May 6, 2027 – Ascension of the Lord

Lectionary Readings

Acts 1:1–11
Forty days after his resurrection, Jesus ascends into heaven.

Psalm 47
Clap, shout, and sing with joy: the Lord reigns over all the earth.

or Psalm 93
The Lord reigns in majesty, high above the mighty waters.

Ephesians 1:15–23
Christ is seated at God’s right hand, above every earthly power.

Luke 24:44–53
Jesus interprets the Scriptures; then he is carried up into heaven.

— Gathering —

Call to Worship

God’s timing is not for us to know.
Even now, we are witnesses!

We long to know God’s power in Jesus.
Even now, we are witnesses!

The Holy Spirit enlightens our hearts with wisdom.
Even now, we are witnesses!

Prayer of the Day

God our strength,
your presence among us
shows your great love for us.
And so with great joy, we worship you.
Your grace poured out for us
continues to overflow,
abundance that fills our souls
and continually guides us.
May the fullness of our gratitude
reach the heavens and join the angel chorus of praise
as we exclaim, “Blessing, glory, and honor!” Amen.

Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual Song

Thanksgiving For Baptism

At the baptismal font:
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

O Lord our God, we give you thanks
for the new life you raise up in us
through the mystery of our baptism—
the sorrow of the heavy cross,
the surprise of the empty tomb,
the love that death could not destroy.
By the power of your Holy Spirit,
poured out upon us in baptism,
fill us with the joy of resurrection,
so that we may be a living sign
of your new heaven and new earth;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Confession and Pardon

At the baptismal font:
The Spirit of God helps us in our weakness,
interceding with sighs too deep for words.
Romans 8:26

Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.

O God, in Christ you bore the suffering of the world
and made us witnesses to your grace.
In your Word you showed us your vision of peace
and made us witnesses to your promises.
Forgive us, O God, when we fail to work for your reign,
forgetting that you have called us to bear your truth.
Forgive us, O God, when we gaze up toward heaven,
forgetting that you have called us to do your work on earth.
Forgive us, O God, and by your forgiveness,
enlighten us to recognize the resurrection all around us.

Lifting water from the font:
Hear the good news of God’s promise:
I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh.
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
will be saved.
Acts 2:17, 21

In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God.

— Word —

Prayer for Illumination

At the lectern or pulpit:
God Most High, reigning in glory,
send down your Spirit of wisdom
to shine in your heavenly Word,
so that we may worship you with joy
continually blessing your name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Scripture

Before the readings:
O dry bones,
hear the world of the Lord.
Ezekiel 37:4

After the readings:
This is the good news
which we have received,
in which we stand,
and by which we are saved.
Thanks be to God.
1 Corinthians 15:1–2

Sermon

Ascription of Praise

After the sermon:
All authority and power and dominion
to the name that is above all names—
Jesus Christ our Lord—
now and in the age to come. Amen.
Ephesians 1:21

Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual Song

Affirmation of Faith

Season of Easter, Ascension of the Lord
New life in Christ takes shape in a community
in which people know
that God loves and accepts them
in spite of what they are.
They therefore accept themselves
and love others,
knowing that no one has any ground
on which to stand,
except God’s grace.
Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.22