“I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on
the work of Your hands.  I spread out my
hands to You; my soul longs for You like a thirsty land.”  (Psalm 143:5-6)

Look at the story of God saving
His people.  He did so despite their
behavior.  God loves His creation and
those whom He has made.  He provides for
us all.  Walk in the provision of the
Lord giving thanks for His goodness and mercy. 
Look for what the Lord has promised and be guided by the truth of all
that He has done and will do for those who walk in His salvation.  Come to the Lord.

Lord, I am sometimes lazy and just look at this moment.  I then react depending upon how I feel in this moment.  Lead me, O Lord, to walk in the goodness of Your grace and mercy and to know Your kindness. Lead me, O Lord, into the way of everlasting life.  Guide me now and always to abide in You in the promise that You are abiding in me.  Guide my soul to always long  for You.

Lord Jesus, You have prepared the journey of salvation for all who believe.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way of salvation that I would always walk in the way of righteousness.  Lift up my soul to look beyond the moments I find myself in and to live according to Your everlasting goodness.  You have come to lead the way.  Lead me, O Lord, and give me encouragement to always follow.  Amen

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“For the enemy has persecuted my soul; he has crushed my life to the
ground; he has made me dwell in darkness, like those who have long been
dead.  Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed
within me; my heart within me is distressed.” 
(Psalm 143:3-4)

There are times when life seems
overwhelming.  Things are not as you
imagined they would be.  This too is a
part of this life in this age.  It is a
reminder that this age does have aspects that are not quite right.  Do not linger in the temporary time of this
wickedness, but see beyond your circumstances the goodness which is also
present.  God has created what is good
and He calls you into what is good, right and salutary.

Lord, let not my heart be overcome by the adversity of this world but rather
transformed by the truth of Your goodness. 
Guide me through the malaise of this age to see the truth of Your
eternal goodness.  Through Your mercy,
lead me in the way of righteousness that, no matter the circumstances around me,
I may live into the life to which You have called me by grace.

Grace giver, Jesus, lead me this
day no matter the circumstances in which I find myself.  Lead me along the narrow path that daily
conforms my life to Yours.  Help me now
and always to see the truth of Your presence shining on me through in this age
of shadows.  Guide me according to the
plan of the Father to prosper in righteousness and live a life that is more and
more conformed to You.  Amen.

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THE PRAYERS, 

Christ the King Sunday, Cycle C (November 24, 2019)

In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to be our King who rules with justice and mercy, sacrificial death and resurrection life. Thank you for his glorious and gentle rule. Thank you for filling us with your Holy Spirit, so we have the faith to acclaim him as King and love him as Savior and Brother.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are pleased to make the Church into the Body of which Christ Jesus is the head. Give to the Church your Spirit, so through its words and deeds, many may be delivered from the domain of darkness; receive forgiveness and redemption; and be transferred into the Kingdom of your beloved Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make this congregation your treasured possession; and form us in the image of Jesus. Use us to draw others to his Cross; to proclaim his love; and to help them adore him as King, Savior, and God.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Unite the suffering of your persecuted people to the Passion of Christ. Let their tormentors see his love in their actions, hear his words of forgiveness on their lips; and turn to him in repentance and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our enemies; for criminals; evildoers and hatemongers; and for those we find it hardest to forgive. Let the words of Jesus – “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” – be on our lips, even that is hard. Let him subdue every sinful heart to his will, so that he might truly be all in all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Say to our rulers: “Be still; and know that I alone am God.” School their unruly and disobedient wills to your commands. Be the strong bulwark and mighty fortress to the poor and weak; the innocent and righteous. Cause peace, justice, health and mercy to be established in every land. Teach every heart to acclaim Jesus as King of kings and Lord of all nations; that his peace may rule undisturbed in every heart.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make war to cease in all the world; break the bow, shatter the spear, and burn the shields with fire. Hasten that day when we need not lift up prayers for those in the military, or for first responders. Until then, equip them with integrity, competence, and courage. Preserve them in safety and heal them when they falter. When they return, use them in new ways to benefit our communities and nation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Exalt yourself, O Lord; be the refuge and strength of all who are afflicted by danger, disease, disaster or despair. This day, we remember before you: {List}. Be their very present help in time of trouble; and make their hearts glad.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dear Father, your Son promises Paradise to any who, like the repentant thief, turns in faith to him. We entrust to you our beloved dead. Help us to comfort and encourage each other to trust and follow Jesus. Teach us to pray, “Jesus, remember me, when you come into your Kingdom.” And in your mercy, fulfill his words! Grant that we shall be with him in Paradise! Let us, with all the redeemed, adore and bless him forever, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, as Savior, Lord, King, and 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.  AMEN.

THE PRAYERS, 

23^rd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 28, Cycle C (November 17, 2019)

In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Most holy God, your promise to come with power and great glory, with judgment and healing, sometimes overwhelms and disturbs us. We pray for you to make all things right and new – but we know that you will judge each of us and we will see our sins laid out in all their ghastly glory. Cover us then, dear Lord, with your healing wings. Clothe us in the righteousness of Christ alone. Shield us with your Holy Spirit. And make us holy and whole, right and new, radiant with your light and life forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Cleanse and heal your Church throughout the world. Make it watchful and faithful in all things. Let it never grow weary in preaching the Gospel and serving the world for Jesus’ sake. Make it a shelter and place of healing for all who are wounded by the powers of sin, death, and the devil.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Sometimes it is hard for our congregation to “keep on keeping on” in worship, service, testimony, generosity, and holiness. Keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus and our ears alert to his Word. Amid the distractions and temptations we experience, grant that we may prefer nothing whatsoever to Christ

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Strengthen and shield everyone persecuted on account of Jesus. By their faithful endurance, turn the hearts of their tormentors to Christ in repentance, contrition, and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for seminarians, and for everyone who senses that you are calling them to serve you and your Church as a pastor, chaplain, deacon, or other church worker. Fill them with your Spirit. Kindle faith, hope, and love in their hearts. Surround them by a cloud of faithful witnesses, mentors, teachers, and prayer warriors. And bless them, to be a blessing to others.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Although the form of this world is passing away, still it is our home. Bestow wisdom, prudence, integrity, and mercy upon our leaders in government, education, industry, the military, our courts of justice, and every occupation and venue in which people hold positions of influence, responsibility, and power. And grant to everyone the blessing of peace and a measure of prosperity.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep all who suffer in your special care – especially: {List}. Grant healing to body, soul, heart, and mind. Strengthen everyone who cares for them. And surround them with the protection of your holy wings.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy God, we thank you for the lives of your faithful people, especially those dearest to us, who now rest from their labors. Wipe away the tears of all who mourn their loss. Support us throughout our earthly pilgrimage with your Word and holy Sacraments. Give us strength and charity, so that we encourage and assist one another even as we follow Jesus through the darkest valleys of death’s shadow. And bring us, by his merits, into the light, life, and love of your Kingdom, where with all the redeemed, we worship and adore you in the unity you share eternally with your Son and the Holy Spirit.

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, 

22^nd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 27, Cycle C (November 10, 2019)

In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, we stand awestruck before your presence. You reveal your name in a burning bush. You reveal your heart in your crucified Son. You bestow liberty to captives, forgiveness to sinners, sight to the blind, truth to the deluded, and life to the dead! We adore you, O God and we bless you forever!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

By the power of your Spirit, give your Church such words and wisdom that your enemies may neither withstand nor contradict its witness. Keep it steadfast in faith; unwavering in endurance; diligent in service; and joyful in hope. Give it faithful pastors who announce the coming of the Son of Man, so that many repent, receive strength to stand before him, and see their redemption drawing near.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the people and the mission of this congregation. Keep us watchful, faithful, and brave. Keep our minds, hearts, lips, eyes and hands focused on speaking and doing your will. Help us to encourage the fearful and challenge the idle; to comfort the despairing and the grieving; and to lighten the loads of all who are burdened by the cares and sorrows of this broken world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide, protect and encourage your missionaries, so that they do not grow weary in announcing the Gospel of salvation throughout the world. Give bold words and enduring faith to Christians who are persecuted on account of the name of Jesus. Grant us grace to speak on their behalf, and to help them however we can. Cause those who despise them to repent and to seek forgiveness and redemption.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Wars and rumors of wars; persecution and injustice; and natural disasters made worse by human sinfulness afflict nations and peoples, even in this modern age. Teach your laws and statutes to the world’s rulers, so that their hearts are turned to care for their people. And help all of us to speak and act with compassion and kindness, because we do not know what burdens are borne by those around us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be merciful to everyone who has been assaulted by the powers of sin, death, and the devil, and who cry out for help. Violence and wars, famines and floods, sickness and misery, and the wickedness of the human heart, make this and every age seem like those “end times” of which Jesus speaks. Help all Christians to speak and live the Gospel so clearly, that even those most estranged from you might take heart and turn back to you, and lift up their heads to see your promised redemption.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for injured, sick and dying; of pregnant and nursing mothers; of the handicapped and addicted; and of all who have none to care for them in their times of greatest need. We pray also for first responders and those in the military who stand between us and chaotic dangers. Most especially we pray for: {List}. Grant that the Sun of Righteousness, even the Lord Jesus Christ, should rise upon them with healing in his wings; and give them the joy of his saving help.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Almighty and gracious Father, those who have died trusting in you are already singing songs of exultation and victory. We thank you for fulfilling your promises to them. Grant that even in the midst of the turmoil and heartache of this broken world, we may bear witness to your steadfast mercy, and announce your salvation to all who have hearts to hear. Bring us, with all the redeemed, into the glorious light of your dear Son’s presence. There, healed from sin and sorrow, grant us the priceless gift of rejoicing in your great love 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.

“Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications!  In Your faithfulness answer me, and in Your
righteousness.  Do not enter into
judgment with Your servant, for in Your sight no one living is righteous.”  (Psalm 143:1-2)

Your hope is not built upon your
ability to be righteous.  Good works
accomplish nothing in the equation of salvation.  Your hope is based upon the mercy of God and
the grace He gives by faith.  Live then
knowing that it is the Lord who has done this and not you yourself.  Trust in the Lord and all of His ways, for He
alone knows all that is needed.  Be guided
by the grace and mercy of the Lord.

Lord, You know the struggle I have. 
You know how my heart hears your call, but also hears the tug of the
wickedness of this world.  Guide me, O
Lord, in the way You would have me go. 
Lead me according to Your goodness to see through the haze of this world
and know that You have given the words of eternal life.  Lead me O Lord and I will be led.  Guide me O Lord and I will follow.

Lord Jesus, You have come to lead
the way.  Guide me by Your grace to
follow You all the days of my life.  Lead
me according to Your goodness to take Your life into mine and increasingly
become more like You.  Help me through
the obstacles that come along the way. 
In Your grace and the Father’s mercy, lead me to do what is pleasing in
Your sight.  You are my Savior.  Save me this day.  Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

All Saints’ Sunday (November 3, 2019)

In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Thank you, dear Father, for all the sinners whom you have redeemed and are pleased to call your saints! Thank you for their example of repentance, trust, humility and obedience, even when that was hard. Help us remember them with gratitude, and give us grace to follow in their footsteps.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Preserve, guide and sanctify your one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. Array it in the garments of salvation; and conform it to the likeness of your Son. Adorn it with mercy, humility, peace, faithfulness and purity, so that it may be a blessing to many, and a sign of your Kingdom’s close approach.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Touch with your beauty and goodness the hearts of everyone in this congregation. Make our words gracious and our deeds lovely. Let the light of Jesus so shine in all our words and deeds that, when anyone sees or hears us, they get a glimpse of his great love for them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our national church body, that it may be pure of heart, filled with peace, and poor in spirit. We plead on behalf of all missionaries. Help them to feed all who hunger and thirst with your bread of righteousness – and with earthly bread. And we ask your blessing upon those who are persecuted on account of naming Jesus as Lord. Fill them with joy, peace, and gentleness. Give them a gracious word truth and forgiveness, so that their tormentors may repent and be saved.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for everyone in elected or appointed positions of authority in our community, state and nation. Give them a double portion of your Spirit, so they may act in accordance with your will and to the benefit of everyone entrusted to their care. Help all of us to set aside bitterness and hatred, and give us forbearance, graciousness, and the willingness to work for the common good.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Until your peace is established in this world, good men and women must risk their lives in defense of life, liberty, safety and justice. Bless and protect them. Shelter their families from fear; bring them home in safety; heal their wounds to body and spirit; and use their service as building blocks for a happier and safer world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Deliver from suffering and sorrow all those whose need is great, especially: {List}. Give them the hope, comfort and faith they need to weather their trials; and restore them to health and fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy and gracious Father, receive into your Kingdom our beloved dead, especially {List}. Keep us faithful and true, holy and steadfast, as we walk the narrow Way established by your dear Son. Give us joy along that way, and help us to encourage and help one another along it. Bring us safely into that Kingdom of light, life and love which you have vouchsafed to all whom you redeem by the sufferings of Christ. And there let us see you face to face, and experience the unspeakable joy of abiding in your love 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.

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“But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; in You I take refuge; do not
leave my soul destitute.  Keep me from
the snares they have laid for me, and from the traps of the workers of
iniquity.  Let the wicked fall into their
own nets, while I escape safely.”  (Psalm
141:8-10)

There are times when it feels as
though the Lord is not near.  Keep your
eyes upon the Lord and know that He is always near.  Be led by the truth of His presence and not
the lies of the wickedness of this age. 
The wicked will trap themselves, but those who look to the Lord will
continue in freedom.  Live a life that is
led by the freedom of the Lord and know His goodness.

Lord, You know that I am struggling daily with the things of this
world.  It is all around me.  It seems for at least awhile that the wicked
prosper.  Lead me away from thinking I
can understand Your justice and instead focus on the fact that You are good and
merciful.  Keep my eyes upon You always
and help me walk through each day in the guidance of Your Spirit to do Your
will.

Lord Jesus, You know the struggle
it is in this world with those around You who were either pressing into wanting
something or else seeking to destroy You. 
Help me follow Your example and always look to the Father for guidance
and encouragement.  Keep me on the narrow
path of Your salvation that I would now and always live according to the will
of the Heavenly Father.  Amen.

“Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my
persecutors; for they are stronger than I. Bring my soul out of prison, that I
may praise Thy Name: the righteous shall compass me about; for Thou shalt deal
bountifully with me.”  (Psalm 142:6-7)

What does the world do with
those who are faithful?  They scatter
them like bones tossed in anger and hatred. 
Do not look to the world, but to the Lord who is the One who vindicates.  Come into the Lord’s presence and be lifted
up by His countenance.  Be led by the
goodness of the Lord and live into the life to which you have been called by
grace and through faith.

Holy Spirit, You know what is going on in my heart.  You know the circumstance of my life.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way I should go.  Illuminate the path before me that I may walk
in Your light.  Guide my heart to look to
You alone amongst all that is going on around me.  You are my helper.  Help me live through this life to be a faithful
witness of the truth You have revealed through Your Word.

Lord Jesus, Word made flesh, You
have come into our midst to lead the way. 
Help me this day to look to You and live according to Your example.  Guide me in the goodness of the grace You
purchased for us from Calvary.  May I be
led all the days of my life solely by Your provision.  You are the One who is the way, truth, and
life.  Lead me, O Lord, according to Your
goodness.  Amen.

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“I cried unto the, O LORD; I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in
the land of the living.”  (Psalm 142:5)

It does not matter how you feel this day.  The Lord still loves you and His plans will continue forward.  It you feel good and life is well for you, give thanks; if all are against you, look to the Lord.  The Lord knows all that is needed and has provided, even before you ask, for all of what you need.  In all situations, do not turn away from the Lord, but see His face and learn to love Him as He first loved you.

Lord, I am often conflicted in this world and I go into the world
without my loins being girded.  Guide me,
O Lord, to live out all of Your precepts that I may live in this world of
wickedness without rejecting the life that You give me.  Guide me, O Lord, in Your mercy to see that
in You alone is the hope for all people in every age.  Help me to live the life to which You have
called me.

Lord Jesus, You know what it is
to walk amongst people who reject You and what You have come to
accomplish.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way
of truth that I would walk humbly beside You and live in the way You have
called me to live.  Lift me up according
to the Father’s will to do what is right and pleasing in Your sight.  Lead me all the days of my life to be Your
humble servant.  Amen.