“And he asked that he might die, saying, ‘It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.’ And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, ‘Arise and eat.’”  (1 Kings 19:4b-5)

Elijah had good reason to prefer death to life.  Hated, hunted, and doubtful, he figured that he was the last prophet of God in Israel.  He felt as you and I may sometimes feel: alone, dispirited, and failed.

Yet then God granted him sleep, as God grants to all His beloved (Psalm 127:2), and the good angel came with good words: “Arise and eat.”  God cared for His own, as a shepherd cares for His sheep.  He comforted Elijah not only with physical nourishment but also with His own, merciful and divine fellowship.

Here is the God who greets you in Jesus Christ.  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).  “Take, eat.  Take, drink.”  With such tender words He nourishes and raises us up, too.  Though we may feel sorry for ourselves, He has a journey for us to walk.  Though we may mark ourselves for dead, He marks us for life.  Come to Him; rest in His arms; eat and drink His Supper; then rise, and be on your way.

LET US PRAY: Lord, feed me.  I’m hungry, and I’m not smart enough to know what food is best.  Nourish me with Your bread of life, and send me on the way of life.  Amen

Pastor Steven K. Gjerde

Zion, Wausau

“PLEASE, LORD, SPARE THE CONGREGATIONS”

That was my prayer as I read a recent announcement from United Lutheran Seminary, the ELCA school of theology that was formed by the merger of two separate educational institutions in Gettysburg and Philadelphia. That announcement, which is dated July 12, 2018 and which can be found under “News and Events” on the seminary’s website, is about the appointment of Dr. Crystal L. Hall to the faculty as assistant professor of biblical studies. It reads, “Dr. Hall’s research and teaching address the call to justice with the human Other alongside the call to justice with Earth as Other.”

When I read that, my first thought was, “What in the world does that mean?” I decided to try to determine its meaning by breaking it down into three phrases – “the call to justice” (which obviously must be very important because it is in there twice), “with the human Other,” and “alongside . . . with Earth as Other.”

I certainly agree that the Biblical authors are concerned for justice. The Old Testament prophet Amos wrote, “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream.” (5: 24) Another prophet, Micah, added, “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (6: 8) God is not satisfied with my merely being in favor of justice. I need to do justice. So Dr. Hall’s first emphasis – “the call to justice” – I completely agree with.

But what about that second phrase – “with the human Other”? I could not find references to “the human Other” in the writings of other Bible scholars, so I was left to my own devices to try to interpret it and understand it. Since the “O” is capitalized, I assume the human Other is Jesus. But how can we view calling Jesus the human Other as anything other than a lessening of Jesus? Jesus is not just the human Other. He is fully God as well as fully human. As the Gospel writer John tells us, He is the Word that has existed from all eternity who at a certain place and time became flesh and lived among us. As the apostle Paul wrote, “He is the image of the invisible God.” “In Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.” (Colossians 1: 15 and 2: 9) Jesus is not just the human Other. He also is fully God.

And then that phrase, “alongside . . . with Earth as Other.” With the word “Earth” being capitalized and with Earth being referred to as “Other” in the same way as Jesus is “Other,” how can we view this as anything other than deifying a part of creation? How can we see it as anything other than placing a part of creation on par with the Creator? The apostle Paul had some very harsh words to say about people who do that. He said that they have “exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creation rather than the Creator.” (Romans 1: 25) What can we call placing a part of creation on par with the Creator as anything other than idolatry?

So as best as I can understand the language of the announcement, the newly appointed professor’s research and teaching emphasize justice (I completely agree with that one), de-emphasize Jesus (I have a major problem with that one), and promote idolatry (I also have a major problem with that one).

If emphasizing justice, de-emphasizing Jesus, and promoting idolatry are not what Dr. Hall’s research and teaching are all about, then I wish the announcement would have been made clearer and would have been worded in a way that even I can understand.

Speaking of being clear, the only part of that sentence that is clear for me are the four words “the call to justice.” And those four words must be the most important words because they are included twice. But is “the call to justice” really what should be the major emphasis of someone who teaches the Bible to future pastors?

Justice, Mercy and Grace

I like the following definitions of justice, mercy, and grace. Justice is I get what I deserve – no more, no less. Mercy is I do not get what I deserve. Grace is I get what I do not deserve. Justice talks about what God requires of me. Justice speaks of what I need to do. Mercy and grace speak of what God gives because of what God has done. Is the Christian faith primarily about what I need to do, or is it primarily about what God has done and about what God has to give?

Future pastors who are being taught to emphasize justice and de-emphasize Jesus and who are being taught that the Christian faith is more about what I need to do than it is about what God has done and therefore what God has to give are not being prepared to be shepherds for God’s flock.

If that is what our future pastors are being taught, my prayer is, “Please, Lord, spare the congregations.”

ELCA’s Next Generation Pastors

I had been concerned enough with the news from a few months ago that the LGBTQIA+ community at United Lutheran Seminary had forced the firing of the school’s president. When it became known that the president – about twenty years ago – not only had held a traditional view on human sexuality but had served as director of an organization that held a traditional view, the LGBTQIA+ community became so wounded, traumatized, hurt, and upset that the seminary leadership had to cater to them and fire the president. At the time I was thinking, if these poor students become so upset just because someone who agrees with them now believed differently twenty years ago, what are they going to do – how are they going to be able to handle it – when they receive their first call and attend their first council meeting – or even worse their first congregational meeting – and find that someone does not agree with them? The ELCA is raising up a generation of pastors who emphasize justice, de-emphasize Jesus, and who do not have the resilience and stamina to survive in the parish.

Excluded and Marginalized

That same announcement from the seminary also says about Dr. Hall, “She works to privilege voices that have historically been excluded from the classroom and the church.” But what actually are the voices that are being excluded from the classroom and the church? The voices that are being excluded are the voices of the historic, orthodox, traditional Christian faith. The voices that are being excluded are the voices that believe that the Bible is true, Jesus is God, the tomb of Jesus really was empty on Easter Sunday morning, and that the prime mission of the church is to proclaim Jesus as Savior and Lord.

That announcement also says, “Dr. Hall works to read the Bible prophetically with communities struggling against the structures that keep them marginalized.” But who are the communities that are struggling against structures that are keeping them marginalized? It is certainly not the LGBTQIA+ community. That community is not marginalized. It has taken over. That community was not only able to force the firing of the president of the seminary where Dr. Hall has been appointed. The agenda of that community was also fully promoted by keynote speakers at the recent ELCA youth gathering. The communities that are struggling against structures that keep them marginalized are the people still within the ELCA who hold to a high view of the authority of the Bible and a traditional view on such things as human sexuality. They are the ones whose communications bishops ignore. They are the ones whose view of human sexuality has been called – at an official gathering of thirty thousand ELCA young people – a lie from Satan that needs to be renounced.

We Are Very Grateful

Speaking of voices that have been excluded and communities that are being marginalized, we are very grateful for all of you. We are very grateful for –

• All who are sharing our letters and newsletters with others. Please continue to do so.
• Pastors who have shared our communications with their church councils and congregations.
• People who are asking to be added to our email or post office (paper) mailing list.
• People who filled out the survey and told us how they feel about the recent ELCA youth gathering.
• All those who have spoken to their pastors and/or written to their bishops with their deep concerns over the recent ELCA youth gathering.
• All who send us an encouraging word, telling of their agreement with our concerns and their support of our work.

Links

If you have not yet read them, here is a link to the letter we have written to Elizabeth Eaton, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, about the recent youth gathering.

Here is a link to the letter we have sent to all sixty-five synodical bishops of the ELCA.

In the letters to Bishop Eaton and the ELCA synodical bishops we have called upon them to do three things –

• Exercise the authority of their office and hold the organizers of the youth gathering accountable
• Restore sanity to the ELCA’s teaching on human sexuality, beginning with rejecting the “We Are Naked and Unashamed” movement
• Publicly affirm that the traditional view of human sexuality is still an acceptable position within the ELCA rather than what one of the speakers at the youth gathering called it – a lie from Satan that needs to be renounced

Here are links to two sample letters that you might find helpful as you compose your own letter to your bishop. (here and here) It is not too late to write. ELCA leaders need to hear that there is a vast number of people who are horrified over what took place at the recent youth gathering.

Finally, here is a link to the names and mailing addresses of the sixty-five ELCA synodical bishops.

“That’s Just the Way Things Are Now”

One person told of speaking with an assistant to the bishop of one of the ELCA’s synods. That synod staff person rejected this person’s concerns by saying regarding the recent youth gathering, “That’s just the way things are now.”

What kind of a response is that? To be told that even though current ELCA behavior is in direct violation of ELCA agreements and commitments that are less than nine years old, “That’s just the way things are now.”

What if the federal government acted like that? What if ICE and the border patrol, after being told to reunite families, were to keep them separate and say, “That’s just the way things are now”? What if promises made to native Americans were broken with the justification that, “That’s just the way things are now”?

If either were to happen, can you even imagine how many ELCA bishops would write letters and how many ELCA synods would pass resolutions? And yet how does the ELCA seem to be justifying its totally ignoring and even violating the terms of the decisions made at the 2009 Churchwide Assembly? By saying essentially, “That’s just the way things are now.”

Please pray with us that the ELCA bishops actually read our letters to them. And then please pray that they will allow the Holy Spirit to convict them and that then they will make appropriate and needed changes.

Dennis D. Nelson

President of the Board and Director of Lutheran CORE

dennisdnelsonaz@yahoo.com

909-274-8591

THE PRAYERS, 

St. Michael and All Angels (Transferred), September 30, 2018

Trusting, through the power of the Holy Spirit, in the goodness of our heavenly Father, let us pray in Jesus’ name for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Holy Lord, holy and almighty, holy and immortal, heaven and earth are filled with your glory; and angels and archangels, cherubim and seraphim adore you in unceasing chorus. Give your Church the voice and the faith to join their song. Make its worship a foretaste of heaven; make its proclamation a strong witness to the Lordship of Jesus Christ; and make its deeds of charity a countersign to the deathly powers that seek to enslave all people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

May your holy angels bless, strengthen and defend your little ones who endure great suffering on account of Jesus. Grant that their time of persecution may speedily end; and convict the hearts of all who torment them, so they may repent and believe in the Gospel.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation and make it rich in faith toward you and in fervent love in for one another. Grant that in all our words and deeds, we remember that your little ones – everyone for whom Christ died – have their angels pleading for them before your throne. Help us therefore not to put a stumbling-block before them, but instead to be merciful and gracious, giving and forgiving, as you have been toward us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

We lift before you all whom it would be easy to forget, but whose angels continually remember them before the Throne of Grace: the homeless, neglected and needy; the destitute, sick and aged; the mentally ill and physically or mentally challenged; those who are abused, and their abusers; unborn children, and mothers who are tempted or pressured to abort them. Shelter them with your tender care; and help us to bring them healing and hope, forgiveness and friendship, for the love of your dear Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We do not often think of angelic guardians for the nations; but as Michael is the defender of Israel and head of the angel host, so we dare to pray that your holy angels would bring wise counsel to the leaders of every nation, and defend all your suffering people from the malice of the Evil One. Keep us safe in your care; teach us those things which make for peace; and preserve us in peace, harmony and righteousness until that day when you make all things new.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant that St. Michael and all the hosts of heaven may guard and guide all who risk their lives for the sake of others. Bless them with steadfast courage, invincible integrity, and unswerving devotion to you, the Lord of all nations. Prosper all they do that is in accord with your purpose. Grant healing to the wounded; honor to the fallen; strength to their family, and respect from all for their service.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray on behalf of everyone who cries out to you for help in time of trouble, suffering, distress or grief; especially: {List}. Speedily rescue them from affliction; stir up compassion and gentleness in all who care for them; and let your holy angels have charge of them, that the Wicked One have no power over them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy and gracious Father, we praise you for the victory your Son has won over sin and death. We entrust into his never-failing care our departed loved ones, especially: {List}. Grant to us, who still walk as yet by faith and not by sight, the protection of your blessed angels. Grant that, encouraged by their presence and by the witness of all your saints, we may give you thanks for all things; fear nothing except losing you; and lay all our cares on you, knowing that you care for us. Bring us, according to your promise, into the blessedness of eternal life; where the hosts of heaven and the whole company of the redeemed, we shall see you face to face, and adore you forever.

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, 

19^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 21, Cycle B (September 30, 2018)

 Trusting, through the power of the Holy Spirit, in the goodness of our heavenly Father, let us pray in Jesus’ name for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Most holy God, you appointed 70 elders to ease Moses’ burden of leadership. Bestow upon your Church throughout the world, Spirit-filled pastors, priests, bishops, deacons, elders, and teachers. Keep them obedient to your Word; make them radiant with the goodness and holiness of Jesus; and grant that no one entrusted to their care should be tempted to sin or on account of their careless words or faithless and unloving deeds.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the persecuted Church throughout the world. Fill the hearts of your suffering servants with hope-filled patience in their times of suffering. Help us, who have much, to refresh them with our prayers and with whatever gifts we can share, even if it seems as small as a cup of cold water.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Grant a spirit of charity, patience and longsuffering to everyone in this congregation. Remind us, even when it would be easy to complain and kvetch, of Jesus’ words, “whoever is not against Me is for Me!” – and help us to work together with kindhearted willingness, eager to share with one another, and with all whom we meet, the gifts you have lavished upon us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who struggle against any temptation to sin – especially when their battle is long, hard, and hidden from the sight of others. Help us to deal gently with everyone we meet, and to offer words of encouragement and hope; for we truly don’t know what burdens they may be bearing or what demons they may be wrestling with.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Remind our earthly leaders that they have been entrusted with a solemn obligation: to care for their people, especially the poor, hungry, weak and oppressed. Give them a measure of your Spirit, so that they may deliberate, speak and act in accordance with your will, and for the building up of the common good. And give to all of us the ability and the desire to treat our neighbors with respect, kindness and justice, so that we may live peaceably with one another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Shield and strengthen all who go into harm’s way in defense of life and liberty. Give them wisdom, integrity, self-control and sound judgment, even in chaotic situations. Bring them back to their loved ones safely and soon; and establish your peace among us all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Even a cup of cold water given in your name to one of your little ones is a source of blessing and refreshment. Grant such blessing and refreshment to all who are in any distress or need – especially: {List}. Restore them to health, wholeness and hope. Ease the burden of care and toil that weighs upon their loved ones. And grant a double portion of your Spirit to all who practice the healing arts among them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you, Father, for all your faithful servants whom you have gathered into your eternal Kingdom. Fill those who mourn with renewed joy and purpose. Fill each of us with your Spirit of compassion, faithfulness, longsuffering, and joy. And fill us with the sure and certain hope that through the merits of your beloved Son, you will welcome us, with all whom you have redeemed, into your blessed Kingdom, where we will rejoice in your love forever.

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, 

18^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 20, Cycle B (September 23, 2018)

Trusting, through the power of the Holy Spirit, in the goodness of our heavenly Father, let us pray in Jesus’ name for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Most holy God, conform your Church to your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, and not to the world. Use it to model his self-giving love, forgiveness, and purity to those who deny or have forgotten such things even exist. And through its words and deeds, lead many to the foot of the Cross, there to receive life and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Help those of us who are comfortable in our Christianity to serve, defend, and provide for your persecuted and suffering Church. Let us never, by scandalous words or selfish deeds, cheapen or debase their faithful witness to their Savior – and ours.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We ask your blessing upon this congregation and all its ministries. Help us to take delight in glorifying your name through self-giving service to one another and to our communities.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Jesus exalts servanthood as an example of his loving obedience to his Father. It’s easy for us to overlook, ignore, or belittle those who actually are servants in everyday life. Bless them and adorn their labors with the loveliness of Christ’s own labors on our behalf. Help all of us to notice, honor, and compensate all servants, laborers, hired hands, and others who do the work we’d rather not.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Rulers and leaders, celebrities and authorities are used to lording it over others. Give them instead a teachable spirit and humble heart, always ready to use their riches of intellect, authority and station in service of the people entrusted to their care. And give each of us the grace, wisdom, and kindness to be true friends, neighbors, and servants to those around us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

First responders, those in the military, and many others are servants of their community and nation. Fill them with wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, so that they might defend life and liberty, establish safety, and bring a measure of justice and peace to people whose lives are threatened by chaos and violence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for doctors, nurses, therapists, EMT’s, orderlies, and all whose service helps people in deep distress. Give them a double portion of your Spirit. Use their skills and our support and prayers to bring healing and comfort the abused, imprisoned, sick, wounded, lonely, confused, grieving, or dying. Especially we plead on behalf of: {List}.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Blessed Father, we thank you for the lives of all your good and faithful servants, especially those we love and whose deaths we mourn. Keep us steadfast in faith, firm in hope, constant in love, generous in service, and abundant in joy as we continue our earthly pilgrimage. Lead us “with the Cross of Jesus going on before,” safely through the trials and temptations of this world. And bring us, through his good work, into the blessed Kingdom where we find our eternal life and joy in friendship with you and with all 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.

THE PRAYERS, 

17^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 19, Cycle B (September 16, 2018)

Trusting, through the power of the Holy Spirit, in the goodness of our heavenly Father, let us pray in Jesus’ name for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, grant that your Church may always proclaim Christ crucified. In all its words and deeds, cause the Church to confess Jesus as your only-begotten Son, your chosen and suffering Servant, who bears and heals the world’s sickness, sorrow, and brokenness of body and soul.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Persecuted Christians throughout the world follow in the steps of Jesus, bearing their cross in faithful obedience to him. Sustain, protect, bless, and provide for them; and help us whose crosses are lighter to bear their burdens however we can. We also ask your protection and guidance for all missionaries of the Gospel.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Increase the faith of everyone in this congregation, dear Lord. Conform our ministries and gatherings to Christ. Use us to bring his healing, forgiveness, and salvation to those who need it most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Most of our programs begin at this time of year. Bless and prosper everything that glorifies you and builds up the Body of Christ. Increase in us the love of learning, zeal for service, and warmth of spirit. Especially we pray for our teachers and volunteers, and all who shine the love of Jesus upon those who do not know him well.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant a spirit of humility and wisdom to the leaders of nations and captains of industry, the giants of culture and icons of sport, the legislators and judges, the researchers, teachers, philosophers and scientists who shape our world. Remind them that all they have is from you, given in trust for the benefit of all people. And give to each of us the desire and ability to live peaceably and kindly with each other, despite our differences.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

We lift before you the firefighters, police, emergency responders, military, and all others who strive to defend life and liberty here and abroad. Give them all they need to accomplish their tasks with integrity, competence, and courage. Reunite them swiftly with their loved ones, and help us to heal and honor those who fall in the line of duty.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Sometimes as we pray for loved ones in distress of body, mind, or soul, we are like the father of the epileptic boy, crying out, “Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief!” Keep us steadfast in faith as we pray for all who suffer; and remind us all that Jesus has indeed “borne our sickness and carried our infirmity.” In his name we pray for: {List}.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy God, keep in your tender care all who have died trusting in your promises. Comfort those who mourn, not only with words, but with the sure and certain hope that in Christ, we receive eternal healing and salvation for body and soul. Help us to encourage one another in prayer, holy living, faith, and love. And receive us into the glorious company of all the redeemed, who with angels and archangels and all the hosts of heaven, we shall praise and adore you forever –  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

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, 

16^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 18, Cycle B (September 9, 2018)

Trusting, through the power of the Holy Spirit, in the goodness of our heavenly Father, let us pray in Jesus’ name for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Heal and restore your church, O Lord, purchased with the precious blood of your dear Son. Drive from it all partiality and false teaching. Enliven its faith so that, through its words and its works, many may hear the Good News, turn with confidence to Jesus, and receive forgiveness, life and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Give a spirit of trustfulness to your Church wherever it is persecuted because it confesses Christ as Savior; and grant repentance and regeneration to its foes; until all hearts turn to you in adoration and praise. Bless, protect, and guide missionaries of your Gospel throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to the people of this congregation such confidence in the love of Christ, that they trust his holy Word, treasure his life-giving Sacraments, and constantly tell others of his great mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Help us to never put road blocks in the way of non-Christians if they seek to learn more about your forgiveness, healing, and love. And grant that many who do not yet believe, may yearn for the rich morsels of mercy that fall from your table.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are Lord of all the nations; and to you all the rulers of the earth shall bow down and give an account of their deeds. Teach them to act with wisdom and without partiality; to care for the widows and widowers, orphans, and destitute; to seek justice within and peace beyond their borders; and to be examples of integrity, fairness and compassion to their citizens.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Protect and guide all in our military, and all who stand in harm’s way. Bless those who tend them when they are wounded; and give strength and patience to their families. Bring them home swiftly, and use their skills, whether here or abroad, to establish the blessings of liberty, justice, and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant that all who cry to you for help and healing; for forgiveness and restoration; or for guidance and comfort, may find your grace sufficient for their need. Especially we lift before you {prayer list}.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy and gracious Father, we entrust into your care all who clung to your promises in this life, and whose death we now mourn. Grant us such a sure and confident hope in our Lord Jesus, that our sorrow may be turned to joy. Give us the power to console, encourage and assist one another throughout our earthly pilgrimage. By your great mercy, bring us to your house, where we are fed not crumbs under the table, but the rich banquet fare of the Lamb’s high feast. And there, by the power of your gracious Spirit, let us, in the company of all the redeemed, worship and adore your infinite majesty, which shines in the face of your dear Son.

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, 

15^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 17, Cycle B (September 2, 2018)

Trusting, through the power of the Holy Spirit, in the goodness of our heavenly Father, let us pray in Jesus’ name for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Holy Lord, in this broken and fallen world, you array your Church in the armor of light and call it to words and deeds of valor. Make it a faithful, true, and bold doer of your strong Word. Form it into your strong fortress and safe haven for all who cry to you for help.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Strengthen the Church when it is attacked by those who despise your name. Grant that it should wield the weapons of the Spirit not in anger or retaliation, but in confident and humble witness to the Prince of Peace. Bless, protect, and guide missionaries of your Gospel throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Prosper the words and work of this congregation, so that many might hear the Good News, turn to you, and live. Make your light, love and light shine through our words and deeds, and shed its healing radiance upon those around us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer

Thank you for the dignity of work, the joy of relaxation, and the opportunity to shape the raw material of your creation into useful or beautiful “secondary creations.” Give everyone who is able to work, the satisfaction and just reward for the honest labor of hand and mind. Help us to provide relief for those who cannot find employment; and teach us to honor even the smallest talent and effort that is done with an upright heart.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Shine the light of your countenance upon all who lead the nations. Give them such wisdom, humility and integrity that their people may confidently turn to them for justice and may live in safety.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Clothe in the armor of light all who risk their lives for the sake of defending the innocent and restoring justice and freedom. Heal their hurts; support their loved ones; and help this nation to use their skills for peaceable purposes when their tour of duty is ended.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant healing, hope, and strength to all who are afflicted by the forces of sin, evil, and death. We lift before you the needs of: {List}. Surround them with your holy angels; give refreshment, cheerfulness, and confidence to all who care for them; and restore them to the joy of fellowship with all of us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most gracious Father, we thank you for the lives of all the faithful departed who were, by grace, faithful doers of your Word. Grant that each of us may honorably wear the shining armor of light which you bestow upon your people; may rightly wield the weapons of the Spirit; may fight the good fight; and may lay hold of the life, joy, and crown won for us by the merits of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Captain and our Lord.

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, 

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.