“For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me” (1 Corinthians 15:9-10).

We are whom we are. By the grace of God, we have been appointed in the time and place in which we find ourselves. Come then in the grace you have received and be a workman for the cause to which You have been given. Do not be as the world looking for places of self-appointment, but be content in what the Lord has given you that you may be pleasing in His sight.

Lord, the world is constantly looking for upward mobility. Guide me in the way of truth that I may be content with the grace You have given me. Guide me according to Your will that I would now and always abide in You and do those things You give me to do. Lead me according to Your grace that I may reflect the truth of Your presence in my life now and always.

Lord Jesus, You did not come as One who seemed superior in any way, but as a servant of all. You through whom all things have their being did not seek to be the center, but You are the center. Lead me in Your example that I would now and always humbly abide in You as You abide in me. Guide me to do those things for which I have been appointed with thankfulness and humility. Amen.

“Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also” (1 Corinthians 15:7-8).

The sin of pride is in all of us. We are whom the Lord has made and we are not our own. The freedom Christ gives through grace is not a freedom to do as we please, but to become whom the Lord is making us to be. Do not be caught off guard, nor think more highly of yourself, but think in terms of what the Lord has said. See all that He is and lift Him up above all things; including yourself.

Lord, help me see where I do have issues of the self above others. Let me learn to be content in You and in all situations. Guide me according to Your goodness to come into Your presence with thanksgiving and live the life You have given me to live. Lead me in the way of truth that I may learn from You and be guided through the grace You give to live the life You have created for me.

Lord Jesus, You came as a servant and modeled the godly life. Lead me in the example You have given to live for You and not for myself. Help me to see beyond myself and see those places where I place myself first. Guide me now and always that I would walk with You, doing what is pleasing to the Father. In all things, teach me how to praise, thank and worship You for all things. Amen.

“And that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:5-6)

When one asks for proof, they are often referring to the scientific method. One can prove nothing in history in this way. What has happened cannot be repeated. However, when one asks for witnesses, five hundred is something altogether different. We are all called to be a witness of the resurrected Christ through the reality of our lives being changed by His grace and mercy.

Lord, this age has become very demanding, wanting proofs and yelling you down when the answer you give is not to someone’s liking. Lead me, Lord, away from the cacophony of insanity this world yells to hear Your gentle voice speaking to me in the quiet times of my life. Guide me Lord according to Your goodness that I would abide with You, walk with You, and listen to You.

Lord Jesus, it really was no different in Your day. Even Paul who wrote this was, before that time, hostile and against You until You called him into Your service. Guide me, Lord, in Your goodness that I would walk with You in spite of the noise and confusion of this age. Help me to be one of Your witnesses living out the truth of the Gospel now and always. Lead me, Lord, that I would abide in You now and always. Amen.

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

The heart of the Gospel is that the Lord has done what needs to be done. We love to talk about it, think about it, ponder over it; but never lose sight of the simple fact that Christ has accomplished what needs to be done. This is the thing of first importance. Realizing that Christ has died for our sins, what then? Live in Christ and know that He has accomplished salvation for you.

Lord, You have commanded that we learn to obey all that You have commanded. You have also done all that is needed for salvation. In between these two is the reality of life in this age. Lead me to walk between the law, which is good, and the salvation You have accomplished, which is my hope. In this place, as far as I am able, help me to live in the law. Beyond that remind me that it is You who accomplishes all that needs to be done.

Lord Jesus, You have come into the world in order that all who believe might be saved. Guide me in the goodness of the law and of Your salvation. Lead me to know that in You alone is all hope and glory. Guide me, O Lord, in the way of the freedom You have purchased that I may abide in You as You abide in me. Guide me, O Lord, and teach me to follow You in all of Your ways. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, Holy Trinity, Cycle A (June 7, 2020)

In the power of the Spirit, let us pray to God the Father, that through his dear Son, he would accomplish his will for the Church, the world, and all people for whom we pray.

A brief silence

We adore you, O Lord, and confess you are one God in three Persons. With God the Son, in the power of God the Spirit, we are bold to pray to God the Father as “Our Father!” We do not deserve, and can barely comprehend, such a wonder. All we can do is bless your holy Name and proclaim your goodness and grace to the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant that your Church may always worship your Triune nature in unity; and confess that your unity is that of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Give the Church such wisdom and faith that it may rightly proclaim your Name to the world. And give it such humility and grace that, through it, many come to know, trust, and love you, the Lord and Savior of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You commanded the Church to go into all nations, making disciples, baptizing in your Name, and teaching others to observe all you have commanded. Keep your persecuted servants faithful to that Great Commission, even when it would be easier to fall away. Purify, strengthen and correct the words and lives of us who are NOT persecuted, so we are not a scandal to their witness, nor a stumbling-block to those who do not yet believe.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make this congregation a temple fit for your most holy presence. Use our committees, Bible studies, choirs, and other ministries to glorify your Name in our midst; to bind us together in your love; and to draw those who are far from you into your loving and saving embrace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You created this world and blessed it and called it good; and you entrust it to us as your stewards. We are called to be the very face of God to creation! Grant that we may use the bounties of the sea, land and air with wisdom and prudence. Give gentle and loving hearts to all who care for animals. Bless farmers, ranchers, fisher-folk, and all who keep an anxious eye on weather, pollution, and everything that affects this beautiful planet.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Remind leaders of the nations that they are your stewards of authority and power. Remind captains of industry and commerce that they are stewards of the world’s resources. Remind the healthy and wealthy, the educated and influential, the popular and powerful, that they, too, are stewards of your lavish gifts. Remind all of us that we are stewards of your bounty. You command us to use them in accordance with your will; and your will is for all people and all creatures to enjoy their rightful portion of your gifts.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Shield and guide our military, first responders, and all who are charged with defending life and liberty. Give them wisdom, valor and integrity. Use their skills to establish safety and justice. Heal their bodies, minds and spirits from the shadows of violence and destruction.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless, heal, and comfort all who are beset by heartache, despair, pain, confusion, shame or sorrow. Especially we pray for: {List}. Raise them up from the dark valleys in which they wander; be their light and life, their guide and joy. And return them to the fellowship of all who love and pray for them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal: we praise, bless and adore you for showing your mercy to those who have died trusting in your promises. Visit us with your wisdom, love, and forgiveness. Teach us the moves and graces of your triune fellowship. Help us to practice them with one another, for our mutual edification. Bring us into your presence, so that we may sit at table with you and with the whole company of the redeemed. Let us gaze upon your blessed countenance and adore you most joyfully as our Lord and God, O Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever and unto the ages of ages.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, O Father, for the sake of Jesus your Son; and by the power of your Holy Spirit, bring what is pleasing in your sight to fruition in our lives. Amen.

“Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:1-2).

There is the Gospel which is the same in all places and at all times. We do not figure out how to be saved, but learn that Christ has died that we may be joined with Him in His resurrection. Do not be caught up in the speculations of those who are trying to figure things out, but come to the One who is the Creator of all. In Him is the light and life of all men and the promised salvation we all need.

Lord, help me to not get caught up in the speculations of those who say many different things. Help me to hear the Gospel You have delivered unto us once for all. Lead me in Your goodness that I may now and always abide in the hope You have given. Give me an ear to hear what others say, but to not be lead astray by the speculations that are put before Your Good News of salvation that is in You alone.

Lord Jesus, in Your goodness and according to the Father’s will, You have accomplished for all who believe the salvation we all need. Help me follow You on the narrow road and live the life You have given me to live. Guide me now and always according to the Father’s will that I would become whom You are making me to be. Give me ears to hear and a heart to serve You always. Amen.

“But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues. But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner” (1 Corinthians 14:38-40).

Good order is a principle that reflects what the Lord has created in creation. We are not just individuals seeking to gain for ourselves notoriety, but creatures of our God and King. Seek to work harmoniously with all in the building up of the body of Christ. Seek to live in accordance with God’s will for your life and know that in the Lord alone is your core and being.

Lord, help me in the struggle between self and the reality of who I am in the communion of saints. Guide me to use what You have given me, not bound by human traditions, but willingly and freely. Lead me by Your Spirit in the harmony that You are creating in the body of Christ. Let me not stray from where You have placed me, but willingly and freely serve you alongside others.

Lord Jesus, You died to set us free from the sinful compulsion to see ourselves rise above the pack. Guide me to be whom You are making me to be knowing that only in You is there hope and an eternal future. According to Your guidance, lead me in the goodness You are creating to work alongside all others whom You are calling by grace to be the church where You have placed us. Amen.

“ Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only? If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment.” (1 Corinthians 14:36-37).

Everything comes from the Lord. Do not be misguided in your thinking. It is not the other way round. We do not figure this out, but live into what the Lord gives us. Salvation is from Christ and we live in the salvation He gives. The last part of the Great Commandment was to learn to obey all that He has commanded. Recognize that it is all coming from the Lord and that You have been given a great gift.

Lord, let me not become caught up in the insanity of this age which thinks of self first. Help me to see that in You is all hope and the promise of salvation. Guide me in the way of goodness that I would now and forever realize that it is what You are doing in me and not what I am doing in You that matters. Clear my thinking to see the one-way character of these things and live under Your direction.

Holy Spirit, speak to me that I may speak. When You do not give me words to speak, keep me silent. In all things, lead me according to Your goodness to see that in You alone is all hope, for You have come to bring understanding to my mind. Be the One who leads me in all things and guide me according to Your goodness to see that through You comes all that I know about salvation. Amen.

“The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says.  If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church.”  (1 Corinthians 14:34-35)

Well now, doesn’t this speak against what our society has become?  The legalists run with this and it become a battle point and place of confusion.  Meditate upon what the Lord is teaching us and come back to the place where we look to Him and see that each takes their own place in His kingdom.  By this, hear no word of legalistic wrangling.  The Lord calls whom He calls and for His purpose, be they male or female.  But in this, let no confusion enter into your midst.

Lord, what a battle there has been in the church over these things.  The wicked one enters and stirs the pot.  Lead me to see what You are doing and to celebrate what You are accomplishing.  Let me not be hindered by the words of men, but be encouraged, uplifted, and strengthened by the truth that You are saving all who turn to You.  Lead me, Lord, in the way I need to go.

Lord Jesus, the liberation of women would not have happened if You had not come and set the course in a different direction.  In You, there is neither male nor female.  Help me understand through the confusion of the wicked One that You are still Lord and still leading through the morass of this age.  Guide me to keep my eyes upon You now and always for the sake of Your kingdom.  Amen.

“And the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets; for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints” (1 Corinthians 13:32-33).

The heart of this is important.  Confusion is of the wicked one. Where you see confusion, there you see the devil at work. What then?  Look to the Lord and know that He who created all things will lead you into all goodness. The Savior is the One who must lead, for we all must be saved, and we cannot do it ourselves. Therefore, turn to Him in all things and know that He who redeems You is the One who will lead you into eternal life.

Lord, grant that I would see with clarity the truth that is being spoken here.  I am not here for myself, but for You who created me. Let me have no part in confusion, but grant that I take part in the work You are doing in this age.  Lead me Lord and I will follow.  Guide me Lord and grant wisdom that I would listen and obey. In all things, grant me eyes to see the unfolding of Your kingdom.

Lord Jesus, You pressed on through the foolish doubts of those around You. You marched to the cross and suffered there for us all. Only in You is there hope and a future. Guide my heart to live in this truth which You have revealed that I may learn from You what it is to take up my cross and follow You. Help me through all the confusion of this age to see You more clearly and love You more dearly. Amen.