“But I will come to you after I go through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia; and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I may go” (1 Corinthians 16:5-6).

Paul traveled all over the Mediterranean Sea to share the Good News of Jesus. He went where the Lord sent Him. We too are called to go where the Lord sends us. Come into the Lord’s presence and go according to His will where He would send you. Know that the Lord of all is the One who leads all who are faithful in the good and fruitful way that leads to eternal life.

Lord, I often think in terms of where I am and where I want to stay. Help me, O Lord, to begin to think in terms of who You are and where You would send me. Guide me, O Lord, in the way of eternal life that I would walk wherever You would have me walk and do whatever You would have me do. Let me look to You as the One who guides me in all things, knowing that You alone knows all things.

Lord Jesus, You who gave up Your eternal throne to walk among us, guide me in the way of truth and grant me a willingness to go where the Father would have me go. Lead me to be the servant of others, helping where You direct. In all things, lift up my countenance to willingly serve others no matter the inconvenience and do so with a cheerful heart and thankful attitude. Amen

“When I arrive, whomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem; and if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me” (1 Corinthians 16:3-4).

We do not just work for ourselves, but on behalf of all whom the Lord would have us work for. We are a part of what the Lord is doing and need to be reminded that all who are in the Lord are those with whom we are connected. Live then, knowing that your neighbor is all whom you will encounter this day. Love them as you love yourself. Live in the Lord’s presence always.

Lord, this age sees an increase of the self and the uplifting of self-interest. Help me to move away from this sin of pride and into the reality that You alone are the way, truth, and life. Guide me according to Your goodness to walk in the light of the revelation You have given that I may always look to You first, my neighbor second, and myself last. Guide me, O Lord, in the way of truth.

Lord Jesus, You have come to lead the way for all who trust in You. You have taught us to love our neighbor as our selves. Lead me, O Lord, in the way You would have me go that I may now and always walk in that way which is pleasing to the Father. Grant me a sensitive heart that sees the needs of those around me and responds in the way which You direct. In all things, may I look to You first. Amen.

“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come” (1Corinthians 16:1-2).

Paul was fastidious about providing for his own support. Unlike modern money takers who solicit, Paul set the standard that the Gospel is free to those who receive it. Yet, at the same time, Paul admonishes to continue collections for the good work of the church. Here we see the charity we should all practice, the balance between doing good and being responsible.

Lord, I know I am saved apart from works of the law, but help me to live in balance between what I need to do and the freedom You grant in grace. You are the One who is doing all that needs to be done. You are the One who provides all that is needed, yet You call for me to learn discipline and cooperation. Lead me, Lord, in the principles You teach that I may follow according to Your Word.

Lord Jesus, You also did not provide for yourself but led a life living humbly upon what others freely provided. At the same time, you provided for others along the way, granting what they needed. Guide me, Lord, in the way of truth that I may walk the line of good stewardship in freedom knowing that all things are possible because of You. You are the One who has accomplished salvation for us all. Amen.

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:57-58).

It is God who gives the victory. We do not earn it. We do not deserve it. It is a victory that the Lord has won by Himself for us. It is only in Him that there is any hope. Therefore, do not rely upon your own efforts, though in faith you should live with all of your efforts towards the goal, knowing that the Lord of all has accomplished salvation for all who believe.

Lord, how simple it is. Trust You in and through all things. Yet my heart is weak and I am often in conflict. Lead me, O Lord, away from the foolish things of this world that I would live into the life to which You have called me through faith. It is You who has overcome the obstacle of this world. In You is all hope, for through You all things have been made. Lead me, Lord, in this faith You have given me.

Lord Jesus, You have paid the price none of us could pay. You have made possible through the cross the life for which all of us long. Lead me, O Lord, in the way, truth, and life that You have revealed through Your ministry. Guide me to trust in You alone always and to lean not upon my own understanding. Guide me, Lord, in the way of everlasting life and help me to always live in this new life that You give. Amen.

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law” (1 Corinthians 15:55-56)

Sin is a killer. It kills the soul. All sin and all have fallen short of God’s glory. But where is the sting of death? It is in the law. When you know the law and willingly violate it, you are embracing death, for in that moment you are distancing yourself from the Lord. Why this choice? Why do we all choose to sin? That is the disease. The Lord has provided the cure which takes this away.

Lord, let me see the simplicity of the Gospel that I may walk humbly with You no matter what happens in this world. Guide me according to Your goodness that I would see where I make choices that are sin. Guide me so that I would walk with You and not flee from Your presence. Help me to uphold what is right and good always knowing that only in You is there life and hope.

Lord Jesus, I need You more than I can ever know. Help me see that I am dead to myself because of sin, but that You make me alive because of grace. Let me need Your grace less and less because I sin less and less. Help me to love more and more because You are in me and cause me to see others as You see them. In all things, lead me where I need to go that I may walk in life and not death. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 5^th Sunday after Pentecost – July 5, 2020

Let us lift our hearts, hands, and voices in prayer to God on behalf of all people.

A brief silence is kept.

Dear Father, thank you for Jesus, our friend and yokefellow. Thank you for soul’s refreshment and heart’s ease; for mind’s nourishment and body’s rest. Thank you for faith, family, and freedom; for liberty and justice; for the countless blessings we so often take for granted.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant that your Church should always be as gentle and lowly of heart as its Savior. Use it to draw people who are heavy-laden by the world, the devil, and their own sinfulness, to the One who will give them rest. Let the Church’s high calling – of faith toward you and fervent love toward others – be a light and joyous burden to bear.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give refreshment, rest, and respite to your suffering Church throughout the world. Help us, who are richly supplied with your good gifts, to share generously with them; to pray for them; and to speak and act on their behalf before their tormentors.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Thank you for the people of this congregation. Help us to see one another with the eyes of Jesus. Some are carrying heavy burdens, known only to them and to you. Ease their load; and give each of us such gentle hearts and words that we, too, refresh their spirits. Shape all our words and works, so that many  may find encouragement, forgiveness, hope, and renewed joy in loving and serving you.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Thank you for this beautiful world, over which you have set us as your stewards. Give us a double measure of your Holy Spirit, so that we may be wise, responsible, and compassionate as we tend the land and its creatures. Help us to enjoy the loveliness of creation, finding in it refreshment for our souls and relaxation for our bodies.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless, purify, and guide this nation. Let the words of the song be our prayer on its behalf. “America, America, God mend thine every flaw; confirm thy soul in self-control, thy liberty in law!” Grant to the people of every nation favorable weather, peaceful times, and respite from the burdens of sickness, poverty, and violence. Teach us all to eagerly seek and share your mercy, guidance, and blessings.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Ease the heavy burdens borne by all who risk their lives to keep us healthy, safe, just, and free.

Grant success to all they do in accordance with your will. Heal those wounded in body, mind, or spirit. Comfort and strengthen their loved ones. May their service be honored and their skills re-purposed when their duties are finished.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give rest and refreshment, respite and healing to everyone who are weighed down by sin, sorrow, or suffering. Especially we pray for: {List}. Ease also the heavy load of care and worry that their loved ones shoulder; and give to us all the joy of your saving help.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Thank you, dear Father, for the life, love, and labor of your faithful departed servants. Until we are reunited with them and with your children of every time and place, bless us with your steadfast mercy and loving-kindness. Yoked to our Savior, and guided by his Spirit, let us help one another in bearing the necessary burdens of this life. Lead us into the eternal rest and unending joy which you have promised to everyone whom you have redeemed through the merits of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Receive and graciously answer our prayer, heavenly Father, for the sake of your dear Son; and by the power of your Holy Spirit, give us the strength and will to accomplish whatever you call us to do. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 4^th Sunday after Pentecost – June 28, 2020

Let us pray for the Church, the world, and for one another.

A brief silence is kept.

Father, you pay us the dubious compliment of revealing stern, high, difficult truths to us. You expect us to see the world honestly, and to value your truth above even earthly peace. You speak to us of sin and death, cross bearing and persecution, suffering and service. Give us a double measure of your Spirit as we seek to be disciples of Jesus, because, dear Lord, we’re going to need it!

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give the Church courage to speak your truth, even when that seems to bring not peace but a sword. Keep it faithful to the testimony of apostles and martyrs, saints, and doctors of your one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church throughout all time and space. Grant that it should prefer nothing whatsoever to Christ; and that it should count as its greatest honor the bearing of his Cross in this sin-shadowed world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Preserve the lives of your persecuted servants from those who despise your Law. When they must bear a bitter cross, keep them faithful, firmly fixed on the joy set before them. Give us courage to defend and assist them. Give us grace to faithfully serve the Lord for whom they are willing to die.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless the people and ministries of this congregation. In these strange and difficult days, give us fresh ways of being nourished in your Word and strengthened in our fellowship. We ask a special blessing upon all Vacation Bible School programs, especially as their leaders strive to create fellowship and fun even while socially distancing.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Even in the lazy days of summer, you call us to be Jesus’ apprentices in the art and craft of healing souls, enlightening minds, and softening hearts to receive your great gifts. Bless and guide everyone learning to be disciples of Jesus, walking with him as he seeks the hurting and lost.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for our own nation, and for our elected and appointed leaders. Yet we do not pray only for our nation, but for the leaders and people of every nation upon earth. Bless our world with peace, and with freedom from every evil which besets it. Teach us all to live together as your children, and to work together for the prospering of all.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Keep safe those in the military, and all on the front lines of chaos, danger and disease. Prosper all they do that is in accordance with your will. Give them clear heads, capable hands, and upright spirits. Bring them safely home when their task is done, and heal those who are injured in any way.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray on behalf of your servants who suffer in body, mind, spirit, or circumstance, and for all who crave your mercy and blessing, especially: {List}. Restore them to health, wholeness, and hope. Help us to give even a cup of cold water for the sake of our Lord and his love for them. Bless all caregivers, doctors, nurses, technicians, and therapists with compassionate expertise and cheerful service.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

With reverence and affection, we remember before you our beloved dead. Comfort all who grieve. Help us care for each other for Jesus’ sake: forgiving, helping, chiding, or encouraging, as there is need. Help us speak hard truths with humility and love. Give us grace to take up our cross and follow Jesus, knowing that he will lead us through danger, evil, and death, and will bring us home to you forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

All this we ask, dear Father, in the power of your Spirit. Receive our prayers and grant all that is in accordance with your will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, 3^rd Sunday after Pentecost – June 21, 2020 (Fathers’ Day)

Let us pray for the Church, the world, and for one another.

A brief silence is kept.

 Thank you, dear Father, for Jesus, whom we may trust, body and soul, even when he brings not peace but a sword. Thank you for the severe mercy of death and resurrection, Law and Gospel, repentance and forgiveness. Thank you for entrusting your Kingdom and your living Word to us, even though we often feel unequal to that trust!

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You established your Church as a school for mission to the world. Rekindle that missionary zeal in the hearts of all pastors, theologians, and leaders in the Church.  Help them form all Christians into eager witnesses to the love of Jesus. Free the Church from worldly preoccupations, and free it to announce and share the glorious inheritance which belongs to all whom Christ has redeemed.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Strengthen the hearts and the faith of everyone who is persecuted for naming Jesus as Lord. Keep them from repaying evil with evil, but instead, by their gentleness, patience, and steadfastness, turn the hearts of their tormentors to repentant faith in you.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Fashion this congregation into a missionary outpost; a school for discipleship; a hotbed of generous service; and a temple resounding with your praise. Teach us simple ways of sharing your love with everyone we meet; and give us the strength and will to do them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Because Jesus called you Abba, Father, we, too, may call you Father. Be the model for every father, and all who act with a father’s care. Give them strength with gentleness, firmness with patience, authority with self-sacrificing love. Help us to honor and thank them, even though they are not perfect. Be the sure protector of all who do not have a loving father in their lives.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Fill the leaders of nations, and everyone in positions of authority, with righteousness, wisdom, and integrity. Help us to live, insofar as it’s up to us, at peace with our neighbors, even when we’re annoyed with them. Help us to care for the poor, hungry, homeless and abused, even when we’re stressed out and stretched thin. And help us to forgive each other, even when that seems hard.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Deliver from evil all who risk their lives in defense of life and liberty. Guide them in pathways of integrity, valor, and justice. Heal them when they fall in the accomplishment of their duties, and restore them in honor to their families and communities.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring health and gladness to all whose lives are shadowed by pain, suffering or sorrow – especially: {List}. Be their light and life, their guide and joy. Raise them up from the dark valleys in which they wander. Give compassion, gentleness, and patience to all who care for them. Shelter them always with your love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Father, we entrust our beloved dead into your care. Hold them in the palm of your hand. Keep us firm in faith and constant in affection. Deliver us from temptation, sin, and suffering. Command your holy angels to shield us from the Evil One’s flaming darts. By the Cross of your beloved Son, lead us safely into your presence. There, with all whom you have redeemed and raised up, grant that we may delight in praising your goodness and mercy forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

All this we ask, dear Father, in the power of your Spirit. Receive our prayers and grant all that is in accordance with your will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, 2^nd Sunday after Pentecost – June 14, 2020

Let us pray for the Church, the world, and for one another.

A brief silence is kept.

Heavenly Father, we are astonished by your kindness and grace. You call us your treasured people. You send your Son to forgive and redeem us, even while we are ungodly and estranged from you. Even more, Jesus calls us to share your gracious love with other ungodly sinners, whom you long to make beloved, treasured members of your family. Thank you. Help us to do, say, and be all you envision and will for us.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Your dear Son called and sent the Apostles to proclaim the Good News, forgive sins, and heal those sorely wounded by the powers of sin, evil and death. Strengthen and equip your Church to follow in their footsteps, and to lead the ungodly to the One who died that they might live.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of our persecuted sisters and brothers. Help us to speak in their defense; aid them by prayers and material support; and live lives worthy of our mutual calling in Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make this congregation lovely with holiness, faithfulness, generosity, and joy. Fill us with your Spirit, so that we serve you with gladness and thanksgiving. Let our lives show the love of Jesus to those who need him the most.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Churches everywhere are beginning to gather, worship, and serve in Jesus’ name once again. Help us to be prudent and diligent, but also bold and fearless. Make us so radiant with love for you and for your people, that our actions encourage, comfort, and strengthen people most afflicted by illness, stress, fear, and hardship.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You are Lord and King over all nations. Cause our leaders to acknowledge your sovereignty and to do your will for the sake of the people entrusted to them. Grant that in this election year, candidates and voters desire and work for the good of all, not just the favored few.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for all who protect, serve, and care for others in difficult and dangerous situations. Make them competent, compassionate, brave, and wise. Bring healing and hope to them and to their loved ones when they need them most. Help us to honor their service; but speed the day when they may stand down from their duties and enjoy the blessings of health and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be gracious and merciful to all who are afflicted in body, mind, or spirit. We pray for families stressed to the breaking point; business owners facing foreclosure or bankruptcy; farmers, fishers, ranchers, and truckers; caregivers to special needs persons; and especially for those whom we name before you now, including: {List}. Bring to all the joy of your saving help.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, thank you for the lives of your faithful people who have gone before us, especially those dearest to us. Keep their memories bright. Keep us steadfast in the faith they passed on to us. Keep the Cross of Jesus ever before us; and keep us true to our calling as his disciples. By his merits, bring us into your blessed Kingdom, where with all whom you have redeemed, we will praise, adore, and glorify you in the power of the Holy Spirit forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

All this we ask, dear Father, in the power of your Spirit. Receive our prayers and grant all that is in accordance with your will, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:53-54).

We are not all we will be. We are on a journey and every human being who thinks about it knows that this is true. There is before us in this age, death, but death does not have the final answer. Death is swallowed up in victory. But know that death has its purpose, for the Lord has determined in His goodness how all things are to work together. Look to the One who promises to replace the perishable with the imperishable.

Lord, there is great mystery here and I do not understand all of these things. Help me to trust You knowing that I am in process. We all see death, for it is all around us, but there is also the basic drive for something more. You have placed in all of us the desire for eternal life. You have given us the longing for the imperishable and to enjoy it eternally. Connect the longing with the practice in us.

Lord Jesus, You came that we might have eternal life. You are the connection the puts together the longing with the reality, for You are reality itself. Lead me, O Lord, in the only way of the eternal, imperishable life that I would walk humbly with You all of the days of my life. Guide me in all goodness to see that only in You is there hope and a future. Take my hand and always be my guide. Amen.