THE PRAYERS, 

2^nd  Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 4, Cycle B (June 3, 2018)

 

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord God, grant that throughout the world, your Church may enter into your Sabbath rest. Teach it to more perfectly love, praise, and worship you. Refresh and strengthen it for witness and service. And make it a haven of peace, joy, and fellowship where many may find health and salvation through the merits of your dear Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give renewed strength and courage to your persecuted servants. Make their words, deeds, and lives shine with the love of Jesus. By their faithful witness, confound and convert their tormentors. And give a double portion of your Spirit to all missionaries of the Gospel, especially in places most hostile to its proclamation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember before you all who must work on the Sabbath, on holidays, through the night, or in long or swing shifts. Renew their strength and dedication. Grant that they may pray and glorify you amid the challenges of their labors. And let them be an example and an encouragement to all with whom they work.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our earthly leaders – whether their responsibilities are in government, education, business, the military, or elsewhere in our culture, community, and country. Make them wise, good, and just. Remind them that they must give an account of their leadership to you, the Lord, Judge, and King of all nations. And grant that, under their guidance, all people may live peaceable and goodly lives.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 You delivered your people Israel from earthly bondage to cruel overlords. We beseech you on behalf of all who are in bondage. Some are slaves to drugs, violence, or pornography. Others have been coerced into hopeless, brutal servitude. Deliver them from evil, dear Lord; and help us to be instruments of your Sabbath peace to them as they heal.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

The healing you bring to all who suffer is a foretaste of your eternal Sabbath rest. Bestow it upon all who are burdened and sorrowful – especially {List}. Restore them to health and hope, and to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, thank you for receiving our blessed dead into the perfect peace and abundant life of your Kingdom. Bring your comfort, strength, and peace to all who labor under sorrow’s load. Refresh all of our hearts, so that we may be of good courage throughout our earthly pilgrimage. And receive us, with all whom you have redeemed through the death and resurrection of Jesus, into that joy-filled Sabbath rest which has no end.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

 

“Yet He commanded the clouds above and opened the doors of heaven; He rained down manna upon them to eat and gave them food from heaven.”  (Psalm 78:23-24)

The Lord provides in season and out of season for all.  He causes the rain to come down upon the just and the unjust.  He who is faithful provides for all that He has created.  See and believe.  Know that the Lord who provides in every circumstance provides what is needed.  Come then to the Lord and know His goodness and mercy.  Eat from the bounty that the Lord provides.

Lord, I know these things are true, but I hesitate because of the bad things that happen in this world.  You who knows when a bird falls from the sky, why do you allow some things to happen?  Yet, there is so much evil that I let these things I do not understand outweigh the goodness I see.  But then, it is not You, but we who have caused these things to come to pass in this way.

Lord Jesus, You have come that all who turn to You would be given the bread of heaven and live forever.  You who have brought all things into being have given us the greater portion by uniting us with You.  Lead me away from wavering over things that happen which I do not understand to those things which I still do not understand for they are too great for me.  Lead me into You by faith.  Amen.

“You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:14)

Have you ever met someone who makes it easy to be his or her friend?  Someone, you might imagine, who not only seeks your friendship, but then, in a sort of wonderful, strange way, keeps working to make you a good friend?

It’s the friend who takes you out for her birthday as well as yours; the friend who, when you’re sure you’ve said something wrong, calls you and chit-chats in a way that lets you know all is well; the friend who asks for what he needs, and doesn’t wait for you to offer; the friend who’s ready with a relieving joke when you feel stupid or ashamed—in short, the friend who makes you a friend by being your friend.

That friend is your Lord.  He came to earth to gain friends, lovers of the kingdom, and yet He did not play the hard-to-get, fickle friend.  What He demanded He also provided: His words, His commands, His gifts—these things blaze the path of friendship with Jesus, making you His friend by being your friend.

LET US PRAY: Thank You, good Friend, for being the Lover of my soul, the good friend who I cannot be.  By Your friendly Spirit, teach me to love as You have first loved me, and thus keep Your commandments to the end.  Amen

Pastor Steven K. Gjerde

Zion, Wausau

Lessons and Suggested Hymns,

Pentecost 2- Labor Day Weekend, Cycle B

(June 3 – September 2, 2018)

 

NOTE: LBW – Lutheran Book of Worship (The Green Book)

WOV – With One Voice (The Blue Book)

LSB (Lutheran Service Book)

ELW (Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

 

There are versions of some hymns that are superior in LSB and I recommend using them if possible. Also, there are some superb hymns in LSB that aren’t available in the other hymnals. When I suggest one of the latter, I try to include an alternative from LBW or WOV. I recommend that a license and DVD of downloadable hymns from LSB be purchased if you are looking to expand your hymnody. There are, in ELW, some familiar hymns that have been drastically altered, which I try to note. To be fair, ELW also has some fine hymns not available in the other hymnals, or has, interestingly, a more “traditional” translation or harmonization.

 

Color for the day is indicated for each Sunday. Primary liturgical calendar taken from Sola Publishing (www.solapublishing.org), based on LSB. Also, I include the lessons from the standard Revised Common Lectionary, found in ELW and used in some congregations. It often overlaps the Sola/LCMS calendar lectionary, but when there are differences, I will note them.

 

 

June 3: 2^nd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 4

Deuteronomy 5:12-15 (Observe Sabbath, let all rest in remembrance of how God delivered you from slavery)

Psalm 81:1-10 (Praise God who delivered you from bondage; have no other gods!)

2 Corinthians 4:5-12 (Proclaim Christ as Lord; this treasure in earthen pots; Paul’s sufferings for Gospel)

Mark 2:23-3:6 (Eating, healing on Sabbath: sabbath made for man, not vice versa)

 

Opening hymn: LBW #161, O Day Full of Grace (LSB #503, ELW #627)

     OR ELW #531, The Trumpets Sound, the Angels Sing

Hymn of the Day: LBW #251, O Day of Rest and Gladness (LSB #906, ELW #521)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #548, O Worship the King, All-Glorious Above (LSB #804, ELW #842)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #249, God Himself is Present (LSB #907)

      OR ELW #528, Come and Fill Our Hearts (sung several times)

Closing Hymn: LBW #259, Lord, Dismiss Us With Your Blessing (LSB #924, ELW #545)

 

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June 10: 3^rd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 5

 Genesis 3:8-15 (The consequences of the Fall)

Psalm 130 (Out of the depths…)

2 Corinthians 4:13 – 5:1 (Outer nature wasting away, but preparing for the weight of glory)

Mark 3:20-35 (How can Satan cast out Satan; who is my mother, brother, sister?)

 

Opening hymn: LBW #415, God of Grace and God of Glory (LSB #850, ELW #705)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #470, Praise and Thanks and Adoration (familiar tune)

 (ELW #783) (LSB #569, Praise to You and Adoration)

     OR LBW #372, In Adam We Have All Been One (LSB #569)

     OR WOV #668, There in God’s Garden (ELW #342)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #476, Have No Fear, Little Flock (LSB #735, ELW #764)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #370, Blest Be the Tie That Binds (LSB #649, ELW #656)

Closing Hymn: WOV #781, My Life Flows On In Endless Song (ELW #763)

     OR LBW #315, Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (LSB #700, ELW #631)

 

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June 17: 4^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 6, Father’s Day

 Ezekiel 17:22-24 (God plants a cedar sprig on mountain of Israel where all may find shelter)

Psalm 1 (Blessed is the man who meditates on God’s Law day and night)

            ELW: Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 (Praise God day and night; the righteous flourish like palm trees)

2 Corinthians 5:1-11 (We will be further clothed, in eternal life)

            ELW: 2 Corinthians 5:6-13 (We walk by faith, not sight; all must appear before judgment seat;

all done in Christ for others, not self)

Mark 4:26-34 (Parable of growing seed & mustard seed)

 

Opening hymn: LBW #560, Oh, That I Had a Thousand Voices (LSB #811, ELW #833)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #234, Almighty God, Your Word is Cast (LSB #577, ELW #516)

     OR LSB #586, Preach You the Word, and Plant it Home

Communion Hymn #1: WOV #771, Great is Thy Faithfulness (LSB #809, ELW #733)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #357, Our Father, By Whose Name (LSB #863, ELW #640)

Closing Hymn: LBW #362, We Plow the Fields and Scatter (ELW #680 [Spanish tune], 681)

 

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June 24: 5^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 7, OR Nativity of St. John the Baptist

 5 Pentecost, Proper 7:

 Job 38:1-11 (God answers Job from whirlwind)

Psalm 124 (If the Lord had not been our own side, the flood would have taken us)

            ELW: Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32 (God delivered those in peril on sea; praise him!)

2 Corinthians 6:1-13 (Now is the acceptable time to accept God’s grace! The sufferings of Paul)

Mark 4:35-41 (Jesus stills the storm)

 

Opening hymn: LBW #552, In Thee is Gladness (LSB #818, ELW #867)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #333, Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me (LSB #722, ELW #767)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #543, Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation (LSB #790, ELW #858)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #334, Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me (LSB #715, ELW #755)

Closing Hymn: LBW #467, Eternal Father, Strong to Save (LSB #717, ELW #756)

_  _  _  _  _  _

Nativity of St. John the Baptist:

Malachi 3:1-4 (The prophet who goes before the Lord; refiner’s fire)

Psalm 141 (Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his servants)

Acts 13:13-26 (Brief history of Israel, Davidic line leading to Jesus, who was foretold by John)

Luke 1:57-80 (Announcement and birth of John the Baptist)

 

Opening hymn: LBW #36, On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry (LSB #344, ELW #249)

Hymn of the Day:  LBW #29, Comfort, Comfort Now My People (LSB #347, ELW #256)

     OR LSB #346, When All the World Was Cursed (It’s good, honest!)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #403, Lord Speak to Us, That We May Speak (ELW #676)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #379, Spread, O Spread, Almighty Word

     (ELW #663) (LSB #830, Spread the Reign of God the Lord)

Closing Hymn: LBW #178, v, 1, 15, 3, By All Your Saints in Warfare (LSB #518, v, 1, 18, 3)

     ELW #421, v. 1, 14, 3, By All Your Saints Still Striving [eye roll])

 

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 July 1: 6^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 8

 Lamentations 3:22-33 (God’s steadfast love & compassion never cease)

Psalm 30 (I cried to you for help; you healed me; what profit if I go into the Pit?)

2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 13-15 (Be generous in giving to needs of the saints)

            ELW: 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 (Omits example of Macedonians)

Mark 5:21-43 (A girl restored to life; a woman with flow of blood healed)

 

Opening hymn: LBW #401, Before You, Lord, We Bow (LSB #966, ELW #893)

Hymn of the Day:  LBW #453, If You But Trust in God to Guide You (ELW #769)

     (LSB #750, If Thou But Trust in God to Guide Thee)

Communion Hymn #1: WOV #738, Healer of Our Every Ill (ELW #612)

     OR LBW #345, How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds (LSB #524, ELW #620)

Communion Hymn #2: WOV #746, Day By Day (ELW #790)

     OR WOV 777, Give Me Jesus (ELW #770)

     OR LBW #460, I am Trusting You, Lord Jesus (LSB #729)

Closing Hymn: LBW #341, Jesus, Still Lead On (ELW #624) (LSB #718, Jesus, Lead Thou On)

 

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July 8: 7^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 9

 Ezekiel 2:1-5 (God’s Spirit within the prophet called to speak to rebellious people)

Psalm 123 (Have mercy; we have had enough of contempt)

2 Corinthians 12:1-10 (Paul’s visions, and the thorn in the flesh)

Mark 6:1-13 (Jesus rejected in Nazareth; the 12 are sent on mission trip)

 

Opening hymn: LBW #383, Rise Up, O Saints of God! (ELW #669)

Hymn of the Day: WOV #756, Lord, You Give the Great Commission (ELW #579)

     OR LBW #238, God Has Spoken By His Prophets (LSB #583) (Tune may not be familiar, so use “Austria” –          “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken.” It works great.)

     OR LSB # 856, O Christ, Who Called the Twelve

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #492, O Master, Let Me Walk With You (ELW #818)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #381, Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling (LSB #827)

     OR WOV #752, Here I Am, Lord (ELW #574)

Closing Hymn: LBW #567, God of Our Fathers

     OR ELW #887, This is My Song (tune is Finlandia; nice words)

 

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July 15: 8^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 10

Amos 7:7-15 (Amos speaks of God’s judgment, and is told by king to take a hike)

Psalm 85:1-13 (Restore us again, O God of our salvation; righteousness and peace have kissed)

            ELW: Psalm 85:8-13 (Eliminates wrath, plea for forgiveness)

Ephesians 1:3-14 (Spiritual blessings in Christ, who has prepared our eternal inheritance)

Mark 6:14-29 (John the Baptist loses his head)

 

Opening hymn: LBW #499, Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing (LSB #686, ELW #807)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #322, The Clouds of Judgment Gather (tune is Irish, very nice, but you can

substitute the tune for “Lead On, O King Eternal”)

     OR LBW #454, If God Himself Be For Me (LSB #724) (ELW #788, If God My Lord Be For Me)

Communion Hymn #1:  WOV #627, My Lord, What a Morning (LSB #968, ELW #438)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #461, Fight the Good Fight (LSB #664)

     OR ELW #483, Here is Bread

Closing Hymn: LBW #503, O Jesus, I Have Promised (ELW #810)

 

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July 22: 9^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 11, OR St. Mary Magdalene

  9 Pentecost, Proper 11:

 Jeremiah 23:1-5 (God will replace Israel’s false shepherds; righteous branch of David)

Psalm 23 (The Lord is my shepherd)

Ephesians 2:11-22 (Joined together in Christ, he is our peace through blood of his cross)

Mark 6:30-44 (Feeding the 5000)

            ELW: Mark 6: 30-34, 53-56 (Jesus teaches [before feeding 5000], and heals 

                    [after; will get feeding miracle from John])

 

Opening hymn: LBW #369, The Church’s One Foundation (LSB #644, ELW #654)

     OR LSB #646, Church of God, Elect and Glorious (Really nice. Tune is same as “Lord, You gave

the great commission”.)

Hymn of the Day: WOV #716, Word of God, Come Down on Earth (LSB #545, ELW #510)

     OR LBW #235, Break Now the Bread of Life (ELW #515)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #212, Let Us Break Bread Together (ELW #471)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #474, Children of the Heavenly Father (LSB #725, ELW #781)

Closing Hymn: LBW #196, Praise the Lord, Rise Up Rejoicing (2^nd verse is perfect!) (ELW #544)

     OR LBW #481, Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us (LSB #711, ELW #789)

     OR LBW #371, With God as Our Friend (it sings like a Swedish folk dance tune, and the words are delightful)

_  _  _  _  _

St. Mary Magdalene:

Ruth 1:6-18 (Ruth steadfastly remains with Naomi)

Psalm 73:23-29 (Whom have I in heaven but you?)

Acts 13:26-33a (We are witnesses to the death and resurrection of Jesus)

John 20:1-2, 11-18 (Easter encounter: Mary and Jesus)

 

Opening hymn: LBW #94, My Song is Love Unknown (LSB #430, ELW #343)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #336, Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me (LSB #683)

     OR LBW #356, O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts (ELW #658)

     OR LSB #542, When I Behold Christ Jesus

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #385, What Wondrous Love is This (LSB #543, ELW #666)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #298, One There is, Above All Others

     OR WOV #6932, For All the Faithful Women (LSB #855, ELW #419)

Closing Hymn: LBW #540, Praise the Lord! O Heav’ns (ELW #823)

 

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July 29: 10^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 12

Genesis 9:8-17 (God makes rainbow a sign of his covenant with Noah)

            ELW: 2 Kings 4:42-44 (Elisha feeds 100)

Psalm 136:1-9 (Give thanks to God; he is good; his steadfast love endures forever)

            ELW: Psalm 145:10-18 (All eyes look to you, you give food in due season

Ephesians 3:14-21 (Be strengthened by Spirit, rooted and grounded in Christ)

Mark 6:45-56 (Jesus walks on water, heals many in Gennesaret)

            ELW: John 6:1-21 (Feeding of 5000, walking on water)

 

Opening hymn: LBW #348, O Worship the King (LSB #804, ELW #842)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #333, Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me (LSB #722, ELW #767)

     OR (if using ELW texts) ELW #461, All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #346, When Peace, Like a River (LSB #763)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #527, v. 1-3, 6-7: All Creatures of Our God and King

     (ELW #835: “All Creatures, Worship God Most High”– fewer verses, altered)

Closing Hymn: WOV #771, Great Is Thy Faithfulness (LSB #809, ELW #733)

     OR LBW #188, I Bind Unto Myself Today (LSB #604, ELW #450)

     OR ELW #482, I Come With Joy

 

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August 5: 11^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 13

Exodus 16:2-15 (Israelites complain, God sends quail, manna; Moses says compliant is against God)

            ELW: Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15 (less warning)

Psalm 145:10-21 (The eyes of all look to you, you give them food in due season)

ELW: Psalm 78:23-29 (Mortals ate bread of heaven)

Ephesians 4:1-16 (Unity of the Body of Christ, through the Spirit)

John 6:22-35 (My Father, not Moses, gives the true bread from heaven. I am the bread of life)

 

Opening hymn: LBW #343, Guide Me Ever Great Redeemer (ELW #618) 

(LSB #918, Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #210, At the Lamb’s High Feast (LSB #633, ELW #362)

     OR WOV #711, You Satisfy the Hungry Heart (LSB #641, ELW #484)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #214, Come, Let Us Eat, For Now the Feast Is Spread (LSB #626, ELW #491)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #197, O Living Bread From Heaven (LSB #642)

Closing Hymn:  LBW #353, May We Your Precepts, Lord, Fulfill (LSB #698)

OR ELW #649, Behold, How Pleasant

 

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August 12: 12^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 14

 1 Kings 19:1-8 (Elijah flees from Jezebel, is fed by angel that he might go where God leads him)

            ELW: 1 Kings 19:4-8 (No Jezebel!)

Psalm 34:1-8 (Look to the Lord, be radiant; taste and see how gracious the Lord is)

Ephesians 4:17-5:2 (Old vs. new life; rules of that new life)

            ELW: Ephesians 4:25-5:2 (No mention of lusts, licentiousness)

John 6:35-51 (I am the bread of life; I will raise you up at the last day)

            ELW: John 6:35, 41-51 (Omits Jesus’s words about doing Father’s will)

 

Opening hymn: WOV #702, I Am the Bread of Life (ELW #485)

     OR LBW #203, Now We Join in Celebration (ELW #462)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #172, Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor (LSB #534, ELW #475)

     OR LBW #207, We Who Once Were Dead (ELW #495)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #126, Where Charity and Love Prevail (LSB #845)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #200, For the Bread Which You Have Broken (ELW #494)

     OR WOV #706, Eat This Bread, Drink This Cup (LSB #638, ELW #492)

Closing Hymn: LBW Here, O My Lord, I See Thee (LSB #631)

     OR ELW #469, By Your Hand You Feed Your People

 

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August 19: 13^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 15

 Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18 (Renewal of covenant before entering Promised Land)

            ELW: Proverbs 9:1-16 (Wisdom sets feast, beckons all to eat)

Psalm 34:12-22 (Many are the afflictions of the righteous; the Lord rescues them from them all)

            ELW: Psalm 34:9-14 (fear, seek the Lord, pursue righteousness; omits verses about afflictions of righteous)

Ephesians 5:15-21 (Don’t be drunk on wine, but filled with the Spirit)

            ELW: Ephesians 5:15-20 (eliminates being subject to one another)

John 6:51-69 (My flesh is true food, my blood, true drink; Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of           eternal life)

 

Opening hymn: LBW #552, In Thee is Gladness (LSB #818, ELW #867)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #464, You Are the Way; Through You Alone (LSB #526, ELW #758)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #205, Now the Silence (LSB #910, ELW #460)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #199, Thee We Adore, O Hidden Savior (LSB #640)

 (ELW #476, Thee We Adore, O Savior, God Most True, a Gerard Manley Hopkins translation)

Closing Hymn: LBW #534/533, Now Thank We All Our God (LSB #895, ELW #839/840)

 

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August 26: 14^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 16

 Isaiah 29:11-19 (Wisdom of wise shall perish; poor and needy shall obtain joy, exult in the Lord)

            ELW: Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18 (Chose the god you will serve; as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord)

Psalm 14 (Denunciation of fools who say, “There is no God”)

            ELW: Psalm 34:15-22 (Vindication of righteous, punishment of evildoers)

Ephesians 5:22-33 (Exhortation to wives and husbands; marriage as symbol of Christ and Church)

            ELW: Ephesians 6:10-20 (Put on the whole armor of God)

Mark 7:1-13 (You abandon commandment of God, hold to human tradition!)

            ELW: John 6:56-59 (The one who eats me, the living bread, will live forever)

 

Opening hymn: LBW #499, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (LSB #686, ELW #807)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #366, Lord of Our Life and God of Our Salvation (LSB #659, ELW #766)

     OR (if preaching on Epistle) WOV #751, As Man and Woman We Were Made (sprightly Christmas carol tune)

     OR (If preaching on John) ELW #464, Bread of Life, Our Host and Meal

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #230, Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word (LSB #655, ELW #517)

     OR LBW #219, Come With Us, O Blessed Jesus (ELW #501)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #263, Abide With Us, Our Savior (LSB #919, ELW #539, Abide, O Dearest Jesus)

Closing Hymn: LBW #239, God’s Word is Our Great Heritage (LSB #582, ELW #509)

 

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September 2: 15^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 17 (Labor Day Weekend)

Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9 (Keep God’s command fully and diligently)

Psalm 119:129-136 (Your decrees are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them)

            ELW: Psalm 15 (Those who keep commandments may live on his holy hill)

Ephesians 6:10-20 (Put on the whole armor of God)

            ELW: James 1:17-27 (Be doers, not just hearers, of the Word)

Mark 7:14-23 (Defilement is from within, not without; evils arise in human heart)

            ELW: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 (Jesus rebukes Pharisee’s criticism; omits a repetition)

 

Opening hymn: LSB #665, Be Strong in the Lord in Armor of Light (perfect for Ephesians text)

     OR LBW #389, Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus (LSB #660)

     OR (if not used 7/29) LBW #188, I Bind Unto Myself Today (LSB #604, ELW #450)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #232, Your Word, O Lord, is Gentle Dew (another nice Swedish folk tune!)

       OR LBW #480, O, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways (LSB #707, ELW #772)

Communion Hymn #1: WOV #754, Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ (ELW #674)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #469 Lord of All Hopefulness (LSB #738, ELW #765)

Closing Hymn: LBW #504, O God, My Faithful God (LSB #696, ELW #806)

 

“Therefore the Lord heard and was full of wrath; and a fire was kindled against Jacob and anger also mounted against Israel, because they did not believe in God and did not trust in His salvation.” (Psalm 78:21-22)

In spite of all that the Lord has done, the nations go their own way and do not look to the One who brings all things together and has done all things for His glory. He who put the stars in their places and has always provided for us is the One who is often ignored. Open your eyes and see that it is the Lord who gives and provides. Trust in the One who sustains, saves and lifts up all who come to Him.

Lord, I become selfish and want what I want. I do not see things the way I want to see them and think that things are not fair. Guide me, O Lord, to see in You the hope for all people and the great love You have lavished upon us all. Help me to see through the nonsense of this age to come to the place where I praise and thank You for all things. O Lord, we all need what only You can provide.

Savior of the nations, You have come that we may know the way and truth of life. You have come to lead the way of all who are willing to follow after You. Guide me this day into the way of truth that I may forever hold fast to Your goodness and mercy. Help me now and always to have a heart that is thankful and willing to serve as I have been served. Guide me in Your way, Lord Jesus. Amen.

MARY: A MODEL OF MOTHERHOOD
Devotional for Mothers’ Day 2018 based upon Luke 1: 26-38

If you were looking for the perfect mother to leave your one and only child with, who would she be and what would she be like? Would she be wealthy? Would she live in a nice house? Would she be famous, well educated, experienced, and mature? Well, think about the young woman whom God chose to give birth to and to raise His Son. As we look at Mary, the mother of our Lord, I believe we see a model of motherhood.

Two times in our Bible reading the angel Gabriel tells Mary that she is favored by God. Why? What was there about Mary that caught the Creator’s attention? I believe that God chose Mary partly because of what she already had and partly because of who God knew she would become.

When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, the Gospel writer Luke tells us that Mary was much perplexed and greatly troubled. I am sure that she was troubled simply by the fact that an angel was speaking to her. But even more, the message that the angel was bringing to her was a very disturbing message. After all, she was already engaged to Joseph, and engagements in those days were taken very seriously. If an engaged woman were found to be unfaithful, she could be put to death. As her pregnancy began to become known, Mary, a young teenage girl, would be facing many troubling possibilities. Such as rejection by Joseph, a ruined reputation, and the prospect of raising a child alone in a culture that was not supportive of women.

Mary had many things to be troubled about. Not to mention the fact that Mary probably felt very insecure, unworthy, and insufficient for this great task of being the mother of the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Mary could have easily said, “Lord, I am just a young girl. I am not ready to be a mother. I am not worthy. I am neither wealthy, nor well educated, nor well situated. You need to find someone else.” But instead Mary said, “Here I am, the servant of the Lord. Let it be with me according to your word.”

Mary had the right perspective. She knew who God is – the Lord Almighty. And she knew who she was – a servant of the Lord. And in her saying, “Here I am, the servant of the Lord,” she was also accepting what the angel was saying, “Nothing will be impossible with God.” If God said it, Mary knew it would happen. And even if she did not really understand all the how’s, she would go along with the what because she was the servant of the Lord.

And Mary also had the right perspective about her role as a mother. She saw being a mother as an honor and as a blessing from God. Luke 1 also contains Mary’s song in which she tells how her soul magnifies the Lord and her spirit rejoices in God her Savior. She sees herself as being blessed by God in what He was going to be doing in her life. Mary saw being a mother as an honor and a gift.

And mothers today need to be like Mary in seeing being a mother as an honor and a gift. Mothers, you too are God’s servants in all things, including in your raising God’s children. And though there will be times when you, like Mary, will feel overwhelmed and totally inadequate for the task, along with Mary remember that “nothing is impossible with God.” And though there will be times when your children will totally frustrate you, they really are a gift from God and it really is an honor that God has entrusted them to you and your care.

And then I believe that God looked upon Mary with favor also because she had a solid foundation. She knew the Scriptures. In her song of praise she recognizes God as the Mighty One who has done great things for her. She knows God as the Holy One whose mercy reaches out, who lifts up the lowly, and who fills the hungry with good things. Mary’s solid foundation is an example for mothers today. For a mother who praises God and who knows His Word is going to make a huge difference in her child’s life.

Mothers, how solid is your foundation? Do you know God? Do you know God’s Word? Do you know it well enough to be able to quote it and pass it on to your children? Do you set a good example for your children as one who loves, worships, and praises God?

And then I believe that God also chose Mary because of what He knew she would become. First, she would be unrelenting in her protection. From the very moment that Jesus was born, His life was in danger. Mary protected Jesus from wicked King Herod and from many other people and things that could have done Him harm.

And mothers today need to be unrelenting in their protection of their children. Which is obvious when they are very young, when there are many potential dangers everywhere. So mothers must protect their children from germs, electric outlets, sharp things, stoves, and stairs.

As your children grow, they still need your protection. Oh, they may be able to climb the stairs and keep their fingers off a hot stove. But there are many new dangers out there as they grow. And these new dangers can be even more deadly. There are new dangers like low self- esteem, substance abuse, peer pressure, sexual immorality, and thoughts of suicide. Children need their mothers to protect them from the world’s value system, which is being marketed all around them and which stands in total opposition to the Christian faith. And they need their mother’s protection from all the subtle things that really do not seem all that bad, but which totally crowd God out of your life.

Mothers, your children may not always want your protection. They may think they do not need it, and they may even resent it. But, mothers, don’t stop protecting them, for the dangers out there are very real.

And then God knew that Mary would be unwavering in her love and devotion. Mary’s love and devotion for Jesus began before He was born and lasted beyond the cross. The final time the Bible mentions Mary is not at the foot of the cross and not at the empty tomb – though she was present at both. In fact, the last time we see Mary is not in any of the Gospels, but instead in the book of Acts. In Acts 1: 14 it says that the disciples “were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as His brothers.” Thirty-three years later Mary is still right where she is supposed to be. Jesus is still the center of her attention. He is still the focus of her being.

Mothers, may God look with favor upon you as He looked with favor upon Mary. May you have the proper perspective and see yourself as a servant of God. May you see being a mother as an honor and as a gift. And may you know and experience that nothing is impossible with God. May you build your life upon the solid foundation of God and His Word. And may you be unrelenting in your protection and unwavering in your love and devotion for your children. For if you do, then you and your children will be blessed by God.

Dennis D. Nelson
President of the Board and Director of Lutheran CORE

“Behold, He struck the rock so that waters gushed out, and streams were overflowing; can He give bread also? Will He provide meat for His people?” (Psalm 78:20-21)

The Lord provides. Daily around the world and throughout the ages, the Lord provides. We sometimes focus on times of need and forget about all of the times of plenty. Look to the One who has provided for all. He causes the rain to fall on the just and the unjust. He brings good things and asks that we share of His bounty. Will the Lord provide? He always has and always will.

Lord, let me see through the sin of this world to understand that You have always provided for us all. Grant that I would have a gracious heart and see in others the gift You have given me. Lead me to have a heart for You and one that loves others as You love. Guide me, O Lord, in the way You would have me go and then keep me on the path of Your goodness and mercy.

Lord Jesus, You came intentionally to a time and place where You could teach us to take joy in life and all its circumstances and see the truth in You and what You accomplished. Lead me this day in the way of thankfulness for the many good things that You give for all. Amen.

“And in their heart they put God to the test by asking food according to their desire. Then they spoke against God; they said, “Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?” (Psalm 78:18-19)

The Lord is able to fulfill all desires, but He loves us enough to grant only what we need and not what we want. We do not even know what we want. We live in this flesh and seek to have its desires filled. Move away from being driven by slavery of the body to live the life for which you have been created to live. Know that only in the Lord will the desire of righteousness be fulfilled.

Lord, You have given me a heart that desires You and yet there still remains this fleshly heart that battles against the Word You have spoken. Save me from myself and the conflict within that I may be guided by Your Spirit and walk upright before You all the days of my life. Lead me, O Lord, to become what You know I will be and guide me according to Your never-failing truth.

Truth made flesh, Jesus my Savior, I need You each and every day to hold my hand and guide me from where I am to where I need to be. Lead me this day in the way I need to go and help me not to rebel against Your leading. In the love of the Father, lift me up from the pit and hold me fast that I may do what is pleasing in Your sight and listen as the Holy Spirit speaks to me. Amen.

“He brought forth streams also from the rock and caused waters to run down like rivers. Yet they still continued to sin against Him, to rebel against the Most High in the desert.” (Psalm 78:16-17)

No matter how the Lord has provided, the miracles He has done, or the ways in which He has saved people, there are those who reject Him and will not follow after the Lord. The rebellion is that people will do what they believe is right in their own minds. They will not follow after the ways of the Lord. Come to the One who is gracious and kind and loves those whom He has made.

Lord, You have loved me in spite of my rebellion and given me what I needed even when I have ignored You. Lead me away from the rebellion in my heart to surrender to You and know that only in You is there hope and a future. Lift me up out of the pit of despair that is the result of the rebellion that I may know the peace You give which surpasses all understanding. Create in me a new and clean heart, O Lord.

Savior of those who believe, lead me this day in the way I should go and that fulfills the Word that has been spoken. Take me away from the place of having a rebellious heart that I may be guided by You who has come to save as many as believe. Lord Jesus, apart from You I can do nothing, but in You all things are possible. Lead me this day in Your established way of righteousness. Amen.

“Then He led them with the cloud by day and all the night with a light of fire. He split the rocks in the wilderness and gave them abundant drink like the ocean depths.” (Psalm 78:14-15)

In the beginning, God separated the light from the darkness. He has made His light to shine for all who see to see. He leads those who believe by the light of His countenance and will bring with Him those who follow Him to be with Him forever. He gives to those who ask and provides for all in the abundance of His grace and mercy. Come then and drink of His goodness.

Lord, You have come that we may have light and life now and forever. Guide me through the pitfalls of this life which get in the way that I may now and forever be guided by Your presence. Help me see each day Your goodness and kindness and live humbly in the way You have established. Lead me, O Lord, and guide my footsteps to follow You in all of Your ways.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the grace You have made available to all that we may walk in the way established from the beginning. Help me now and always to see in You the hope of glory and live according to Your never-failing promises. Day by day, You are with all who call upon Your name, and in Your promise, You provide all the grace that is needed. Let me walk with You today in thankfulness. Amen.