This Week’s Theme
The Transfiguration
Luke 9.28-43a
After Jesus laid out the conditions for true discipleship for all those wishing to follow him, he took Peter, James, and John with him to the top of a mountain to pray. As our Lord was praying, he was transfigured – his face shone with heavenly splendor, and his clothing became dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appeared with splendor and conversed with him of his “departure” (Greek, exodon – exit, exodus) he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
In his ignorance and shock, Peter suggested they build three shelters – one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. From a cloud which overshadowed them, the frightened apostles heard a voice come out of the cloud saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” When the voice had spoken and the cloud lifted, Jesus was found alone.
Indeed, as the voice spoke which came out of the cloud, Jesus of Nazareth is the Elect of God, the Son and Chosen One of the Father. He alone is the one anointed by the Lord to redeem and restore creation under God’s reign once more. To know God’s will and Word, we need only listen to him.
Preparing Our Hearts
Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation
O God, in the transfiguration of your Son you confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the witness of Moses and Elijah, and in the voice from the bright cloud declaring Jesus your beloved Son, you foreshadowed our adoption as your children. Make us heirs with Christ of your glory, and bring us to enjoy its fullness, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
~ Evangelical Lutheran Worship (Conference of Bishops, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, p. 41)
Call to Worship
Blessed are you, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed is your Kingdom, both now and forever, Amen.
Praising Our God
Te Deum Laudamus
You are God: we praise you; you are the Lord; we acclaim you; you are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you; Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin’s womb. You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God’s right hand in glory. We believe that you will come and be our judge. Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.
Praise and Thanksgiving (songs and prayers)
Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father,
And to the Son and to the Holy Spirit:
As it was in the beginning,
Is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, amen.
Listening to His Voice
Chronological Reading for the Day
Tuesday: Judg. 13-15
Lectionary Readings for the Day
Psalm: Ps. 99
OT: Exod. 34.29-35
Gospel: Luke 9.28-43a
Reflection: Silence and/or Journaling
Responding in Faith
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he arose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
*In the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, the term catholic refers to the Church’s universality, through all ages and times, of all languages and peoples. It refers to no particular tradition or denominational expression (e.g., as in Roman Catholic).
Prayers of Confession
Let us now confess our sins to God and receive mercy and grace to help in our time of need.
Assurance of Pardon
Having faithfully confessed and renounced your sin, Christ also has been faithful to forgive your sins and to purify you from all unrighteousness. It is certain, that there is One who has spoken to the Father in your defense, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins and for the sins of the whole world. His grace and peace are with you now. Amen.
Petitions and Supplications, Ending with The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
~ Matthew 6.9-13 (KJV)
Doxology (and/or closing song)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Departing to Serve
Benediction
O God, glorious and faithful, to those who seek you with a sincere heart you reveal the beauty of your face. Strengthen us in faith to embrace the mystery of the cross, and open our hearts to its transfiguring power; that, clinging in love to your will for us, we may walk the path of discipleship as followers of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
~ Messale Romano (The Theological and Worship Ministry Unit, p. 215)
Affirmation for the Day
Because Jesus is the one determined to deliver humankind from its sin, we need only listen to him to discern the will and way of the Lord.
Pray without Ceasing – Flash Prayer for the Day
Hear the Father’s testimony: “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!”
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
Becoming Fishers of Men
Luke 5.1-11
Book Reading
Coleman, The Master Plan of Evangelism
Special Church Year Service
Ash Wednesday: Wednesday, March 6, 2019