Let’s Shine!

Pastor: Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. – Psalm 31:16
All: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. – Psalm 37:6

Pastor: Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock; you who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth – Psalm 80:1
All: Restore us, O God; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved. – Psalm 80:3

Pastor: Make your face shine upon your servant and teach me your decrees. – Psalm 119:135
All: even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. – Psalm 139:12

Congregation Stands
Pastor: Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. – Isaiah 60:1
All: For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. – 2 Corinthians 4:6

Pastor: May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us – Psalm 67:1

Good Song Candidates to follow up with:

Traditional (Hymns):
Arise and Shine in Splendor      CW081
Rise, Shine, You People CW556

Adult Contemporary:
Shine Down LAPPY 267
Shine, Jesus, Shine LAPPY 270 & BOB 204

Teen, Christian Radio:
“Shine Like the Son” by Matt Maher
“We Shine” by Steve Fee

Key:
CW = Christan Worship (the WELS Lutheran Hymnal)
LAPPY = “Let All the People Praise You” NPH
BOB = “Best of the Best in Contemporary Praise and Worship” Fellowship Ministries

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.  Used by permission of International Bible Society

Peace

Here is a responsive reading focusing on “peace” as defined in scripture.

Pastor: The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. – Psalm 29:11
All:  I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. – Psalm 4:8

Pastor:  Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. – Psalm 34:14
All:  I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints— but let them not return to folly.  – Psalm 85:8

Pastor: LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us. – Isaiah 26:12
All: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6

Pastor: Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you. – Isaiah 54:10
All: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. – Isaiah 53:5

Pastor:  Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, – Romans 5:1
All: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests. – Luke 2:14

Pastor:  You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. – Isaiah 55:12
All: For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, – Romans 14:17

Pastor:  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13
All:  Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. – Jude 1:2

Here is a listing of music that might be appropriate as a follow-up to this reading:
In Peace and Joy I now Depart (CW 269)
O God of Love, O King of Peace (CW 519)
Grant Peace, We Pray, in Mercy, Lord (CW 522)
May the Peace of God (CWS 745)
Peace Like a River – It is Well (CWS 760, LAPPY 154)
Let the Peace of Christ Rule in Your Heart (LAPPY 176)
Peace, Like a River ( LAPPY 238)
Peace be Yours (BOB 183)

CW = Christian Worship (Lutheran Hymnal)
CWS = Christian Worship Supplement
LAPPY = Let All the People Praise You Songbook
BOB = Best of the Best in Contemporary Praise and Worship

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.  Used by permission of International Bible Society

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth. – Psalm 100:1

The term “joyful noise” has been dropped from the NIV translation but occurred several times in the Psalms in the KJV.  This reading brings the “joyful noise” phrase back and combines it with some of the modern NIV language.  Try using this reading on those special days when you have a larger band than normal accompanying your worship music.

Pastor:  Make a joyful noise unto God, all the earth!  – Psalm 66:1
Congregation:            Sing aloud unto God our strength; make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob. – Psalm 81:1

Pastor:  Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth; make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. – Psalm 98:4
Congregation:            O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. – Psalm 95:1

Pastor:  With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King. – Psalm 98:6
Congregation:            Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. – Psalm 95:2

the Fear of the LORD

Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. – Psalm 34:11

Pastor:         What is the fear of the LORD?
Men:            The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor. – Proverbs 15:33
Women:      Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life. – Proverbs 22:4

 

Pastor:         He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure. – Isaiah 33:6
Teens & Children:         The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.  To him belongs eternal praise.  – Psalm 111:10
Men:            The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death. – Proverbs 14:27

Pastor:         You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the LORD. – 2 Chronicles 19:9
Men:            Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil. – Proverbs 16:6

Pastor:         Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. – Proverbs 23:17
Seniors (60 + years):     The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short. – Proverbs 10:27

Pastor:         Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord. – Acts 9:31
Teens & Children:         The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.  – Proverbs 9:10

Pastor:         Now let the fear of the LORD be upon you.  Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”  – 2 Chronicles 19:7
All:                The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. – Psalm 19:9

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.  Used by permission of International Bible Society

Sing Praise …

Emphasize the phrase “sing praise” in this responsive reading:

Pastor:            Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. – 1 Chronicles 16:8-10
All:  O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God. – Psalm 59:17

Pastor:            All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name.”  – Psalm 66:4
All:  I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High. – Psalm 7:17

Pastor: Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds — his name is the LORD— and rejoice before him. – Psalm 68:4
All:  I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. – Psalm 9:2

Pastor: Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord,  – Psalm 68:32
All:  Then will I ever sing praise to your name and fulfill my vows day after day. – Psalm 1:8

Pastor: Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant. – Psalm 135:3
All: My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I, whom you have redeemed. – Psalm 71:23

Pastor:  As for me, I will declare this forever; I will sing praise to the God of Jacob. – Psalm 75:9
All:  I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. – Psalm 104:33

Pastor:  I will sing of your love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will sing praise. – Psalm 101:1
All:  I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. – Psalm 146:2

Consider following this responsive reading with a praise song  that includes the phrase “sing praise”.  “Forever” by Chris Tomlin, based on Psalm 136 is a good one.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.  Used by permission of International Bible Society

A responsive reading based on the Psalm passage “Give thanks to the Lord for He is Good”

Give thanks to the Lord for He is Good

P:  Remember me, O LORD, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them; that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones.  (Ps 106:4,5a)

C:  O Give thanks to the LORD, for He is Good and His steadfast love endures forever.  (Ps 106:1)

 

P: for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.  (Ps 107:9)

C:  O Give thanks to the LORD, for He is Good and His steadfast love endures forever.  (Ps 107:1)

 

P:  O Give thanks to the LORD, for He is Good and His steadfast love endures forever.  (Ps 118:1)

P:  Let Israel say:  (Ps 118:2a)

C:  His love endures forever.  (Ps 118:2b)

P:  Let the house of Aaron say:  (Ps 118: 3a)

C:  His love endures forever.  (Ps 118:3b)

P:  Let those who fear the LORD say:  (Ps 118:4a)

C:  His love endures forever.  (Ps 118:4b)

 

P:  Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good.  (Ps 136:1a)

C:  His love endures forever.  (Ps 136:1b)

P:  Give thanks to the God of Gods.  (Ps 136:2a)

C:  His love endures forever.  (Ps 136:2b)

P:  Give thanks to the Lord of Lords  (Ps 136:3a)

C:  His love endures forever.  (Ps 136:3b)

P:  Give thanks to the God of Heaven  (Ps 136:26a)

C:  His love endures forever.  (Ps 136:22b)

 

You might also consider responding with a song like “Forever” by Chris Tomlin.

Responsive Reading for Good Shepherd Sunday

 

Pastor:  I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing, declares the LORD.

–    Jeremiah 23:4

 

All: The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

– Psalm 23:1

 

Pastor:  He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.

– Micah 5:4

 

All:  Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.

– Psalm 28:9

 

Pastor:  I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.   I know my sheep and my sheep know me.

– John 10:11 & 14

 

All:  Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock; you who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth

– Psalm 80:1

 

Pastor: And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

– 1 Peter 5:4

 

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.  Used by permission of International Bible Society

Easter Reading – Prophecy and Fulfillment

Pastor:  He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.  (Is 53:9)

Congr.:  As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus.  Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him.  Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock.  He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.  (Mt 27:57-60)

 

Pastor: because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.  (Ps 16:10)

Women: After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.  His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.  The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.  The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.  (Mt 28:1-5)

 

Men: This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.  But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.   (Acts 2:23, 24)

 

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.  Used by permission of International Bible Society