LIVING GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

WELCOMES YOU

CHRIST IS RISEN!  ALLELUIA!!

ASCENSION OF OUR LORD

26 MAY 2022

In today’s readings the risen Christ ascends into heaven and his followers are assured that the Spirit will empower them to be witnesses throughout the earth.  The disciples are told to not gaze up into heaven to look for Jesus (Acts 1:11); we find his presence among us as we proclaim the word and share the Easter feast.  We too long for the Spirit to enliven our faith and invigorate our mission.

Prayer of the Day

Almighty God, your only Son was taken into the heavens and in your presence intercedes for us.  Receive us and our prayers for all the world, and in the end bring everything into your glory, through Jesus Christ, our Sovereign and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

First Reading: Acts 1:1-11

Before he is lifted into heaven, Jesus promises that the missionary work of the disciples will spread out from Jerusalem to all the world.  His words provide an outline of the book of Acts.

Psalm: Psalm 47

God has gone up with a shout. (Ps. 47:5)

Second Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23

The risen and exalted Christ reigns over the entire universe.  The author of Ephesians prays that we are given the wisdom to know the power of the risen Christ and the empowering hope that the knowledge of this inheritance provides.

Gospel: Luke 24:44-53

On the day of his ascension, Jesus leaves his disciples with a commission, a blessing, and a promise of the Holy Spirit.

THE SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

29 MAY 2022

It is possible to hear in Jesus’ high priestly prayer, a prayer he offered shortly before his death, the petitions of the ascended Christ for his own throughout history—to our day—and beyond.  Jesus prays for us.  In holy baptism we become believers in God, have our robes washed in the flood of Christ’s forgiveness, and receive the gift of life forever with all the saints.

Prayer of the Day

O God, form the minds of your faithful people into your one will.  Make us love what you command and desire what you promise, that, amid all the changes of this world, our hearts may be fixed where true joy is found, your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

First Reading: Acts 16:16-34

Those who had enslaved a girl and used her powers to tell fortunes threw Paul and Silas into jail for ordering the spirit to come out of her and consequently ruining their business.  In prison, Paul and Silas bring the good news of the gospel to the jailer and his family.

Psalm: Psalm 97

Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous. (Ps. 97:12)

Second Reading: Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21

The ascended Christ, hidden from our sight, promises to come again.  We eagerly pray, “Come, Lord Jesus,” with all who respond to this invitation.

Gospel: John 17:20-26

Jesus prays that the life of his followers will be characterized by an intimate unity of identity with God.  To be so identified with God means also to share in God’s mission:  to proclaim the word that will bring others into this same unity.

(from Sundays and Seasons, 2022, Year C, Guide to Worship Planning)