“Many times they have persecuted me from my youth up,” let Israel now
say, “Many times they have persecuted me from my youth up; yet they have not
prevailed against me.”  (Psalm 129:1-2)

What is persecution?  Is it not hindering you from walking humbly
with the Lord?  Sometimes we make thing
bigger which are really smaller.  Walk
with the Lord and you will see the blessing upon your children’s children.  Do not be waylaid by the wicked, but come to
know the Lord and commune with Him, and He with you.  He has come to give His peace to the
faithful.

Lord, I hear these things and I have taken in Your Word.  But the world wants me to walk in another
way.  Lead me away from all that is wrong
in this world and help me to practice what is good, right and salutary.  Guide me according to Your goodness to live
the life You have given to all those who are Yours.  Let me not fear the persecution of this
world, but walk through it to You.

Lord Jesus, You promised that we would be persecuted for Your name’s sake.  You said they would hate us because they first hated You.  Let me understand this and then continue, no matter what, to seek faithfulness.  Let me see it that I may know what some of the hindrances are.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way You would have me go.  Let me not falter, but always follow You faithfully, my Lord and Savior.  Amen.

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“The Lord bless you from Zion, and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.  Indeed, may you see your children’s children.  Peace be upon Israel!”  (Psalm 128:5-6)

There are many kinds of blessings.  This one transcends time.  It speaks of being blessed as one who is in the Lord forever.  It speaks of being blessed in your daily life.  It speaks of being blessed with a good and long life in this age.  It is asking the Lord to shower His blessing upon you.  Rejoice that the Lord gives such good gifts and cares for His children.  Learn how good the Lord is!

Lord, You have provided all that is needed for all living things from the beginning.  You provide food for all the creatures in due season.  Let me look to You and live in the joy You give knowing that in You is all hope and an eternal future.  Lead me Lord to know Your goodness and taste the provision of Your blessings.  Help me see these things always and clearly.

Come Holy Spirit and open my eyes to see and my ears to hear.  The world focuses upon all that is evil.  You have shared with me goodness and mercy.  Help me see these things that I would share the goodness and mercy You have given me with others.  Guide me ever deeper in the blessings which are mine because of the gift of faith You have given me and the grace which saves me.  Amen.

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“Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house, your
children like olive plants around your table. 
Behold, for thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.”  (Psalm 128:3-4)

The Lord has a purpose for all
situations.  To be blessed is to grow in
the way of the Lord.  Walk in His
provision and know the goodness He gives to those who love Him.  The one who fears the Lord seeks to walk in
all of His ways.  The one who loves the
Lord listens to and obeys Him.  Come into
the Lord’s presence and receive the blessing He has for those who follow Him in
all of His ways.

Lord, help me to see through all of the ideas that are out there that
do not lead me in the way of faithfulness. 
Help me to learn how to be faithful and how to be blessed.  Guide me in all of Your ways that I may learn
how to love as You love.  Teach me to
live as You created me to live that I would now and forever be guided by Your
goodness and mercy.  Lead me more fully
into grace.

Lord Jesus, You have come to lead those who follow into everlasting life.  Guide me this day according to Your goodness that I would walk by Your grace in the way of righteousness.  Help me to see the obstacles to walking by faith that I may learn from You how to be faithful.  Lead me, Lord Jesus, for You alone know all that I need this day to walk in the Father’s blessing.  Amen.

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“How blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His
ways.  When you shall eat of the fruit of
your hands, you will be happy and it will be well with you.”  (Psalm 128:1-2)

The commandment about stealing
is not about earning what is yours.  We
all have sinned.  That is not what this
is talking about.  It is telling us to
rejoice in what the Lord has given us. 
It is telling us to be thankful for what we have gained through our own
effort.  It is about being honest before
the Lord and with one another.  The joy
of the Lord is found in contentment.

Lord, You know what a mixed up world I live in.  You know where even in my own mind I do not
have these things straight.  Help me, O
Lord, to live into the hope and promises that You give.  Guide me according to Your goodness to see in
You the hope of eternal life.  Lead me, O
Lord, in the way You know I need to go to find the joy and contentment that You
offer.

Lord Jesus, You have come to save
us from the circle of wickedness that this age offers.  Lead me this day, O Lord, to be content in
what You have given me.  Guide me
according to Your goodness to see the hope that You alone are able to give in
salvation.  Help me live this day in the
joy of Your presence knowing that You, O Lord and Savior, will lead me.  Amen.

“Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.  Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are
the children of one’s youth.  How blessed
is the man whose quiver is full of them; they will not be ashamed when they
speak with their enemies in the gate.” 
(Psalm 127:3-5)

Think on these words in this day
of hating children and being rid of them before they are born.  The Lord has established order such that life
can be prosperous and healthy.  We have
gone astray and our priorities have gone down the broad way of
destruction.  Come back into the presence
of the Lord and see things as He has made them to be.  Be blessed with His blessings.

Lord, I live in a world that thinks a curse is a blessing and a
blessing is a curse.  Correct my heart so
that I may see things as they are.  Guide
me according to Your goodness to not be deceived by this age, but understand
the simplicity of Your ways.  Let me be
blessed, O Lord, by having many children who walk in the way I walk, which is
the way of Your salvation.  Bless me with
a faith that is shared.

Lord Jesus, You are the way,
truth and life and no one can come to the Father except through You.  Help me to be a follower who is led by Your
salvation.  Guide me according to Your
goodness to know that in You is hope and a future.  Let me be a blessing to others with the
blessing You have given me.  May I never
be ashamed of Your purpose or presence. 
Amen.

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“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain.  It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; for He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.”  (Psalm 127:1-3)

Humanity labors in vain to build what it believes will last forever.  Heaven and earth will pass away.  Only the Lord is forever.  Unless you rest in the Lord, you labor in vain.  Do not be deceived, but come into the promises of the Lord and be guided by His grace and mercy to become whom He is making you to be.  He gives help to those who are His, even while you sleep.

Lord, this world entices me to chase after its idea of the dream.  Although You give me great grace to live as I
live, change my priorities that I may see in You the hope of glory.  Guide me according to Your goodness to live
into the future You have in mind for me. 
Keep me from the wasteful ways of the world to live into the hope and
promise that You alone can give.  Only in
You is there a true future.

Lead me, Lord Jesus, this day to
see through the enticements of this world. 
Guide me according to Your goodness to live into what You have in mind
for the future.  You know all that is
needed and You have already made provision for the course of my life.  Teach me to willingly go where You would have
me go that I may grow in Your likeness. 
Lead me now and always, my Lord and Savior.  Amen.

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“Restore our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the South.  Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful
shouting.  He who goes to and fro
weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.”  (Psalm
126:4-6)

We find that we are in a place
that is not home.  We are captives in
this world of wickedness.  Yes, there is
joy, but it is not our home.  The Lord promises
to prepare us for the home He has prepared for those who will come out of
wickedness and into His eternal presence. 
Come then and be lifted up and out. 
Be prepared to dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Lord, continue to work on my heart that I would grow in wisdom and
understanding according to Your goodness. 
Lead me in the way of everlasting life that I would now and forever
abide in the truth of Your presence. 
Take away from me those things that would hinder me that I might become
more like Jesus this day.  Guide me  O Lord, on the way to Zion that I would flee
the captivity of this world.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for
descending to us in order that we may ascend with You to abide with You
forever.  Lead me, O Lord, this day in
the way of truth.  Guide me by the
leading of Your Spirit to sustain the hope You give.  May I be found walking faithfully with You
this day, being led in the way that is pleasing to the Father.  Lead me always, my Lord and Savior.  Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

7^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 12, Cycle C (July 28, 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

Father, we have grown so used to praying to you that sometimes we forget what a privilege and grace it is! Forgive us when we become careless, forgetful, or presumptuous in our prayer life. By your Spirit’s leading, make us eager to stand with Jesus’ arm around our shoulders, confidently and lovingly calling you “Abba, Father,” and talking with you about everything.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep your Church firmly rooted and grounded in Christ, its Head. Make it dead to sin and alive to righteousness. Give it the faith and the words to pray continually for the needs of all people, and for their salvation. Give it the strength and will to act in accordance with your will.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Draw the people of this congregation into a life of conversation and prayer with you. Help us to boldly ask for your mercy; to constantly seek your guidance; and to persistently knock at the door of your heart. Give us the courage and love to invite family, friends and neighbors into a closer walk with you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Deliver your persecuted servants from the evil that afflicts them.  Help them to forgive and to pray for their enemies. Help us to pray for them and with them. And guide and strengthen all missionaries. Help them find and use every means possible for introducing unbelievers to your dear Son, until all hearts are tuned to your praise.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep this country in your care. Guide our leaders in pathways of righteousness, justice and wisdom. Help us to cherish, preserve, and extend the blessings of liberty and opportunity for all. Grant a measure of health, safety and peace to the people of every nation; and establish your Kingdom among us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of our enemies; for those who are estranged from us; for those who mock us and who would work to harm us; and for all whose hearts are full of bitterness, malice, perversion and every other evil impulse. Cleanse, heal, and transform them, until they are conformed to your will. Help us to forgive them as you have forgiven us. And heal the hearts of all who have been wounded by them, so that we may all reflect the holiness and mercy of your dear Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear the prayers of those who ask for healing; who seek for comfort; and who knock on doors that they fear are shut to them. We especially lift before you the needs of: {List}. Graciously hear their cries; and answer them from the abundant wellsprings of your mercy and steadfast love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, keep in your care those who have died clinging to those promises which have their Yes in Christ. Be gracious to those who mourn. Give each of us the daily bread we need throughout our earthly pilgrimage. Help us to readily give and humbly ask for forgiveness. Strengthen us when we are tempted to turn aside from your good will; and deliver us from the snares of the Evil One. Bring us into the Kingdom that you have prepared for all whom you have redeemed through the merits of your dear Son, so that in the power of the Holy Spirit, we may praise, adore and bless you forever.

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, 

6^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 11, Cycle C (July 21, 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

Lord, thank you for the gift of hospitality by which we may entertain angels unaware – or even Christ himself. Give us glad and generous hearts, so through our efforts, we refresh and gladden the hearts of others. And give us your Spirit, so that by faith, we discern and gratefully receive the hospitality of heaven that you give us in your well-beloved Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Build up your Church in mature faith, patient suffering, generous service, and gracious hospitality. Through its preaching, teaching and worship, reveal the mysteries of your strong saving love; so that many may eagerly seek your face, and live.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Help the people of this congregation – men, women, and children – to rightly balance the loving hospitality of Martha with the loving listening of Mary. Use all that we say and do to to lead many people to “the one thing needful” – the strong saving love of their Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your servant Paul suffered for the sake of the Gospel, as do many Christians in this day. Make them desire to glorify you; to encourage one another; and to be a witness to their Savior, who suffered and prayed even on behalf of his persecutors, and theirs.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our nation; for our world; for its leaders and peoples; and for your presence to dwell with us all. Grant that we may know your will, and seek your peace. Teach us to sit at your feet; to love your Law; to display your mercy; and to share your blessings with one another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the strength and shield of all who stand in harm’s way to protect life and liberty. Give them courage and competence; heal their wounds of body, soul and mind; restore them swiftly to their loved ones; and help them find new ways to serve you, their communities, and their nation, when their tours of duty are ended.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the light and salvation of all who are afflicted with pain, suffering, or sorrow – especially: {List}. Strengthen their bodies; refresh their hearts; take away their fears; and give them your peace. Bless all who care for them with kindness, gentleness, competence, and common sense.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the lives of your faithful servants whom we have known and loved, and who have received that good portion that shall never be taken from them. Help us to comfort those who mourn; to nourish those who hunger for food, fellowship, or forgiveness; and to help one another become mature in faith. Welcome us, and all your servants of every time and place, into your spacious House; where we shall no more be strangers, servants or guests, but your dear children who see you face to face, at home with you forever.

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, 

5^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 10, Cycle C (July 14, 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

Holy God, thank you for entrusting to us the ministry of extending mercy and compassion to everyone we meet. But sometimes it overwhelms us! Sometimes we get “compassion fatigue,” and we make excuses for “passing by on the other side.” Sometimes we are blinded by distractions and self-absorption. Forgive us, dear Father, and kindle your Holy Spirit within our hearts. Make us lovely signs of your love to those who need it most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

When your Church lies wounded and bleeding, and its leaders pass by on the other side, send your dear Son to be her Good Samaritan. Anoint her with the oil of healing and gladness. Feed her with the medicine of immortality, the Body and Blood of her Savior. And raise her up to be your “Mercy Hospital” for a hurting and hurtful world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill the hearts of everyone in this congregation with kindness and mercy. Make us holy and humble, gentle and good, courageous and compassionate, all in equal measure. Make us into your kindly beasts of burden who bear wounded and dying souls to the healing presence of Jesus, their Good Physician.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Our persecuted sisters and brothers cry to you for help. Give them strength, hope, and courage in their suffering. Prevent us from ignoring their plight. And forgive and transform the evildoers who have so grievously wounded members of your Son’s precious Body.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give sharp eyes, wise hearts, and generous hands to our elected and appointed leaders, in government and in all walks of life where they are given authority and power. Help each of us to notice our neighbor’s distress, and give us the grace and the willingness to show them mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, so much of our country has experienced dreadful weather this year! Bless the farms, businesses, and homes of those in flooded areas – and those who elsewhere are stricken by drought. Keep safe all who work to repair and strengthen bridges, roads, dams, and levees. Open wide the hands of all your people, to help provide for those whose homes and livelihoods have been washed or shriveled away.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring the healing balm of Jesus’ grace and mercy to all who are wounded in body, mind, or spirit – especially those we name before you now. Bless all who act as a Good Samaritan to them. Grant that all that is needed for health and hope is provided, so that they may be restored to full fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for providing the fullness of healing and mercy to our beloved dead. Heal the hearts of those still wounded by grief and care. Help us to show gentleness and kindness to everyone we meet throughout our earthly pilgrimage, because we do not know the burden of suffering that they bear. Fill us with your life-giving Spirit. And, by your grace, bring us into your house of healing,  life, love, and peace, which your Son has prepared for all whom he has redeemed, and where we shall abide with you forever.

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.