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Liturgical Resources for Theological Education / Seminary Sunday
25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
September 20, 2009
Lectionary-Based Resources
Lectionary Scriptures:
- Proverbs 31:10-31
- Psalm 1
- James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a
- Mark 9:30-37
Opening Sentences:
One: The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits.
Many: A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.
All: Come let us worship the triune God together.
Prayers for the Occasion
For Those Who Teach in the Church
Almighty God, you have given your law to guide us in a life of love, and you have appointed teachers to interpret your will. Create in those who instruct your people a mind to study your Word, and good understanding, so that we may all learn your truth and do it gladly; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Master. Amen. (BCW 810)
— Book of Common Worship, p.810
For Seminaries
Almighty God, in Jesus Christ you called ordinary people to be disciples and sent them out to teach and preach your truth. Bring to seminaries men and women who are honest and eager to serve you. Give them tender hearts to care for others, and tough minds to wrestle with your Word, so that, as they speak and act for you, people may repent and return to love, believing in Jesus Christ, who is our Lord and Master. Amen. (BCW 811)
— Book of Common Worship, p.811
Prayer of Confession
Almighty God so often we fail to move beyond our striving to be the greatest. We forget that your calling is to live as servant/leaders in your name. Forgive us. Restore our pure desire to please you in every way and lead us as we commit ourselves to grow in your service. This we humbly pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN.
Prayers of the People:
In faith and hope, let us call on the name of the Holy One, saying:
God, in your wisdom, hear our prayer.
We pray for the church of Jesus Christ our Lord,
for its mission and ministry to a world in need.
Unite us as your people and fill us with your purpose.
God, in your wisdom ...
We pray for our theological seminaries
[Austin, Columbia, Dubuque, Louisville, McCormick, Pittsburgh, Princeton, San Francisco, Johnson C. Smith, Union Presbyterian Seminary, Auburn, and Evangelical of Puerto Rico],
and for the work of seminaries and churches together.
We give thanks for the women and men who have answered your call to ministry
and for the professors and administrators who help to shape them for your service.
Challenge and nurture them with your Word.
Strengthen and stir them with your Spirit.
God, in your wisdom ...
We pray for the people of all nations and those who govern them,
for the wisdom to seek peace, and the will to do justice.
Heal our divisions, put an end to our violence,
and help us to build new relationships of compassion and understanding.
God, in your wisdom ...
We pray for the earth and its precious resources.
Restore the splendor of your good creation
and give us a common vision of this world as our home.
God, in your wisdom ...
We pray for this community of your people,
for discernment as we seek to be your disciples in this place.
Lead us toward the future you have prepared for us
and keep us faithful in our promises to you and to one another.
God, in your wisdom ...
We pray for the poor and oppressed, and all who suffer,
for those in prison, and those who mourn.
Pour out your healing love on our broken world,
and equip us for ministries of healing and wholeness,
evangelism and outreach, peacemaking and reconciliation.
God, in your wisdom ...
We remember with thanksgiving those who have died,
particularly those saints and sages who bore witness to your light,
opened our hearts to your Word, and helped us to discern your call.
Let our own lives give testimony to your love and grace,
as we seek to share your good news with all the world.
God, in your wisdom ...
Loving God,
receive all the prayers of your people, spoken and silent,
and in your infinite wisdom,
use them for the fulfillment of your new creation;
through Jesus Christ, your Word and our way.
— Book of Common Worship, p.56
Lectionary Based Hymn Suggestions
Hymns for the Day
- Give to Me, Lord, a Thankful Heart PH 351
- Help Us Accept Each Other PH 358
- Give to Me, Lord, a Thankful Heart PH 351
- Help Us Accept Each Other PH358
- In Christ There Is No East or West PH 440
- Lord, Make Us Servants of Your Peace PH 374
- O God, We Bear the Imprint of Your Face PH 385
- Though I May Speak PH 335
— Handbook for the Revised Common Lectionary, p. 185
Hymns Related to Education and Ministry
- O God of Earth and Space (PH 274)
- Called as Partners in Christ’s Service (PH 343)
- Help Us Accept Each Other (PH 358)
- Take My Life, and Let it Be (PH 391)
- Take Thou Our Minds, Dear Lord (PH 392)
- How Clear is Our Vocation, Lord (PH 419)
- God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending (PH 422)
- Lord, You Give the Great Commission (PH 429)
- We Are Your People (PH 436)
- Blessed Jesus, at Your Word (PH 454)
- Earth and All Stars (PH 458)
- Here I Am, Lord (PH 525)
- Praise the Source of Faith and Learning (STF 2004)
- At the Font We Start Our Journey (STF 2114)
- The Summons (STF 2130)
- Together We Serve (STF 2175)
- The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve (2241)
Learn more
Our seminaries offer additional exegetical resources on their websites:
For questions or information contact Rose Niles at (888) 728-7228 x5337. |
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