“The moon and stars to rule by night, for His lovingkindness is
everlasting.  To Him who smote the
Egyptians in their firstborn, for His lovingkindness is everlasting,” (Psalm
136:9-10)

Even during that time which we
call dark, there is light.  The Lord is
always reminding us of His presence.  Be
reminded of His presence and then come into His purpose.  He has made You and You are called to become
as He is; that is, to grow in the likeness of Christ.  Be guided by the grace and mercy of the Lord
God who called you from darkness into the light of His everlasting presence.

Lord, I am sometimes overwhelmed with the thought of these things.  Lead me away from trying to figure everything
out, and into the place where I marvel at the way things are.  Teach me the fullness of Your revelation and
grow in me love for You and my neighbor. 
In You Lord is life and liberty. 
In You is found hope and everlasting life.  You have called me into Your presence now and
forever.

Lord Jesus, walking with You is
walking in the promise that leads to everlasting life.  Guide me this day to be a child of the
light.  Help me to grow in Your likeness,
learning to live each day as You give it. 
Guide me, Lord Jesus, in the way You know I need to go.  Help me to grow in wisdom and understanding.  Lord, You know all that is needed, and the
Father provides even before we ask. 
Thank You!  Amen.

Photo by Kym MacKinnon on Unsplash

“To Him who made the great lights, for His lovingkindness is
everlasting: The sun to rule by day, For His lovingkindness is everlasting,”
(Psalm 136:7-8)

In the beginning, God separated
the day from the night.  In Him is light
and He is the light of the world.  Come
into His presence and stand in the light. 
Be guided by the goodness of His grace and mercy.  Know that the Lord, the creator of all life, gives
us hope and freedom.  One does not need
to search for meaning, for meaning has come and He has called you into His
eternal presence.

Lord, I think in physical terms.  Did You make the creation to make yourself known?  Did You create the sun and light so that physical creatures could begin to comprehend who You are, the One who made us?  These thoughts are too wonderful for me.  You are great and greatly to be praised.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way of Your goodness and mercy that I would always trust and follow You.

Lord Jesus, You have come so
humbly that many ignored You thinking that the One through whom all things have
their being could not possibly be so humble. 
Yet You are, and You have called for us to follow You.  Guide me to be humble as You are humble.  Lead me to see that in You is hope and
glory.  Teach me this day that I would
walk in the light of Your countenance, doing what is pleasing in Your
sight.  Amen.

Photo by Andy Hutchinson on Unsplash

THE PRAYERS, 

13^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 18, Cycle C (September 8, 2019)

Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Gracious Father, teach us what true discipleship is, and by your Holy Spirit, give us the faith and steadfastness to bear its cost. Thank you for so clearly setting before us the “way of blessing and of curse; of life and of death.” Thank you for the grace which gives us strength to choose the life you offer through the death and resurrection of your Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the Church around the world. Make it holy and blameless, wise and loving, fearless and compassionate in equal measure. Make it delight in your Law and proclaim your Gospel. Establish its roots in the living waters flowing from Christ its head and its life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all the people and ministries of this congregation. Help us to delight in your Law, and to meditate on it day and night. Give us grace to forgive; faithfulness to serve, and joyfulness to worship. Use us to lead many people to those streams of water in which they will find true life in Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for your missionaries in every land. Give them wise and humble hearts, so that they bring the healing and saving Gospel to those whom the world has despised and rejected.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our nation and its leaders; and for the people and leaders of every nation on earth. Help all of us to “walk not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners; nor sit in the seat of scoffers;” but instead to delight in your Law; to meditate on your will; and to practice doing it so that we may live before you in peace and righteousness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for first responders and those in the military, for they know much about counting the cost of remaining faithful to their calling. Keep them safe; and prosper all they do that is in accordance with your will. When they are wounded in body or mind or spirit, grant healing and hope. And help us to honor their service and value their skills as they return to civilian life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the sick, lonely, imprisoned, abandoned, grieving and dying who need your mercy and loving-kindness – especially: {List}. Refresh their hearts; heal whatever is wounded; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them. As we recall Paul’s words to Philemon, we lift before you the plight of all who, even this day, are slaves; that they may be delivered from bondage and that we may acknowledge them as kindred for whom Christ has died.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy and loving Father, with gratitude and affection we entrust into your care our beloved dead. Through your Holy Spirit, strengthen us in our vocation as disciples of the Lord Jesus, so that, not counting the cost, we may bear faithful witness to his strong saving love throughout our earthly pilgrimage. And, for his sake, bring us into your presence, to be numbered with all those who serve you and who look upon your face in glory everlasting.

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.  AMEN.

THE PRAYERS, 

12^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 17, Cycle C (September 1, 2019)

Let us pray in the name of Jesus to our heavenly Father for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Gracious Father, you actually believe that, through repentant faith in Jesus, who humbled himself for our sake, we too can be humble without being doormat martyrs. You actually believe that, through the transforming power of your Holy Spirit, we can repent and joyfully show our gratitude to you by lives of gentleness and mercy toward one another. We’re not sure we can believe it! Grant us, dear Lord, your own confidence, and accomplish in us your vision of what we should be.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill your Church with humble trust and steadfast faith. Give it pastors, bishops, theologians and lay leaders who speak your truth in love. By your Holy Spirit, inspire compassionate deeds and holy lives among all who name Jesus Christ as Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless the people of this congregation. Help us to remember that at all times, we speak, act and live in the presence of your Son, our King as well as our friend. Let the way we treat one another, and all to whom we minister, reflect his strong saving love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Calm the fears and give comfort and strength to your persecuted servants throughout the world. By their humble witness, cause their enemies to repent and to turn to you, their only King, Lord and God.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this land with peace, justice, prosperity, concord, and integrity. Guide our leaders, and all who take counsel for the nations, so that they may always remember that they must give an account of their deliberations and deeds to you, the King of the Nations.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Your Son dignified our labor by sharing our toil. Be with your people wherever they work; make those who carry on the industries and commerce of this land responsive to your will; and give us pride in what we do. Be the strong refuge of those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Help us to use our wealth and resources, so that all who are able to work may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment for their labor.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Those who struggle with pain, sorrow, and adversity need the strength and healing that only you can give. We pray on their behalf, especially for: {List}. Quiet their fears; heal their bodies, minds and hearts; and renew their hope. Bless all who care for them, especially those who need refreshment, respite, and resources to continue their ministry of loving service.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dear heavenly Father, we thank you for receiving as your dear children all who have died trusting in you. Quiet the souls of all who mourn. Teach us to live simply and trustfully as your dear children also; and in your good time, lead us into your  presence, where with all whom you have redeemed by the merits of your beloved Son,, we will rest in your arms, delight in your goodness, and adore 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.  AMEN.

“To Him who made the heavens with skill, for His lovingkindness is
everlasting; To Him who spread out the earth above the waters, for His
lovingkindness is everlasting;” (Psalm 136:5-6)

Step back and think about
looking at all of creation as a whole. 
The magnitude of what God has created is in your view.  See the intricacy of what has been
created.  Be aware that we know very
little of the whole, what skill and intelligence is involved.  Understand that our Triune God made what He
made out of love.  He loves that which He
has made.  In love He knit the universe
together.

Lord, there are those around me who think they know.  They know much more than me, but they know a
very little of the whole.  Let me not
come to you in pride, but with awe and wonder at all that You have made.  Guide me in the goodness of Your grace to see
more clearly the truth of Your love which You have for all that You have
made.  Guide me through love to look at
the world You made and praise You for it.

Lord Jesus, You are in the love
relationship which is Trinity and You have come to invite those who believe to
join in.  Guide me, Lord Jesus, to come
on Your terms and in Your way to live into the life for which I have been
created.  Lead me, Lord, in the way of
truth that I may grow into Your likeness. 
May I be guided by Your Spirit this day to walk in the way You have
taught me, doing what is pleasing in the Father’s sight. Amen.

“Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His lovingkindness is
everlasting.  To Him who alone does great
wonders, for His lovingkindness is everlasting;” (Psalm 136:3-4)

Look around at the world and
what do you see?  Not the people first,
but the creation:  do you not marvel at
the creativity?  Can you not see the
great diversity?  Now look at the
people.  Do you not see great creativity
and diversity?  The Lord is marvelous for
He made all these.  Marvel at what the
Lord has done and praise Him.  To Him
alone belongs all praise and honor and glory.

Lord, I listen to what the world says and believe this is the truth of
all things.  I see only what I want to
see.  Help me to truly see with honest
eyes that I would marvel at all that You have made.  Guide me according to Your goodness to see
that in You alone is where honor and worship is due.  Lead me into Your presence that I may reside
with You all the days of my life.

Lord Jesus, You have come to lead
the way and to establish a faithful people who worship the Father in spirit and
in truth.  Guide me this day to live the
life which You intend for me to live. 
Guide me in the way I need to go that I may now and forever abide with
You and You with me.  Teach me to give
thanks and praise at all times and in all circumstances.  Amen.

Photo by Omar Lopez on Unsplash

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is
everlasting.  Give thanks to the God of
gods, for His lovingkindness is everlasting.” 
(Psalm 136:1-2)

 You look around and see the wickedness of the
world.  This is not the Lord’s doing, but
ours.  The Lord is good and greatly to be
praised.  Do not look on wickedness and
the Lord at the same time.  Look to the
Lord and see only the goodness He gives. 
See through the pollution spewed by the wicked to see the goodness that
was there first.  The love of the Lord is
forever.

Lord, let me see clearly the goodness You have established.  Let me see where perversion of goodness has
caused the wickedness I see.  Guide me
according to Your purposes that I would walk in the way of the righteous.  Lead me according to Your purposes to be
lifted up in Your countenance and walk according to Your ways.  Teach me to be one of Your lights in this
world.

Lord Jesus, You who brought light
and life into the world, guide me this day according to the Father’s
purpose.  Lead me in the way You would
have me go that I might now and forever abide in You.  Help me to see that in You alone is hope and
salvation.  Guide me, Lord Jesus, in the
way I need to go.  Amen.

“O house of Levi, bless the Lord; you who revere the Lord, bless the
Lord.  Blessed be the Lord from Zion, Who
dwells in Jerusalem.  Praise the
Lord!”  (Psalm 135:20-21)

The Lord raises up and appoints
those who are the leaders of the people. 
He calls to them to revere the Lord and be a blessing in His name among
the people.  The Lord calls from Zion, the
holy place He has prepared for those who are His.  Come into the Lord’s presence and praise Him
all you people.  Come you, who are in
positions of leadership, and praise Him.

Lord, grant that I would see that no matter what I do or where I am, I
am still your servant.  Grant me a clean
and righteous heart that would forever abide in Your presence and be guided by
your goodness and mercy.  Lead me, O Lord,
in the way You would have me go now and always. 
Help me to see in You the hope of glory and the goodness to which You
are calling me.  Draw me to Zion.

Lord Jesus, You who leads the way, lead me this day.  Guide me according to the way You have established that I would prepare to dwell in the house You are preparing forever.  Guide me, Lord, this day in the leadership You have given me that I would praise You.  Help me not wander away, but steadfastly prepare to live in the life eternal.  Amen.

“Those who make them will be like them, Yes, everyone who trusts in
them.  O house of Israel, bless the Lord;
O house of Aaron, bless the Lord;” (Psalm 135:18-19)

The Lord makes those who come to
Him like Him.  Come then and learn from
the Lord.  He tells you that at the end
of this age, you will be like Christ.  Bless
the Lord for all that He is doing.  Bless
the Lord for all He has done.  Bless the
Lord for the benefits you receive this day. 
He is gracious and merciful and His love endures forever.  Come then into His presence and receive His
goodness.

Lord, You know where I am and the obstacles that remain.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way of salvation
that I would learn and grow to be like Christ. 
Teach me Your ways, O Lord, that I may not resist where You are leading
me.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy
to receive the grace You are giving me. 
May I learn to bless You in all circumstances and at all times.  Bless You, Lord.

Lord Jesus, You walked this earth
and know the things that get in my way. 
You know me better than I know myself. 
Guide me, O Lord, in Your goodness that I would walk with You in the
salvation You have prepared for me.  Lead
me this day and every day that I may learn the blessings You have in mind for
me and all those who trust in You.  Guide
me, Lord Jesus, into the way of life eternal. 
Amen.

“The idols of the nations are but silver and gold, the work of man’s
hands.  They have mouths, but they do not
speak; they have eyes, but they do not see; they have ears, but they do not
hear, nor is there any breath at all in their mouths.”  (Psalm 135:15-17)

Many say they are glad they are
not like people of old who believed in dumb idols.  They drive in their shiny cars, work in
glimmering buildings, and listen to a variety of things all the while
worshiping the created and not the Creator. 
Yes, our age is filled with idolatry. 
Do not be deceived, but come into the presence of the Lord God and
worship Him alone.  He is the One who
made all things.

Lord, help me to see where there is idolatry in my heart. You are the
only One to be worshiped; yet I worship my creature comforts.  Guide me, O Lord, according to Your
lovingkindness to see through the false idols of this age that I would not
worship these other gods, but worship You alone.  You have granted me grace to come into Your
presence that I may learn to worship in spirit and in truth.

Lord, guide me into the salvation
You have prepared.  Lead me according to
Your will that I would walk by faith and in the grace I need.  Open my eyes to see You everywhere Lord.  Let me listen to what You have written in my
heart by the power of Your Spirit.  Help
me to listen to Your Spirit as You guide me moment by moment.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way of
salvation.  Amen.