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Sunday, October 1, 2023
Lectionary 26, Year A
Introduction
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Confession and Forgiveness
Silence is kept for reflection.
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Prayer of the Day
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This is the Feast
This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain, whose blood set us free to be people of God. This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Power and riches, wisdom and strength, and honor and blessing and glory are his. This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Sing with all the people of God, and join in the hymn of all creation: Blessing and honor, glory and might be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen. This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. For the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign. Alleluia. This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
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Gospel: Matthew 21:23-32
28“What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. 30The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. 31Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.”
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Sermon
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Prayers of Intercession
The prayers are prepared locally for each occasion. The following examples may be adapted or used as appropriate.
Trusting in the transformative power of God’s loving Spirit, let us pray for the church, the world, and all in need.
A brief silence.
Holy God, you give the law that your people live by it and flourish. Write your law on the hearts of all who bear your name, and teach us to love your commandments, that we live as you intend. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Holy God, you plant the earth and water it and bring forth a fruitful harvest. Send favorable weather, just wages, and the bounty of your abundance to all who are engaged in the labor of harvest. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Holy God, you watch over the ways of the righteous and judge your people with fairness. Guide judges, courts, elected officials, and all those tasked with upholding the law, inspiring them with your wisdom and zeal for justice. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Holy God, you hold your people in love and surround them with your mercy. Draw near to all who are in need (especially). Be their rest and comfort. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Holy God, you call us to love one another as we love ourselves. Give us the will and patience to love those who are difficult to love. Bless all the ministries of this congregation through which we show love for our neighbors (especially). God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Holy God, you have broken the chains of death and daily make all things new. We give you thanks for the witness of reformers like Martin Luther and all the saints. We pray that your transformative spirit is at work in us. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Gracious God, into your hands we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your unending love and amazing grace; through Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Amen.
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Offering Prayer
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The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
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Blessing