Transfiguration Sunday - 2023

Today's Service Leader and Speaker - Rev. G. Robert Heimgartner, Emeritus

Today's liturgy is the Divine Service, Setting Three, LSB pages 184ff.

754 Entrust Your Days and Burdens

5 O blessèd heir of heaven,
    You’ll hear the song resound
Of endless jubilation
    When you with life are crowned.
In your right hand your maker
    Will place the victor’s palm,
And you will thank Him gladly
    With heaven’s joyful psalm.

6 Our hands and feet, Lord, strengthen;
    With joy our spirits bless
Until we see the ending
    Of all our life’s distress.
And so throughout our lifetime
    Keep us within Your care
And at our end then bring us
    To heav’n to praise You there.

Text: Paul Gerhardt, 1607–76; (sts. 1–5): tr. F. Samuel Janzow, 1913–2001, alt.; (st. 6): tr. Lutheran Service Book, 2006
Tune: Stephen R. Johnson, 1966
Text (sts. 1–5): © 1982 Concordia Publishing House; (st. 6): © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110001518
Tune: © 2002 Stephen R. Johnson. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110001518

Stand

The sign of the cross may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism.

Invocation

P In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C Amen.

Exhortation LSB 184

P Beloved in the Lord! Let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins unto God our Father, beseeching Him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness.

P Our help is in the name of the Lord,

C who made heaven and earth.

P I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord,

C and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.

Confession of Sins LSB 184

P O almighty God, merciful Father,

C I, a poor, miserable sinner, confess unto You all my sins and iniquities with which I have ever offended You and justly deserved Your temporal and eternal punishment. But I am heartily sorry for them and sincerely repent of them, and I pray You of Your boundless mercy and for the sake of the holy, innocent, bitter sufferings and death of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to be gracious and merciful to me, a poor, sinful being.

Absolution LSB 185

P Upon this your confession, I, by virtue of my office, as a called and ordained servant of the Word, announce the grace of God unto all of you, and in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C Amen.

Introit Psalm 84:1–2a, 4, 10–11; antiphon: Psalm 77:18b

Your lightnings lighted | up the world;*
the earth trem- | bled and shook.
How lovely is your dwelling place, O | Lord of hosts!*
My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts | of the Lord.
Blessèd are those who dwell | in your house,*
ever sing- | ing your praise!
For a day in your courts is better than a thousand | elsewhere.*
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of | wickedness.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and | honor.*
No good thing does he withhold from those who walk up- | rightly.
Glory be to the Father and | to the Son*
and to the Holy | Spirit;
as it was in the be- | ginning,*
is now, and will be forever. | Amen.
Your lightnings lighted | up the world;*
the earth trem- | bled and shook.

Gloria Patri LSB 186

Kyrie LSB 186

Gloria in Excelsis LSB 187

Salutation and Collect of the Day

P The Lord be with you.

P Let us pray.

O God, in the glorious transfiguration of Your beloved Son You confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the testimony of Moses and Elijah. In the voice that came from the bright cloud You wonderfully foreshowed our adoption by grace. Mercifully make us co-heirs with the King in His glory and bring us to the fullness of our inheritance in heaven; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Sit

Catechesis - Fourth Petition

P Today's catechetical reading is the Fourth Petition of the Lord's Prayer. What is the Fourth Petition?

C Give us this day our daily bread. (K)

P What does this mean?

C God certainly gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers, even to all evil people, but we pray in this petition that God would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving. (1)

P What is meant by daily bread?

C Daily bread includes everything that has to do with the support and needs of the body, such as food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, land, animals, money, goods, a devout husband or wife, devout children, devout workers, devout and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, self-control, good reputation, good friends, faithful neighbors, and the like. (3)

P What passages of Holy Scripture inform us and convince us of this truth?

C [Cast] all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you... –1 Peter 5:7 (2)

You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth. –Psalm 104:14 (4)

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. –Matthew 6:33 (4)

The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. –Psalm 145:15-16 (5)

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. –Matthew 6:34 (5)

Old Testament Reading Micah 6:1–3

¹Hear what the Lord says:
Arise, plead your case before the mountains,
and let the hills hear your voice.
²Hear, you mountains, the indictment of the Lord,
and you enduring foundations of the earth,
for the Lord has an indictment against his people,
and he will contend with Israel.
³“O my people, what have I done to you?
How have I wearied you? Answer me!

A This is the Word of the Lord.

C Thanks be to God.

Gradual Psalm 45:2a; 110:1

You are the most handsome of the sons of men;
grace is poured upon your lips.
The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool.”

Epistle 1 Corinthians 1:18–31

¹⁸The word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ¹⁹For it is written,

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”

²⁰Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ²¹For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. ²²For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, ²³but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, ²⁴but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. ²⁵For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

²⁶For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. ²⁷But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; ²⁸God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, ²⁹so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. ³⁰He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption. ³¹Therefore, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

A This is the Word of the Lord.

C Thanks be to God.

Stand

Alleluia and Verse

Psalm 96:2–3

Sing to the Lord; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!

LSB 190

Holy Gospel Matthew 5:1–12

P The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the fifth chapter.

¹Seeing the crowds, [Jesus] went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

²And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

³“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

⁴“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

⁵“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

⁶“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

⁷“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

⁸“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

⁹“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

¹⁰“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. ¹²Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

P This is the Gospel of the Lord.

Nicene Creed

C I believe in one God,

     the Father Almighty,

     maker of heaven and earth

          and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ,

     the only-begotten Son of God,

     begotten of His Father before all worlds,

     God of God, Light of Light,

     very God of very God,

     begotten, not made,

     being of one substance with the Father,

     by whom all things were made;

     who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven

     and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary

     and was made man;

     and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.

     He suffered and was buried.

     And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures

          and ascended into heaven

     and sits at the right hand of the Father.

     And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead,

     whose kingdom will have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Spirit,

     the Lord and giver of life,

     who proceeds from the Father and the Son,

     who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified,

     who spoke by the prophets.

     And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church,

     I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins,

     and I look for the resurrection of the dead

     and the life T of the world to come. Amen.

Sit

557 Seek Where You May to Find a Way

Text: Georg Weissel, 1590–1635; tr. Arthur P. Voss, 1899–1955, alt.
Tune: Johann Stobäus, 1580–1646
Text: © 1941 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110001518
Tune: Public domain

Sermon - "A Humble Walk"

Stand

Offertory LSB 192

Prayer of the Church

P In peace, let us pray to the Lord:

C Lord, have mercy.

P For the baptized, that we would heed our heavenly Father’s admonition to listen to His Son as He speaks to us through His Holy Word and Sacraments; and that we would by faith behold Him in His glory as He continues to tabernacle among us, delivering forgiveness, life and salvation, let us pray to the Lord:

C Lord, have mercy.

P For this congregation, especially our catechumens, that as we behold the glory of God in the face of Christ, we would be transformed into His image; and that we would be given boldness of spirit to share His glory abroad, let us pray to the Lord:

C Lord, have mercy.

P For all pastors and church workers, that God would grant them wisdom to open the Scriptures in such a way that everyone would hear the voice of Jesus, to whom Moses and Elijah bore witness, let us pray to the Lord:

C Lord, have mercy.

P For families, that parents would teach the faith to their children and that the forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in all households; and for all expectant mothers, that they and their babies would be kept safe and healthy throughout their pregnancies, let us pray to the Lord:

C Lord, have mercy.

P For all those who have been placed in authority, that they would serve with integrity and honor for the good of all; and for our country, that division, conflict and strife would give way to unity, peace and quietness, let us pray to the Lord:

C Lord, have mercy.

P For the afflicted, [especially _____________ and those we name in our hearts,] that they would know God’s presence, taste His peace that passes understanding and receive healing according to His gracious will, ever trusting in the hope of the resurrection, let us pray to the Lord:

C Lord, have mercy.

P For all who come to the Holy Communion today, that God would grant them a living faith to find at this table spiritual sustenance for their earthly pilgrimage and a foretaste of the glories to come, let us pray to the Lord:

C Lord, have mercy.

P Lord God, Your power is beyond compare and Your glory beyond understanding. Open our hearts to know You through the glory of Your Son, whose saving will and purpose have rescued us from sin and death and made us Your own people by Baptism and faith; for to You, blessed and eternal Father, belong all honor and glory, worship and praise, with Your beloved Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C Amen.

Sit

The offering is gathered.

Stand

Preface LSB 194

P The Lord be with you.

P Lift up your hearts.

P Let us give thanks unto the Lord, our God.

Proper Preface

P It is truly meet, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who at His transfiguration revealed His glory to His disciples that they might be strengthened to proclaim His cross and resurrection and with all the faithful look forward to the glory of life everlasting. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and saying:

Sanctus LSB 195

Lord's Prayer

C Our Father who art in heaven,

     hallowed be Thy name,

     Thy kingdom come,

     Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven;

     give us this day our daily bread;

     and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;

     and lead us not into temptation,

     but deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

The Words of Our Lord LSB 197

P Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: “Take, eat; this is My T body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me.”

In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying: “Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My T blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

Pax Domini LSB 197

P The peace of the Lord be with you always.

Agnus Dei LSB 198

Sit

Distribution

575 My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less

Text: Edward Mote, 1797–1874, alt.
Tune: John Stainer, 1840–1901
Text and tune: Public domain

715 Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me

Text: Edward Hopper, 1818–88
Tune: John E. Gould, 1822–75
Text and tune: Public domain

743 Jesus, Priceless Treasure

5 Evil world, I leave thee;
Thou canst not deceive me,
    Thine appeal is vain.
Sin that once did blind me,
Get thee far behind me,
    Come not forth again.
        Past thy hour,
        O pride and pow’r;
Sinful life, thy bonds I sever,
Leave thee now forever.

6 Hence, all fear and sadness!
For the Lord of gladness,
    Jesus, enters in.
Those who love the Father,
Though the storms may gather,
    Still have peace within.
        Yea, whate’er
        I here must bear,
Thou art still my purest pleasure,
Jesus, priceless treasure!

Text: Johann Franck, 1618–77; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt.
Tune: Johann Crüger, 1598–1662
Text and tune: Public domain

Stand

Nunc Dimittis LSB 199

Thanksgiving LSB 200

A O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good,

Post-Communion Collect

A Let us pray.

We give thanks to You, almighty God, that You have refreshed us through this salutary gift, and we implore You that of Your mercy You would strengthen us through the same in faith toward You and in fervent love toward one another; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Salutation 201

P The Lord be with you.

Benedicamus LSB 202

A Bless we the Lord.

Benediction LSB 202

P The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you.

The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and T give you peace.

733 O God, Our Help in Ages Past

5 Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
    Soon bears us all away;
We fly forgotten as a dream
    Dies at the op’ning day.

6 O God, our help in ages past,
    Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while troubles last
    And our eternal home!

Text: Isaac Watts, 1674–1748, alt.
Tune: William Croft, 1678–1727
Text and tune: Public domain

Acknowledgments

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the ESV^® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version^®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Created by Lutheran Service Builder © 2023 Concordia Publishing House.