1x), home (1x).

Outline of Biblical Usage [?]

  • tent
    1. nomad’s tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience
    2. dwelling, home, habitation
    3. the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle)

Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H168&t=KJV

 

 

v.5 set me up

The KJV translates Strong’s H7311 in the following manner: (lift, hold, etc…) up (63x), exalt (47x), high (25x), offer (13x), give (5x), heave (3x), extol (3x), lofty (3x), take (3x), tall (3x), higher (2x), miscellaneous (24x).

Outline of Biblical Usage [?]

  • to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted
    1. (Qal)
      • to be high, be set on high
      • to be raised, be uplifted, be exalted
      • to be lifted, rise
    2. (Polel)
      • .to raise or rear (children), cause to grow up
      • to lift up, raise, exalt
      • to exalt, extol
    3. (Polal) to be lifted up
    4. (Hiphil)
      • .to raise, lift, lift up, take up, set up, erect, exalt, set on high
      • to lift up (and take away), remove
      • to lift off and present, contribute, offer, contribute
    5. (Hophal) to be taken off, be abolished
    6. (Hithpolel) to exalt oneself, magnify oneself
  • (Qal) to be rotten, be wormy

Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)

רוּם rûwm, room; a primitive root; to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively):—bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, (× a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms.

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H7311&t=KJV

 

Note that the enemies rising up in war is kuwm in v.3, a rhyming that would echo in Hebrew for the listeners, who are used to the word play made possible by the various vowel pointings for shared tri-literal roots in Hebrew

 

  1. 5 rock-also strength

צוּר tsûwr, tsoor; or צֻר tsur; from H6696; properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous):—edge, × (mighty) God (one), rock, × sharp, stone, × strength, ×strong. See also H1049.

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H6697&t=KJV

 

v.6 lifting up head is same verb as in latter half of v.5 where God sets me up

v.6 enemies-personal and/or national

  1. 6 joy

The KJV translates Strong’s H8643 in the following manner: shout (11x), shouting (8x), alarm (6x), sound (3x), blowing (2x), joy (2x), miscellaneous (4x).

Outline of Biblical Usage [?]

  • alarm, signal, sound of tempest, shout, shout or blast of war or alarm or joy
    1. alarm of war, war-cry, battle-cry
    2. blast (for march)
    3. shout of joy (with religious impulse)
    4. shout of joy (in general)

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H8643&t=KJV

Summer Psalm Series #3 Psalm 27:1-6 and Matthew 6:25-34

I am glad the psalm series is 4 weeks this year rather than 6 as in some past versions, and that this week’s accompanying gospel is a robust one, since the orientation/re-orientation themes are showing more overlap that I originally thought. (See last week’s blog for overall resources for the NL psalms series, one of which really addresses this reality.)

Themes for the psalm include the Lord as light and salvation (v.1a)and also as stronghold/fortress (v.1b). The RCL using this psalm omits the triumph-over-enemies verses 2-3, yet most of us can at least relate to the idea that sometimes there seem to be forces, however we name them, that work against us. Verse 4 is a famous one:        “One thing I asked of the Lord that I will seek after: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life/forever.” The psalm then speaks of beholding the Lord’s beauty, and inquiring in his temple (v. 4b), and of being sheltered and hidden but also set high on a rock (v.5). It continues: “Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me” (v.6a), and closes with sacrifices, joy and singing (v. 6b)

 

BULLETIN COVERS

Psalm 27

https://www.google.com/search?q=free+bulletin+covers+psalm+27&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiHodab8_HiAhXLq1kKHRmXB00QsAR6BAgAEAE&biw=1501&bih=720#imgrc=s1upHxqrVihXxM:

https://www.google.com/search?q=clipart+psalm+27&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjhgNKf9PHiAhXomuAKHXuGBTIQsAR6BAgFEAE&biw=1501&bih=665

Matthew 6

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1493&bih=665&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=nkIKXZnFGY6RggeFt6uwDw&q=clipart+Matthew+6%3A25-34&oq=clipart+Matthew+6%3A25-34&gs_l=img.3…182778.196779..197138…0.0..0.188.1524.16j1……0….1..gws-wiz-img…….0j0i8i30.cZTqWJZ-vVU

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1493&bih=665&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=ZUMKXYnPJKPZ5gL4nrfYBg&q=bulletin+cover+matthew+6%3A25-34&oq=bulletin+cover+matthew+6%3A25-34&gs_l=img.3…60253.70156..70407…0.0..0.188.3094.17j13……0….1..gws-wiz-img…….0j0i67j0i5i30j0i8i30.S-9jRfaEBnw

http://www.mscperu.org/grafic/graficoslit/aTO/08_to_a.htm

This site also has other lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship. By Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia. Includes stories, poem/meditation, reference to a meditative song, a film clip, and a kids’ sermon idea.                                     http://seedstuff.blogspot.com/2011/02/epiphany-8-february-27-god-never.html

LITURGICAL RESOURCES

Newly discovered RCL resource (both of these passages are in the RCL, although the Psalm is v. 1, 4-9) http://spirit-net.ca/sermons/s-sermon-main.php#prayer

Psalm 27

Joan Stott, prayers and meditation based on Psalm 27:1, 4-9 http://www.thetimelesspsalms.net/w_resources/epiphany3%5B3%5Da_2017.htm http://www.thetimelesspsalms.net/w_resources/lent2c_2013.htm                                              http://www.thetimelesspsalms.net/w_resources/epiphany3a_2011.htm

Four liturgies with communion for the Psalm by Thom M. Shuman, PC(USA).  https://lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.com/search?q=Psalm+27

Responsive Paraphrases and an offering prayer                            http://thebillabong.info/lectionary-2/year-a-matthew/11a-epiphany-3a/

Opening Prayer/Collect (themes from Psalm 27)                                                                              Original liturgical resource: please give credit to Barb Hedges-Goettl if using/adapting:

O God, our rock and our salvation,                                                                                               our shelter in the day of trouble,                                                                                                    lift up our heads and free us from fear,                                                                                            that we may behold your beauty                                                                                           inquire into your dwelling place,                                                                                                   and praise you with shouts of joy.  Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP (from Ps.27 NIV) Original liturgical resource: please give credit to Barb Hedges-Goettl if using/adapting:
One: The Lord is my light and my salvation—                                                                                Many: so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
so why should I tremble?
The one thing I ask of the Lord—
the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the Lord                                                                                                         all the days of my life,                                                                                                                      At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices                                                                                                     with shouts of joy,
ALL Praise the Lord with music and song!

*Call to Confession                                                                                                                            Original liturgical resource: please give credit to Barb Hedges-Goettl if using/adapting        God is our light and our salvation, yet at times we still are trembling and afraid.                God works within and among us to increase our faith and our support of one another. Let us together confess our need for this help and for God’s forgiveness.

*Prayer of Confession:Original liturgical resource: please give credit to Barb Hedges-Goettl if using/adapting

O God, sometimes I am impatient with my own journey                                                         and with the journey of others. I want us all to just be there.                                        Forgive me when I look at all that surrounds me rather than at you ;                     when fear takes the place of trust in you.                                                                               Be my light and fortress when I face threatening people and situations.                         Overcome my fears and troubles.  (Silent confession)

*Assurance of Pardon (from Psalm 27, The Message Paraphrase) Original liturgical resource: please give credit to Barb Hedges-Goettl if using/adapting

God is our quiet, secure place in a noisy and threatening world.                                          God is the perfect oasis, the source of beauty and knowledge.                                                    God holds us head and shoulders against all who try to pull us down.                                      We gather here to give thanks and praise for the Good News:

In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

Matthew

Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, Uniting Church in Australia.https://www.rexaehuntprogressive.com/liturgy_collection/year_a_liturgy_collection/year_a_christmasepiphany/epiphany8a2722011.html

Two liturgies with communion for the Psalm by Thom M. Shuman, PC(USA).  https://lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.com/search?q=Matthew+6

Prayers, Collects and Litanies by Bruce Prewer, Uniting Church in Australia.  http://www.bruceprewer.com/DocA/17EPIPH8.htm

For more, see http://www.textweek.com/yeara/epipha8.htm

SERMONS

Matthew

Epiphany 8A – Matthew 6:24-34 “Do Not Worry”

https://lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.com/search?q=psalm+27

HYMNS

An RCL-based list of hymn resources: http://spirit-net.ca/sermons/s-hymnchoice.php

Psalm 27

Abide with me

All praise to our redeeming God

Christ the world’s true light

God of Grace and God of Glory

God is my strong salvation

In heavenly love abiding

The Lord is my light, my light and salvation

Who would true valor see

 PCUSA Hymnal (1990)                                                                                                                    .1= verse 1 is particularly tied to the theme                                                                      Bold=hymn particularly tied to theme                                                                                           ( ) link is less direct

LIGHT: GOD

179.1 God Is My Strong Salvation
186.4 Thy Mercy and Thy Truth, O Lord
(202.1) Psalm 67
203.1 God of Mercy, God of Grace
206.2+4 O Hear Our Cry, O Lord
209.4 My Song Forever Shall Record
(232.27) Psalm 118.19-29
263 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
339.1 Be Thou My Vision
340 Eternal Light, Shine in My Heart

LIGHT: CHRIST
4.1+2 Creator of the Stars of Night
5.3 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
(9.2) O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
(10.3) On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry
12.4 People, Look East
(14.4) Savior of the Nations, Come
(15.3) Rejoice! Rejoice, Believers
(20) Watchman, Tell Us of the Night
(21.3) All My Heart Today Rejoices
(22.3) Angels, from the Realms of Glory
(26) Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light
(27.2) Gentle Mary Laid Her Child
30.2 Born in the Night, Mary’s Child
31.3 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
32 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
(33.3) Holy Night, Blessed Night
(35.4) In Bethlehem a Newborn Boy
43.1 O Little Town of Bethlehem
68.3 What Star Is This, with Beams So Bright
69 O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright
73.1 Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory
84.3 In the Cross of Christ I Glory
118.2 The Day of Resurrection!
120.4 Hail Thee, Festival Day!
141.2 A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing
149.2 The Head That Once Was Crowned
203.1 God of Mercy, God of Grace
301.4 Lord Jesus, Think on Me
327 O Word of God Incarnate
340 Eternal Light, Shine in My Heart
384.2 O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go
411 Arise, Your Light Is Come!
(427.3) Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service
431.3 O Lord, You Gave Your Servant John
447.3 Lead On, O King Eternal
448.3 Lead On, O King Eternal
454.2+3 Blessed Jesus, at Your Word
457.2 I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art
462 Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies
463 Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies
474 O Splendor of God’s Glory Bright
506.1+2 Deck Yourself, My Soul, with Gladness
510.1+5 Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts
511.1+5 Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts
526.2 For All the Saints
548.1 O Radiant Light, O Sun Divine
549.1 O Gladsome Light
550.1 O Light Whose Splendor Thrills
(601.5) Song of Zechariah (Benedictus)
(602.3) Song of Zechariah (Benedictus)
603 Song of Simeon (Nunc Dimittis)
604 Song of Simeon (Nunc Dimittis)
605 Song of Simeon (Nunc Dimittis)

CONFIDENCE
165 When in the Night I Meditate
169 In the Day of Need
170 The Lord’s My Shepherd, I’ll Not Want
171 The King of Love My Shepherd Is
172 My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
173 Psalm 23
174 The Lord’s My Shepherd
175 The Lord’s My Shepherd, All My Need
179 God Is My Strong Salvation
191 God Is Our Refuge and Our Strength
192 God, Our Help and Constant Refuge
193 Psalm 46
197 My Soul in Silence Waits for God
210 Our God, Our Help in Ages Past
212 Within Your Shelter, Loving God
231 Psalm 118.14-24
234 I to the Hills Will Lift My Eyes
240.4 Out of the Depths
259 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
260 A Mighty Fortress is Our God
261 God of Compassion, in Mercy Befriend Us
265 Great God, We Sing That Mighty Hand
275 God of Our Life
293 This Is My Father’s World
307 Fight the Good Fight
341 Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine!
342 By Gracious Powers
348 Christian Women, Christian Men
361 How Firm a Foundation
365 Jesus, Priceless Treasure
446 Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken
447 Lead On, O King Eternal
448 Lead On, O King Eternal
476.5 O Worship the King, All Glorious Above!
544 Day Is Done
554 Let All Things Now Living

Summer Psalm Series #2: Psalm 69 (and Matthew 7:7-11). Narrative Lectionary (6/23/19)

GENERAL/INTRO

Second Sunday of 4 week summer Psalm series: Psalm 69:1-16 and: Matthew 7:7-11; overview of series & notes for each week at https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=4073

Psalms as Expressions of Worship by John Hicks: Charts of psalms using the Orientation/Disortientation/Re-Orientation schema of Brueggemann that is being used by NL for its summer psalm series: http://johnmarkhicks.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2008/04/psalm-classification-and-worship-mood.doc

When the Floods Rise: This commentary explores the meaning of Psalms of  disorientation and the messiness we experience in faith.

https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=2505

A great paraphrase (from the Message) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm69&version=MSG

THEMES

My husband, who is preaching this pericope, is leaning into Matthew 7:7-11 as an answer to what happens when we seek God. For Matthew resources  (not included in this blog), see https://preachingandworship.org/search/matthew%207%3A7-11. For resources on that saying as found in Luke, see http://www.textweek.com/mtlk/lk11.htm

Another potential theme is the place and need for (and acceptability of!) lament in the Christian life and also in worship

If you go into the latter half of the psalm, it takes up Christological themes of the suffering of the righteous and Jesus’ suffering. One reference to that is found below under exegetical resources. For this theme, see preaching notes by Stan Mast on Ps. 69:7-18 as a prediction of Christ’s suffering but also a pastoral word for those who suffer as he did for righteousness sake. https://cep.calvinseminary.edu/sermon-starters/proper-7a/?type=the_lectionary_psalms and similar themes from Paul K.-K. Cho https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=3302

 

HYMNS for Ps. 69

Taize: O Lord, Hear My Prayer

City Hymn’s version of “Out of the Depths” adapted from “Out of the Deep I Call” by Henry W. Baker, 1868 and Psalm 130. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gt9MkLeNO4

Out of the Depths CCL license/for purchase https://sovereigngracemusic.org/music/songs/out-of-the-depths/

“Create in Me a Clean Heart O God”

“Kyrie Eleison” (Lord Have Mercy)

“Lord Teach Us How to Pray Aright”

“What a Friend We Have in Jesus”

From Presbyterian Hymnal (1990)

Those in bold particularly appropriate

Those listing with .x, such as 73.3, mean that verse 3 is particularly appropriate in hymn #73.

 

Psalm 69.7-18

168 Lord, Why Have You Forsaken Me

182 Psalm 31.9-16

183 In You, Lord, I Have Put My Trust

189 As Deer Long for the Streams

190 Psalm 42

250 When Morning Lights the Eastern Skies

277 O God, Our Faithful God

 

Psalm 69.7-12

73.3 Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory

76 My Song Is Love Unknown

78 Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed

80 Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley

82 O Lamb of God Most Holy!

83 O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High

85 What Wondrous Love Is This

86 When We Are Tempted to Deny Your Son

93 Ah, Holy Jesus

97.2 Go to Dark Gethsemane

99 Throned Upon the Awful Tree

103 Deep Were His Wounds, and Red

149.4+5 The Head That Once Was Crowned

260.3+4 A Mighty Fortress is Our God

364 I Sing a Song of the Saints of God

393 Take Up Your Cross, the Savior Said

419 How Clear Is Our Vocation, Lord

425.2 Lord of Light, Your Name Outshining

 

Psalm 69.13-18

9.1 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

178.3 Lord, to You My Soul Is Lifted

249.1 O Lord, Make Haste to Hear My Cry

277.3 O God, Our Faithful God

303 Jesus, Lover of My Soul

342 By Gracious Powers

363 I Want Jesus to Walk with Me

373 Lonely the Boat

442.3+4 The Church’s One Foundation

 

Psalm 69.13b,16

186 Thy Mercy and Thy Truth, O Lord

205.4 All Hail to God’s Anointed

209 My Song Forever Shall Record

222 Psalm 103

223 O My Soul, Bless Your Redeemer

243 We Thank You, Lord, for You Are Good

251 Your Faithfulness, O Lord, Is Sure

253.2 I’ll Praise My Maker

254 Psalm 146

261 God of Compassion, in Mercy Befriend Us

276 Great Is Thy Faithfulness

298 There’s A Wideness in God’s Mercy

600.5 Song of Mary (Magnificat)

 

Psalm 69.14-15

114.1 Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain

115.1 Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain

165.4 When in the Night I Meditate

201.2 Praise Is Your Right, O God, in Zion

209.3 My Song Forever Shall Record

236 Now Israel May Say

249 O Lord, Make Haste to Hear My Cry

259.1 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

286.2 Give to the Winds Thy Fears

303.1 Jesus, Lover of My Soul

308.3 O Sing a Song of Bethlehem

361.3 How Firm a Foundation

601.5 Song of Zechariah (Benedictus)

 

PRAYER: GOD HEARS

112.3 Christ the Lord Is Risen Again

144.3 Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!

(150.2) Come, Christians, Join to Sing

160 Psalm 4

169.2 In the Day of Need

187.5 Psalm 34.9-22

201.1 Praise Is Your Right, O God, in Zion

212.4 Within Your Shelter, Loving God

247.2 I Will Give Thanks with My Whole Heart

251.3 Your Faithfulness, O Lord, Is Sure

(286) Give to the Winds Thy Fears

295.3 O God of Love, O God of Peace

333.2 Seek Ye First

362 I Love the Lord, Who Heard My Cry

403 What a Friend We Have in Jesus

(416.2) Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation

(417.2) Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation

438.2 Blest Be the Tie That Binds

446.3 Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken

489 Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty

 

PRAYER: THAT GOD HEAR!

168 Lord, Why Have You Forsaken Me

178 Lord, to You My Soul Is Lifted

189 As Deer Long for the Streams

190 Psalm 42

249 O Lord, Make Haste to Hear My Cry

326.3 Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart

442.3 The Church’s One Foundation

 

SEEKING GOD/CHRIST

79 Kind Maker of the World

177.3 Psalm 24 (Lift Up the Gates Eternal)

189 As Deer Long for the Streams

190 Psalm 42

198 O God, You Are My God

199 O Lord, You Are My God

207 How Lovely, Lord

208 Psalm 84

228 O Thou, My Soul, Return in Peace

231.19 Psalm 118.14-24

232.19 Psalm 118.19-29

235 With Joy I Heard My Friends Exclaim

242 Come, All You Servants of the Lord

326.2 Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart

329 Break Thou the Bread of Life

365 Jesus, Priceless Treasure

489 Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty

510 Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts

511 Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts

 

 

Liturgical Resources

 

Prayer: Out of the Depths #2/”De Profundis” (Psalm 130)

https://www.catholicdoors.com/prayers/english/p05551b.htm

Unfolding of Psalm 69 with expanded prayers offered for each verse to illustrate what it would look like to make the kind of heartfelt humble prayer to God that the psalmist does; oriented toward sin and the cross.   http://sincerespiritualmilk.blogspot.com/2013/01/psalm-69-heartfelt-humble-prayer-to-god.html

 

Opening Prayer (from Matthew 7:7-11, Living Translation) By Barb Hedges-Goettl; please give credit if using/adapting

O God, even we know how to give good gifts to children.                                                        But you know how to give good gifts even more than we do.

O God, keep us asking. Keep us seeking.  Keep us knocking.                                                        As your children we pray, Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP & PRAYER (from Ps.69, New International Version) By Barb Hedges-Goettl; please give credit if using/adapting

[One] In the time of your favor, in your great love,

[Many] O God, answer us.

Respond to us with your sure salvation. Rescue us.

O God, answer us.

Do not let the floodwaters engulf us. Do not let the depths swallow us up.

O God, answer us.

Keep the pit from closing its mouth over us. Out of the goodness of your love,

O God, answer us.

Turn to us in your great mercy.

O God, answer us.

ALL: TRUSTING IN YOUR GREAT MERCY WE PRAY—                                  

AND WE WORSHIP. AMEN.

 

Confession of Sin  By Barb Hedges-Goettl; please give credit if using or adapting.

*Call to Confession:  God knows every sin that we have committed,                                           yet God loves and calls us still.  Let us turn to God in answer to that call.

*Prayer of Confession:

God, turn my attention to our relationship,

to your relationship with me and my relationship with you.

When I care more about what people say than about serving you, forgive me.

When I am reluctant to express my faith, forgive me.

When I am not as committed to you as I could be, forgive me.

When I do not sorrow for what hurts you in my life and in the world, forgive me.

When I am impatient with you, with others, and with myself, forgive me.

Renew my understanding of your love and my passion to serve you.

(Silent confession)

*Assurance of Pardon (Psalm 69:2, New Living Translation)

God answers our prayers because God’s unfailing love is wonderful. God takes care of us because God’s mercy is so plentiful. Thanks be to God for this Good News:

In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

Prayer of Dedication By Barb Hedges-Goettl; please give credit if using or adapting.

O God, we dedicate to you all that we do, all that we give, and all that we are. Kindle in us love for you, that we may serve your Kingdom. Amen.

Children’s sermon:

Use the song “I’m being swallowed by a boa constrictor” to talk about how the psalmist feels and what s/he does about it.

See https://www.kididdles.com/lyrics/i114.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xd0cX1dogtk

 

Exegetical Resources

General

Sermon on Psalm 130, which has similar themes of crying to God out of the depths https://www.cross-point.org/content.cfm?page_content=downloads_include.cfm&download_id=270

Exegetical walk through the entire Psalm in chunks:   https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1140-psalm-69-a-plea-for-gods-deliverance

Blog with scholarly and personal reflections on theme of deliverance by an older layman: http://2twokens.blogspot.com/2012/04/diliverance-psalm-691-18.html

Seeking the Hidden God

When You Can’t Stop Crying Out to God: Psalm 69:13 comes alongside Luke 18:1-8 in the example of repeated requests. We often ask for help, hoping and believing that God will answer his children with good gifts. https://www.theologyofwork.org/the-high-calling/when-you-cant-stop-crying-out-god

Commentary on Ps. 69:7-10, –[11-15], 16-18 from the RCL by Working Preacher; takes up theme of Hide-n-Seek.

http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=2023

This one may be a bit further afield, but came up under “Hidden God” and looked interesting: Fear of Death, Harry Potter, and the Hidden God; Audio of a parishioner at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Indiana sharing a sermon exploring what many philosophers have argued is our most primal fear – the fear of death. Pointing to the Christ-allegory in the popular Harry Potter series, Andy goes on to posit reasons for the hidden nature of God as it relates to love, sacrifice, and faith, and death. Listen to this beautiful and profound sermon, and be encouraged! http://standrewsgreencastle.org/fear-death-harry-potter-hidden-god/

Chasing the Hidden God: All the Light We Cannot See (sign up/in/on for free access to whole article): https://www.todayschristianwoman.com/articles/2015/august-19/chasing-hidden-god.html

 

Lament

See discussion of lament in the context of Psalm 69 in earlier blog by Katy Stenta:   https://katyandtheword.wordpress.com/2015/06/09/many-waters-love-lament-psalm-69/

Katy’s blog refers to Many Waters and other works of Madeleine L’Engle; she is an author that insists that God is big enough to handle our anger and/or our doubt. For a slice of that viewpoint and references to which of her books address these themes, see “A Conversation with Madeleine L’Engle” at http://www.leaderu.com/marshill/mhr04/lengle1.html

15 page article by liturgical scholar John Witvleit on the role of lament in worship:

https://issuu.com/pmajorins/docs/reflections_on_lament_in_christian_

Brueggemann on “The Friday Voice of Faith: a serious theology of the cross requires a serious practice of the lament psalms”—why lament psalms don’t get used in worship and why that should change. https://www.reformedworship.org/article/december-1993/friday-voice-faith-serious-theology-cross-requires-serious-practice-lament-psa

ARTWORK: Psalm 69 bulletin cover   https://www.flickr.com/photos/traqair57/3513945347/in/album-72157603288751629/

Summer Seeds Liturgy: #psalms Week 1

Psalms Summer NL Series https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=4073

PSALM 113 First Sunday of Psalms series

This Psalm has pretty good liturgy and exegetical resources at preachingandworship.org, some of which are highlighted below*; see https://preachingandworship.org/search/psalm%20113 to do your own exploring

Themes include God bending down and/or making the barren fruitful (beyond the question of childbearing)

ILLUSTRATIONS

Although this can be credited to Calvin (see https://www.woh.org/devotional/2017/12/24/gods-baby-talk/),  when reading for my dissertation I found the same illustration in Zwingli (who predates Calvin): God talks baby talk to us because this is what we can understand (condescension). Of course now I cannot locate the Zwingli reference…

HYMNS listed in the NL resource above include ones that also include Father’s Day themes, suggesting that the action of God in this psalm could be called fatherly; wish we had a better word for “parenting;” it’s less gendered, but it doesn’t have the same tender overtones…

Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven

  1. 3

Fatherlike he tends and spares us;
well our feeble frame he knows.
In his hand he gently bears us,
rescues us from all our foes

https://www.godtube.com/popular-hymns/praise-my-soul-the-king-of-heaven/

 

How Deep the Father’s Love for Us

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV2zMZ-nZ7k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vmY2ztb5xc

 

Father, I Adore You

https://youtu.be/E640Q6bC64I?list=RDE640Q6bC64I

 

Abba, Father You are the Potter, We are the Clay (more Father’s Day than Psalm 113)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoSVOB6q51A

 

Let Us with a Gladsome Mind

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ikz9FmPfdsw

 

Of the Father’s Love Begotten

From All That Dwell Below the Skies

Ye Servant of God, Your Master Proclaim

The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended

HYMN LISTING for Psalm 113 from Hymnary.org at https://hymnary.org/texts?qu=psalm+113&media=text&page=0

From CCM type sources:

https://worship-songs-resources.worshiptogether.com/music/Psalm%20113

 

HYMNS RELATED to theme of SELF-EMPTYING (* indicates also includes the idea of the name)

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Once in Royal David’s City

O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High

What Wondrous Love Is This

Go to Dark Gethsemane

O Sacred Head Now Wounded

Were You There?

All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name*

At the Name of Jesus*

The Head That Once Was Crowned

Rejoice, the Lord is King

A Mighty Fortress is Our God

Lift High the Cross

 

BULLETIN COVERS but not sure if/how you can print/save

https://www.flickr.com/search/?text=psalm%20113

https://www.google.com/search?safe=strict&q=psalm+113+bulletin+cover&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj0qdyhu87iAhULZd8KHfetAmQQsAR6BAgFEAE&biw=1707&bih=821

 

LITURGICAL RESOURCES

Prayer of Approach: Psalm 113 from worshipblogspot*

Here’s an opening prayer inspired by Psalm 113.  It comes from the Christian Aidwebsite.

Opening Prayer

(inspired by Psalm 113)

God of all life,

beyond our imagining, and yet coming so close;

you refuse to leave those in need on the rubbish dump.

You give the poor a place of dignity among the powerful.

You make a home for the homeless,’

and bring joy abounding to families and communities.

 

As we gather to celebrate and give thanks

for your harvest of blessing,

may we live within your reality,

share your vision,

and do your will,

that the whole earth may echo your glory. Amen.

~ from Ideas for Harvest: Worship and Prayer, posted on the Christian Aidwebsite. http://www.christianaid.org.uk/Images/Harvest-2013-prayers_tcm15-69840.pdf

 

Call to Worship: Psalm 113 from worshipblogspot*

Alleluia!

Come and praise, you servants of God!

Praise the name of Yahweh!

May God’s name be blessed

both now and forever.

From east to west, from north to south,

praise the name of Yahweh!

May God’s name be blessed

both now and forever.

Who can compare to our God?

Seated high above the nations of the earth,

God’s glory fills the skies.

May God’s name be blessed

both now and forever.

 

Call to Worship by Barb Hedges-Goettl; please give credit if using/adapting:

[One] From the rising of the sun to where it sets

[Many] Let the name of the Lord be praised, now and forevermore.

The Lord is exalted over all nations. His glory is above the heavens.

Let the name of the Lord be praised, now and forevermore.

No one is like the Lord our God, enthroned on high but reaching down to earth.

Let the name of the Lord be praised, now and forevermore.

God raises up the poor to seat them with his princes.

Let the name of the Lord be praised, now and forevermore.

God overcomes barrenness, giving fruitfulness and joy.

Let the name of the Lord be praised, now and forevermore.

 

Call to Worship Litany: Psalm 113 from worshipblogspot*

Praise the Lord!

Yes, give praise, O servants of the Lord.
Praise the name of the Lord!

Blessed be the name of the Lord
now and forever.

 

Everywhere—from east to west—
praise the name of the Lord.

For the Lord is high above the nations;
his glory is higher than the heavens.

Blessed be the name of the Lord
now and forever.

 

Who can be compared with the Lord our God,
who is enthroned on high?
He stoops to look down
on heaven and on earth.
He lifts the poor from the dust
and the needy from the garbage dump.
He sets them among princes,
even the princes of his own people!
He gives the childless woman a family,
making her a happy mother.

Praise the Lord!

Blessed be the name of the Lord                                                                                                      now and forever.

PRAYER*  https://www.theologyofwork.org/the-high-calling/condescending-godYou are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work),  under the condition that you must give appropriate credit to The High Calling, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You should not suggest in any way that The High Calling or Theology of Work endorses you or your use of the work.

Gracious Lord, you are, indeed, enthroned above the highest heaven. You are great beyond greatness, glorious beyond glory. All praise be to you for your majesty and power and sovereignty!

Yet, in love and mercy, you look down upon us. And not only look, but reach down to help us. And not only reach, but come down to be with us in Jesus. And not only share life with us, but take our sin and bear it. How wonderful you are!

Thank you, dear Lord, for all the times you have reached down to help me. How good you are, how gracious and kind! May I live in the confidence of your grace today, giving it away to others.

In the name of Jesus, who humbled himself, Amen.

 

CONFESSION OF SIN  by Barb Hedges-Goettl. Please give credit if using/adapting for use.

*Call to Confession

For most of us, there are times when we do think too highly of ourselves. But sometimes we sin on the other side, thinking ourselves too lowly or unfit for God to care for us. But God loves us anyway. Let us confess our need to understand ourselves as created in God’s image.

*Prayer of Confession:

Although you created us and called us “very good,” sometimes we don’t believe it. We know our failings and shortfalls so well. We are afraid that you cannot still love us. But you know us for who we truly are. You know the places and spaces where we fall short. Forgive us for not trusting your love and forgiveness. Remake us so that we are more and more your people. (Silent confession)

Assurance of Pardon (Romans 5:6, 8 The Message)                                                                        Christ arrives right on time to save us. He didn’t, and doesn’t, wait for us to get ready. God in Christ put his love on the line, giving himself as a sacrifice when we were far too weak and rebellious to even do anything to get ourselves ready. Thanks be to God for this Good News: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven

CONFESSION OF FAITH from PC(USA) Brief Statement of Faith (1983)

We trust in God, whom Jesus called Abba, Father.

In sovereign love God created the world good

and makes everyone equally in God’s image,

male and female, of every race and people,

to live as one community.

But we rebel against God; we hide from our Creator.

Ignoring God’s commandments.

we violate the image of God in others and ourselves,

accept lies as truth, exploit neighbor and nature,

and threaten death to the planet entrusted to our care.

 

We deserve God’s condemnation.

Yet God acts with justice and mercy to redeem creation.

In everlasting love,

the God of Abraham and Sarah chose a covenant people

to bless all families of the earth.

Hearing their cry, God delivered the children of Israel

from the house of bondage.

 

Loving us still,

God makes us heirs with Christ of the covenant.

Like a mother who will not forsake her nursing child,

like a father who runs to welcome the prodigal home,

God is faithful still.

 

Therefore, with believers in every time and place,

we rejoice that nothing in life or in death

can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

CHILDREN’S SERMON*

http://worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.com/2013/08/year-c-proper-20-25th-sunday-in.html

Psalm 113

The psalmis praises the high God who leans over to lift the poor. Either point this out verbally by going through the psalm finding all the high, low, and lifting words before reading it.  Or, line out the psalm with hand motions.  The latter is best done with the whole congregation but could be presented by a rehearsed children’s class who have been invited to be worship leaders by acting it out as you read it.

Psalm 113 with Motions

Praise the Lord!

Arms outstretched palms turned up

You servants of the Lord, praise his name!
Arms reaching out to the congregation

May his name be praised now and for ever.
Repeat outstretched arms with palms turned up.

From the east to the west praise the name of the Lord!

Point to the east, then arc arm to the west

The Lord rules over all nations; his glory is above the heavens.

      Bent arms out to the sides in an expression of power

There is no one like the Lord our God.
      Pointing up with one hand as in a teaching position

 

He lives in the heights above,

Look up and reach your arms overhead

but he bends down to see the heavens and the earth.

Lean over to look down moving your arms out to the 
                  side

He raises the poor from the dust;

Still leaning over cup your hands as if scooping up people 
      below.  

he lifts the needy from their misery
raise your cupped hands a little

 

and makes them companions of princes,

raise your cupped hands to shoulder height

the princes of his people.

      Open cupped hands and reach out to your sides as if holding hands

 

He honours the childless wife in her home;

Hold arms down at your sides

he makes her happy by giving her children.

Rock a baby in your arms

 

Praise the Lord!

Raise hands in traditional praise position

SERMON/ORDER OF WORSHP

https://www.crcna.org/resources/church-resources/reading-sermons/god-small-things

Order of Worship

GOD GATHERS US FOR WORSHIP

Welcome and Announcements

Mutual Greeting

Call to Worship:  Psalm 150

Opening Song: “Let All Things Now Living” PsH #453

God’s Greeting:  “Grace, mercy and peace be to us all in the name of the Father,

and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.”

Song of Praise:  “How Great Thou Art” PsH # 483

SERVICE OF RECONCILIATION

Prayer of Confession

Assurance of Pardon:  Psalm 130: 7,8

God’s Law:  Exodus 20:  1-17

Congregational Prayer

Offering

WE HEAR THE WORD

Hymn of Preparation:  “The Heavens Declare Your Glory” PsH # 429

Prayer for Illumination

Scripture Reading:  Psalm 113

Sermon:  “God of Small Things”

Prayer of Application:  “Father God, although we are so small, we praise you for seeing
us, caring for us, and calling each of us by name.   Help our lives to be a never-ending
chorus of praise to you and help that praise to be so contagious, that others will want to
join their voices to our voices and to the voice of all creation in praising you, from
whom all blessings flow!   Amen.”

Hymn of Response: “All Creatures of Our God and King” PsH # 431

WE DEPART TO SERVE

Benediction:  “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, in the
fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all.   Amen.”

Doxology:  “Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow”  PsH # 638

 

EXEGETICAL RESOURCES

https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=2963 Situates the psalm within the psalter and the Bible itself and briefly addresses the theme of barrenness*

https://www.theologyofwork.org/the-high-calling/condescending-god God’s condescension as a positive; includes Philippians 2*

https://www.theologyofwork.org/the-high-calling/how-does-god-lift-poor-and-needy

Reflection on God lowering Godself in Psalm 113 explores how God lifts the poor and needy*

http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=1765 From the folks at Working Preacher but from the RCL use of the Psalm, this commentary addresses the literary structure and repeated phrases of the psalm, incl. the “name” in Hebrew scripture; Also refers to Ex. 3:7-8: God’s promise of a homeland to Israel and 1 Samuel 2:2,5,8: Hannah’s Song.*

http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=673 Also from the RCL side from Working Preacher. Addresses the poetic/dynamic, arts-related nature of the psalms, then this particular psalm as championing those in poverty, need and childlessness and promising them a day of justice. Mentions “prayer without ceasing” (I Thessalonians 5:17).*

http://www.word-sunday.com/Files/Psalms/113.html gives a scholarly view of the historical context of this psalm in Israel’s life. Although the NL proposes Psalm 113 as an example of Brueggemann’s category of “Orientation: When life is stable and the world seems trustworthy,” the context instead may be that of displacement and thus disorientation. One could use this to discuss what it means to be a poor and marginalized church that an identify with the poor and the barren one instead of a rich and mainstream church that is more likely to identify elsewhere.

https://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/calvin/cc11/cc11021.htm Calvin’s commentary on Ps. 113

https://www.preceptaustin.org/psalm_113_commentary  Compendium of various commentaries on Psalm 113; includes cross-references, some word study, some hymns.

https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/tpc/psalms-113.html Access to various resources on the psalm; site itself is on “conservative” side

https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-113/   Verse by verse commentary

https://www.christianity.com/bible/commentary.php?com=spur&b=19&c=113 Charles H. Spurgeon’s verse by verse commentary.

https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/psalms/113.html Matthew Henry’s verse by verse commentary

http://www.env-steward.com/lectionary/lectc/c-ep3-ps.htm A commentary from the perspective of stewardship of creation. Have to admit I didn’t really see/acknowledge this part of the psalm until reading this brief corrective. The short bit on this psalm reads:  “Psalm 113, [is] a “hymn celebrating the Lord as helper of the humble,” as our NRSV note states it. The Psalter was the first great hymnbook of God’s people, and its at-homeness within the creation is known to all. Even here, where the focus is on raising up the poor and lifting the needy, the psalmist thinks of their Lord as being first the Lord of the creation (Lord of time, “from the rising of the sun to its setting,” no less than Lord of the nations with “his glory above the heavens”), the One who uses the creation to “rescue the perishing.” This Psalm, along with Psalm 114, is sung before the Jewish Passover meal. There it stands as reminder of our opportunities and obligations within both Creation and Covenant…. the bond between Creation and Covenant …enables and requires us to care for the needy by attending to our use of the gifts (not “resources” for exploitation) within the creation.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5W1-ELwjyI Audio of Calvin’s commentary on Psalm 113:1-4. Deadly delivery.

https://worship.calvin.edu/resources/resource-library/worship-service-psalm-113/Outline & video of worship service based on Psalm 113 from Calvin Worship Institute

Liturgy Seeds: Narrative Lectionary for 6/2

Romans 6:1-11  and Matthew 6:24 or 24-34

image.png

This pericope is in RCL for Proper 7A/Ordinary 12A/Pentecost +3, where it is paired with—and overshadowed by—the story of Hagar and Ishmael. See http://www.textweek.com/pauline/rom6a.htm

NL pairs it with Matthew 6:24 (?)

The theme of newness is also found in 2 Corinthians 5:(14-15), 16-20; Revelation 21:1-5, and in the psalms referring to singing a new song: Psalm 33(:3); 40(:3); 96(:1); 98(:1); 144(:9); 149(:1).

My congregation has communion the first Sunday of each month, so I am thinking about the relationship between baptism (once and done new birth) and communion (ongoing renewal). This also dovetails with emphases on being born-again (think Saul->Paul) and being a lifelong Christian (think Timothy). Both are needed and helpful; it’s more both-and than either/or.

I am thinking of a bulletin cover with tags marked: new/renewed/renewal/revived etc. Also see (many copyrighted): https://www.google.com/search?safe=strict&q=romans+6:1-11+bulletin+cover&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjMiPLD97jiAhVOdt8KHWWbAXMQsAR6BAgJEAE&biw=1707&bih=821

Resources on Baptism/Renewal of Baptism in Worship

https://worship.calvin.edu/resources/resource-library/washed-people-romans-6-1-corinthians-6-hcld-26-27/

Opening Prayer from Romans 6

https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2011/06/opening-prayer-romans-6.html

 

Call to Worship:

God calls his people together before him.
Our new life in Christ is celebrated and nourished
in the fellowship of congregations
where God’s name is praised,
his way taught;
where sins are confessed,
prayers and gifts are offered,
and sacraments are celebrated. (“Our World Belongs to God,” par.39)
Come, let us worship the Lord.
We come with praise and thanks!

To reprint the above Call to Worship for personal use, a ministry setting, or classroom use, include this credit line: © 1987, CRC Publications, Grand Rapids MI. http://www.crcna.org. Reprinted with permission.

CALL TO WORSHIP (from Psalm 98, Good News Version)                          Reader    [One] Sing a new song to the Lord

[Many] he has done wonderful things!
By his own power and holy strength
he has won the victory.
The Lord made his saving power known to the nations.
He kept his promise to his people, with loyalty and constant love for them.
All people everywhere can see the victory of our God.                                                           and so we gather to praise and give thanks.                                                                              [ALL] LET US WORSHIP GOD TOGETHER.                                                                                     by Rev. Dr. Barb Hedges-Goettl (please give credit if using/adapting this resource)

Opening prayer: God of grace, you have brought us from slavery to freedom, from despair to hope, from death to life. May our words and music, our thoughts and our prayers and our very lives bring honor and glory to you. This we pray in the name of Jesus,  whose death and resurrection have brought us new life. Amen.                                    by Rev. Dr. Barb Hedges-Goettl (please give credit if using/adapting this resource)

*Call to Confession (Romans 6:10-11, Good News Version)         

Because Christ died and rose again, death’s power to touch him is finished. He now lives for God forever. In the same way, we have died to the appeal and power of sin. We are alive and responsive to the call of God through Jesus Christ our Lord.                                      by Rev. Dr. Barb Hedges-Goettl (please give credit if using/adapting this resource):

*Prayer of Confession CALL TO WORSHIP (from Psalm 98, Good News Version)

O God, when we hear your call to new life, sometimes we just feel old and tired.  The pains and sorrows of this life weigh us down.                                                              We don’t know how things can ever change.                                                                              We do not see how we can be renewed and revitalized.                                                          We forget that nothing is impossible with you. We find it hard to believe that you can and do grant more than all we can ask or imagine. Forgive us and renew us. (Silent confession)                                                                                                                            by Rev. Dr. Barb Hedges-Goettl (please give credit if using/adapting this resource):

*Assurance of Pardon (Romans 6:10-11 The Message) When Jesus died, he took sin down with him. Now, alive, he brings God down to us. From now on, sin speaks a dead language that means nothing to us. Instead, God speaks our mother tongue, and we hang on every word. We are dead to sin and alive to God. This is the Good News for which we give thanks be to God: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.                                                            by Rev. Dr. Barb Hedges-Goettl (please give credit if using/adapting this resource)

Call to/Prayer of Confession and Assurance of Forgiveness from Romans https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2011/06/act-of-confession.html

 

COMMENTARIES/SERMONS

Romans was a very important book for the reformers

Calvin’s commentary https://biblehub.com/commentaries/calvin/romans/6.htm

Wesley’s commentary https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/wen/romans-6.html

Luther’s sermon https://oursaviormuscatine.org/sermons/luther-sermon-romans-6-3-11

Sermon about the “hole within” (Romans 6:1-11) Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, Waterloo, IA https://1517.org/1517blog/edkillian/sermon-romans-6-1-11

 

Beyond the above resources, this text seems to be a topic mainly addressed from what is sometimes considered the “conservative” side of Christianity; see resources below:

Blue Letter Bible Commentary: https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/guzik_david/StudyGuide2017-Rom/Rom-6.cfm

Audio of sermon titled “Holiness: The Journey of God’s People” from an Evangelical Presbyterian Church

https://www.2pc.org/resources/audio-library/passage/romans-6:1-18/

Audio of sermon from the Village Church in Texas: “The Good Life Accomplished” https://www.tvcresources.net/resource-library/sermons/the-good-life-accomplished–2

Audio of sermon “A Call to Resurrected Thinking” from Baptist Church in Beach Haven (Long Beach Island), NJ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C3Q6J9N4tQ

 

HYMNS

https://www.sermonwriter.com/hymn-list/romans-61-11-hymns/

6/2 hymns Newness/baptism/Lord’s Supper
PCUSA Presbyterian Hymnal 1990 (The .x means the x verse is particularly relevant)
104.3 Christ is Risen! Sing Hosanna!
285.3 God, You Still the Whirling Planets
296 Walk On, O People of God
316 Breathe on Me, Breath of God
317.2 (Author of the New Creation)
353.5 Great God, Your Love Has Called Us Here
376.4 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
442.1 The Church’s One Foundation
492 Baptized in Water
493.2 Dearest Jesus, We Are Here
495.4 We Know That Christ Is Raised
500 Become to Us the Living Bread
507 I Come with Joy
CCM type
https://worship-songs-resources.worshiptogether.com/music/Romans-6
Hope, 1984 Worship and Service Hymnal
201 Come Ye Sinners, Poor and Wretched

Image result for spring resurrection

Liturgy Seeds for 5/26 Romans 5

Romans 3:28-30; 5:1-11

Thelogical Thoughts: How many people want to get healthy before they see a doctor or fix things before they take the next steps in their lives. God, and indeed church, has no prerequisite for perfection before walking in the door.

Call to Worship

Who is our God, the God of the Jews or the God of the Gentiles?

Yes to both. Our God is one, so our faith is one. 

But we do not all believe the same thing, as I look out upon the congregation I know that I do not believe the same thing as my neighbor. so how can we know we belong to God?

But God says, love the neighbor. Faith is the interweaving of many beliefs, have faith and know that God loves you. 

Come let us boast of the Lord who is God.

Let us worship our Lord and God knowing we have received reconciliation. 

Opening Prayer/Collect: Lord, gather our hearts together, honoring the diversity of our beliefs and weaving them into one faith. Teach us your peace by reminding us that God’s love has been poured out to us all. Help us to boast in the hope of the glory of God we pray. Amen.

Prayer of Confession: How can we approach you God? We confess that we are imperfect. How can we become a group of righteous people? We do not always think of you first, or at all. We forget to consider others, we worry about how things look instead of how they really are. We complain and complain about our suffering. Yet you remind us that we are justified not by our perfection, but by faith. Help us to persevere so we might experience hope we pray.

Reconciliation is the work of God’s peace entering into our lives, and God will never give up. Come and know the truth: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. 

Exegetical

2744 kauxáomai – properly, living with “head up high,” i.e. boasting from a particular vantage point by having the right base of operation to deal successfully with a matter (see WP at 2 Cor 5:12).

[2744 (kauxáomai) likely comes from the root, auχēn(“neck”), i.e. what holds the head up high (upright); figuratively, it refers to living with God-given confidence.

One definition of God coming to earth is that God “Stooped” to be with us. https://biblehub.com/greek/2744.htm

 

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance

gush forth, pour out, shed, spill.

Or (by variation) ekchuno ek-khoo’-no from ek and cheo (to pour); to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow — gush (pour) o ut, run greedily (out), shed (abroad, forth), spill. https://biblehub.com/greek/1632.htm

Hymns

Amazing Grace

I’ve Got Peace Like a River

Live Into Hope

Blessed Assurance Jesus is Mine

Children’s

Deep and Wide

Liturgy Seeds: Narrative Lectionary 5/19/19

https://wordpress.com/post/bjhlog.wordpress.com/186

NL 5/19/19: Romans 1:1-17

 

SUMMARY/THEMES

Verses 1-6 carry forth the theme of the gospel for all nations/the Gentiles that the NL has been addressing since Easter. Verses 7-15 address the mutuality to be found among Christians (see Barmen Declaration resources from 5/5). Note Paul starts out as describing himself as leader/giver and then notes that he is also recipient. (This was the theme found on 5/5 in Acts 10:1-17, 34-48 about Peter and Cornelius swapping out their roles as host and guest.) Verses 16-17 refer the Romans back to God—a theme found in the 5/12 passage (Acts 13:1-3, 14:8-18), where the people want to worship Paul and Barnabas instead of God.

 

My congregation has had four hospitalizations in this last week (in a church where Sunday attendance is usually less than 20!); therefore, thanking God for one another, praying for each other & mutual upbuilding of the faith is especially fitting right now. Themes I am thinking about include: (1) the grace and peace Paul directs to them from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ is for “all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people.” (2) the Romans’ faith redounds around the world! (3) this faith is shown by praying for one another, (in our case, especially when the one being prayed for finds him/herself unable to pray); and (4) Paul wants something that has been prevented (coming to the Romans) but still has hope.

 

TRANSLATIONS
For a variety of translations, see: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans1:1-17&version=NRSV;GNT;TLB;NIV;MSG

The Message translation is particularly helpful if you are focusing on the way the Paul explains the gospel here (v.2-7). I have not included the NKJV; you can change which versions are included for your perusal.

 

LITURGICAL PIECES

 

CALL TO WORSHIP (from Romans 1:1-6)

One: Servants of Jesus Christ, called to be apostles,

Many: we are set apart for the gospel of God.

One: God promised this gospel through his prophets in the holy scriptures.

Many: This gospel concerns God’s Son.

One: He was was descended from David according to the flesh

Many: He was declared the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead.

One: Through Jesus Christ our Lord, we have received grace and apostleship,

Many: and are called t.

One:  This morning God also calls us to believe and obey.

ALL: Thanks, worship and praise be to God!

 

OPENING PRAYER/COLLECT

O God, you love us and call us to be your own holy people.

Reveal to us our need to share one another’s joys and burdens,

to gather together to encourage one another in faith,

and to always pray for one another with thanksgiving,

so that we may know your grace and your peace.

In the name of God, and of the Son of God, and of the Spirit of God, Amen.

 

PRAYER OF GREAT THANKSGIVING/EUCHARISTIC PRAYER:

God, we offer you our thanks and praise.

From the beginning of human history,

you have called people to yourself as Creator and Lord,

teaching and leading them in the way of life.

Through the prophets recorded in Scripture,

you promised your Gospel.

Through the lineage of David,

you rooted Christ Jesus in history.

Through his resurrection from the dead,

you identified him as your Son.

Through him we receive

the generous gift of his life

and the joyous task of sharing that life

with one another and with the whole world.

 

By eating this bread and drinking this cup,

we witness to Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and ascension.

Through Jesus’ body and blood,

assure us that we are your people.

Renew us in our commitment

to inviting others to eat and drink

the joyful feast that you set for all.

 

United us in our thankfulness for one another.

Empower us to help one another.

Humble us to accept help from one another.

And always point us to yourself

and the Good News of the Gospel

as the source of all that we have,

all that we are, and all that we do.

 

Through the gracious gift of God

we are enabled to give thanks and pray,

to witness, and to receive.

Thanks be to God, Amen.

HYMNS
https://hymnary.org/search?page=2&qu=scripture%3Aromans%201%3A1-17%20in%3Atext

 

PC(USA) Glory to God

Romans

1.1-6 (Chapter.verse)

364 I Sing a Song of the Saints of God

410 When I Had Not Yet Learned of Jesus

1.1, 5

377 Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore

1.2-3

74.2 (Hymn #.verse) Jesus on the Mountain Peak

75.2+3 O Wondrous Sight, O Vision Fair

327 O Word of God Incarnate

330 Deep in the Shadows of the Past

331 Thanks to God Whose Word Was Written

601.1-3 Song of Zechariah (Benedictus) (Hymns taken most directly from the listed scripture are in bold type)

602 Song of Zechariah (Benedictus)

1.3-4

83 O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High

148 At the Name of Jesus

299 Amen, Amen

302 I Danced in the Morning

569 Christ Has Died (Memorial Acclamation)

598 This Is the Good News

1.3

48 Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming

58.3 While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

59.3 While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

69.1 O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright

88.1 All Glory, Laud, and Honor

205 All Hail to God’s Anointed

230.2 This Is the Day the Lord Hath Made

1.4-5

14 Savior of the Nations, Come

106 Alleluia, Alleluia! Give Thanks

107 Celebrate with Joy and Singing

109 Christ Is Risen

112 Christ the Lord Is Risen Again

113 Christ the Lord Is Risen Today!

117 O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing!

118 The Day of Resurrection!

120 Hail Thee, Festival Day!

133.2+3 All Glory Be to God on High

137.2 We All Believe in One True God

142 All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!

143 All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!

302.5 I Danced in the Morning

308.4 O Sing a Song of Bethlehem

309 Of the Father’s Love Begotten

474.4 O Splendor of God’s Glory Bright

1.5-6

1.2 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

133.1 All Glory Be to God on High

202.1+2 Psalm 67

212.5 Within Your Shelter, Loving God

216 O Sing a New Song to the Lord

217 O Sing a New Song

218 New Songs of Celebration Render

219 To God Compose a Song of Joy

300.1 Down to Earth, as a Dove

603.2 Song of Simeon (Nunc Dimittis)

604 Song of Simeon (Nunc Dimittis)

605.2 Song of Simeon (Nunc Dimittis)

1.6-7a

144.1 Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!

149.3 The Head That Once Was Crowned

153.1 He Is King of Kings

156.2 You, Living Christ, Our Eyes Behold

220.2 All People That on Earth Do Dwell

255.4 Now Praise the Lord

323 Loving Spirit

353 Great God, Your Love Has Called Us Here

392.4 Take Thou Our Minds, Dear Lord

402.1 Now Praise the Hidden God of Love

442.1+2 The Church’s One Foundation

443.2 O Christ, the Great Foundation

491.1 Stand Up and Bless the Lord

499.1 Wonder of Wonders, Here Revealed

516 Lord, We Have Come at Your Own Invitation

522 Lord, When I Came Into This Life

553.3 For the Fruit of All Creation

1.7-15

435 We All Are One in Mission

438 Blest Be the Tie That Binds

441 I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord

473.5 For the Beauty of the Earth

552 Give Thanks, O Christian People

1.7a

364 I Sing a Song of the Saints of God

1.7b

242.2 Come, All You Servants of the Lord

280 Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound

345.4 Dear Lord and Father of Mankind

356 Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

529.4 Lord of the Living

537 Farewell, Good Friends (Shalom, Chaverim!)

538 Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing

596 May the Lord, Mighty God

1.16-17

1.2+4 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

2 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

117.6 O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing!

240 Out of the Depths

250.1 When Morning Lights the Eastern Skies

307 Fight the Good Fight

370.3 Just as I Am, Without One Plea

373.3 Lonely the Boat

379 My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less

390.6 O Savior, in This Quiet Place

399 We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight

457.5 I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art

462.3 Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies

463.3 Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies

471 O Praise the Gracious Power

522.3+4 Lord, When I Came Into This Life

1.16a

84 In the Cross of Christ I Glory

86 When We Are Tempted to Deny Your Son

100 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

101 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

149.4+5 The Head That Once Was Crowned

384.4 O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go

1.16b

355 Hear the Good News of Salvation

485 To God Be the Glory

569 Christ Has Died (Memorial Acclamation)

598 This Is the Good News

1.16c

1.2 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

2.1 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

1.17a

376.2 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

412.5 Eternal God, Whose Power Upholds

 

 

EXEGETICAL RESOURCES

This full text is not in the RCL.  Romans 1:1-7 is part of the RCL on the 4th Sunday in Advent, so resources related to the RCL are very differently oriented than what we’re likely to be preaching in May between Easter and Pentecost. In addition, the resources available at textweek.com focus more on the other readings.  See http://www.textweek.com/pauline/rom1.htm

 

Romans 1:16-17 is paired with 3:22b-28 (29-31) on Proper 4A and Epiphany 9A.

See http://www.textweek.com/pauline/rom1_3.htm

 

For resources dealing more broadly with Romans 1, try

https://preachingandworship.org/search/romans%201%3A1-17

 

Also see Charles Spurgeon’s sermon on Romans 1 (although he takes the opening verse to counsel against any political involvement by Christians/pastors)

http://www.romans45.org/spurgeon/sermons/2257.htm#expo

 

CHILDREN’S SERMON: Saving starfish one at a time

https://www.sermons4kids.com/one-at-a-time.html

Seeds Liturgy Resource: Narrative Lectionary Acts 10 for May 5th

Acts 10:1-17, 34-48

This pericope invites thinking about who is “in” and who is “out” and who decides.

New Yorker cartoon about hate as a family value/holding hate in common

https://www.facebook.com/NewYorkerCartoons/photos/a.237223479636271/2799594813399112/?type=3&eid=ARAq6I6Srdh5YCGnfg_gPAL4b7KV1PbvWonzJ1ouNHcTaTK4dff6ic9y6MrX-o1gzwVVGNYhtUazKeDR&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARA1NPErUJEjZ5EmnJD6ozFmSm2jLbbFnOR4Wyse7ubonEuXhz9j1VO-N2DT7BThBAbXqtQUwnAjZYQ-RmmdJLN9dX7StuUFEniHyJF0988BCBrT3MNzY9u8m_59FEPWfZQG_z-z12KL58Iqlw6eEcrTvpVzRFdB-aZdxdeKwXcUDMO0_YNeFaAA3QcVwE-kN0d35zcV8jgv6GPy64XzhDZHMZiEOMF7_01kpXr30eGmg4ZUkFMF1o-Sy0DpsLx6rUwuqt1N8tAacL5aLMU2OD2tIKic8VYCzCxPAlvFnD9y4TvqjkI1MQZr5cbhqjPXzt4yz7YxC3tKUErEf-8IzBiTPVP3H3rxX1KvZg3KjQ5o&__tn__=EEHH-R

Fullsome exploration of hospitality, including references to Peter/Cornelius  in six lessons or sections with links to further resources https://www.baylor.edu/ifl/index.php?id=937688                                                                    

Direct links to some of those resources are below.

HYMN Come, Brother, Sit with Me                                                                                     Written music: https://www.baylor.edu/content/services/document.php/53388.pdf

Audio on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLE6LuqBKC0 

WORSHIP SERVICE – https://www.baylor.edu/content/services/document.php/53397.pdf

Discussion of a painting of the Last Supper with odd revelers and the changing of its title to “Feast in the House of Levi” when artist confronted by the  Inquisition about including strange characters in a painting of this holy, solemn occasion https://www.baylor.edu/content/services/document.php/53387.pdf

See also in Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Feast_in_the_House_of_Levi

This pericope lends itself to resources dealing with issues of inclusion and exclusion, a topic dealt with in the Belhar Confession of Faith. Link to the Confession as accepted in the PC(USA) Book of Confessions at https://www.pcusa.org/site_media/media/uploads/theologyandworship/pdfs/belhar.pdf

See original liturgical resources inspired by Belhar below.

Call to Worship

Developed from the Belhar Confession  Please include these words if using/adapting:

“By Barbara Hedges-Goettl. 

Permission given to use or adapt for use in faith communities”

Leader: We share one faith. We have one calling. We are of one soul and one mind.

People: We are one people. We have one God and Father.

Leader: We are filled with one Spirit. We are baptized with one baptism. 

People: We eat of one bread and drink of one cup.

Leader:  We are one people. We confess one name. 

People:  We are obedient to one Lord. We work for one cause. 

ALL: Thanks be to God!

Prayers of the People:

Developed from the Belhar Confession  Please include these words if using/adapting:

“By Barbara Hedges-Goettl. 

Permission given to use or adapt for use in faith communities”

All: We share one hope; together coming to know the height and the breadth and the depth of the love of Christ 

[Prayers of thanksgiving and joy/petitions for love and hope] 

All: Together we know and bear one another’s burdens, thereby fulfilling the law of Christ that we need one another and upbuild one another, admonishing and comforting one another; and that we suffer with one another for the sake of righteousness.

[Prayers for those in need]  

All: Together we are built up to the stature of Christ, to the new humanity. We pray together. Together we serve God in this world. Together fight against all which may threaten or hinder this unity. 

[Prayers for the Christian community to live up to its calling] 

Leader: In the name of Christ Jesus, who unites us in the prayer that he taught us….

[The Lord’s Prayer]

Confession of Sin #1

Developed from the Belhar Confession  Please include these words if using/adapting:

“By Barbara Hedges-Goettl. 

Permission given to use or adapt for use in faith communities”

 

Call to Confession: God calls the church to follow him, standing by those who suffer and are in need, so that justice may roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Let us confess the ways in which we do not follow God’s call. 

Prayer: 

One: O God, you bring justice to the oppressed and give bread to the hungry. 

All: Forgive us when we do not follow you. 

One: You free the prisoner and restore sight to the blind. 

All: Forgive us when we do not follow you. 

One: You support the downtrodden and protect the stranger. 

All: Forgive us when we do not follow you. 

One: You block evildoers and help orphans and widows. 

All: Forgive us when we do not follow you. 

One: You stand against injustice. You stand with the wronged. 

All: Forgive us when we do not follow you. 

One: You condemn those who seek their own interests, controlling and harming others. 

All: Forgive us when we do not follow you. 

One: You bring about justice and true peace among people. 

All: God, forgive us when we do not follow you. 

Grant us your grace. Embolden us that, as your people, we may stand where you stand. 

Assurance of Forgiveness 

One: God’s life-giving Word and Spirit enable us to live in a new obedience, opening new possibilities of life for society and the world. Thanks be to God for the Good News: 

All: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven

Prayer of Confession #2

Developed from the Belhar Confession  Please include these words if using/adapting:

“By Barbara Hedges-Goettl. 

Permission given to use or adapt for use in faith communities”

Invitation: 

The gift and obligation of unity is given and commanded by God for the Christian church,  

yet the one worldwide community of believers is not visibly and consistently united. Let us confess our need for God’s grace.

Prayer of Confession: God, forgive us. Our communion is not always visible to the world. We allow threats to unity to enter the church, making it hard to see that we are your community. At times we act as though we do not need each other. We do not always love one another. Sometimes we do not know and bear one another’s burdens. At times we fail build each other up. We do not always give ourselves willingly and joyfully to one another.  Forgive and strengthen us so that we may live in the unity that you grant us.

Assurance of Forgiveness 

One: By Christ’s work, we are reconciled and united with God and with one another. Thanks be to God for the Good News:   All: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.

Prayer of Confession #3

Developed from the Belhar Confession  Please include these words if using/adapting:

“By Barbara Hedges-Goettl. 

Permission given to use or adapt for use in faith communities”

Call to Confession: 

One: God has given the church the message of reconciliation in and through Jesus Christ, but we fall short of God’s call to be salt of the earth and the light of the world. 

Prayer of Confession: 

All: God, our fears and prejudices run deep. Sometimes we can only see our own point of view. 

We stick with those who are like us, rarely venturing outside our comfort zones. We do not hear 

those crying for justice and true peace. We blame those who are suffering and in need instead of standing by them. We deny the power of your gospel to unite us with those who are different from us. 

Lord, give us eyes to see and ears to hear. Use us to open new possibilities of life for all of your people.

Assurance of Forgiveness

One: We are reconciled with God and with one another through Christ’s work. Thanks be to God 

for the Good News: All:  In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

Statements/Confessions of Faith

Confession of Faith #1 from article 1 and the beginning of Article 2 of the Belhar Confession  Please include these words if using/adapting:

“By Barbara Hedges-Goettl. 

Permission given to use or adapt for use in faith communities”

We believe in God–the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, 

who gathers, protects and cares for the church. 

We believe the church is one worldwide communion of saints, 

called from the entire human family. 

We believe the church is the single community of believers, 

reconciled with God and with one another. 

We believe that through the working of God’s Spirit, 

unity is a binding force and also that we must seek this unity, 

which must become visible to the world. We believe that the sin of division, separation and hatred between people and groups has been conquered by Christ. 

We commit ourselves to protecting the unity of the church universal. 

We pledge to make this unity active in all of our words, thoughts and deeds.

Confession of Faith #2 

Developed from the Belhar Confession  Please include these words if using/adapting:

“By Barbara Hedges-Goettl. 

Permission given to use or adapt for use in faith communities”

It is through Christ’s reconciling work that we are the church united to God and to other believes.

As the church, we are the salt of the earth. We are the light of the world.

   We are entrusted with the message of reconciliation in and through Jesus Christ.

As the church, we are witnesses by both word and deed.

    We proclaim the new heaven and the new earth, in which righteousness dwells.

As the church, we proclaim that God’s life-giving Word and Spirit has conquered sin and death.

     God conquers irreconcilation, hatred and bitterness.

As the church, God’s life-giving Word and Spirit enable us to live in a new obedience,

    God opens new possibilities of life for society and the world. 

We declared ourselves ready to venture out on the road of obedience and reconciliation,

     servants of God, who wishes to bring about justice and true peace among people.

  

Confession of Faith #3/Litany

Developed from the Belhar Confession  Please include these words if using/adapting:

“By Barbara Hedges-Goettl. 

Permission given to use or adapt for use in faith communities”

The three parts of this litany may be used separately or in flexible combinations.

a.

One: We believe that unity is both a gift and an obligation for the church of Jesus Christ.

Many: Through the work of God’s Spirit, unity is a binding force.

One: At the same time, unity must also be earnestly pursued and sought.

Many: We must be continually built up to attain this unity.

One: Our unity must become visible to the world.

Many: Separation and hatred between people and groups is sin, already conquered by Christ. 

One: Anything threatening our unity has no place in the church.

Many: We commit ourselves to resisting anything that threatens our unity.

One: The unity of the people of God is active and made manifest. 

All: Thanks be to God.

b. (Here it works well for the two groups to make the proclamations below to each other.)

Group One: The communion of saints called from the entire human family is united by God.

Group Two: As the people of God, we love one another.

Group One: We experience, practice, and pursue community with one another.

Group Two: We give ourselves willingly and joyfully to one another.

Group One: We are a benefit and blessing to one another. 

Group Two: We share one faith and have one calling.

Group One: We are one body, and are of one soul and mind.

Group Two: We have one God and Father. 

Group One: We are filled with one Spirit.

Group Two: We are baptized with one baptism.

Group One: We eat of one bread and drink of one cup.

Group Two: We confess one name and are obedient to one Lord.

Group One: We work for one cause and share one hope.

All: Thanks be to God.

c.

All: Together we confess that God unites us in faith.

Together we come to know the height, and the breadth, and the depth of the love of Christ.

Together we are built up to the full stature of Christ.

Together we know and bear one another’s burdens.

We admonish one another. We comfort one another. We suffer with one another.

We need one another and we build up one another.

Together we pray. Together we serve God in this world.

Together we fight against all which may threaten or hinder this unity.

Thanks be to God for drawing and keeping us together. 

Eucharistic Resources from The Confession of Belhar                                                                           by Catherine J. Purves

Invitation to the Lord’s Table (See Luke 13: 29) 

Friends, this is the joyful feast of the people of God! They will come from east and west, and from north and south, and sit at table in the kingdom of God.                                                  All will be together there at the table; all will be reconciled.                                                       God’s justice will be established, and we will be at peace in Christ. 

This is the Lord’s table.                                                                                                                        Our Savior invites all those who trust in him to share the feast which he has prepared. 

Invitation to the Lord’s Table (See Ephesians 4: 4-5) 

This is the table of our Lord Jesus Christ. Here the community of faith gathers.                           United in baptism, we eat of one bread and drink of one cup, we confess one name,                    are obedient to one Lord, and share one hope. Come to the table where our unity in Christ becomes visible, and where the triune God gathers, protects, and cares for the church. 

Great Thanksgiving 

The Lord be with you. And also with you.                                                                                       Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.                                                                              Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.                                    We praise you O Living God, by whose purpose and will all things came into being.                            In a gracious act of love you formed a people, gathering, protecting and caring for them through Word and Spirit. You called us to be the light of the world, a reflection                                      of your glory and compassion, your justice and your love. When we allowed prejudice, fear, selfishness, and unbelief to lead us from the path of obedient faithfulness, again and again you sent prophets who called for justice and reconciliation. When our need was greatest, you did not abandon us, but sent us your Son,  our Lord and Savior, so that we might be reconciled with you and with one another, one church, united in worship with all the faithful of every time and place singing forever to the glory of your name: 

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.                          Hosanna in the highest. 

We praise you, O God, for your grace embodied in Jesus Christ. In him,                                    humanity has been restored and we are a new community. In him,                                                 the powers of separation and division and hatred have been defeated. In him,                                            the reign of righteousness and truth, freedom and justice has drawn near.                                 

Through his life and ministry, his death and resurrection, his ascension and his lordship, we are now certain of our hope and live in anticipation of his kingdom of peace and justice. Remembering all that you have done for us, and knowing that you are still at work in the world, we take this bread and we share this cup, giving thanks                                       for our redemption and reconciliation now complete in Jesus Christ.                                                And we offer up our lives as a proclamation of his lordship, celebrating his promises                            of unity, reconciliation, justice and peace. Praise to you, Lord Jesus: 

Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life.                                                        Lord Jesus, come in glory. Come, Holy Spirit. 

Let these gifts of bread and wine be for us the body and blood of Christ.                                         In this sharing may we be united with him and with one another.                                         Reconciled, forgiven, united, and fed, send us out to live in obedience and sacrifice,                       until that day when all will gather at your table in glory, proclaiming: Jesus is Lord! Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the holy church, all glory and honor are yours, almighty Father, now and forever. Amen. 

Prayer After Communion 

Holy and just God, at this our Lord’s table we have known the power of your promises and the mystery of his presence. We have seen that we are one in him, reconciled with our sisters and brothers, united in praise and in service. Being fed and fortified, lead us now into the world to proclaim your justice and to work for your peace, that all would come to see and know that Jesus is Lord and Savior.                                                  To him be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.

Hymns Related to the Themes of the Belhar Confession

Taken from The Presbyterian Hymnal, Glory to God

Unity 

   “In Christ There Is No East or West”  # 317, # 318

   “The Church’s One Foundation”   # 321

   “What Does the Lord Require of You?”   # 70

   “We Are One in the Spirit”   # 300

   “We Are One in Christ Jesus”   # 322  (Latin American tune) *

   “Help Us Accept Each Other”   # 754

   “Come!  Live in the Light!”   # 749  (Micah 6: 8)

   “Called as Partners in Christ’s Service”   # 761

   “Faith Begins by Letting Go”   # 684  (familiar tune)

   “Let Us Build a House:  All Are Welcome”   # 301 *

   “O Christ, the Great Foundation”   # 361

   “O for a World”   # 372

   “O God, We Bear the Imprint”   # 759

   “We Gather Here in Jesus’ Name”   # 501  (Communion) *

   “We Shall Overcome”   # 379

Reconciliation

   “Come Now, O Prince of Peace”   # 103  (Korean)

   “Dream On, Dream On”   # 383  (Korean – difficult tune, good words)

   “Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive”   # 444 *

   “I Come with Joy”   # 515  (Communion)

   “O Day of Peace”   # 373  (tune:  Jerusalem)

   “When God Restored Our Common Life”   # 74  (not completely sure about this one)   

Justice 

   “For the Healing of the Nations”   # 346

   “Lord, You Give the Great Commission”   # 298

   “My Song Forever Shall Record”   # 67  (Psalm 89, familiar tune)

   “My Soul Cries Out with a Joyful Shout:  Canticle of the Turning”   # 100  

              (Magnificat, Irish Ballad tune)

   “My Soul Gives Glory to My God”   # 99  (Magnificat)

   “Show Us, O Lord, Your Steadfast Love”   # 449  (Psalm 85)

   “Sing Praise to God, Whose Mighty Acts”   # 356  (Psalm 9)

   “The Days Are Surely Coming”   # 357

   “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy”   # 435

The above liturgical resources related to the Belhar, plus others from the PC(USA), may be found at http://oga.pcusa.org/section/mid-council-ministries/constitutional-services/belhar/

Other Belhar resources may be found at https://www.rca.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=4059

Exegetical resources 

https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=2421

This story is more about the conversion of Peter than about that of Cornelius

https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=3219                                         Gives historic background regarding Cornelius as a centurion, and then addresses possible themes of where the spirit is leading us today and how to have genuine dialogue across differences. 

http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom36.pdf Calvin’s Commentary on Acts

http://www.ccel.org/ccel/robertson_at/wp_acts.xi.html#xi-p0.1 Detailed analysis of the Greek (1930)

https://cep.calvinseminary.edu/sermon-starters/easter-6b-2/?type=old_testament_lectionary Acts challenges the assumptions of the early Christians regarding who the gospel is for, shocking those who are already in the church 

http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=1294                           Examines the story in the context of the larger narrative of Acts and Peter’s ministry overall. 

http://www.rickmorley.com/archives/1585                                                                                                                                    Christians of Jewish descent are “astounded” that the Holy Spirit of God is being given to “even” the Gentiles.

https://politicaltheology.com/the-politics-of-acts-1044-48/                                                        In usual circumstances Peter, as a Jew, would never have gone into Cornelius’ home.

https://www.baylor.edu/content/services/document.php/53391.pdf

The practice of welcoming travelers was a tactic to neutralize potential threats; 

here hospitality changes how Jewish Christians see Gentile converts.

How is Christian community blocked today?