“May Your lovingkindness comfort me, according to Your word to Your servant. May Your compassion come to me that I may live, for Your law is my delight. May the arrogant be ashamed, for they subvert me with a lie; but I shall meditate on Your precepts.”  (Psalm 119:76-78)

It is never good to demand from the Lord. Always be respectful and request. Will You, Lord? The Lord grants affirmation to those who turn to Him. The Lord gives guidance to those who seek it. The Lord will humble those who trust in Him. Turn to the Lord and know the goodness of His ways. He will lift You up lest you dash your foot against those things that will hinder you.

Lord, turn my heart to look to You always. Keep me from seeking the ways of this world, but instead, would You grant me a turn of my heart to seek You always and in all things. Those of the world seek to subvert who I am, but You have come to rescue me that I may always walk in Your ways. Guide me O Lord in Your Spirit to always turn to You, seeking faithfulness in all things.

Lord Jesus, You are the way truth and life. Guide me in the way of life that I may live truthfully. Help me now and always to seek You first and the righteousness You give to those who follow You. Lift up my countenance that I would live into the righteousness to which I have been called. May I learn from You this day, humbly obeying all that You give for direction. Amen.

“May those who fear You see me and be glad, because I wait for Your word. I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are righteous, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me” (Psalm 119:74-75)

Do you wait upon the Lord and look to Him to fulfill all that is needed? Is the Lord your righteousness? Faithfulness is a matter of trusting the Lord at His word and knowing that He will accomplish all that He has promised. Lean not on your own understanding, nor on your ability to figure things out, but upon the One through whom all things have their being.

Lord, You are faithful and You will accomplish all that You have promised. Guide me O Lord in the way of truth that I may know Your goodness and mercy. Move me away from the need to try and figure all things out and rather trust in all that You have said. Heaven and earth will pass away, but Your Word endures forever. All that comes my way in this life You already know about.

Lord Jesus, You have come that our doubts may be removed and we may know that in following You all shall come to pass as the Father has purposed. Lead me in trusting You above all things knowing that You shall add whatever else is needed as I walk with You. Guide me Jesus now and always that I would be glad in the truth You have revealed through Your grace. Teach me always trust You Lord. Amen.

Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash

“Your hands made me and fashioned me; give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.” (Psalm 119:73)

What are the ways of life and who may know them? This world struggles to find its way, yet there is that consistency whereby people come up with the same rules. The Lord God established His commands in the beginning. Come then into His presence and live according to all that He has declared, for in Him is the way of living in harmony with all that He has created.

Lord, guide me ever deeper into understanding the way of life. You have set the ground rules and so many seek to thwart those rules and do things their own way. Lead me O Lord in the way of righteousness that I may never depart. Help me to see the errors of my ways and allow Your Word to rule in my heart and in all that I do. Only in Your statutes is the truth of how things work found.

Lord Jesus, You have come not to judge the world, for it is judged already. Guide me O Lord in the way of truth that I would now and forever abide in all that You have commanded. Keep me from stumbling and falling into error. Guide me according to Your precepts to live the life for which You have created me. May I now and always be found walking in all of Your ways.  Amen.

The Prayers of the Church

Holy Trinity Sunday, June 16, 2019 (Also Father’s Day)

By the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to God our Father in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord, making intercession for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Come Holy Spirit! Set our hearts on fire with love for God and for his people. Let your wind propel us out of our comfort zones and into the war zones of anguish, injustice, despair, and unbelief. There, let your tongues of fire kindle our tongues to speak words of truth and power, life and love, challenge and forgiveness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious Father, bless and preserve your holy Church, purchased with the blood of your dear Son and sanctified with the fire of your Spirit. Keep it steadfast in faith; sound in doctrine; loving in service; generous in giving; ardent in worship; and holy in living. In all things, make it a lamp filled with the light of your presence, welcoming and guiding many to salvation in your holy Name.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the shelter, strength, and inheritance of all who are hated because they confess Christ as Savior and God. Give them courage, graciousness, and hope; and soften the hearts of their enemies.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Kindle the hearts and minds of the people of this congregation with your Spirit. Unite us to your Son; and use us to proclaim the gospel in words and deeds to all those we meet. Help us to seek out those who most deeply need your strong saving love; and to invite them into your holy fellowship, there to find joy, purpose, and an eternal home.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Our Father, by whose name all fatherhood is blessed, forgive us for the delusion that “father” is a dirty word, that fathers are optional, and that Men cannot be gentle and strong, or loving and courageous. Bless all earthly fathers. It’s a tough job and our culture has made it tougher. Give them a double portion of your Spirit, to accomplish your will as they care for their children. Comfort all who are estranged or bereaved. And help us to honor their place in our lives.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

With your mighty hand and outstretched arm, protect, guide and defend all those who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others, including those in our military and all first responders. Help us to honor those who have died and help those who have been wounded; and to find ways that many may benefit from their experience and wisdom when they return to civilian life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

There is no other God beside you, who are Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Give your incomparable gifts of faith, wisdom, and righteousness to all people, especially to those who take counsel for the nations. Conform the hearts of all people to your will, and bless this war-torn world with the peace that passes human understanding.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dearest Father, gather in your Son’s embrace all who suffer in body, mind or spirit, especially: {List}. Bestow upon them health and salvation; and bless them, and all who care for them, with the grace and comfort of your Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most Holy and Blessed Trinity, we praise and adore you for welcoming into your eternal communion of life and love all who died trusting in you. Keep our hearts firmly fixed on you, the Lord and Giver of life, the Alpha and the Omega, the God and Father of all creation. Bring us, with the whole company of the redeemed of every time and place, every nation, tribe and tongue, into the joy of your presence, where we shall behold you face to face and adore you as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, our Lord and our God.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Prayers of the Church

Day of Pentecost, June 9, 2019

By the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to God our Father in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord, making intercession for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Come Holy Spirit! Set our hearts on fire with love for God and for his people. Let your wind propel us out of our comfort zones and into the war zones of anguish, injustice, despair, and unbelief. There, let your tongues of fire kindle our tongues to speak words of truth and power, life and love, challenge and forgiveness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious Spirit, purify the Church with your holy and cleansing fire. Burn away its sins and schisms. Warm it with deep love for Jesus and for the world he came to save. Teach it to remember, cherish, ponder, teach and live everything spoken by Christ, especially his command to love one another as he has loved us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Breath of God, enliven and sustain everyone who is persecuted on account of Jesus. Give wisdom and gentleness to their words, and courage and prudence to their actions. By their faithful witness, convict and convert the enemies of the Gospel to lives of repentance and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Dove, descend upon the hearts and minds of everyone in this congregation. Teach us to pray, worship, forgive, witness, serve and love in ways that shine the light of Christ on the lives of those who need him most; and conform us ever more perfectly to his blessed likeness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most blessed Advocate and Guide, we pray for those who have never heard the Gospel, or whose knowledge of it is so defective and distorted that they hate and scorn it. Cause their hearts to burn with desire for the God whom they do not yet know. Make them long for an imperishable Hope; for a living Truth; for a trustworthy Way; for a transfigured Life; and for a Love that will not let them go.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy Spirit, Power Divine, direct, strengthen, and cheer the hearts of all who risk their lives on behalf of others. Prosper all they do that conforms to your good and perfect will. Grant healing to the wounded, honor to those who sacrificed their lives, patience and hope to their families. When they return home, grant them ways to use their skills and wisdom to build a better world for all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Come, Creator Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. Bless, renew, provide for, and transfigure this broken world, until it conforms to the will and fulfills the desire of the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Teach, purify and perfect the minds, hearts and wills of all people – especially those entrusted with power and authority; and bestow the blessings of peace, health, knowledge and tranquility upon us all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Life-giving Spirit, breathe health, wholeness and hope into the hearts of all who suffer in body, mind or spirit, especially: {List}. Grant refreshment to their spirits, and restore them to full fellowship with all who love them. Bless and guide everyone who cares for them in ways great or small; and keep in your special care those whose research and skill brings new hope to those afflicted by suffering.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most blessed and Holy Spirit, we laud and magnify your gracious protection and lordly power that brings the resurrection life of Jesus to all who call upon his name. We thank you for breathing his eternal life into all the faithful departed. Breathe the love of Jesus into us. Renew our minds and set fire to our hearts. Make our lives overflow with love and with the beauty of holiness, drawing others to Christ. Give us grace to enter into the blessed company of the redeemed, and by your power, to worship the Father in union with his dear Son, our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, forever and ever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the power of the Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers and petitions into your hands, gracious Father, for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Prayers of the Church

The Seventh Sunday of Easter, June 2, 2019 (or Ascension, Transferred)

Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

O Lord Jesus, glorious, risen, and ascended Savior of the world! We worship and adore you. We kneel in humble adoration before your majesty. Yet you take us by the hand and invite us to your marriage supper – and make us your Bride and your Body. You pray for us, and promise us your own glorious inheritance. You commission us to proclaim the good news of your strong saving love to the whole world. You give us your own work of forgiving sins. What else can we do but say, Amen, come, Lord Jesus?!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Unite all who confess your Name into your Body as your one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church upon the earth. Fill it with your Spirit, and make it a faithful witness to your death and resurrection. Grant that the Church may always proclaim the gospel of repentance and forgiveness to the whole world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bestow upon your persecuted Church the fullness of their glorious inheritance, won for them and for all who believe by the merits of your own suffering, death, and resurrection. By their faithful witness, cause those who hate them – and you – to repent, that they may receive forgiveness and newness of life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless the people and guide the ministries of this congregation, so that in all things, your name is glorified and your will is done. Unite us ever more closely with you and with one another; and use our words and actions to draw others into the joy of the life you share with your Father and with your people, in the bond of the Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the Way, the Truth, and the Life for all graduates. Give them joy in using what they have learned. Keep them steadfast in their love of truth, justice, and self-giving service. Make them eager to grow in faith toward you and in fervent love for others.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the shield and defender of all who risk their lives in service of country and in defense of innocent lives. Guide their decisions and actions; heal their wounds of body, mind and soul; comfort and strengthen their loved ones; and bring us all into that glorious day when war will be no more.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

As you prayed for your followers, so we pray for the world, its rulers and its people; and most especially for our country and its leaders. Bestow peace and unity wherever suspicion and violence cause distress. Turn the hearts of many to seek and work for those things that please your heavenly Father, and that bring health, hope and justice to all: especially the poor, victims of violence, and the world’s children.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of all who endure the anguish of pain, grief, abandonment, shame, despair, or any other evil that afflict their bodies, minds, or hearts. Especially we lift before you the needs of: {List}. Grant to them the strong assurance of your presence, so that they firmly believe and deeply feel that they dwell in you, and you in them; and bring them to fullness of life, hope, and joy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you have ascended to the right hand of your Father, and you promise your life in Him to all whom you have saved. Therefore we confidently entrust into your care our beloved dead. Wipe away the tears of all whose grief runs deep. Dwell with us and in us. Draw us ever closer to one another even as you lead us to your Father’s embrace. Send us your Holy Spirit, to prepare us to share with joy in your wedding-supper. Hasten the day when we celebrate that eternal feast with all the people whom you have redeemed and united to yourself and  to your Father forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Prayers of the Church

The Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 26, 2019 (Memorial Day Weekend)

Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

O Lord Jesus, blessed Bridegroom, thank you for making us your beloved Bride, even to giving your life for us! Thank you for making your Church, now troubled by evils within and without, the glorious New Jerusalem! Thank you for promising us joy in our fellowship with you and one another!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Lord Jesus, grant to your Church the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Grant that, in a world shadowed by suffering, sorrow and sin, it always bears witness to your promise of joy, and shares the blessings of your love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

There are fellow Christians who know that in this world, confessing your name may bring trouble. Make them confident that you have overcome the world.  Grant them such unshakeable joy that their enemies are astonished and confounded, and repent.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let the Spirit fill every heart in this congregation with joy. Make that joy blossom into heartfelt worship, loving service, truthful witness, deep prayer, and loving fellowship. Use us to draw our friends and neighbors closer to you. May we shed the light of your love and joy in the darkest corners of their lives.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give your joyous presence to our teenagers. It is easy for them to be preoccupied with school, sports, jobs, and friends. It can be hard for them to endure teasing or scorn because they believe in you. Fill them with the light of your love, so their lives radiate it and become a blessing to those around them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

This weekend, we remember with reverence and gratitude our blessed dead, especially those who gave their lives in the service of our country. Grant that we order our common life in a way that is worthy of their sacrifice. Guide and strengthen all who currently serve. Heal them when they fall; shield and comfort their loved ones; and bring them home safely and soon.  And we beseech you to bring such peace to your world that the arts of war need no longer be known among us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

This world is filled with trouble of every kind; yet you have overcome the world and defeated the powers of sin and evil and death. We pray for our world; for its leaders; for all people, especially those who are most burdened by the sorrows and horrors of war, poverty, hatred, abuse, disease and despair. Bestow your Holy Spirit upon us all, especially those who make decisions that affect many lives: the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord; and most of all, the Spirit of joy in your presence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant healing and hope to all who suffer in body, mind or spirit, especially: {List}. Be gracious and merciful to them, and to all who care for them. Restore the bonds of fellowship and affection that have been strained or sundered by suffering and adversity; and give to us all the joy of your saving help.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus Christ, you have overcome the world, the devil, and our sins. Thank you for delivering from those powers all who died trusting in you. Thank you for giving them eternal life. Let the fullness of your joy touch and heal hearts still shadowed by grief. Help us all to live in faith and hope, love and kindness, gentleness and peace, self-control and patience. Let us enjoy a foretaste of that deep and abiding joy that you promise forever to all whom you love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Prayers of the Church

The Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 19, 2019

Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

O Lord Jesus, you are the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the Resurrection and the Life! You bestow, even in the midst of sorrow, sin, and suffering, a vision of that new creation, in which those dreadful things are no more. Our words falter. We long for them to go far beyond mere thanks! We truly are “lost in wonder, love, and praise.” To you alone, blessed Jesus, be the glory!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Savior, fill your whole Church with your Holy Spirit. Make it constant in faith, bold in witness, ardent in worship, joyful in adversity, generous in service, rich in compassion, and radiant with holiness. Through its words and deeds, lead many, as you led Cornelius and his household, to life, salvation, and fellowship with all who name you as Lord and God.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Set before those who are persecuted on account of you – in Nigeria, North Korea, and countless other places – the sure hope of your love’s final and eternal triumph.  Keep us ever mindful of their suffering, and help us find ways to give them assistance and encouragement.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Kindle the fire of the Spirit’s power in this congregation. Make our hearts glow with love for you and for our neighbors, within and beyond these walls. Give us that joy which the world cannot give – and can never take away. Use us to carry the light of that joy to those who do not know it.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless all elementary and middle school children with joy, love of learning, and kindly hearts. Protect them from bullies and abusers, from the world’s alluring dangers and hidden threats; and from everything that would darken their hearts or hide your face.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those in the military, and for all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others. Help them to do their jobs faithfully, bravely and well. Bring them home in safety when their service is completed. Speed the day when there is no more warfare, pain, crying or death, and all your people may live at peace with you and with one another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this world with your goodness and righteousness, until every creature, every person, every nation, kindred and tribe shouts praises to your name and delights in the abundant life that only you can give. Teach the rulers and magistrates of the nations – and the leaders of commerce, technology, education, medicine and law – to seek truth; to delight in wisdom; to deliberate and decide with justice; and to act with generosity and humility. And teach everyone to live in peace and fellowship with one another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Wipe away the tears, and take away the suffering, of all whose need is great. Especially we plead on behalf of: {List}. Even in this broken and fallen world, bring to them, and to all who love them, a measure of your Kingdom’s endless joy and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy and loving Savior, you are indeed the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end of all things. You are the light and life of all who have died trusting in you. Keep us in fellowship with them through the bond of your Holy Spirit. By that same Spirit, raise up and gather in your arms all whom you have redeemed. Lead us into your Father’s presence as a pure and whole and holy community – your family, your joy, and your treasure forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

“It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn Your
statutes. The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and
silver pieces.” (Psalm 119:71-72)

None of us is where we need to
be. We need the salvation of the Lord. More than just an overlay, it must be
deep-rooted in removing all that stands in the way of our walking in the
righteousness of the Lord. The Lord will stop at nothing to bring you fully
into the way of everlasting life. Rejoice in the love of the Lord and His
willingness to lead you always.

Lord, there are troubles and turmoil in this age. You have promised that
will all be worked for good for those who love You. Help me to see through to
the many times where You have done this. Let me rejoice that even in adversity,
You are growing in me the likeness of Christ. Lead me, O Lord, in all of Your
ways and help me to see Your hand in everything knowing that it is You who
leads.

Holy Spirit, reveal in my heart
the many ways in which I am daily learning lessons. Help me to persevere that I
may grow in obedience. Let me not be hindered by the ways of this world which
plague me, but instead see that through Your guidance, I can and will learn and
grow in faith. May I ever rejoice that You have given me the true treasure of
eternity in being forever with You. Amen.

The Prayers of the Church

The Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 12, 2019 (Mother’s Day)

Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

O Lord Jesus, you alone are worthy! You are worthy to open the scroll. You are worthy to judge the world – and us! – in righteousness. You are worthy of blessing and honor, glory and praise. Give us grace to sing of your greatness, to bless your most holy name, and to live lives worthy of you, our Shepherd and Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your servant Paul exhorted the elders of the churches to watch over your flock, guarding them from the dangerous wolves that threaten them. Bless your Church with pastors, bishops, lay leaders, and theologians who rightly proclaim and teach your Word; protect your people from falsehood, heresy and schism; and lead your people into lives of holiness, faithfulness and love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

The martyrs of your Church stand before your throne, praying for all who are persecuted for your Name’s sake. Join our prayers to theirs. Give courage and endurance to those who suffer on account of you. By their example, cause those who trouble them to repent and turn to you, for the transformation of their lives and the renewal of their minds.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless and direct the people of this congregation. Make us confident that you love us and know each of us by name. Move us past our fears and preoccupations into eager discipleship and loving service. Let all be done your glory, and for the good of those in our family, community, workplace and world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless and gently guide our littlest lambs – our infants and toddlers, and all who are newborns in the faith. Lead them in safety through the dangers of this world; crown their innocence with holiness; and teach them to know your voice and to gladly follow wherever you would have them go.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for mothers, foster mothers, and for all who care and love with a mother’s heart. Adorn their lives with wisdom, goodness, common sense, and patience. Give them endurance – and a good night’s sleep – to carry out their many tasks with a light heart and ready smile. Be their strength and shield when their burdens are great and sorrowful. And bestow your dearest comfort to all who have lost a child, or who are unable to have one.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give a shepherd’s heart to the leaders of all nations, especially our own. Teach them to seek the welfare of their people above power, wealth, or re-election. By their labors, grant the simple blessings of decent food, clean water, and the chance to raise families in freedom and safety. Give wisdom and integrity to all who risk their lives on behalf of others. And to all people, especially those whose lives have been shattered by violence, grant a measure of your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Oh great and good Shepherd, lead with gentleness and compassion all who are sick or sorrowing; lonely or confused; hurting or despairing; and to all who cry out for mercy. Especially we remember before you the needs of: {List}. Give the Spirit of your compassion to all who care for them; and restore them to wholeness and hope.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, we recite the Shepherd’s Psalm at the death of a member of your flock, confident that you have led them through death’s dark vale into your Father’s house. We therefore entrust into your keeping all our dear departed. Lead us, as you have led them: in good times and bad, in health and sickness, in joy and despair, in life and in death. And bring us, and all whom you have redeemed, into that house, there to rejoice in the love you share with your Father and the Holy Spirit, and which you are pleased to share with us, forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.