Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources:

Acts 16:16-34
Roman Catholic reading: Acts 7:55-60

Psalm 97
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 97:1-9

Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21
Roman Catholic reading: Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20

John 17:20-26

Reading and Studying the Text This Week

• Texts:
  • Illustrated lectionary readings at Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings from the New American Bible.
  • Episcopal Lectionary: BCP - RCL.
  • Lutheran lectionary readings, Year C, from the ELCA site.
  • United Methodist lectionary readings.
  • Free Church version for Baptist, Reformed, and Congregational use Revised Common Lectionary Readings.
  • ELCIC Worship Planning Calendar, lectionary citations with and without hymn suggestions, text and pdf formats.
  • Lutheran RCL CEV readings - .doc files. Lutheran Bible Ministries.
• Images and Movies:
  • Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Revelation
  • Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Unity
• Commentary, Exegesis & Sermon Preparation (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Textweek Blog and Facebook Page: The Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
  • Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
  • WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2022.
  • Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
  • Preaching with the Sciences, homily outlines, outside resources, Catholic Theological Union, 2022.
  • "The Adventurous Lectionary," Bruce Epperly, Living a Holy Adventure, 2022.
  • Breaking Chains, Kathryn M. Matthews, Sermon Seeds, UCC, 2016.
  • Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2016.
  • Pulpit Fiction, with podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2016.
  • Ministry Matters, 2016.
  • The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2016.
  • "The Adventurous Lectionary," Bruce Epperly, Living a Holy Adventure, 2016.
  • Weekly Worship. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2019.
  • This Week at PreachingIllustrations.com, 2016.
  • Social Justice Lectionary, Bruce Sweet, 2016.
  • Lectionary at Lunch: MP3, Windows Media, and Real Audio files of lectures by professors at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, MO (LCMS), 2016.
  • "A Purpose-Filled Prayer," D Mark Davis, Left Behind and Loving It, 2013.
  • Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Easter 7, Russell Pregeant, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
  • The Lectionary Lab, Easter 7, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2013. Lectionary Lab Live podcast.
  • Pulpit Fiction, podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2013.
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Easter 7, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • Preaching Peace commentary, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
  • Jesus Now, Easter 7C. Lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
  • Readings, Analysis of Texts and Preaching Paths, Dennis Bratcher, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
  • Text Studies, Easter 7, Diedrik Nelson. (Lutheran)
• Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices. Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
  • Acts 16:16-34
  • Psalm 97
  • Revelation 22:12-21
  • John 17:20-26
• Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
  • Textweek Blog and Facebook Page: The Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
  • Sermon Brainwave, Lectionary podcast featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner, discussing the week's passages in light of current events. At Luther Seminary's WorkingPreacher.org. 2016.
  • "For Us!" David Lose, in the meantime, 2016.
  • Living by the Word, Gail Ramshaw, The Christian Century, 2016.
  • "Resurrection Is Promise," Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2016.
  • Lotsa Options Edition, commentary and discussion, RevGalBlogPals, 2016.
  • "To Convert, Begin Now," Dan Clendenin, Journey with Jesus, 2016.
  • "Exposing a Government's Abuse of Power, and Other Life Hacks," Matthew L. Skinner, ON Scripture, 2016. Includes video, discussion questions.
  • "The Worst Prison Escape in History," David R. Henson, edges of faith, 2016.
  • "Improvisational Gospel," Kyle Childress, Ekklesia Project, 2016.
  • "That They May All Be One," Eric Smith, LECTIO, 2016.
  • "Chains," Lynn Miller, celebrating our creative and living God by generating art and architecture resources for congregations and individuals. Art and Faith Matters facebook page contains additional resources.
  • Links for Preaching May 5-7, Rob Myallis, Lectionary Greek, 2016.
  • "Graceful Unity," Glenn Monson, Law & Gospel Everywhere, 2016.
  • "Unity and Mission," Bob Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2016.
  • "Nobody Loves You Like Your Mama Does," Garrison Keillor, A Prairie Home Companion, 2008.
  • "The Tough Work of Unity and Grace," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2016.
  • "One in the Spirit," Sermon-Stories.com.
  • "Getting It Together," David F. Sellery, 2016.
  • "A New Earth," John C. Holbert, The Peripatetic Preacher, 2016.
  • The Preacher's Study, D. Jay Koyle, Easter 7, 2016.
  • Visions from the Catacombs, Catacomb Churches, 2016.
  • "The Heartbeat of Community," Melissa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2016.
  • "The Politics of Exorcism," Robert Williamson, Jr., Political Theology Today, 2016.
  • Lectionary Ruminations, John Edward Harris, Summit to Shore, 2016.
  • "A Slave Girl Set Free and the Unity Jesus Calls Us To," Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2016.
  • "The Toll of Unity," Colin Cushman, Modern Metanoia, 2016.
  • "A Shared Sense - Jesus' Prayer," Nancy Rockwell, The Bite in the Apple, 2016.
  • Preaching Tip of the Week, Bob Eldan, preachingtip, 2016.
  • "That All May Be One," Andrew King, A Poetic Kind of Place, 2016.
  • "Christian Unity," Jerry Carpenter, Weimar Wanderings, 2016.
  • "Draughting Theology," Steve Pankey, 2016. Daily reflections and study for Sunday.
  • "Perfectly One," Thomas Beam, 2016.
  • Prison Lectionary (reflections by persons incarcerated in US prisons), 2016.
  • Homily Week, 2016.
  • Sacredise Worship Resources, 2016.
  • "He Asks That They Be One," lectionary poetry, Scott Barton, 2016.
  • "Give Me the Bad Stuff, Too," Larry Patten, 2016.
  • Richard Bryant, Food for Thought, 2016.
  • Pray As You Can, Reflections, commentary, prayer, poems, etc., Kym Harris, Diocese of Rockhampton, 2016.
  • Lectio Divina Podcast, Todd Spencer, 2016.
  • HuffPost Religion, religion news and contemporary news in religious perspective. Always worth a read...
  • Unfolding Light, Daily Reflections leading toward Sunday readings, Steve Garnaas-Holmes, 2016.
  • Break Open the Word, Michael T. Hiller, 2016.
  • One Little Word, David J. Risendal, 2016.
  • Hitchhiker's Guide to the Bible, Andy Doyle, Episcopal Diocese of Texas, 2016.
  • The River of Life, Loddon Mallee UCA Presbytery Blog, 2016.
  • Sunday's Child, Daily Lectionary and Reflections on Scripture and World, Una Malachica, 2016.
  • Weekly Reflections on the Christian Faith (lectionary texts), conversations between Mark Smith and David Owen, England Public School Chaplains. 2016
  • Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Dialogue, Wesley White, 2016.
  • Living the Lectionary, Daily RCL reflections, Pr. Phil Heinze, Fort Worth, TX, 2016.
  • The Preacher's Exchange - First Impressions and Homilias Domincales / Homilias Breves. Jude Siciliano, O.P., 2016.
  • SacraConversazione, discussion of the texts in terms of traditions of interpreters, from a postmodern perspective, 2016.
  • COSLC Grace Notes, Pastor Dan Bollerud, Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Anchorage, AK. Meditations & poetry, 2016.
  • Lectionary Scripture Notes, Dr. Norman Beck, 2016.
  • "The Jailer," Frederick Buechner, Buechner Blog.
  • "The Power of Being Prayed For," David Lose, Dear Working Preacher, 2013. 2010.
  • "One for All, All for One," Sharron Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2013.
  • "The Roots of Resiliance," Anne Howard, A Word in Time, Beatitudes Society, 2013.
  • "An Open Letter to Pastors: A Non-Mom Speaks about Mother's Day," Amy, The Messy Middle, 2013.
  • Lectionary Ruminations, John Edward Harris, Summit to Shore, 2013.
  • "Holy Lover of My Soul," Suzanne Guthrie, Soulwork toward Sunday: At the Edge of the Enclosure, 2013.
  • "Stay," Ascension / Easter 7, Jan Richardson, The Painted Prayerbook, 2013.
  • "Celtic Prayer as a Guide to Faith," Easter 7, Daniel B. Clendenin, The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2013. 2010.
  • "Unbounded Horizon," Christopher Burkett, Preacher Rhetorica, 2013.
  • Care for Creation Reflections, Tom Mundahl, Lutherans Restoring Creation, 2013.
  • The Worship Closet, Amy Loving, 2013.
  • We Pray for What We Need," Bob Stuhlmann, Stories from a Priestly Life, 2013.
  • A Unity Not of Our Making, Dr. Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2013.
  • Psalm 97 and Political Theology, Pekka Pitkänen, Political Theology, 2013.
  • "That We May Be One..." Thomas Beam, 2013.
  • "Freedom," Melissa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2013.
  • "Unity Complex," Michael Coffey, 2013.
  • Preaching Tip of the Week, Bob Eldan, preachingtip, 2013.
  • "The Road to Happiness," Steve Goodier, Life Support Systems, 2013.
  • "One Holy, Catholic, and [Divided] Church," Debra Dean Murphy, Intersections, 2010.
  • Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2010.
  • First Look: John 17:20-26, Lee Koontz, reflectious, 2010.
  • Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Easter 7, 2007. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church.
  • The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2007.
  • Desperate Preacher's Site: sermons, discussions, liturgical material and other resources.
• Sermons (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • "Lessons from Unexpected Locations," by Dr. Derik Jones. A Sermon for Every Sunday: Video Sermons by America's best preachers for every Sunday of the Liturgical Year.
  • "'M' is for the Many Things," Alyce Mc Kenzie, Patheos, 2013.
  • "Lover," the Rev. Peter Panagore, Day 1, 2012.
  • "The Jailer," Frederick Buechner, Buechner Blog.
  • Ministry Matters, 2016.
  • Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors, 2016.
  • "Don't Be Deceived," the Rev. Dr. Emmanuel McCall, Day 1, 2007.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • "Exposing a Government's Abuse of Power, and Other Life Hacks," Matthew L. Skinner, ON Scripture, 2016. Includes video, discussion questions.
  • "One," Faith Element, 2016. Podcast.
  • "Breaking Chains," Weekly Seeds, UCC, 2016.
  • "Come, Lord Jesus," Faith Element, 2013
  • Bible Study, Easter 7, 2013, Steven King, Virginia Theological School, Sermons that Work, Episcopal Digital Network.
  • Proclaiming Faith, discussion, prayer, activities for primary grades, activities, 2013.
  • "Choices and Consequences," faithelement, various mulitimedia approaches to this week's scripture texts.
  • Light on the Lessons, Lutheran Bible Ministries. .doc file leaders guide and participant guide for group study of the weekly lectionary readings.
• A list of links to on-line Bibles and general Bible study resources.
• A list of links to scholarly and preaching discussion groups and their homepages. 
• A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.

OnLine Worship and Liturgy Resources

• Resources and Images on The Text This Week's Easter Resources page.
• Complete Liturgies (includes prayers & hymns):
  • Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2016.
  • Ruach Words, Fresh langauge for worship, 2016.
  • Life in Liturgy, Disciples of Christ, 2016.
  • Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2016. (Terms of Use)
  • Worship Resources, Easter 7, Ascension, Rev. Mindi, Rev-o-lution, 2016.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Freedom/United but Not Homogenous," Easter 7, 2016. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • "The Tough Work of Unity and Grace," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2016.
  • Sacredise Worship Resources, 2016.
  • LCA Worship Planning Page, Easter 7C/Ascension/Mothers Day, "Everything lay-readers need to prepare worship."
  • Ministry Matters, 2016.
  • "One for All, All for One," Sharron Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2013.
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Easter 7C, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
  • Worship and Liturgy Resources, Easter 7, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Liturgy for Ascension Sunday (Easter 7), Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
• Prayers, Prefaces, Litanies, etc.:
  • Laughing Bird Liturgical Resources, by Nathan Nettleton, South Yarra Community Baptist Church, Melbourne, Australia. Prayers, blessings, Eucharistic prefaces and scripture paraphrases.
  • Resources: Based on the Revised Common Lectionary. Prayers, Collects and Litanies by Bruce Prewer, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Lector's Notes, Easter 7, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
  • Outside the Box, litanies, poems and prayers written for the local church, by Katherine Hawker.
  • Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • "Liturgy: prayer reflection", reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand. (BCP, TEC, USA; CofE Common Worship)
  • Sunday Prayer, Mompriest, RevGalBlogPals, 2010
  • Weekly Worship. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2019.
  • Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2016.
  • Call to Worship, Mary-Jane Konings, 2013.
  • Confession RCL, Bill Wessner, 2013.
  • Prayers of the People, Jeremiah Williamson, Praying the Scriptures, 2013.
  • The Timeless Psalms: Psalm 97, Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2016.
  • Prayers from the Closet, NT, Stephen Brown, 2013.
  • "One in Love and Mission," rtf or pdf file of liturgy at Worship Ways.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Easter 7 / Ascension, 2016. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
  • Litany for Mother's Day, Rick Morley, 2013.
  • World in Prayer, the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Lodi, California. Prayers. Prayers and litanies based on each week's world news.
  • Liturgy Link, 2016.
  • Reclaim Weekly Worship Prayers.
  • Liturgical Resources, (Ir)revBrent, 2016
  • Engage Worship, 2016.
  • Reflectiion on Collect for Easter 7, Bosco Peters, Liturgy, 2016.
  • Prayers of the People, Blessing/Benediction, Lowell Grisham, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Fayetteville, Arkansas, 2016.
• Graphics and Multimedia (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Art in the Christian Tradition, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
  • Clip Art, Easter 7C, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Clip Art Images: John 17:20-26, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Follows Latin American Roman Catholic gospel reading, though most gospels texts/themes are found in the index. Liberation emphasis.
  • Images for this week's readings, Pitts Theology Library Digital Image Archive.
  • Jesus Prays That They Might Be One, Jesus is the Fulfillment of the Law, audio telling, story in episodes, graphic, audio and written commentaries. Go Tell Communications, Biblical Storytelling for the Global Village, 2010.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Freedom/United but Not Homogenous," Easter 7, 2016. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Church Galleries sample - free powerpoint download for this week's lectionary scripture(s).
  • "Choices and Consequences," faithelement, various mulitimedia approaches to this week's scripture texts.
  • "Magic Trick," video, John Stevens, Dollar Store Children's Sermons, 2013.
  • "Come, Lord Jesus," Faith Element, 2013.
  • Visual Theology, Faithful Images, Dave Perry, reflections and images usually tied to RCL texts.
  • Agnus Day, Lectionary cartoon by James Wetzstein.
  • "Exposing a Government's Abuse of Power, and Other Life Hacks," Matthew L. Skinner, ON Scripture, 2016. Includes video, discussion questions.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
  • Psalm Settings:
    • "Hear, Hear the Thunder," lyrics, midi, sheet music, mp3. Stephen J. Pearson, The Psalmistry. See Terms of Use.
    • Psalm 97 set to St Catherine (88 88 88) by Dale A. Schoening, Metrical Psalms.
  • Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
    • Hymn and Song Suggestions, Easter 7, 2016, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
    • Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2016.
    • Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.")
    • Worship Resource Manual, The Moravian Church, Southern Province. Worksheets for planning music in worship: hymns, anthems, solos, organ repertoire suggestions for RCL texts. Direct link to Easter 7.
    • Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
    • Hymn selections (United Methodist) and more from Hymnsite.com.
    • The Billabong, Easter 7, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
    • Choral Anthem Project, Easter 7C, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
    • Sing for Joy, Easter 7, 2007. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College.
    • Weekly Worship. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2019.
    • Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2016. (Terms of Use)
    • Together to Celebrate, Easter 7, 2016, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
    • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Easter 7 / Ascension, 2016. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
• With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Worshiping with Children, Ascension C, Easter 7C, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2016.
  • Storypath, Connecting Children's Literature with our Faith Story, Union Presbyterian Seminary, 2016.
  • Children's Sermon, Faith Formation Journeys, 2016.
  • Dollar Store Children's Sermons, John Stevens, 2016.
  • "The Tough Work of Unity and Grace," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2016.
  • "Your Mom Prays for You," (Easter 7C / Mother's Day) On the Chancel Steps, children's resources by Frances Woodruff, 2013.
  • "One for All, All for One," Sharron Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2013.
  • "Magic Trick," video, John Stevens, Dollar Store Children's Sermons, 2013.
  • Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2016. (Terms of Use)
  • "Sermon of the Week," / "Mensajes para ninos," Sermons 4 Kids, Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com.
  • Ministry Matters, 2016.
  • Proclaiming Faith, discussion, prayer, activities for primary grades, activities, 2013.
• Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  • Weekly Devotions, Faith Formation Journeys, 2016.
  • CatholicMom.com: Coloring Page, Mass Worksheet, Crossword Puzzle, and Word Search based on weekly gospel text.
  • Activity Sheets for Children, Fun for all Creatures Great & Small, UCC, 2013. (pdf)
  • Coloring Pages/Puzzles. Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com. (Scroll to bottom of page.)
  • Lectionary Puzzles. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text, by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario.
• Drama (see listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
• A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.