Worship Resources



PRAYER FOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS DAY

MUSIC & WORSHIP RESOURCES

Tuesday, November 2, 2010 (Can also be celebrated the Sunday before Election Day, including mid-term elections)

Nolan Williams, Jr., Lectionary Team Liturgist, and Kenneth Mosley, Assistant Liturgist

Worship Planning Notes

Whether you celebrate this lectionary moment on a Sunday or during the week, this is the occasion to honor government officials, praying that they will govern in ways that please God and strengthen our communities. In preparation for this service:


  • Place pictures and brief bios of African American government officials, past and present, local and national, in your church bulletin;
  • Consider sending invitations to key local elected officials to invite them to your church for worship;
  • On the occasion of this service and during other moments in the year, have government officials offer remarks during a coffee hour after church to enable congregants to get firsthand updates on community matters. Invite neighbor churches to join you for these forums and invite the media. Also, Tweet about it and place the events on the Facebook pages of members of your church; and
  • Create a permanent place of recognition for African American government officials in your church. This can include a glass case with pictures and bios and even memorabilia such as buttons. Or if your church has one, you may want to set aside a special space in the church library and dedicate it to African American government officials past and present, local and national. If your church has a bookstore this is also a good showplace. You can also use a large wall where pictures (framed) accompanied by bios will be placed.

Whatever you do, as the worship and arts leaders of your church, remember to always find creative ways to make each day on your church liturgical calendar more meaningful and memorable.

1. Call to Worship, Centering Prayer, and Litany

Call to Worship
No matter what political party or persuasion with which we as believers choose to affiliate, the Bible is clear: the powers that be are ordained of God. And because of God’s sovereignty, our Lord reigns despite the ebb and flow of political tides. Therefore today, we respectfully acknowledge our government officials and we joyously celebrate the Lord of all!

Centering Prayer
Dear Lord, we acknowledge you today as the ruler of all people and all things. We thank you today for those who lead us locally, regionally, and nationally. And we worship you today because, no matter the changing political landscape, you still have the whole world in your hands. We humbly ask for your glory to be revealed in our land and in our lives. Send a revival across this great nation. Draw her back to you, O God. Touch the hearts of our leaders, and protect those who dutifully serve in governmental offices. Then, empower us to stand, to serve, and to intercede in prayer for our communities and our political officials. Empower us to be advocates for justice, community development, and peace. Let your kingdom come, and let your will be done, in and through us. We humbly pray. Amen.

Litany - From Romans 13:1-5, 7 (NIV)
Reader: Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
People: Consequently, those who rebel against the authority are rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
Reader: For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.
People: For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
Reader: Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
All: Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

A Prayer for Our Leaders. By Patricia Nordman
If you are able to invite and host leaders on this occasion, here is a prayer that can be offered specifically for them:

Holy Spirit, we come before you this day in humility and gratitude to plead for your blessings upon those who govern to insure our life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.
Grant them in abundance your gifts of:

WISDOM: that they may always be guided to place the spiritual good of communities and the nation as the highest good.

UNDERSTANDING: that they may recognize the simplicity of truth.

COUNSEL: that they may recognize the will of God under circumstances that discourage lesser men and women.

FORTITUDE: that they may be given the spiritual and physical strength to accept the inevitable burdens of leadership with courageous endurance.

KNOWLEDGE: that they may know the vastness of their mission and yet retain humility of spirit and charity for each and every soul.

PIETY: that in the manifold duties of their offices they may always find time to communicate quietly with YOU and therein find peace for their souls.

FEAR OF THE LORD: that they would forego worldly honors and recognition rather than bow to the will of evil men.

May you bless and direct our leaders for as long as it is your will for them to guide the destiny of this community, the nation, and the world.

LORD, we thank you that you hear our prayer. Please remind us, too, that you are still in control!

Amen.

2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) God Bless America. By Irving Berlin

(b) God Bless Our Native Land. Text and Tune, (AMERICA), by Charles T. Brooks

(c) God Bless Our Leaders. By Nolan Williams, Jr. Sung to the tune of ITALIAN HYMN
     (COME, THOU ALMIGHTY KING) or OLIVET (MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE).

God bless the ones who lead;
Keep their minds staid indeed.
Let their work be:

Guided by selflessness,
Purposed in righteousness;

For them we pray success,
O King of kings!

God bless our heads of state;
Graciously guide their way.
Let their work bring:
Strength to communities – building our families,
Laws yielding hope and peace,

O King of kings!

God grace us all to care –
For people everywhere,
That we may be:

Donors of time and means,
Agents for those in need,
Servants of Christ who lead,

O King of kings!

3. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a) Every Time I Feel the Spirit. Traditional

(b) I Believe I’ll Run On (See What the End’s Gonna Be). Traditional

(c) Lead Me, Guide Me. By Doris M. Akers

4. Gospel Songs for Choirs, Ensembles, or Praise Teams
(a) Ooh Child. By Stan Vincent

(b) Run On. By Cliff Jones, Dave “DaveyBoy” Lindsey, and Michael Lindsey

(c) Lean on Me. By Kirk Franklin

5. Liturgical Dance Music
(a) Study War No More. Traditional

(b) A Change Is Gonna Come. By Sam Cooke

(c) Run on for a Long Time. By Ysaye Barnwell and Bernice Johnson Reagon

6. Anthems
(a) I Dream a World. By Langston Hughes and Robert “Baaabe” Irving, III

(b) The Last Testament of David. By Randall Thompson

(c) Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor. By Irving Berlin. Arr. by Roy Ringwald

(d) Prayer of St. Francis. By Allen Pote

7. Modern Songs
(a) Healing Grace. By John Chisum

(b) If You’re Out There. By Marcus John Bryant, DeVon “Devon” Harris, Kawan “KP” Prather,
     and John Stephens

8. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) Battle Hymn of the Republic. By Julia Ward Howe. Tune, (BATTLE HYMN), by William Steffe

(b) Stand. By John P. Kee

(c) Be Encouraged. By John P. Kee

9. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
(a) Don’t Forget to Pray. Traditional

(b) Be Still, God Will Fight Your Battles. Traditional. Arr. by Nolan Williams. Jr.

(c) Give Me a Clean Heart. By Margaret P. Douroux

10. Sermonic Selection
(a) Prayers of the Righteous. By Israel Houghton, Aaron Lindsey, and Adrian Lindsey

(b) Heal Our Land. By Tom and Robin Brooks. Arr. by Tom Fettke

(c) Be Encouraged. By Kendall Hunter

11. Invitational Song or Instrumental 
(a) I Surrender All. By Judson W. Van De Venter. Tune, (ASSURANCE), by Winfield Weeden

(b) Stand Up for Jesus. By Stephen Key

(c) Stand Up for Jesus. By George Duffield, Jr. Tune, (WEBB), by George J. Webb

12. Benediction Song or Instrumental
(a) You Raise Me Up. By Brendan Graham and Rolf Loveland.This selection is for solo..

(b) Pray for America. By Mike Harland and Luke Garrett. Arr. by Richard Kingsmore

(c) Don’t Let Your Light Go Out. By Kurt Carr

Cites and Additional Information for Music and Material Listed

1. Call to Worship, Centering Prayer, and Litany  
By Nolan Williams, Jr., Lectionary Team Liturgist, and Kenneth Mosley, Assistant

A Prayer for Our Leaders. By Patricia Nordman. (Paraphrased for use in this worship unit.)
Online location: http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Prayer-for-Our-Leaders&id=240862

2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) God Bless America. By Irving Berlin
Location:
National Baptist Publishing Board. The New National Baptist Hymnal. Nashville, TN:
National Baptist Pub. Board, 1981. #476

(b) God Bless Our Native Land. Text and Tune, (AMERICA), by Charles T. Brooks
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 2001. #608

(c) God Bless Our Leaders. By Nolan Williams, Jr. Sung to the tune of ITALIAN HYMN
(COME, THOU ALMIGHTY KING) or OLIVET (MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE).

Come, Thou Almighty King
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #327

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. Nashville, TN: A.M.E. Zion Publishing House, 1996. #2

The New National Baptist Hymnal. #4

Church of God in Christ. Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. Memphis, TN:
Church of God in Christ Pub. Board in association with the Benson Co., 1982. #16

My Faith Looks Up to Thee
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #456

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #468

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 1987. #203

The New National Baptist Hymnal. #27

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #127

3. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a) Every Time I Feel the Spirit. Traditional
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #325

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #220

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #220

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #311

(b) I Believe I’ll Run On (See What the End’s Gonna Be). Traditional.
Location:
Mighty Clouds of Joy. Live in Charleston. Atlanta, GA: Intersound, 1996.

(c) Lead Me, Guide Me. By Doris M. Akers
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #474

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #168

The New National Baptist Hymnal. #355

4. Gospel Songs for Choirs, Ensembles, or Praise Teams
(a) Ooh Child. By Stan Vincent
Location:
The Five Stairsteps. The First Family of Soul: The Best of the Five Stairsteps. New York: Buddha Records, 2001.

(b) Run On. By Cliff Jones, Dave “DaveyBoy” Lindsey, and Michael Lindsey
Location:
7 Sons of Soul. 7 Sons of Soul. New York, NY: Verity Records, 2004.

(c) Lean on Me. By Kirk Franklin
Location:
Nu Nation Project. Inglewood, CA: Gospocentric, 1998.

5. Liturgical Dance Music
(a) Study War No More. Traditional
Location:
Sweet Honey in the Rock. Breaths. Chicago, IL: Flying Fish Records, 1989.

(b) A Change Is Gonna Come. By Sam Cooke
Location:
Ain’t That Good News. New York, NY: ABKCO Records, 1964.

(c) Run on for a Long Time. By Ysaye Barnwell and Bernice Johnson Reagon
Location:
Sweet Honey in the Rock. Still on the Journey. Redway, CA: Earthbeat Records, 1993.

6. Anthems
(a) I Dream a World. By Langston Hughes and Robert “Baaabe” Irving, III
Location:
Ward, Val Gray. Rhapsody in Hughes 101. Kumi Entertainment, 2003.

(b) The Last Testament of David. By Randall Thompson
Location:
J. W. Pepper & Sons Incorporated
2480 Industrial Boulevard
Paoli, PA 19301
Phone: 1-800-345-6296

Online location: www.jwpepper.com

(c) Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor. By Irving Berlin. Arr. by Roy Ringwald
Location:
J. W. Pepper & Sons Incorporated
Phone: 1-800-345-6296
Online location: www.jwpepper.com

(d) Prayer of St. Francis. By Allen Pote
Location:
J. W. Pepper & Sons Incorporated
Phone: 1-800-345-6296
Online location: www.jwpepper.com

7. Modern Songs
(a) Healing Grace. By John Chisum
Location:
McClurkin, Donnie. McClurkin Project. Santa Monica, CA: Interscope, 1999.

(b) If You’re Out There. By Marcus John Bryant, DeVon “Devon” Harris, Kawan “KP” Prather, and John Stephens
Location:
Legend, John. Evolver. New York, NY: G.O.O.D./Columbia, 2008.

8. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) Battle Hymn of the Republic. By Julia Ward Howe. Tune, (BATTLE HYMN), by William Steffe
Location:
L.A. Mass Choir. Can’t Hold Back. Santa Monica, CA: A&M, 1989.

(b) Stand. By John P. Kee
Location:
Stand! New York, NY: Jive, 1995.

(c) Be Encouraged. By John P. Kee
Location:
Show Up! New York, NY: Jive, 1995.

9. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
(a) Don’t Forget to Pray. Traditional
Location:
Five Blind Boys of Alabama. Collector’s Edition. Hollywood, CA: Fuel, 2000, 2002.

(b) Be Still, God Will Fight Your Battles. Traditional. Arr. by Nolan Williams. Jr.
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #461

(c) Give Me a Clean Heart. By Margaret P. Douroux
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #461

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #279

The New National Baptist Hymnal. #349

10. Sermonic Selection
(a) Prayers of the Righteous. By Israel Houghton, Aaron Lindsey, and Adrian Lindsey
Location:
Israel and New Breed. A Deeper Level: Live. New York, NY: Sony, 2007.

(b) Heal Our Land. By Tom and Robin Brooks. Arr. by Tom Fettke
Location:
Lillenas Publishing Company
2923 Troost
Kansas City, MO 64109
Phone: 816-931-1900

Online location: www.lillenas.com

Optional accompaniment track is also available for purchase.

(c) Be Encouraged. By Kendall Hunter
Location:
Miami Mass Choir. It’s Praying Time. Japan: Savoy, 1997.

11. Invitational Song or Instrumental
(a) I Surrender All. By Judson W. Van De Venter. Tune, (ASSURANCE), by Winfield Weeden
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #396

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #490

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #319

(b) Stand Up for Jesus. By Stephen Key
Location:
Peaceful Inspiration. Lanham, MD: StepKey Music, 2003.

Online location: info@stepkeymusic.com

(c) Stand Up for Jesus. By George Duffield, Jr. Tune, (WEBB), by George J. Webb
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #476

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #432

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #29

12. Benediction Song or Instrumental
(a) You Raise Me Up. By Brendan Graham and Rolf Loveland. This selection is for solo.
Location:
Groban, Josh. Closer. Burbank, CA: Reprise, 2003.

(b) Pray for America. Mike Harland and Luke Garrett. Arr. by Richard Kingsmore
Location:
LifeWay Christian Resources
One LifeWay Plaza
Nashville, TN 37234-0162
Phone: 1-800-458-2772

Online location: www.lifeway.com

(c) Don’t Let Your Light Go Out. By Kurt Carr
Location:
Just the Beginning. London, England: KCG/Zomba, 2008.