Lessons and Carols a la Lord's Prayer

I have one more summer's work on my Master of Church Music degree, then my service recital, dissertation, comps and orals. I should be done by end of year 2009. My idea for the service recital is to present a program of music that elaborates and illuminates the theology of the Lord's Prayer. I have been approved for that idea, but I needed to test it out a bit, see how things flow.

This year, the pastor allowed me to do a lessons and carols program instead of a cantata since we are still without an accompanist. What better time to test the concept! I worked to find a way to incorporate music from our files, Christmas hymns and Scriptures in a format that followed the Lord's Prayer. Here is the service. Please let me know what you think!

Lessons and Carols on the Lord’s Prayer

Prelude: Chime Choir – Away in a Manger
Processional Hymn: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence #626
Greeting & Opening Prayer & Lord’s Prayer – Sherri
Choral Response: Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying

First Consideration ~ the Character, Reputation and Reign of God
I. Our Father in Heaven
Reading – Isaiah 9:6-7, 66:12-13
Congregation #184 Of the Father’s Love Begotten
Choir: Lo How A Rose E’er Blooming
II. Hallowed Be Thy Name
Reading – Psalm 99
Choir: Sanctus (Gounod) alto solo Peggy Whitman
Reading – Luke 1:49 (Song of Zechariah)
Congregation # 239 Silent Night v 1, 3
III. Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done
Reading – Isaiah 11:1-10
Soprano Solo: Magnificat - My Soul Gives Glory to My God Amy Archer

Lighting of the Advent Wreath – verse 4 of Light the Advent Wreath
HOMILY - Sherri

Second Consideration ~ The Providence, Mercy and Protection of God

I. Give Us Today Our Daily Bread
Reading –John 6:30-40
Choir: Jesus, Bread of Life
II. Forgive Us Our Sins
Reading – Isaiah 40:1-5
Choir: Angel’s Carol (Rutter)
Congregation # 219 What Child Is This?
III. Deliver Us From Evil
Reading – Mark 10:35, John 3:16-17
Congregation # 204 Emmanuel
Choir: Gesu Bambino (Yon)

Third Consideration ~ The Praise of God

IV. For the Kingdom, Power and Glory are Yours
Reading – John 1:1-4, 14
Choir: Sing We Now of Christmas
Congregation: Joy to the World #246

Offering

Closing Prayer & Benediction – Sherri
Choral Benediction: Kittery [The Lord's Prayer] (Billings)
Postlude/Recessional Hymn: O Come, All Ye Faithful #234