Jesus Prays for his Disciples
Worship
Lectionary Worship Workbook
Series II, Cycle A Gospel Texts
A Celebration Of Resurrection
Invitation to the Easter Celebration
If you want to set your people free, or make them thoroughly uptight, consider this idea, either on Easter Day or on the last Sunday that you celebrate the Season of the Resurrection: As Worship leader, enter from the back of the sanctuary laughing, yes, guffaw laughing; if you prefer to do this with others, invite as many as it takes to enter the sanctuary from every entrance, so you will have stereophonic laughter filling the sanctuary. When all of the "laugh-ers" have arrived in the chancel, say: "Come one, come all, laugh with us. It's the season of Easter when God had the last laugh over sin and death! If that Good News fails to bring joy and laughter, what will? Greet each other with God's Holy Laughter." (After a few minutes, begin this response:)
P: "Look! Christ is here to stay and that's enough!" (WHK)
"Look! Love is here to stay and that's enough!" (former Sister Corita)
Right Side: Hallelujah!
Left Side: Gladness is ours!
P: Hallelujah! Gladness is ours!
Right Side: Hallelujah!
Left Side: Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving!
Response
Sing chorus only to "Allelu!" Sing it until the congregation sings it enthusiastically and with energy. (Words and music by Ray Repp, F.E.L. Publishing, Ltd., found in Folk Encounter, Hope Publishing Company. See Appendix I for address.)
Prayer of Praise
O God, Parent, Child, Spirit, we rejoice that you have invited us to come laughing and rejoicing today and every Sunday, and that today, we have said, "Yes!" Prepare our hearts, minds, wills, to receive the truth of Jesus, the reason for our laughter, as we think and act upon your word, and celebrate your Presence and Power in Scripture and song, in the prayers and the proclamation, in the offering and the sacraments, and in willing and sometimes not so willing, obedience. For Christ's sake, the world's sake, our sake. And all the people laughed and said, "Tah-dah!"
Recognizing Who We Are And Whose We Are
The Act of Recognizing Our Humanity
Authority! Authority! Authority! How we hate that word! Some of us can hardly wait to sing "Take This Job and Shove It" by Johnny Paycheck. (Have someone sing it.) We would rather have servants than be servants. Notice the Lotto ads, which basically say, "Win the Lotto, you can quit your job and have servants, and anything else your heart desires." Consider, silently, how we view authority, negatively, and positively. Write down your responses. (Two minutes.) Ask, what are your responses toward human authority, toward God's authority over our lives? Do we really want anyone telling us what to do, where to go, including our own family members? (One minute of silence.)
In silence, I invite each of us to read the Gospel for today. What do you think that Jesus says about authority, and how does he deal with it; and how does he ask us to deal with it? (Ask for responses; expect none -- too scary -- so ask the people to jot down and put in the offering plate unsigned, one idea from their reading.)
Response
"Lord, Have Mercy Upon Us" (arr. David N. Johnson, 1972; or John Merbecke, 1550, arr. Healey Willan, 1930).
The Act of Receiving New Life
Have you ever wondered why Jesus, of all people, prayed, and needed prayer? My guess is that he recognized the source of his power and authority. So many of us pray the way rabbits nibble, a little here, a little there, dashing here, dashing there. Now, if we believe that God in Christ has conquered life and death, I invite several of you to offer laughing prayers of joy and thanks.
Response
"What Surging Well of Joy This Is" (from Psalmody in Miniature, 1783; adapted by Edward Miller, 1790. Jane Parker Huber, 1983).
The Teaching
Message with the Children of All Ages
Tie it in with the Scripture. Begin by asking, "Do you know that when Jesus prayed for his disciples, he also prayed, and keeps on praying, for you. And not only that, he enjoys hearing your laughter." Show them pictures of Jesus laughing. (The Fellowship of Merry Christians has several. Order from F.M.C., P.O. Box 895, Portage, MI 49081-0895.) Too often adults have used Jesus to discipline their children harshly.
Reading the Newer Covenant
Have someone memorize the words of Jesus, and present them as Jesus might.
Proclamation of the Good News
Someone has offered the following outlets of power: 1) through our life, who we are; 2) through our lips, what we say; 3) through our service, what we do; 4) through our money, what we do not keep; 5) through our prayers, what we claim in Jesus' name.
Stewardship Challenge
Before the Offering: We give cheerfully (the biblical word is "hilariously"), not for services rendered, not for what we can get, not even on the basis of what we receive for ourselves. We give as joyful "thankers."
After the Offering: Gracious and Holy God, the Source of our laughter, it's easy to talk; it's difficult to act. It's difficult to act because we're both afraid and confused -- afraid of what people might think of us, and confused about where to start, or even if we want to start. By your pursuing Spirit, work in the lives of each of us this week, and always, that we will receive both your insight about where to begin, and courage to begin, even though we're not always sure where, or even if, we want to begin. Fulfill within us your purposes for us as a community of faith at this time, beginning now. We offer this prayer, and ourselves, in the name of the living Christ.
Hymn of Dedication
"God of Love and Joy and Laughter" (Jane Parker Huber, 1985. "Hymn to Joy," Ludwig von Beethoven, 1824; arr. by Edward Hodges, 1796-1867).
Charge to the Congregation
From this day forward, as the joyful, laughing people of Christ, live in his power, with his promise, for his purpose -- for the sake of his world! And all the people said ...
Response
"O Let's Get On" (words and music by Avery and Marsh, The Avery and Marsh Songbook, Hope Publishing Company. See Appendix I for address).
Response to the Benediction
Personal: "(name), the joy and laughter of Christ are yours!"
Corporate: "Amen Chorus," from "Lilies of the Field." Repeat, as often as you want, as the people leave the sanctuary.
Meditation
"Prayer is the Divine in us appealing to the Divine above us" (C. H. Dodds). Substitute the word "laughter" for "prayer."
Music Possibilities In Addition To Those Already Suggested
Music for Preparation: Medley of Easter hymns or laughter songs.
Choral Introit: "Hallelujah," Warner.
Hymn of Praise: "All Glory Be To God On High," based on "Gloria Excelsis," attr. to Nikolaus Decius, 1525; trans., Catherine Winkworth, 1863; alt.
Response to the Prayer of Praise: "Almighty Father, Hear our Prayer," Felix Mendelssohn, arr. 1846.
Response to the Newer Covenant: "Wondrous Love," Christiansen.
Hymn of Commitment: "Upon Your Great Church Universal," J. M. de Carbon-Ferriere, 1823; trans. Margaret House, 1949; alt., 1972. Or "God is Our Strong Salvation," from Psalm 27; para. by James Montgomery, 1822; alt., 1972. Or "Come Down, O Love Divine," Bianco da Siena, c. 1367; trans.Richard F. Littledale, 1867; alt. 1972. (Change the sexist language as you sing.)
Music for Dismissal: "Psalm 119," Marcello.
Invitation to the Easter Celebration
If you want to set your people free, or make them thoroughly uptight, consider this idea, either on Easter Day or on the last Sunday that you celebrate the Season of the Resurrection: As Worship leader, enter from the back of the sanctuary laughing, yes, guffaw laughing; if you prefer to do this with others, invite as many as it takes to enter the sanctuary from every entrance, so you will have stereophonic laughter filling the sanctuary. When all of the "laugh-ers" have arrived in the chancel, say: "Come one, come all, laugh with us. It's the season of Easter when God had the last laugh over sin and death! If that Good News fails to bring joy and laughter, what will? Greet each other with God's Holy Laughter." (After a few minutes, begin this response:)
P: "Look! Christ is here to stay and that's enough!" (WHK)
"Look! Love is here to stay and that's enough!" (former Sister Corita)
Right Side: Hallelujah!
Left Side: Gladness is ours!
P: Hallelujah! Gladness is ours!
Right Side: Hallelujah!
Left Side: Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving!
Response
Sing chorus only to "Allelu!" Sing it until the congregation sings it enthusiastically and with energy. (Words and music by Ray Repp, F.E.L. Publishing, Ltd., found in Folk Encounter, Hope Publishing Company. See Appendix I for address.)
Prayer of Praise
O God, Parent, Child, Spirit, we rejoice that you have invited us to come laughing and rejoicing today and every Sunday, and that today, we have said, "Yes!" Prepare our hearts, minds, wills, to receive the truth of Jesus, the reason for our laughter, as we think and act upon your word, and celebrate your Presence and Power in Scripture and song, in the prayers and the proclamation, in the offering and the sacraments, and in willing and sometimes not so willing, obedience. For Christ's sake, the world's sake, our sake. And all the people laughed and said, "Tah-dah!"
Recognizing Who We Are And Whose We Are
The Act of Recognizing Our Humanity
Authority! Authority! Authority! How we hate that word! Some of us can hardly wait to sing "Take This Job and Shove It" by Johnny Paycheck. (Have someone sing it.) We would rather have servants than be servants. Notice the Lotto ads, which basically say, "Win the Lotto, you can quit your job and have servants, and anything else your heart desires." Consider, silently, how we view authority, negatively, and positively. Write down your responses. (Two minutes.) Ask, what are your responses toward human authority, toward God's authority over our lives? Do we really want anyone telling us what to do, where to go, including our own family members? (One minute of silence.)
In silence, I invite each of us to read the Gospel for today. What do you think that Jesus says about authority, and how does he deal with it; and how does he ask us to deal with it? (Ask for responses; expect none -- too scary -- so ask the people to jot down and put in the offering plate unsigned, one idea from their reading.)
Response
"Lord, Have Mercy Upon Us" (arr. David N. Johnson, 1972; or John Merbecke, 1550, arr. Healey Willan, 1930).
The Act of Receiving New Life
Have you ever wondered why Jesus, of all people, prayed, and needed prayer? My guess is that he recognized the source of his power and authority. So many of us pray the way rabbits nibble, a little here, a little there, dashing here, dashing there. Now, if we believe that God in Christ has conquered life and death, I invite several of you to offer laughing prayers of joy and thanks.
Response
"What Surging Well of Joy This Is" (from Psalmody in Miniature, 1783; adapted by Edward Miller, 1790. Jane Parker Huber, 1983).
The Teaching
Message with the Children of All Ages
Tie it in with the Scripture. Begin by asking, "Do you know that when Jesus prayed for his disciples, he also prayed, and keeps on praying, for you. And not only that, he enjoys hearing your laughter." Show them pictures of Jesus laughing. (The Fellowship of Merry Christians has several. Order from F.M.C., P.O. Box 895, Portage, MI 49081-0895.) Too often adults have used Jesus to discipline their children harshly.
Reading the Newer Covenant
Have someone memorize the words of Jesus, and present them as Jesus might.
Proclamation of the Good News
Someone has offered the following outlets of power: 1) through our life, who we are; 2) through our lips, what we say; 3) through our service, what we do; 4) through our money, what we do not keep; 5) through our prayers, what we claim in Jesus' name.
Stewardship Challenge
Before the Offering: We give cheerfully (the biblical word is "hilariously"), not for services rendered, not for what we can get, not even on the basis of what we receive for ourselves. We give as joyful "thankers."
After the Offering: Gracious and Holy God, the Source of our laughter, it's easy to talk; it's difficult to act. It's difficult to act because we're both afraid and confused -- afraid of what people might think of us, and confused about where to start, or even if we want to start. By your pursuing Spirit, work in the lives of each of us this week, and always, that we will receive both your insight about where to begin, and courage to begin, even though we're not always sure where, or even if, we want to begin. Fulfill within us your purposes for us as a community of faith at this time, beginning now. We offer this prayer, and ourselves, in the name of the living Christ.
Hymn of Dedication
"God of Love and Joy and Laughter" (Jane Parker Huber, 1985. "Hymn to Joy," Ludwig von Beethoven, 1824; arr. by Edward Hodges, 1796-1867).
Charge to the Congregation
From this day forward, as the joyful, laughing people of Christ, live in his power, with his promise, for his purpose -- for the sake of his world! And all the people said ...
Response
"O Let's Get On" (words and music by Avery and Marsh, The Avery and Marsh Songbook, Hope Publishing Company. See Appendix I for address).
Response to the Benediction
Personal: "(name), the joy and laughter of Christ are yours!"
Corporate: "Amen Chorus," from "Lilies of the Field." Repeat, as often as you want, as the people leave the sanctuary.
Meditation
"Prayer is the Divine in us appealing to the Divine above us" (C. H. Dodds). Substitute the word "laughter" for "prayer."
Music Possibilities In Addition To Those Already Suggested
Music for Preparation: Medley of Easter hymns or laughter songs.
Choral Introit: "Hallelujah," Warner.
Hymn of Praise: "All Glory Be To God On High," based on "Gloria Excelsis," attr. to Nikolaus Decius, 1525; trans., Catherine Winkworth, 1863; alt.
Response to the Prayer of Praise: "Almighty Father, Hear our Prayer," Felix Mendelssohn, arr. 1846.
Response to the Newer Covenant: "Wondrous Love," Christiansen.
Hymn of Commitment: "Upon Your Great Church Universal," J. M. de Carbon-Ferriere, 1823; trans. Margaret House, 1949; alt., 1972. Or "God is Our Strong Salvation," from Psalm 27; para. by James Montgomery, 1822; alt., 1972. Or "Come Down, O Love Divine," Bianco da Siena, c. 1367; trans.Richard F. Littledale, 1867; alt. 1972. (Change the sexist language as you sing.)
Music for Dismissal: "Psalm 119," Marcello.
