Session ONE Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 Liturgy Supports What Is Our Standard of Living? Year B Lectionary 23 / 14 Pentecost Theme Statement An overarching glimpse of the entire worship series. Focus Statement Proverbs calls us to live according to the God Standard, not the Gold Standard. We are named and claimed by God. Key Verse A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. The rich and the poor have this in common: the Lord is the maker of them all. Proverbs 22:1-2 Tip Many of the creative worship suggestions in these preaching and liturgy supports require some preparation, so please look through them well in advance. There are more than twenty definitions of the word standard in the dictionary. In the first set of texts explored in God s Standard or Gold Standard: Studies in Proverbs, the word standard is compared to a unit of measure. It can be a measure of wealth or a measure of integrity, but the real question is: Which measure is our truest treasure? In our consideration of the second passage from Proverbs, standard is understood as a familiar song, or a song known by heart. In this passage we hear the voice of Woman Wisdom calling us out of our foolishness. In the third and final passage of this series on Proverbs, standard should be thought of as a flag, an emblem, or even an attractive quilt that combines and displays God s standards. So, how do we display the God Standard in our lives? These sessions urge us to be as good as God. This means much more than abiding by a set of proverbial morals. This means abiding by faith in the God who not only expects wisdom and goodness, but provides it in Christ our Savior. Proverbs gives us many words of investment advice for the Gold Standard, but God s counsel in Proverbs is more than advice on where or how to invest one s money and time (even though that is very important for good stewardship of our resources). Proverbs is more about how to invest one s whole self in ways that lead toward a blessed future. We make the most out of life by making good on God s significant investment in us. This holistic idea of partnership with God is the golden thread that ties this Book of Faith unit together. We are called to live according to the God Standard. 1. What Is Our Standard of Living? Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 (Year B Lectionary 23 / 14 Pentecost) 2. Are We Singing the Standards of Wisdom? Proverbs 1:20-33 (Year B Lectionary 24 / 15 Pentecost) 3. Are We Raising God s Standard? Proverbs 31:10-31 (Year B Lectionary 25 / 16 Pentecost) Overview A brief description of the theme of the day. Proverbs 22 reminds us that wealth alone cannot provide a full life, for a full life is the godly life a life lived according to the God Standard. The first set of texts creates an investment strategy for success in the business of life. In other words, it is all about a standard for living. The book of Proverbs presents and contrasts life according to the Gold Standard of worldly wealth with the God Standard for the good, full life. According to the Gold Standard, Liturgy Supports: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23. p. 1
the world is divided into haves and have-nots. But the truth is because both rich and poor are made by God the haves and have-nots are inextricably linked together. We are called to do justice by living according to the God Standard. This involves acknowledging one s own poverty of Spirit and the riches of God s promise. Hymns and Music for Worship Securing permission for the use of these suggestions is the responsibility of local worship planners. NOTE: Co-author and singer/songwriter Peter Mayer has composed three theme songs that relate to each session of this Book of Faith unit on Proverbs. Downloadable lyrics and mp3s can also be found at www.petermayer.com/bookoffaith. GATHERING Songs of invocation and invitation. More Than Silver or Gold, ( Peter Mayer 2009, little flock music, BMI) Son of God, Eternal Savior (ELW 655) Be Thou My Vision (ELW 793) I d Rather Have Jesus (Text: Rhea Miller, 1922, ren. 1959 and music 1939, ren. 1966 Word Music, Inc. (ASCAP). All rights reserved. International secured.) HYMN OF THE DAY Songs that key into the theme of the day. Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise (ELW 834) Christ, Burning Wisdom ( 1994 Susan Palo Cherwien, admin. Augsburg Fortress) OFFERING Songs of dedication and thankfulness. All Depends on Our Possessing (ELW 589) Take My Life, That I May Be (ELW 583, 685) Some Folk Would Rather Have Houses (TFF 236) Communion Songs for the gathering around God s table. Now the Feast and Celebration (ELW 167) Christ, Have Mercy on Us All ( 1983 Ray Makeever, admin. Augsburg Fortress) Taste and See (Text: Psalm 34, adapt. Music by James E. Moore, Jr. 1983, GIA Music, Incorporated. All rights reserved.) Sending Songs that bless and empower. God of Grace and God of Glory (ELW 705) One There Is, above All Others (LBW 298) Worship Texts Thematic texts provided by the authors of Together in Faith Adult Bible Studies that key into the related sessions. Confession and Forgiveness Adapted from Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, and 22-23. L: A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. C: Forgive us, O Lord, for valuing the gold standards of wealth and possessions above the riches of your grace in Christ. Help us never to underestimate the wisdom of both trusting and living up to the good and loving name of Jesus. Liturgy Supports: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, p. 2
L: The rich and the poor have this in common: the LORD is the maker of them all. C: Increase our sense of unity and compassion with all you have made. Awaken in us an appreciation for the interdependence of all your creatures. L: Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of anger will fail. C: Forgive us, O Lord, for insisting on what s best for us and us alone. Help us not to lash out in anger when people in our lives fail to serve our self-interests. L: Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor. C: Increase our capacity for generosity and our faith in your capacity to bless us. L: Do not rob the poor because they are poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate. C: Forgive us, O Lord, for not speaking out in support of the weak, and acting on behalf of the helpless. L: The LORD pleads their cause and despoils of life those who despoil them. C: Increase the effectiveness of our intercession, the magnitude of our mercy. L: We pray all this in the name of our intercessor and redeemer, Jesus the Christ. He graciously lifts us up before God and, on account of his good name, forgiveness and deliverance is freely ours. We have been ransomed from the condemnation of sin, the fear of death, and the accusations of the devil, not with silver and gold, but with his holy precious blood and innocent suffering and death. Resurrected, Jesus lives to speak forever on behalf of sinners. It is in his name that I can proclaim God s mercy! Theme Prayer Adapted from Peter Mayer s song More Than Silver Or Gold ( little flock music, 2009) Lord, lift us higher today and tomorrow. Bless us with your presence here as we study these sayings from long ago. Help us to see the timeless and timely character and quality of your liberating wisdom. Inspire us to examine our lives to see by what standard we are living and dying. Guide us to follow your way, your standard, and your truth. Lord, in your mercy. Amen. -OR- Draw us together, O Lord, our new song. Thank you for helping us talk about what it means to live according to your standard. Free us from following the world s gold standard and give us courage to live our lives knowing and believing that your good name has become our good name in baptism. Your name is worth more than silver or gold. We trust in the riches of your grace in Christ. Amen. Benediction/Sending Adapted from Peter Mayer s song More Than Silver Or Gold ( little flock music, 2009) L: We walk as one, L: Both rich and poor, Liturgy Supports: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, p. 3
L: Through sun and shadow, L: Through joy and sorrow, L: Lord lift us higher, C: Today and tomorrow. L: Lord lift us higher, C: You name us and claim us more than silver or gold. L: So go in peace. C: We serve the Lord! Ideas and Images for Worship What follows are a variety of creative ways to enhance the worship experience. While some links to ideas and images are provided, permission may be required for congregational use. Experiential Worship Ideas for a more active worship experience. Option #1: Invite worshipers to write their names on one side of 3 x5 cards pre-printed with these words: A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches (Proverbs 22:1a). On the back of the card you might also want to print: I m praying that you would know God s favor upon you. Hand the cards in during the offering. Mix up the cards and then have them available for people to take someone else s card as they leave worship. The goal is to pray for and perhaps get to know the individual named on the card. Invite them to write encouraging notes to the person on the back and return the card to them, in person if possible. Option #2: Have a bread drive. Many stores and bakeries are beginning to allow charitable institutions to distribute day-old baked goods. Fulfill the words of Proverbs 22:9 by handing out bread to worshipers with the encouragement that they should pass it on. Projection Note: The PowerPoint presentation provided for use in the Together in Faith Adult Bible Studies can be easily adapted for worship settings. Worship Space Suggestions for creating a more multi-sensory environment. Option #1: Festoon the sanctuary with ribbons of silver and gold. When the creed is read, pause between the second and third articles so that someone with a strong voice could read Luther s explanation to the second article from the Small Catechism. During that reading, roll out red ribbons from the altar to symbolize the holy and precious blood of Christ that redeems us. Liturgy Supports: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, p. 4
Option #2: Have people dressed up like the afflicted in Proverbs 22:22. They could sit silently at the gates of your sanctuary. (Note: The use of the first Active Participation option in the Preaching Supports would further enhance this experience.) Links Are you a helpful link? Consider making any creative worship ideas that your congregation develops available for more churches to use via the social networking features of www.bookoffaith.org. Liturgy Supports: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, p. 5