A is for Apple, Alef Beth is for Learn Wisdom

In the course of some research the other night, I came across an entry in the Talmud (Shabbath 104a) discussing some of the instructions, lessons, and memory aids that were used in teaching the Hebrew alphabet back in the days of classical Judaism. Seeing that it was both instructive and good-natured, I wanted to reproduce it here as an alphabet chart:

Memory and instruction	Names of letters	Hebrew letters (right to left)
Learn wisdom (alef binah)	Alef, Beth	אב
Show kindness to the poor (Gemol Dallim) Why is the foot of the Gimmel stretched toward the Daleth? Because it is fitting for the benevolent to run after the poor. And why is the roof of the Daleth stretched out toward the Gimmel? Because he (the poor) must make himself available to him. And why is the face of the Daleth turned away from the Gimmel? Because he must give to him in secret, lest he be ashamed of him.	Gimmel, Daleth	גד
That is the Name of the Holy One, blessed be He	He, Waw	הו
If you do this, the Holy One, blessed be He, will sustain (Zan) you, be gracious (Hen) to you, show goodness (metib) to you, give you an inheritance (Yerushah), and bind a crown (Kether) on you in the world to come.	Zayyin, Heth, Teth, Yod, Kaf, Lamed	זחטיכל
The open Mem and the closed Mem are open teaching (Ma'amar) and closed (esoteric) teaching.	open Mem, closed Mem (final Mem)	מם
The bent Nun and the straight Nun: the faithful (Ne'eman) if bent (humble), will be the faithful, straightened.	bent Nun, straight Nun (final Nun)	נן
Samek, ‘ayyin: support (Semak) the poor (‘aniyyim). Another interpretation: devise (‘aseh) mnemonics (Simanin) in the Torah and so acquire it.	Samek, ‘ayyin	סע
The bent pe and the straight pe are an open mouth [peh], a closed mouth.	bent Pe and straight Pe (final Pe)	פף
A bent zadde and a straight zadde: the righteous (zaddik) is bent; the righteous is straightened. But that is identical with the faithful bent, the faithful straightened? The Writ added humility to his humility; so the Torah was given under great submissiveness.	bent Zadde and straight Zadde	צץ
Kuf is for Kadosh (holy); Resh for Rasha’ (wicked): Why is the face of the Kuf averted from, the Resh? The Holy One, blessed be He, said: I cannot look at the wicked. And why is the crown of the Kuf turned toward the Resh? The Holy One, blessed be He, saith: If he repents, I will bind a crown on him like Mine. And why is the foot of the Kuf suspended? If he repents, he can enter and be brought in through this. This supports Resh Lakish, for Resh Lakish said: What is meant by, "Surely he scorns the scorners, But he gives grace unto the lowly?" If one comes to defile himself, he is given an opening; if one comes to cleanse himself, he is helped.	Kuf, Resh	קר
SHin is for SHeker (falsehood); Taw for emeth (truth): Why are the letters of Sheker close together, while those of ‘emeth are far apart? Falsehood is frequent, truth is rare. And why does falsehood stand on one foot, while truth has a brick-like foundation? Truth can stand, falsehood cannot stand.	SHin, Taw	שת

 
I'm curious how far back we could trace the tradition of teachers making alphabet charts, games, or memory aids. After the custom of teachers everywhere, they do not lose the opportunity to have lessons within lessons, where the examples given are on another subject. Learning letters is generally a preparation for other things that will be learned after reading is mastered. Here the teachers lay the groundwork for what they want the students to learn next. While calling attention to the shapes of the letters, they emphasize learning wisdom, God's benevolence, human benevolence, humility, and truth.

If anyone has any use for this, I'm tagging this individual post as Creative Commons. Please bear in mind that the Talmud and its English edition are not mine (Soncino/Judaica Press, though I've modernized it somewhat). It's possible that there have been enough changes (between modernizing and simplifying the language, and original work added in the formatting) that this may possibly be considered a new work; users are encouraged to check into that as needed.

What Happens When Faith Is Silenced (Humor)

With good news

Without good news

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Ok, I skipped my humorous post on 4/1 this year, but still wanted to post something on the lighter side. The lower of these two pictures is also meant as a standalone as a picture of A life without "spirituality". (It's still not free of spiritual influence, just free of good ones.)

This particular post I've tagged  as creative commons; the artwork is original likewise the words. If anyone should be interested: help yourself, & enjoy.

Order of Worship from Romans: Orders of Confession

Paul's letter to the Romans has a lot of good material for framing a worship service more directly from Scripture. Here are two orders of confession from passages in Romans directly dealing with our sin and God's graciousness:

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Order of Confession #1 (from Romans 2 & 3)

P: Brothers and sisters, God's name is blasphemed among the unbelievers because of us. (Romans 2:24)

C: We who preach against stealing -- do we steal? We who say people should not commit adultery -- do we commit adultery? We who teach others -- do we not teach ourselves? We dishonor God by breaking the law. We all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 2:21-23 with 3:23)

P: But now the righteousness of God is made known; and in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, as it is written, "The righteous will live by faith." (Romans 3:21-22 with 1:17)

C: Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him. (Romans 4:7-8)

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Order of Confession #2 (from Romans 7 & 8)
P: We know that nothing good lives in us.

C: I have the desire to do what is good, I cannot carry it out. The good that I want to do is left undone. Instead, I have done the evil that I had not wanted to do. We have been unwilling servants, owned by our sins; we have been prisoners of the evil that is right there with us. (from Romans 7:14, 18-19, 21, 23)

P: But there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. You are set free from the law of sin and death. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame, for "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 8:1-2, 10:11,13)

C: If God is for us, who can be against us? Who will bring a charge against those whom God has chosen. It is God who acquits; who is he that condemns? Jesus Christ, who died -- more than that, who was raised to life -- is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

P: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

C: Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present or the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31, 33-35, 38-39)

Follow me (dismissal for an order of worship)

Here are some new worship materials. I suppose these would best suit the dismissal portion of an order of worship. Here I have three versions of this for different occasions: a basic version for ordinary use, a version with Psalms, and a Lenten version.

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Basic:

P: Jesus calls, "I am the way."
C: "Follow me."

P: "I am the truth".
C: He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

P: "I am the light."
C: He who has eyes to see, let him see.

P: Jesus calls, "Follow me."
C: And he will make us fishers of men.

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With Psalms:

P: Jesus calls, "I am the way."
C: "Follow me."

P: He leads me beside still waters.
C: He restores my soul.

P: "I am the truth".
C: He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

P. The teaching of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.
C: The testimony of the Lord is sure, making the simple wise.

P: "I am the light."
C: He who has eyes to see, let him see.

P: Your word is a lamp unto my feet.
C: And a light for my path.

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For Lent:

P: Jesus calls, "I am the way."
C: "Follow me."

P: "I am the truth".
C: He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

P: "I am the light."
C: He who has eyes to see, let him see.

P: "I am the way."
C: "Take up your cross and follow me."

P: Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.
C: For you are with me.

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General note: I like something like this as the dismissal because it's too easy to see the dismissal from worship as leaving behind the things of God, and better to see it as following Christ out the door and into the world.

Order of worship from the Letters to the Corinthians

Last summer I mentioned a long-term project of mine: orders of worship in which every word closely tracks Scripture. The goal goes beyond quoting Scripture throughout the service; the goal is to let each portion of Scripture shape how we worship. Because this order of worship is from the letters to the Corinthians, it has several open calls for participation from the congregation as Paul described in his writings to them. I've made this order of worship as creative commons (CC-NC-SA). If anyone uses this as a worship service, please let me know anything that may need smoothing to flow well. This version includes the Scripture citations.

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Blessing to begin worship

P: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (I Cor 1:3)
C: Thanks be to God for the grace he has given us in Jesus Christ. (I Cor 1:4)

Call for confession of sins

P: Brothers and sisters, if there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? (I Cor 3:1, 3)
Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning. (I Cor 15:34)
Christ died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for him who died for them and was raised again. (II Cor 5:15)
We implore you on Christ's behalf: be reconciled to God. (II Cor 5:20)

Confession of sins

C: We have been impatient. We have been unkind. We have been jealous and boastful and proud. We have been rude, self-seeking, and easily angered. We have kept a record of wrongs. We have delighted in evil rather than the truth. We have not protected, we have not trusted, we have not hoped, we have not persevered. (I Cor 13:4-7)

Proclamation of forgiveness in Christ

P: God is reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting our sins against us. (II Cor 5:19)
C: God made Christ, who had no sin, to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (II Cor 5:21)

Call for mutual forgiveness

P: If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven, I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sakes, so that Satan might not outwit us.
C: For we are not unaware of the accuser’s schemes.

Call for participation in worship

P: Brothers and sisters, you are the body of Christ.
C: Each one of us is a part of it. (I Cor 12:27)

P: When we come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, or a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation.
C: All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. (I Cor 14:26)

P: Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
C: For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. (I Cor 14:33)

The leader calls forward those with hymns or songs, two or three as it says also of the others, and the hymns or songs are sung. If the congregation decides it is best to schedule some songs in advance so that one or more musicians may practice, the person who called for the song may be permitted a brief introduction or dedication at the time it is sung.

The leader calls forward those with a word of instruction, “two or three” as it says. The words of instruction are introduced by saying:

P: If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
C: If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. (I Cor 13:1-2)

Any with words of instruction come forward to speak.

At the discretion of the congregation, this next call may be generally included, or included only on request.

P: If anyone speaks in a tongue, two – or at the most three – should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God. (I Cor 14:27-28)

Any with tongues and interpretations come forward to speak.

Attending to the gospel of Jesus Christ

P: Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel that was presented to you, which you have believed, and on which you have taken your stand. (I Cor 15:1).
For I resolved to know nothing which I was among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. (I Cor 2:2)

A section from the gospel is read, followed by a word of instruction on the gospel. Those that do not use a set lectionary may read something fitting for the day or occasion, or read through a book of the gospel week by week.

Special offering for the needy

If there is a special offering for the needy, it may be introduced with these words. This introduction should only be used on an offering taken specifically for the needy.

P: Now about the collection for the needy: On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up. (I Cor 16:1-2)
C: This service that we perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people, but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. (II Cor 9:12)

The offering is received.

Blessing as the offering is presented

P: Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, people will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the good news of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you, their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.
C: Thanks to be God for his indescribable gift of grace. (II Cor 9:13-15)

General offering, including offering for called workers

C: Who serves as a solider at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat the grapes? (I Cor 9:7)
Let us then give those who serve at the altar a share of what is offered on the altar. (I Cor 9:13)

Prayers

P: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.
C: For he comforts us in all our troubles. (II Cor 1:3-4)

Prayers and intercessions may be offered here

P: Many will give thanks to God for the gracious favor granted in answer to prayers. (II Cor 1:11)

The Lord’s Supper

P: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
For whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (I Cor 11:23-26)

P: Christ, our Passover, is sacrificed for us.
C: Therefore, let us keep the feast. (I Cor 5:7-8)

One or more songs may be sung while people receive the Lord’s Supper.

Dismissal and Call to mission

P: You are a letter from Christ, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the Living God.
C: Not on tablets of stone but on tablets of the human heart. (II Cor 3:3)

P: God is reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them.
C: He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making is appeal through us. (II Cor 5:19-20)

Blessing after worship

P: May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (II Cor 13:14)

Liturgy: Ash Wednesday

For the imposition of ashes. The penitent kneels. The leader makes the sign of the cross on the penitent's forehead with ashes, saying:

Leader: Remember, (name), that you are dust. Dust you are, and to dust you shall return. (Ps 103:14, Gen 3:19).

Penitent: But from everlasting to everlasting, the Lord's love is with us. (Ps 103:17)

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It's a small variation from the usual order for imposition of ashes. The slightly lengthened "Remember" recalls a verse from Ps 103 where God remembers that we are dust in compassion for our weakness, and the penitent praises God's faithfulness with words soon following from the same Psalm.

Liturgy of the Gospel of Matthew, with Scripture citations

This summer I mentioned a long-term project of mine: liturgies in which every word closely tracks Scripture. Here is the first real milestone; the text to this liturgy is now usable. Most of the key texts here are from the Gospel of Matthew. I suppose I'm more of an arranger than anything else in this, since the words are none of them originally mine except in the arrangement. I've made this as creative commons (CC-NC-SA). Other notes will follow in an upcoming post. If anyone uses this as a worship service, please mention anything that may need smoothing to flow smoothly in a worship service. This version includes the Scripture citations, but I expect to post one that is either without the citations or formatted so they're more inobtrusive. I will make a better-formatted version available (MSWord or pdf) as time permits.

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Invocation
P: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. (Matt 28:19)
C: Amen

Confession
P: Our Lord Jesus calls us to repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near (Matt 3:2, 4:17). He has said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matt 9:12-13)

C: Lord, I confess that my heart is unclean. (Matt 12:35). Out of it come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander. (15:19). I have spoken careless words (12:36). I have loved the place of honor and importance (23:6). I have neglected justice, mercy, and faithfulness (23:23). Yet you have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. (Matt 9:13). Lord, forgive us our sins. (Matt 6:12).

* Kyrie or other penitential song may be sung here

Absolution:
P: The Lord desires mercy, not sacrifice. (Matt 9:13) Our Savior has taught us, "The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. Take heart; your sins are forgiven." (Matt 9:6, 2).

Thanksgiving

* This or another song of thanksgiving for God’s mercy may be sung

Praise the LORD, O my soul;
All my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Praise the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all his benefits.

Who forgives all your sins
And heals all your diseases

Who redeems your life from the pit
And crowns you with love and compassion

The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
Slow to anger, abounding in love.

He will not always accuse,
Nor will he harbor his anger forever;

He does not treat us as our sins deserve
Or repay us according to our trespasses.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is his love for those who fear him;

As far as the east is from the west,
So far has he removed our transgressions from us.

(Psalm 103:1-12)

Prayers for our enemies

P: The Lord has also taught us to pray for our enemies. Being thankful for his forgiveness, let us pray: (Matt 5:44)

P: Lord, we praise you and give thanks to you, for you are good. (Ps 106:1)
C: Your mercy endures forever. (Ps 106:1)

P: While we were yet your enemies (Romans 5:8-10)
C: You died for us (Romans 5:8-10)

P: The righteous for the unrighteous (1 Peter 3:18)
C: To bring us back to you. (1 Peter 3:18)

P: Lord, have mercy on us. (Luke 18:3)
C: Have mercy on us sinners. (Luke 18:3)

P: Lord, if you kept record of our sins (Psalm 130:3)
C: Who could stand before you? (Psalm 130:3)

P: Do not bring your servant into judgment, (Ps 143:2)
C: For no one living is righteous before you. (Ps 143:2)

P: When I hid my faults (Psalm 32:3)
C: I wasted away. (Psalm 32:3)

P: When I confessed my transgression (Psalm 32:5)
C: You forgave the iniquity of my sin. (Psalm 32:5)

P: You oppose the proud (1 Peter 5:5)
C: But give grace to the humble. (1 Peter 5:5)

P. You, O Christ, came into the world to save sinners (1 Tim 1:15)
C: Of whom I am the chief. (1 Tim 1:15)

P: You have taught us to pray: Forgive us our sins (Matt 6:12)
C: As we forgive those who sin against us. (Matt 6:12)

P: Let mercy be the measure we use for others; (Matt 5:7, 7:2)
C: May their cups overflow with blessing. (Ps 23:5)

P: We remember before you all our enemies: (Matt 5:44)
C: May knowing you bring peace. (2 Peter 1:2)

P: We remember before you all who have wronged others. (Matt 5:44)
C: May your mercy turn hearts of stone to hearts of flesh. (Ezekiel 11:19)

P: We remember before you all who hide secret guilt: (Ps 19:12)
C: Create clean hearts, O Lord, and renew a right spirit. (Ps 51:10)

P: Let the sinners turn back to you: (Ps 51:13)
C: No one will be condemned who takes refuge in you. (Ps 34:22)

P: Let us proclaim your righteousness in the great assembly (Ps 40:9)
C: Let us not seal our lips or hide your righteousness (Ps 40:9-10)

P: Let us speak of your faithfulness and salvation (Ps 40:10)
C: Let us not conceal your love and your truth. (Ps 40:10)

P: Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven. (Psalm 32:1)
C: Whose sin is covered (Psalm 32:1)

P: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; (Psalm 106:1)
C: His mercy endures forever. (Psalm 106:1)

Scripture Readings

P: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. (Matt 4:4)

Old Testament Reading

Psalm

Epistle Reading

The leader may choose the introduction most fitting for the gospel text of the day.
P: God has proclaimed, “This is my Son, whom I love. With him I am well pleased. Listen to him.” (Matt 17:5)

OR

P: Jesus has called us, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke on you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matt 11:28-29).

Gospel Reading

The leader may choose the conclusion most fitting for the gospel text of the day.

For readings containing commands or exhortation
P: Whoever hears the sayings of the Lord and does them is like a wise man who built his house upon a rock. When the storm came that house did not fall. (Matt 7:24).

For readings containing miracles, promises, or blessings
P: May the whole earth know the Scriptures and the power of God. (Matt 22:29)

For readings containing proclamations or other teachings
P: What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the rooftops. (Matt 10:27)

Hymn of the day

* A hymn or other song may be sung

Sermon
Sermon

Preparation for Offering

If we have a gift to bring to the Lord and remember that our brother has anything against us, we should leave our gift at the altar and first go and be reconciled to our brother. After we reconcile, then we may offer our gift. (Matt 5:23-24).

Silence for self-examination

Offering

In keeping with our Lord’s calling, let us help the poor (Matthew 19:21), and give unto God that which is God’s (Matthew 22:21).

Prayers

Jesus invites us to ask, to seek, to knock, to come before God expecting good from him (Matt 7:7, 11). For our Father knows what we need before we ask him. (Matt 6:8)

Lord, wherever you traveled among the people, you were sought out by the sick, by their friends and family, by those for whom they worked. We, too, come to you on behalf of our loved ones. (Matt 8:1-17; 9:1-8, 18-24; 17:14-23).

Special prayers and intercessions may follow


Seasonal sentences

Let us praise the Lord and hallow his name ... (Matt 6:9)

Advent: who blessed Mary with a son, Jesus Christ our Lord, to save his people from their sins. (Matt 1:21)

Christmas: for it was fulfilled what the Lord spoke by the prophet: They shall call his name Emmanuel, which means God With Us. (Matt 1:22-23)

Epiphany: whose Christ was sought and worshiped by the wise men. (Matt 2:11)

Lent: for Jesus taught that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things, and be killed, and be raised again on the third day. (Matt 16:21)

Resurrection: for on this blessed and glorious day, the angel first proclaimed the joyous news at the grave: “He is not here. He is risen!" (Matt 28:5-6)
Congregation: He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Pentecost: who sent John the Baptist to baptize with water, and sent one greater to baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. (Matt 3:11)

Sundays after Pentecost: who has promised that wherever two or three are gathered together in his name, he is here with us. (Matt 18:20)

End Times (Troubled times): who compared the kingdom of heaven to a wedding banquet for the king’s son, and has invited us to come to the wedding banquet. (Matt 22:2, 4)

End Times (Untroubled times): who has urged us to watch, for we do not know at what hour our Lord will come. (Matt 24:42)


The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven
Hallowed be your name
Your kingdom come
Your will be done on earth,
As it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses
As we forgiven those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one. (Matt 6:9-13)

Confession of Faith

Nicene Creed (ancient ecumenical form)

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth, (Hebrews 1:2)
of all that is, seen and unseen. (Col 1:16)

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, (John 1:14, 1:18)
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, light from light, true God from true God, (Col 1:19, Heb 1:3)
begotten, not made, (John 3:16, 3:18)
of one being with the Father; (John 10:30)
Through him all things were made, (John 1:3, Col 1:16, Heb 1:2)
For us, and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, (Phil 2:7)
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, (Matt 1:21, Luke 1:34-35)
and was made man. (Matt 1:25)
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate.
He suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. (Matt 27:11-28:10 and parallels)
He ascended into heaven (Luke 24:50-51, Acts 1:9)
and is seated at the right hand of the Father. (Mt 22:44, 26:64; Mk 14:62, Lk 20:42, 22:69, Acts 2:33, Heb 1:3)
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, (Acts 1:11)
and his kingdom will have no end. (Luke 1:33)

We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life, (John 6:63; Rom 8:2, 8:10; Gal 6:8)
who proceeds from the Father, (Luke 15:26)
who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified; (Mt 28:19, 2 Cor 13:14)
who has spoken through the prophets. (Acts 1:16, 1 Peter 1:10-11, 2 Peter 1:21)
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. (Eph 4:3-5; Matt 10:2 and parallels; Acts 1:2-4)
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. (Acts 2:38)
We look for the resurrection of the dead (Matt 22:29-31, 1 Thess 4:16)
and the life of the world to come. (1 Thess 4:17)


The Lord’s Supper

The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “Take and eat. This is my body.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (Matt 26:26-28)

* The Agnus Dei may be sung, or other song that proclaims Christ as the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world

Distribution

* During the distribution, hymns or other songs may be sung

Sending Forth

Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything the Lord has commanded us. And surely the Lord is with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matt 28:19-20)

* A hymn or other song may be sung

Liturgy of Luke: prefaces to the readings

Here is my first draft of the prefaces for the readings for the Liturgy of the Gospel of Luke:

Preface to Moses, the prophets, or the Psalms:

All things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses, and the prophets, and the Psalms concerning Christ, who opens our minds that we might understand the Scriptures. (Luke 24:44-45)

Preface to the Gospel reading:

To sit at Jesus' feet and hear his words is the one thing that is needful. (Luke 10:39,42)

Praise after the Gospel reading:

Many prophets and kings have desired to see what we have seen, and to hear what we have heard. (Luke 10:24)

Liturgy of Matthew: Prefaces to the readings

Here is my first draft of the prefaces for the readings for the Liturgy of the Gospel of Matthew:

Preface to the full set of readings:

Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. (Matt 4:4)

Preface to the Gospel reading:

This is my Son, whom I love. With him I am well pleased. Listen to him. (Matt 17:5)

Liturgy of Matthew: Seasonals

Here is my first draft of the seasonal sentences for the Liturgy of the Gospel of Matthew:

Advent: Mary shall bring forth a son, and he shall be named Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins. (Matt 1:21)

Christmas: It was fulfilled what the Lord spoke by the prophet: They shall call his name Emmanuel, which means God With Us. (Matt 1:22-23)

Epiphany: Coming into the house where the child was with Mary his mother, the wise men fell down and worshiped him. (Matt 2:11)

Lent: From that time forth, Jesus taught that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things, and be killed, and be raised again on the third day. (Matt 16:21)

Resurrection: The angel answered, "Fear not, for I know you seek Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here. He is risen!" (Matt 28:5-6)

Pentecost: I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who comes after me shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. (Matt 3:11)

Sundays after Pentecost: Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart and you shall find rest for your souls. (Matt 11:28-29)

End Times (Troubled times): The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent forth servants saying, "I have prepared my dinner and all things are ready. Come to the wedding banquet." (Matt 22:2, 4)

End Times (Untroubled times): Watch, for you do not know at what hour your Lord will come. (Matt 24:42)

Gethsemane: Altered Lyrics

My pastor has mentioned a couple of times that one of my favorite Lenten hymns, "Go to dark Gethsemane", was one of his seminary professor's least favorite Lenten hymns because of its lyrics. I have to admit, when I sing it, the last lines of each stanza seem to lose the focus on Christ and put it back on us and, worse, turn Gethsemane, the cross, and the resurrection into an object lesson. The very last line of the hymn has always struck me as odd. "Savior, teach us so to rise"? Almost sounds as if Jesus is giving us resurrection lessons in a how-to kind of vein. Maybe I missed that lesson? ;)

So I have written new last lines for each stanza. If anyone cares to use these altered lyrics, I've made them Creative Commons. The altered lines are italicized.

Go to dark Gethesmane
All who feel the tempter's power
Your Redeemer's conflict see
Watch with him one bitter hour
Turn not from his griefs away
Humbly watch your Savior pray

Follow to the judgment hall
View the Lord of life arraigned
Oh the wormwood and the gall!
Oh the pangs his soul sustained!
Shun not suffering, shame, or loss
Follow while he bears the cross

Calvary's mournful mountain climb
There, adoring at his feet,
Mark that miracle of time
God's own sacrifice complete.
"It is finished!" hear him cry;
Jesus Christ was sent to die.

Early hasten to the tomb
Where the laid his breathless clay
All is solitude and gloom
Who has taken him away?
Christ is risen! He meets our eyes!
Savior, bring us so to rise.

Original lyrics James Montgomery, 1771-1854

Likely enough someone can do better than that on the alterations. But in the meantime, if someone wants to sing more Christ-centered lyrics for a Lenten meditation, this will be an inch in the right direction.

Grace over meals: for troubled times especially

Blessed are you, O Lord our God,
King of the Universe,
Who clothes the grass of the field,
Who feeds the birds of the air,
And has given us today our daily bread.

Litany: for our enemies

"Pray for those who persecute you." - Christ

I was searching the hymnals on my shelf looking for prayers for our enemies. Couldn't find any. Odd, considering all the other prayers available there, and that's one of the prayers we're specifically called to make. So I thought, "Why not?"

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Lord, we praise you for your loving kindness.
Your mercy endures forever.

While we were yet your enemies
Christ died for us

The righteous for the unrighteous
To bring us back to you.

Lord, have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us sinners.

Lord, if you kept record of our sins
Who could stand before you?

When I hid my faults
I wasted away.

When I confessed my transgression
You forgave the iniquity of my sin.

You oppose the proud
But give grace to the humble.

You have taught us to pray: Forgive us our sins
As we forgive those who sin against us.

Let mercy be the measure we use for others;
May their cups overflow with blessing.

We remember before you all hateful souls:
May knowing you bring peace.

We remember before you all who have wronged others:
May your mercy turn hearts of stone to hearts of flesh.

We remember before you all who hide secret guilt:
Create clean hearts, O Lord, and renew a right spirit.

Let the guilty heart turn to you:
May the forgiven celebrate your goodness.

May the redeemed celebrate your glory:
May your compassion be proclaimed to all the earth.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
His mercy endures forever.