“O Lord God of hosts, who is like You, O mighty Lord? Your faithfulness also surrounds You.  You rule the swelling of the sea; when its waves rise, You still them.” (Psalm 89:8-9)

 

All things are subject to the One who made them. In Him is hope and life and true liberty. Come into the presence of the Lord and see the goodness of His creation. Come into the Lord’s will and way and know how life is meant to be lived. Be guided by His precepts and walk according to His will and see the goodness He brings to those who love Him. He who is all-powerful will hold you in His hands.

Lord, continue to strengthen the faith You have given me that I would walk humbly before You, my Savior and my God. Guide my footsteps to walk in Your ways all the days of my life. Help me now and always to look to You for all answers and to apply them to my life. You alone are able to direct my way, that I would walk as one of Your holy ones. Lead me, O Lord, always.

Holy Spirit, come upon my heart and lift my countenance to abide in Your presence and walk according to Your direction. Lift up my thoughts that I disdain the wickedness of this world and do those things which are pleasing in the Father’s sight. Help me through the obstacles that come my way that I would now and always live according to Your leading and direction. Amen.

“The heavens will praise Your wonders, O Lord; Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies is comparable to the Lord? Who among the sons of the mighty is like the Lord, a God greatly feared in the council of the holy ones, And awesome above all those who are around Him?” (Psalm 89:5-7)

It is amazing that people will praise all kinds of things, but not the maker of all things. Praise the Lord for the things He has done. Praise Him for the creation which includes you. Praise Him above all things and know that He is good and gracious and provides for all. Who can be compared to the One through whom all things have their being? Come amongst the holy ones and praise Him.

Lord, I confess that I am conditional and do not see things as they are. Guide my heart to be thankful for all things knowing that all things are in Your hands. Lead me, O Lord, in the way of the holy ones that I would walk now and forever in Your presence praising You for Your goodness. Give me a heart that sees things truthfully, praising You all the day long.

Lord Jesus, You humbled Yourself to walk amongst us to lift us up to be with You forever. Guide me this day to see the goodness You have provided that I may be a person of praise. Lead me in the way I should go that I may forever thank You for Your goodness and mercy. Grant me a new and clean heart that stands in Your presence as one whom You have redeemed. Amen.

“I have made a covenant with My chosen; I have sworn to David My servant, I will establish your seed forever and build up your throne to all generations.” (Psalm 89:3-4)

Lord, You have made a covenant through the salvation You prepared from the beginning. Guide the thoughts of my mind and the meditations of my heart to realize that no matter what comes in my life, You have given the invitation to walk in the salvation You prepared from the beginning. Lead me, O Lord, into the life of faith to which You have called me that I would know Your promises are true.

Lord, I often waiver and wonder about what happens around me. I forget that You have prepared for the truth that all things work to glory for those who love You. Guide my heart to learn to trust first and foremost in You and all that You have promised. Do not let me be led astray by this world’s wickedness, nor be surprised at what happens around me. Help me be true to You.

Lord Jesus, You are the One who has come that as many as believe would not perish, but have everlasting life. Guide me in my day-to-day life that I would humbly walk in the salvation You have prepared. Keep me from wandering down the many broad ways that I encounter each day. Help me remain true to the calling You have given and walk in the narrow way of salvation You have prepared. Amen.

I will sing of the lovingkindness of the Lord forever; to all generations I will make known Your faithfulness with my mouth. For I have said, “Lovingkindness will be built up forever; In the heavens You will establish Your faithfulness.” (Psalm 89:1-2)

 

Do you praise the Lord for all of His goodness and kindness? Or do you look to the Lord as only providing what you want? Come to the place where you are thankful for all that He has provided knowing that we live in an age that is difficult because of those who are in rebellion. Do not blame the Lord for their sin, but praise Him for providing for the just and the unjust.

Lord, I am often so conditional in my praise. When things go well, I forget about You. When things do not go well, I often look up and blame You. Bring me to the place where I praise You at all times, for You are good and Your love endures forever. Move me away from being conditional to the place where I know that Your promises are true and forever.

Lord Jesus, You know the difficulty of walking in this world of wickedness. You know what it is like to struggle with events and people. Teach me to walk in the salvation You have prepared that I may learn to take all things in stride and be thankful for Your goodness and mercy. Lead me, Lord Jesus, to be like You this day, walking humbly in Your sight and being thankful. Amen.

Lessons and Suggested Hymns,

Pentecost 15- Christ the King, Cycle B

(Sept. 2 – November 25, 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.

 

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)

 

September 9: 16^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 18

 Isaiah 35:4-7a (Promise of recompense, salvation, healing and joy)

Psalm 146 (God sets prisoners free, opens eyes of blind, lifts poor from the dust)

James 2:1-10, 14-18 (Warning against partiality; faith without works is dead)

Mark 7:24-37 (Syrophoenician woman’s faith; Jesus heals deaf man)

 

Opening hymn: LBW #87, Hail to the Lord’s Anointed (LSB #398, ELW #311)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #360, O Christ the Healer, We Have Come (ELW #620)

            OR LBW #426, O Son of God, in Galilee (LSB #841)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #530, Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun (LSB #832, ELW #434)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #359, In Christ There Is No East or West (LSB #653, ELW #650)

Closing Hymn: LBW #425, O God of Mercy, God of Light (ELW #714; LSB #852, O God of Mercy, God of Might)

 

September 16: 17^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 19

 Isaiah 50:4-10 (Suffering Servant’s humiliation and vindication)

            ELW: Isaiah 50:4-9a (eliminates punishment of Suffering Servant’s accusers, and also the verse

about obeying God while walking in darkness)

Psalm 116:1-9 (You deliver soul from death, eyes from tears, feet from stumbling)

James 3:1-12 (Taming the tongue)

Mark 9:14-29 (Jesus heals the boy with epilepsy)

            ELW: Mark 8:27-38 (Peter’s confession, Jesus’ rebuke, following him involves self-denial)

 

Opening hymn: LBW #156, Look, O Look, the Sight is Glorious (LSB #495, Look, Ye Saints, the Sight is Glorious)

OR LBW #233, Thy Strong Word Did Cleave the Darkness (LSB #578, ELW #511)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #537, O Jesus, King Most Wonderful (LSB #554)

           OR WOV 738, Healer of Our Every Ill (ELW #612)

           OR, if using ELW lectionary, ELW #667, Take Up Your Cross, the Savior Said (LBW #398)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #296, Just As I Am, Without One Plea (LSB #570, ELW #592)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #504, O God, My Faithful God (LSB #696, ELW #806)

Closing Hymn: WOV #777, In the Morning When I Rise (LSB #976, ELW #770)

 

September 23: 18^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 20

 Jeremiah 11:18-20 (Jeremiah’s life threatened, like lamb led to slaughter)

Psalm 54 (Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate my by your might)

James 3:13-4:10 (Earthly versus heavenly wisdom and friendship)

            ELW: James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a (Eliminates “Adulterers! Friendship with world is enmity with God,”

and the exhortation to lament sin, humble self that God may exalt)

Mark 9:30-37 (Passion prediction; argument over who is greatest)

 

Opening hymn: LBW #364, Son of God, Eternal Savior (LSB #842, ELW #655)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #123, Ah, Holy Jesus (ELW #349)

            OR LBW #111, Lamb of God, Pure and Sinless (ELW #357; LSB # 434, Lamb of God, Pure and Holy)

    OR LSB #550, Lamb of God (ELW #336)

Communion Hymn #1: WOV #765, Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love (LSB #980, ELW #708)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #419, Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace (LSB #844, ELW #716)

Closing Hymn: LBW #424, Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us (LSB #851, ELW #707)

 

September 30: 19^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 21

OR St. Michael and All Angels, Transferred

 

19^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 21

Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29 (Israel kvetches to Moses. Moses kvetches to God. God appoints 70 to

help him deal with aforementioned kvetching)

Psalm 104:27-35 (You give food in due season; your Spirit gives them breath)

            ELW: Psalm 19:7-14: (God’s perfect law keeps one from sin; let words of mouth, meditation of

heart be acceptable in his sight)

James 5:1-20 (Warning to rich oppressors; patience in suffering; prayers, anointing, and confession;

bringing one back from sin a great thing)

            ELW: James 5:13-20 (omits first 2 things)

 (Mark 9:38-50 (Who is not against me is for me; cup of cold water; solemn warning about temptations to sin)

 

Opening hymn: WOV #687, Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading (ELW #401)

            OR LBW #508, Come Down, O Love Divine (LSB #501, ELW #804)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #308, God the Father, Be Our Stay (LSB #505, Triune God, be Thou Our Stay)

            OR LBW #423, Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service

(ELW #712; LSB #848, Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service)

Communion Hymn #1:  LBW #448, Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound (LSB #744, ELW #779)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #441, Eternal Spirit of the Living Christ (LSB #769, ELW #402)

Closing Hymn: LBW #540, Praise the Lord! O Heavens, Adore Him (ELW #823)

 

St. Michael and All Angels, Transferred

Daniel 10:10-14; 12:1-3 (Michael, the angelic prince defending Israel)

Psalm 103:1-5, 20-22 (Join the heavenly hosts in praising the Lord)

Revelation 12:7-12 (War in heaven; Michael et. al. cast down Satan and minions)

Luke 10:17-20 (I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven…)

Opening hymn: LBW #175, Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones (LSB #670, ELW #424)

            OR LBW #249, God Himself is Present (LSB #907)

            OR LSB #876, O Holy, Blessed Trinity (a marvelous paraphrase of Luther’s Morning Prayer.

May be sung to the Doxology.)

Hymn of the Day: LSB #521, Christ, the Lord of Hosts, Unshaken (Go get a license to use this if you don’t have

LSB. It is MUSCULAR, and really good!!)

                OR  LBW #172, Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor (LSB #534, ELW #475)          

Communion Hymn #1:  LBW #198, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (LSB #621, ELW #490)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #441, Eternal Spirit of the Living Christ (LSB #769, ELW #402)

Closing Hymn: LBW #540, Praise the Lord! O Heavens, Adore Him (ELW #823)

 

October 7: 20^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 22

 Genesis 2:18-25 (It is not good for the man to be alone; creation of woman)

Psalm 128 (The happy home of the faithful)

ELW: Psalm 8 (What is man, that you are mindful of him?)

Hebrews 2:1-18 (Pay attention to the message; if we ignore it, how can we escape penalty; Jesus

tested in all things as we are, not ashamed to call us brothers; is our merciful high priest)

            ELW: Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12 (Excellence of God’s Son; omits section from above on penalty for

drifting from message of salvation)

Mark 10:2-16 (Teaching on divorce; let the children come to me)

 

Opening hymn: LBW #512, O Blest, the House (LSB #862)

(If tune is unfamiliar, use tune for LBW #51, “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come”)

OR LBW #370, Blest Be the Tie that Binds (LSB #649, ELW #656)

Hymn of the Day: WOV #749, When Love is Found

            OR LBW #357, Our Father, By Whose Name (ELW #640)

OR LSB #858, O Father, All Creating (You might get the license if you don’t have LSB; it’s good for today’s texts AND for weddings! And the tune is Aurelia, The Church’s One Foundation)

Communion Hymn #1: LSB #424, O Christ, You Walked the Road

            OR LBW #474, Children of the Heavenly Father (LSB #725, ELW #781)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #328/9, All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name (LSB #549, ELW #634)

Closing Hymn: WOV #778, O Christ, the Same (ELW #760)

 

October 14: 21^st Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 23

 Amos 5:6-7, 10-15 (seek good, not evil, that you may live)

Psalm 90:12-17 (Teach us to have wise heart; prosper our handiwork)

Hebrews 3:12-19 (Do not have evil, unbelieving heart; exhort against sin)

            ELW: Hebrews 4:12-16

Mark 10:17-22 (Rich man told to sell all, give to poor, and follow Jesus)

            ELW: Mark 10:17-31 (adds disciples perplexity over leaving riches, wondering how they’ll be

rewarded for following Jesus)

 

Opening hymn: WOV #764, Blest are They (LSB #982, ELW #728)

            OR LBW #406, Take My Life, That I May Be (ELW #583, 685)

(LSB #783, 784, Take My Life And Let It Be)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #304, Today Your Mercy Calls Us (LSB #915)

            OR ELW #798, Will You Come and Follow Me

Communion Hymn #1: WOV #783, Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God (LSB #712)

OR LBW #492, O Master, Let Me Walk With You (ELW #818)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #409, Praise and Thanksgiving (LSB #789, ELW #689)

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

 

October 21: 22^nd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 24

 Ecclesiastes 5:10-20 (Pointlessness of amassing wealth)

            ELW: Isaiah 53:4-12 (Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows)

Psalm 119:9-16 (How can young remain pure? Follow God’s commandments)

            ELW: Psalm 91:9-16 (God promises deliverance to those whom he loves)

Hebrews 4:1-16 (Do not harden your hearts against God, lest you not enter his promised rest.

God’s word sharper than 2-edged sword; we may confidently approach High Priest who has

been tempted but did not sin)

            ELW: Hebrews 5:1-10 (Great high priest, deals gently with us because he himself has suffered)

Mark 10:23-31 (Hard for rich to enter Kingdom; followers promised much – with persecution)

            ELW: Mark 10:35-45 (James and John want special honors; true greatness is in suffering and

serving as Jesus does)

 

Opening hymn: LBW #744, Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound (LSB #448, ELW #779)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #423, Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service (LSB #848, ELW #712)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #410, We Give Thee But Thine Own (LSB #781, ELW #686)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #482, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (LSB #425/6, ELW #803)

Closing Hymn: LBW #505, Forth in Thy Name, O Lord, I Go (LSB #854)

(If tune is awkward, sing it to the Doxology, which is always appropriate!)

OR ELW #809, Send Me, Lord (WOV #773, Send Me, Jesus)

 

October 28: Reformation Sunday

 Jeremiah 31:31-34 (God’s new covenant will be written on the heart)

Psalm 46 (The God of Jacob is our stronghold!)

Romans 3:19-28 (We are justified by faith, apart from works of the law)

John 8:31-36 (If the Son makes you free, you are free indeed)

 

Opening hymn: LBW #365, Built on a Rock the Church Shall Stand (ELW #652)

(LSB #645, Built on the Rock the Church Shall Stand)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #233, Thy Strong Word Did Cleave the Darkness (LSB #578, ELW #511)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #369, The Church’s One Foundation (LSB #644, ELW #654)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #293/4, My Hope is Built on Nothing Less (LSB #575/6, ELW #596/597)

Closing Hymn: LBW #228/9, A Mighty Fortress (LSB 656/7, ELW #503-505)

 

November 4: All Saints’ Sunday

 Isaiah 25:6-9 (A feast of fat things; God shall wipe away tears, remove shame, destroy death)

Psalm 24 (Who ascends the holy hill of God, enters temple? Those with clean hands and pure hearts)

Revelation 21:1-6a (The new heaven and earth, New Jerusalem; death is no more)

John 11:32-44 (Jesus raises Lazarus)

 

Opening hymn: LBW  #174, For All the Saints (LSB #677, ELW #422)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #516, Arise, My Soul, Arise (ELW #827)

Communion Hymn #1: WOV #702, I AM the Bread of Life (ELW #845)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #553, Rejoice, O Pilgrim Throng (LSB #813)

(ELW #873/874, Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart)

Closing Hymn: LBW #552, In Thee is Gladness (LSB #818, ELW #867)

 

November 11: 25^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 27

 1 Kings 17:8-16 (Elijah and the widow of Zarephath)

Psalm 146 (The Lord watches over orphans, widows and strangers)

Hebrews 9:24-28 (Christ offered himself, once for all, as sacrifice for sin)

Mark 12:38-44 (Woe to scribes who devour widows and orphans! The widow’s mite)

 

Opening hymn: LBW #457/8, Jesus, Priceless Treasure (yes, I know it’s a repeat from earlier in the season.

Use the alternate tune and nobody will notice). (LSB #743, ELW #775)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #491, O God, I Love Thee (The words are gorgeous. If the tune really is unfamiliar, use

tune for “Abide With Me.” Trust me. It works.)

OR ELW #692, We Are an Offering

OR LSB #787, The Temple Rang With Golden Coins (a fine Herm Stuempfle hymn, specifically for this Gospel!)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #469, Lord of All Hopefulness (LSB #738, ELW #775)

Communion Hymn #2: WOV #721, Go, My Children, With My Blessing (LSB #922, ELW #543)

Closing Hymn: LBW #514, O Savior, Precious Savior (LSB #527, ELW #820)

 

November 18: 26^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 28

 

Daniel 12:1-3 (Some will be raised to everlasting life, others to shame)

Psalm 16 (You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy)

Hebrews 10:11-25 (We have confidence to approach God, having been made clean. Let us persevere in faith)

Mark 13:1-13 (Jesus foretells destruction of Temple, persecution of his followers)

            ELW: Mark 13:1-8 (Omits persecution and testimony)

 

Opening hymn: LBW #318, The Lord Will Come and Not Be Slow (Can be sung with gusto to the tune of

 LBW #183, The Son of God Goes Forth to War)

OR LBW #498, All Who Would Valiant Be

OR ELW #438, My Lord, What a Morning (WOV #627)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #487, Let Us Ever Walk With Jesus (LSB #685, ELW #802)

OR LBW #510, O God of Youth (I know, I know. Don’t know the tune. No substitutes available. It’s pretty straightforward, and the words are outstanding. If it just won’t sing, then have folks READ the words aloud together!)

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #341, Jesus, Still Lead On (ELW #624)   (LSB #718, Jesus, Lead Thou On)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #333, Lord, Take My Hand And Lead Me (LSB #722, ELW #767 )

Closing Hymn: LBW #549, Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven (LSB #793 , ELW #865)

 

November 25: Christ the King Sunday

 Daniel 7:9-10,13-14 (Vision of the Son of Man)

Psalm 93 (The Lord is King, robed in majesty)

Revelation 1:4b-8 (Vision of the glorified Jesus)

John 18:33-37 (Jesus before Pilate: What is truth?)

 

Opening hymn: LBW #172, Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor (LSB#534, ELW #475)

Hymn of the Day: LBW #537, O Jesus, King Most Wonderful (LSB #554)

            OR ELW #431, O Christ, What Can it Mean for Us

            OR LSB #538, Praise Be to Christ

Communion Hymn #1: LBW #158, Alleluia! Sing to Jesus (ELW #392)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #173, Rejoice, the Lord is King (ELW #430, Rejoice, for Christ is King)

Closing Hymn: LBW #170, Crown Him With Many Crowns (LSB #525, ELW #855)

 

 

 

THE PRAYERS, 

14^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 16, Cycle B (August 26, 2018)

 

For the Church, the world, and needs of all people, let us pray to the Lord.

A brief silence

Lord God, clothe your Church in the spotless raiment and trusty armor of Jesus’ righteousness. Make it his radiant and faithful bride, adorned with beauty, holiness, goodness and grace. Make it his valiant soldier, adorned with courage, integrity, faithfulness, and perseverance. In all circumstances, use it to draw many afar off to saving faith in Jesus, their Savior, Captain, Bridegroom and Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Defend and restore your Church when it is abused and persecuted for the sake of Christ. Exchange its sackcloth of suffering for the festal robes of salvation; and remove from it all stain of sorrow or sin. Bless, protect, and guide missionaries of your Gospel throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation with your protection and favor. Make us ever mindful that as part of your Church on earth, we reflect Jesus’ name and character to the world. Keep us faithful, generous, and kind, sharing with others the gifts of the Spirit that you have given to us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Bless husbands and wives, parents and children, sisters and brothers, and all whom you have entrusted to us to cherish as family. Knit us together in enduring bonds of affection, respect and fidelity. Bring healing and peace to all households fractured by sin, sorrow, and suffering.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Conform the minds of earthly leaders to your commandments; and grant them strength to accomplish their responsibilities in accordance with your will. Remove from among us the allure of sin, the temptation of power, and the seduction of earthly gain. Teach us to live peaceably with one another, and to share generously and wisely the gifts of your creation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep safe all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others, especially those in our military and all first responders. Give them cool heads and steady hands as they accomplish their duties, and grant success to all they do that serves your will. Give them swift and happy reunions with all who love them; and though we value and honor their service, we long for the day when that service is needed no more.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You hear the cries of the righteous, and of all who suffer. Hear, therefore, and graciously answer our prayers on behalf of all who are afflicted by pain, sorrow, loneliness, despair, abuse, or any other evil which troubles them, including: {List}. Give a spirit of compassion and gentleness to all who care for them; and restore them to communion with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We entrust our beloved dead into your faithful care, Dear Father. Ease the pain of those whose grief is raw and deep. And since we still walk by faith and not by sight, we pray that you would sustain us throughout our earthly pilgrimage with the Cross of your dear Son, and the grace and comfort of your Holy Spirit. Bring us, in your good time, into the bright courts of heaven, where we and all whom you have redeemed shall forever feast on Christ, our Living Bread and our Cup of Salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Incline your ear to our prayers, dear Lord; and answer them according to your most gracious and holy will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

THE PRAYERS, 

13^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 15, Cycle B (August 19, 2018)

 

For the Church, the world, and needs of all people, let us pray to the Lord.

A brief silence

Lord God, nourish the Church with your words of Spirit and life. Fill it with the Body and Blood of your dear Son. Make its members children of your heavenly light, filled with wisdom and righteousness. By that same light, guide those who do not yet know you, to the salvation you desire for all people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give wisdom, graciousness and prudence to all who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake; and use their witness to strengthen our faith and to call their tormentors to repentance and salvation. Bless, protect, and guide missionaries of your Gospel throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Feed the members of our church with the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, and joy in your presence; and grant that we gladly and graciously share this feast with our families, neighbors, friends, and communities.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

We ask your blessing upon parents, foster-parents, and all who care for the precious lives of your little ones. Fill them with the bounty from Wisdom’s table, so that they may raise up their children in godliness and integrity.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

As Wisdom sets her feast before everyone, move the hearts of our earthly leaders to heed her invitation and sit long at her table. Give them the sustenance they need to think, speak, and act in accordance with your will, so that all who are entrusted to their care might prosper and live in peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for the service of those in our military, and all first responders. Give them wisdom, courage, and competence in dangerous situations. Heal those who are wounded, and shelter those who fall in the line of duty. Bring swiftly and safely home those whose work is not yet done; and grant us all your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You hear the cries of the righteous, and of all who suffer. Hear, therefore, and graciously answer our prayers on behalf of all who are afflicted by pain, sorrow, loneliness, despair, abuse, or any other evil which troubles them, including: {List}. Give a spirit of compassion and gentleness to all who care for them; and restore them to communion with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O gracious heavenly Father, we praise and adore you for the eternal life won for all whom you redeem through the death and resurrection of your dear Son. Especially we remember our beloved dead, including: {List}. Strengthen our faith and fill us with your Holy Spirit, until that day when with all your people, especially those we love and miss the most, you raise us up to life everlasting in your glorious Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Incline your ear to our prayers, dear Lord; and answer them according to your most gracious and holy will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

THE PRAYERS, 

12^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 14, Cycle B (August 12, 2018)

 

For the Church, the world, and needs of all people, let us pray to the Lord.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, feed your Church with the life of your dear Son; and by the power of your Spirit, raise it up on the last day as the very Bride of Christ. Grant that all pastors, priests, bishops, and theologians may feed your people with your living Word, so that many taste and see your graciousness, and are forever blessed for trusting in you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant strength, encouragement, and refreshment to all whose lives are in danger because they name Jesus as Lord. Make their witness shine the light of your judgment and your forgiveness in the hearts of their persecutors. Use your missionaries to feed many hearts with the Word of life and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Turn the hearts of all in this parish toward you, their life and salvation, their living bread and eternal hope. Bless our words and deeds, our worship and fellowship; and use them to glorify your name and nourish the hearts of our neighbors with food that satisfies.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Keep in your care all who are single by choice or by circumstance. Help them to find their joy and fulfillment in serving you, and in strengthening the ties of Christian love that bind one to another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Raise up among us wise and faithful rulers who are guided by your Word and anointed with your Spirit. Incline their ears to the cries of the needy, and to the instruction of your prophets. Help us all to know that true justice and lasting peace are founded upon your commandments alone; and give us strength to live accordingly.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Strengthen, guide, and shield those who serve in our military, and all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others. Bless their families and friends; and help all of us to appreciate and honor their service and their sacrifice. Grant them swift and joyous reunions when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You fed Elijah in the wilderness, and he journeyed forty days in the strength of that food. We pray that you would grant the bread of health and salvation those who dwell in the wilderness of suffering; that you would strengthen them in their pilgrimage; and that you would surround them with compassion, friendship, encouragement; and that you would keep them steadfast in faith and strong in hope. Today we especially plead on behalf of: {List}.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We bless you for the lives of all those who have trusted in you, and who now taste and see the full measure of your gracious care – including: {List}.  Give us true and trustful hearts; draw us all to Christ, our Living Bread, our Resurrection and our Life; and raise us up at the last day to rejoice in the fullness of the salvation you have prepared for your people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Incline your ear to our prayers, dear Lord; and answer them according to your most gracious and holy will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

THE PRAYERS, 

11^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 13, Cycle B (August 5, 2018)

 

For the Church, the world, and needs of all people, let us pray to the Lord.

A brief silence

Holy Father, grant to your Church, which is the body of Christ, unity with him and unity in him. Fill it with your Holy Spirit, so that it may become fully mature, grown into the fullness of his stature and his likeness. When people hear its words and see its deeds, by your grace, let them see your love, forgiveness, and salvation, won for them by your dear Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Help us to be ever mindful of our union with those who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake; and strengthen them with the knowledge that they are not forgotten by you or by the rest of the Church. Use your missionaries to feed many hearts with the Word of life and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Feed the people of this congregation with the living Bread of Heaven; and nourish us with the Cup of Blessing from Christ’s hand. Help us to know the depth, height, and breadth of your great love; and give us those gifts of your Spirit which help us to share that love with others.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

We pray on behalf those who maintain food pantries, soup kitchens, community gardens, and all initiatives great and small which feed the hungry and help them to feed themselves. Grant that, as their bodies are nourished, their minds, souls and spirits also may be fed with the living Bread from Heaven.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide the deliberations and actions of our earthly rulers, so that your will may be done and your people may receive all they need to live in safety. Teach us to feed one another, not only with food that perishes, but also with your imperishable and holy Word; and establish your peace in our midst.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be with first responders and with all who serve in our military, here or abroad. Conform their actions to your will. When their task is done, grant them swift and joyful reunions with their loved ones. Help us to honor their service, and to provide tangible support for their transition to civilian life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You promise to open your hand and fulfill the desire of every living creature. Therefore, we pray: bestow the gifts of health and hope, comfort and guidance, strength and cheer, to all whose need is great – including: {List}. Feed them with faith and fill them with the life-giving and refreshing waters of your grace and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

With reverence and affection, we remember before you all our loved ones who have died and are at rest in you. Keep us in union with them through our common union in Christ Jesus. Strengthen our love and fellowship with our fellow pilgrims along life’s journey. Bring us all into the unimaginable joy and life you share with your Son and the Holy Spirit, and which you so graciously extend to those whom you have redeemed.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Incline your ear to our prayers, dear Lord; and answer them according to your most gracious and holy will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

“Your burning anger has passed over me; Your terrors have destroyed me. They have surrounded me like water all day long; they have encompassed me altogether. You have removed lover and friend far from me; my acquaintances are in darkness.” (Psalm 88:16-18)

 

There are seasons when it seems all is against you. Are you equal in your thoughts when all seems to be going for you? This world is filled with wickedness, and the Lord provides for all people. Do not lament at the Lord, but with the Lord, over those who do evil and rebel against Him. Come to Him and receive the comfort that only He can give. Know the Lord and know peace.

Lord, You have given Your Word and salvation to those who come to You and believe that You are the One who will grant peace. This world is a mess and so many take what is not theirs. Lead me, O Lord, at all times to come to You and know the goodness that You alone provide. You are the friend that will never leave me nor forsake me. Help me to put my trust in You.

Lord Jesus, You know what it is to have friends and family flee from You. Guide me always to simply follow wherever You lead. Help me see in You the hope of glory and know that in You alone am I able to fully trust. Guide me this day to walk in Your goodness and know the mercy You show through grace. Regardless of my situation, help me to praise You for Your goodness. Amen.