THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD, YEARS A, B, C

2018 - 10 May
2019 - 30 May
2020 - 21 May
2021 - 13 May
2022 - 26 May
2023 - 18 May
2024 - 09 May
2025 - 29 May
2026 - 14 May
2027 - 06 May
2028 - 25 May
2029 - 10 May
2030 - 30 May
2031 - 22 May
2032 - 06 May
2033 - 26 May
2034 - 18 May
2035 - 03 May
2036 - 22 May
2037 - 14 May
2038 - 03 June

Note: For explanations and suggestions on the various resources provided, see the documents 'General notes and resources' and 'Easter season' in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

LITURGY

SENTENCE
See the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Sentence', in the 'General and seasonal' folder for suggestions on using a Sentence.

God raised Christ from the dead, Alleluia!
and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places. Alleluia!  
(Eph 1:20 NRSV)

OR
When Christ ascended on high,
he made captivity itself a captive.
He ascended higher than the heavens,
in order to fill the whole universe.  (Eph 4:8a,10b composite) 

LORD, HAVE MERCY
For variations to the 'Lord, have mercy', see the document 'Easter season' (under 'Liturgy', 'Lord, have mercy' and under 'Hymns and songs' 'Lord, have mercy'), in the 'General and seasonal' folder, or use the following for Ascension (based on the German).

Let us call on the Lord, to whom we belong through our baptism.
Lord Jesus Christ, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to you:
Lord, have mercy.
The power of your peace embraces the whole universe:
Christ, have mercy.
You are with us to the close of the age:
Lord, have mercy.

PRAYER OF THE DAY (COLLECT)
Traditional
Almighty God, 
grant that we who believe 
in the ascension of your Son, our Lord, 
into heaven 
may also there ascend in heart and mind, 
and dwell with him forever; 
who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

OR, modernised traditional
Almighty God, 
we believe in your Son, our Lord, 
who ascended into heaven. 
Lead us also to ascend there in heart and mind, 
and take us to live with him forever. 
We ask this through your Son, 
Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

OR, new (revised alternative)
(Let us pray that Christ will rule over all. [silence])
Thank you, eternal Father, 
that your Son Jesus ascended to your right hand, 
to rule over all things as Lord. 
Keep your church in the unity 
that the Spirit gives, 
and bring all creation 
to submit to Christ as Lord. 
For he lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

FIRST READING
Acts 1:1-11 Jesus' ascension, promise and commission

PSALM 
Psalm 47
Antiphon: 
God has gone up with a shout (, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet).  (Ps 47:5 NRSV)
OR
Years A, B: Psalm 93
Antiphon: 
The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.  (Ps 93:1a NRSV)
OR
Year C: Psalm 110
Antiphon: 
The Lord is at your right hand.  (PS 110:5a NRSV)

SECOND READING
Ephesians 1:15-23 Christ is the supreme Lord over all things

ALLELUIA VERSE
Alleluia.
(Since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; 
death no longer has any power over him.
Alleluia.)
(Jesus said:) 'Go and make disciples of all nations;
and I am with you always, to the end of the age.'  
(Matt 28:19,20 NRSV alt)
Alleluia.

GOSPEL
Luke 24:44-53  Jesus commissions and blesses the disciples
(Note: Begin by saying 'Jesus said to his disciples: . . .')

PRAYER AFTER THE GOSPEL
This is the gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ (, raised to live forever).
Lord Jesus Christ, 
thank you for fulfilling the Scriptures and returning to the Father. 
Fill us with the joy of your continual presence. 
Amen.

OFFERING PRAYER
Living God, your Son Jesus Christ 
at his ascension gave gifts to his church. 
Lead us, as members of his body on earth, 
to use the gifts we have received 
to do your will. 
Amen. 

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Call to prayer
Our Lord and brother, Jesus Christ, has been raised to the right hand of God. Let us pray to him that he would intercede for us and for all the world before our Father in heaven.

The regular response, OR:
Ascended Lord,
hear our prayer.

Suggested intercessions
*	for those who exercise authority in both church and state
*	for those caught in sin, and for the freedom which forgiveness brings
*	for the release of captives
*	for lands ruled by oppressive regimes
*	for justice for the poor and a curbing of those who flaunt the law of God
*	for those who bear intolerable burdens of illness, grief, or anxiety
*	for all who eagerly await the return of Christ and the coming of God's kingdom

Concluding prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, you ascended into heaven, to your Father and our Father, to your God and our God. Always remember us, and never cease to represent our cause before the throne of God, with whom you live and reign, with the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

OR
The following litany of the Ascension may be used.

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

O Christ, hear us.
O Christ, graciously hear us.

Jesus, King of glory, your disciples saw you ascend into heaven:
Have mercy on us.
You are seated in glory at the right hand of the Father:
Have mercy on us.
All power in heaven and earth has been given to you, and you rule forever:
Have mercy on us.
You are adored by all God's angels:
Have mercy on us.
You have opened the kingdom of God to all who believe:
Have mercy on us.
You are able to save completely those who come to God through you:
Have mercy on us.
You promise to give whatever we ask in your name:
Have mercy on us.
You are present through your body and blood in the sacrament of the altar:
Have mercy on us.
You have gone to prepare a place for us:
Have mercy on us.
You will come again in glory to judge the living and dead:
Have mercy on us.
You will take us to yourself, so that where you are, there we may be also:
Have mercy on us.

By your glorious resurrection and ascension,
save us, good Lord.
By your all-powerful intercession,
save us, good Lord.
By your triumphant majesty and power,
save us, good Lord.

That we who have risen with you may set our minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth;
hear us, good Lord.
That we may be holy and without blame before you in love;
hear us, good Lord.
That we may keep your commandments and remain in your love;
hear us, good Lord.
That you would remain with us through the power of the Comforter;
hear us, good Lord.
That we may have peace in you;
hear us, good Lord.
That you would pour out your Holy Spirit on your church:
hear us, good Lord.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world:
Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world:
Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world:
Give us your peace.

Risen and ascended Lord Jesus Christ, we know that you are seated at the right hand of the Father in majesty. Send us your Holy Spirit, so that we may also be strengthened to know your constant presence with us according to your promise to remain with us until the end of the age. We ask this in your name, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

SEASONAL PREFACE
It is indeed right and good, 
Lord God, holy Father, 
that we should at all times and in all places 
give thanks to you, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
After his resurrection he appeared openly to his disciples, 
and before their very eyes was taken up into heaven, 
so that by your grace we may share in his divine nature. 
And so, with angels and archangels, 
and with all the company of heaven, 
we adore and praise your glorious name:

Note: The preface for the Ascension is also used for all the days between Ascension and Pentecost.

COMMUNION INVITATION
Jesus says: 'When I am lifted up from the earth, 
I will draw everyone to me.' 
(Thanks be to God.)
Come, everything is ready.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
For a post-communion prayer, see the document 'Easter season', under 'Prayer after communion', in the 'General and seasonal' folder. Alternatively, use the third prayer of the day (as listed above) at this point. It may be modified as follows.

Eternal Father, 
your Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven, 
to rule over all things as Lord. 
As we have eaten of the one bread, 
and drunk from the one cup, 
keep your church in the unity 
that the Spirit gives, 
and bring all creation 
to worship at the feet of Christ. 
For he lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

SEASONAL BLESSING
This seasonal blessing is used together with (ie before) the usual blessing in the order of service.

(May) Christ our exalted king 
pour on you his abundant gifts 
and bring you to reign with him in glory; . . .

DISMISSAL
Go in peace, to witness in the power of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.  OR  In the name of Christ. Amen.

HYMNS AND SONGS

FOR THE READINGS

Please note:	* =	Modernised version available
	G3, G4 . . . =	Guitar chords available in the Music Package 3, 4 . . . 
	GS =	Guitar chords in the Supplement to LH

First reading: Acts 1:1-11
LHS
90	Christ the Lord is risen again G8
106-115, esp:
106	Since Christ is gone to heaven, His home* G3
111	Hail the day that sees Him rise G5
112	Hail, Thou once despised Jesus G3
113	Crown Him with many crowns G5
114	See the Conqueror mounts in triumph G4
115	Rejoice, the Lord is King
285	To Thy most holy supper, Lord * G5
761	Christ is alive! Let Christians sing G3
771	Hallelujah! sing to Jesus G3
782	At the name of Jesus G7
788	Lord, who left the highest heaven G8
843	Saviour, to the Father's side (holy communion)
AT
26	He is Lord
161	Majesty
162	King of kings and Lord of lords
163	Hymn of glory
166	Clap your hands, all you people
226	All is nearness
252	He is exalted
257	Jesus is living
370	You are glorious
TIS
185	 Alleluia (v 5)
192	Christ is the world's redeemer
216	Rejoice, the Lord is King
228	Crown him with many crowns
231	At the name of Jesus
365	Christ the Lord is risen again
369	Hail the day that sees him rise
373	Hail, our once despised Jesus
387	Christ is alive! Let Christians sing
415	Praise the Spirit in creation
517	Hallelujah! sing to Jesus
520	Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendour (holy communion)

Second reading: Ephesians 1:15-23
In addition to those suggested for the first reading:
LHS
169	The head that once was crowned with thorns G5
528	Christ, whose glory fills the skies G5
AT
-
TIS
212	Christ, whose glory fills the skies
224	All hail the power of Jesus' name
237	Hail Redeemer! King divine
371	God is gone up on high
378	The head that once was crowned with thorns
685	Lord, I come to you (The power of your love)

Gospel: Luke 24:44-53
In addition to those suggested for the first reading:
LHS  
219	Jesus shall reign where'er the sun G3
221	Spread, O spread, thou mighty Word* G5
AT
103	Send your servant down the road
TIS
207	Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
404	Lord God, the Spirit blest
450	Spread, O spread, almighty word

PSALM 47 
For musical settings of Psalm 47, see Music Packages 2, 5 and 8.

TIS 29, Clap your hands all you nations, is a paraphrase of the psalm. The song 'Clap your hands', by Jimmy Owens (ATA 166), is based on Psalm 47:1. 

The Iona collection Psalms of Patience, Protest and Praise contains a metrical version of Psalm 47 that could be used on this day (page 24).

Note that the Iona Community is willing to allow a church or worship assembly to reproduce the words only of a song from these publications on a service sheet or overhead transparency that is to be used once only on a non-commercial basis, provided that the title of the song and the name of the copyright holder is clearly shown.

The following metrical version of Psalm 47 by David Schütz may be sung to the tune Aus meines Herzens Grunde (LH 107). If reproducing this version, please put 'Words (c) David Schütz' at the beginning or the end of the psalm. 

O clap your hands, all peoples
and shout to God with joy. 
The Lord Most High is awesome, 
the King of all the earth. 
He gives us victory,
and puts us over nations.
He chose a good land for us, 
for Jacob, whom he loves.

See now, our God ascending
upon his throne with shouts!
See how our Lord arises
to heaven with trumpet blast!
Sing praises to our God.
Sing praises, O sing praises,
to God, the king of nations,
sing praises with a psalm. 

Our God rules over nations
upon his holy throne.
The leaders of the peoples,
now gather all around,
with all God's holy saints
who own the God of Abram.
Their forces are surrendered,
and God is Lord of all.

PSALM 93 (YEARS A  AND B)
For musical settings of Psalm 93, see Music Packages 6 and 8. TIS 51, The Lord is king, is another version of Psalm 93.

IONA COMMUNITY SONG
From vol 2, Enemy of Apathy
page 118	'Lo, I am with you'
Note the permission given by the Iona Community, indicated above.

FOR HOLY COMMUNION
LHS 843	Saviour, to the Father's side

A CLOSING SONG
AT 103	Send your servant down the road
AT 298	Let's go out
AT 412	Sent by the Lord am I

NOTES ON THE READINGS

See the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Notes on the readings', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

ACTS 1:1-11: The visible ascension was not necessary for Jesus personally, as his glorification and exaltation was in effect actually from after his death and in his resurrection. It showed the disciples though, and the church, the logical culmination of his ministry which commenced in the humble process of a human birth. Now he concludes his work of salvation and earthly appearances in the supernatural ascension of his human person, thus demonstrating his exaltation and heavenly glorification. The cloud which took him from their sight is strongly reminiscent of the cloud which surrounded visibly the special presence of God among his people during his dealings with Israel. The heavenly messengers appeared consistently at other key points of our Lord's earthly ministry and will appear with him when he comes.

EPHESIANS 1:15-23: There is a power which God works to make Christians what they are as their faith interweaves with their visible love. God further gives wisdom, revelation, enlightenment and the hope of their inheritance by that power. Again, that same power has exalted Christ in his resurrection and enthronement at the right hand of God. Ascended far above all power and dominion, our sovereign Lord Jesus, both fully divine and fully human, knows our human experiences, problems and needs. He directs his rule of all things for the benefit of his church.

LUKE 24:44-53: In this last teaching session with his disciples, Jesus alludes to the importance of all his redeeming activity in God's sweeping plan carried out over thousands of years. The revelation of law through Moses and prophecy through especially inspired men all had fulfilment in Jesus' redemption. Therefore his work needs proclamation in terms of repentance and forgiveness of sin. The church will continue this work. The disciples returned with joy after their Lord's separation, for they knew that what was taken from them was merely his visible presence. He was, in reality, with them always.

VISUAL

VISUALS FOR THE READINGS
Pictures or symbols could be displayed on banners or the overhead screen during the readings. For instance, the first reading from Acts and the gospel from Luke could be accompanied by a symbol or picture of Jesus' ascension, such as a picture like the illustration in the TEV Bible for Luke 24:51. The second reading, Ephesians 1:15-23, could be accompanied by a picture like the illustration in the TEV Bible for verse 12.

PASCHAL CANDLE
In the old one-year lectionary, when the Sundays of Easter were called Sundays after Easter, and the Seventh Sunday of Easter was the Sunday after the Ascension, it was customary to extinguish the paschal candle after the gospel at Ascension. Because the emphasis of the new lectionary is on the whole seven weeks as a celebration of the presence of the risen Christ, it is more appropriate to leave the candle burning at the services of all seven Sundays of Easter.

ASCENSION BANNER - SYMBOLS
Make a poster or banner of the Ascension using images of Christ's kingship, such as a crown, sceptre, or even palm branches (the theme of Palm Sunday is very similar to the theme of the Ascension). Other symbols sometimes used for the Ascension are an eagle, Elijah's fiery chariot, and a raised hand of blessing. The Ascension banner could be displayed until Pentecost. It may replace an Easter banner in order to show that a new phase of the Easter celebrations has arrived.

FLOWERS
A tall thin arrangement in mainly white could be displayed, with perhaps a crown on top. 

DRAMA

'MEGA DRAMA'
See a drama for the day in Mega Drama  resources (Openbook Publishers), originally included in these worship resources when they were released on disks.

dramatising the READINGS
The readings can be read by more than one person to make the dramatic meaning of the text clearer. For instance, the first reading from Acts could be read by four readers: narrator, Jesus, disciple, angel.

CHILDREN

CROWN
A simple golden cardboard crown could be provided for all the children to wear during the service, or after a talk with the children, or during communion. Its significance can be briefly explained.

WHERE'S JESUS?
Children often want to know where Jesus is when they come to church. Sometimes parents get a laugh when children identify the pastor as Jesus. They (and we) are not unlike the disciples, who gaze up into the sky trying to see where Jesus is. Where is Jesus? A short talk with the children before the gospel could explain that Jesus is present with us even though we can't see him, especially in the reading of the Bible, the bread and wine of the Lord's supper, and in his baptised people. This can be highlighted with a poster that has written on one side: 'Where’s Jesus?', and on the other side: 'Here's Jesus!'. It is used three times as follows:
*	Before the reading of the gospel, the poster is held up, and the children (and congregation) say together 'Where's Jesus?'. Then the poster is turned around and the pastor says: 'Here's Jesus.' The poster is then stuck to the lectern for the reading of the gospel (perhaps with Blue-tak). 
*	Later, just before communion, the question and answer is repeated, and the poster is stuck to the altar. 
*	Then at the close of the service, in connection with the dismissal, the question and answer is repeated for a final time, but the pastor says 'Where's Jesus?' and the whole congregation repeats 'Here's Jesus!' 
*	The poster can then be given to the children.