“You cleared the ground for it. It took deep root, and filled the land. The mountains were covered with its shadow. Its boughs were like God’s cedars.” (Psalm 80:9- 10)

The Lord prepares the way for all people. There are those who question, “Why did God allow this?” But that does not mean that all things are not in His hands. His ways are not our ways and He has given the promise that all things work together for good for those who love Him. Come under the covering of the Lord and be in His presence and know that He watches over you.

Lord, I see the times and seasons and when things are good, I am pleased. When they are not, I become upset. Help me move to the place where in season and out of season I see Your hand of mercy upon all things. Guide my eyes to see and my ears to hear the truth of Your Word and to know that I have always been in Your hands. Lead me into faith where I trust You above all things.

Lord Jesus, Your very life demonstrated twists and turns not unlike the lives we all live on this earth. At the end You were crucified and that was Your plan all along. In the great mystery of this unfolding age, guide me away from wanting all the answers to trust in the answers You have given. Lead me to see more clearly the truth that You are there and will always be there for those who come to You. Amen.

“Turn us again, God of Armies. Cause your face to shine, and we will be saved. You brought a vine out of Egypt. You drove out the nations, and planted it.” (Psalm 80:7-8)

The Lord is Lord of all. Those who turn away from Him do not see His might nor power. It is there; they just do not see it. He will rescue all who turn to Him from sin, death and the devil. In whom then will you believe? Will it be the nations, or the One who is over all the nations? He who created the universe knows all things and knows His by name. Come to Him and live.

Lord God, I do become distracted in life and live it the way I want rather than living it with You. I need rescuing and You have come to rescue. Guide me, Lord, away from faulty thinking and into the light of Your countenance. Help me to see that in You alone is hope, for You are the One who is above all. Cause Your face to shine upon me now and always in the grace You give.

Lord Jesus, You are the grace, for in You alone and by Your work alone can we hope. You have come into the world to shatter the power of the nations and uplift as many as would receive You into the eternal presence of the Father. Guide me now and always in the way I should go. Lift me up when I see darkness that I may once again stand in the light of Your presence. Amen.

“You have fed them with the bread of tears, and given them tears to drink in large measure. You make us a source of contention to our neighbors. Our enemies laugh among themselves.” (Psalm 80:5-6)

The world laughs at those who listen to the Word of the Lord, thinking those who follow Him are following after wives’ tales. Not subject to debate, for such things feed into the derision, but believers simply say that the ways of the Lord are evident to those to whom He has given faith. Let them laugh and weep, for their foolishness is evident just as the truth of the Lord is evident. God is good and looks after us all.

Lord, help me see through the foolishness of every generation which denies you. Guide me in the way of truth that You have revealed for all people. Lead me in Your ways that I may forever hold fast to Your goodness and mercy. You alone are the One who holds all things together and in You alone is life. Lift me up from amidst the contentious ones that I may remain faithful.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being an example. You also met the derision of those who hated You. You went to the cross on behalf of us all in the midst of our unbelief that we might have the opportunity to live in the truth of Your eternal love. Lead me this day to hold fast and stand true in the goodness You have given that I may now and always simply stand fast and hold true. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

Nativity of St. John the Baptist, Cycle B (June 24, 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

Heavenly Father, grant that your Church should be like your servant John: Humbly and fearlessly pointing to the One who is greater, and who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Make its proclamation urgent, faithful, and unambiguous. Use it to bring many to repentant faith in Jesus, that they may live.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 The message of repentance and baptism into Christ is scorned and rejected by many. Christians in Syria, Pakistan, and elsewhere are tortured for their faith. Keep them steadfast in faith, lovely with holiness, and persistent in their witness to Jesus, that their enemies may repent and be saved. We pray also missionaries of the Gospel, especially in dangerous places.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make this congregation a place of fervent worship and loving service in your name. Help us especially to reach out to those who are poor, hurting, or alienated from us and from you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Bless all farmers, gardeners, and other stewards of creation. Make them wise and generous in their care for the earth and its creatures. By their labors, give food, raiment, and refreshment to all your people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant wisdom and righteousness to our earthly rulers, especially those elected or appointed to guide this country, state and community. Teach them to prefer integrity over re-election; justice for all, over special interests; and attentiveness to your will over party platforms or expediency.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Bless with courage, prudence and patience all who work to keep us safe. Give them such integrity and clarity of purpose that all who are in danger or distress may turn to them without hesitation or fear. Shield them from harm; shelter their loved ones in your mighty arms; and bring them home in safety when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who suffer in mind, body, or spirit – especially: {List}. Help us to proclaim the words of John’s father: “In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us; to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep safe in your mighty arms all our beloved dead, and comfort all whose grief is raw and deep. Remind us that you indeed have come to your people to set them free from all that harms and vexes us. Keep our eyes firmly fixed on Christ, our hands constantly extended in prayer and service, and our hearts forever set on the joy you have set before all whom Jesus has redeemed.

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.

THE PRAYERS, 

5^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 7, Cycle B (June 24, 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

Most holy God, still the storms of division, heresy, and selfish ambition among your people. Make your Church an ark of safety for all who are overwhelmed by the floodwaters of sin and suffering; and make it a rock against which faithless words and evil deeds are dashed. Grant that through its words and works, many people may see your strong saving love in action, turn to you, and be saved.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Like Job, your persecuted servants cry out for a sign that their suffering has meaning; that their faithfulness is precious to you; and that their Redeemer lives and will vindicate them. Deliver them from evil; reveal your mighty arm and never-failing love; and reveal yourself to their tormentors, so that they should repent and believe in you. Shield and defend your missionaries, especially when they are met with hostility and rejection.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Speak your word of peace among the people of this congregation. Keep us steadfast in faith, fervent in worship, persistent in prayer, and tireless in loving service to all who find themselves sinking beneath the waves of suffering, sorrow or shame.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Bless all farmers, gardeners, and other stewards of creation. Make them wise and generous in their care for the earth and its creatures. By their labors, give food, raiment, and refreshment to all your people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant wisdom and righteousness to our earthly rulers, especially those elected or appointed to guide this country, state and community. Teach them to prefer integrity over re-election; justice for all, over special interests; and attentiveness to your will over party platforms or expediency.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Bless with courage, prudence and patience all who work to keep us safe. Give them such integrity and clarity of purpose that all who are in danger or distress may turn to them without hesitation or fear. Shield them from harm; shelter their loved ones in your mighty arms; and bring them home in safety when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of all who are overwhelmed by waves of suffering and sorrow; who have been shipwrecked by abuse, abandonment or injustice; who have been cast adrift in the pathless seas of confusion, delusion, or doubt; and who cry out, fearing that you neither hear or care that they are perishing. Extend your mighty hand and outstretched arm and deliver them. Particularly this day we pray for: {List}.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for bringing to safe harbor all who have died trusting in you. Give us ears to hear Jesus’ words, “Peace; be still” when all we hear are the wind and waves of turmoil, strife and fear. And, by his merits, bring us into your Kingdom, where with you and with all whom you have redeemed, we may dwell in joyful and blessed peace forever.

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.

“Turn us again, God. Cause your face to shine, and we will be saved. Yahweh God of Armies, how long will you be angry against the prayer of your people?” (Psalm 80:3-4)

The Lord is merciful. Has He not said over and over again to turn to Him? Come to the Lord and live in His blessing and know His goodness. He who created all things, created us to be in union with Him. When we wander it is not He who is far off, but we who are wandering. His anger is against those who will not come to the One who created them and knows them better than they know themselves.

Lord, turn my heart to see humbly and truly that I was created to be in relationship with You. Guide me according to Your goodness to know that only in You will I find peace and rest. Lead me always through this simple way of understanding that I am Yours, for You created me. Guide me into the purpose for which You created me that I may rest always in You in peace and harmony with Your ways.

Lord Jesus, You have come to lead the way for all who come by Your grace in forgiveness into the peace that surpasses all understanding. Now and always, may I rest in You as You abide in me knowing that You alone are able to lead me where I need to go. Guide me this day in the way of truth that I would be one who does what is pleasing to the Father and fulfills His will in my life. Amen.