“For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God.  I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me” (Galatians 2:19-20).

Here we have the reality of how this life is to be lived.  We die to our self and Christ lives in us.  He who is able to keep the law keeps it for us.  Live then into the life to which you have been called through Christ that He who is in you may guide and direct you all the days of your life.  Do not worry so much about how, but be humble and willing and He who is in you will bring all things together according to the Father’s will.

Lord, You know all that is needed that I might live into the freedom You have given.  Guide me away from either lawlessness, or legalism that I might live in You and You in me.  Let me not fall prey to all the things that go on in this world, but live for You in the freedom You have purchased by Your own blood shed on the cross.  Lead me into the love You have poured out once for all.

Lord Jesus, what You have done is more than I can comprehend.  How all this works together I do not need to know, nor can I figure it all out.  Guide me into You, knowing You are in me that I may live the life You have given me.  Help me to be bold in faith, stalwart in grace, and free in life according to Your guidance.  Through all things remind me constantly that You are the One who has saved me and not the other way round.  Amen. 

“But if, while seeking to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have also been found sinners, is Christ then a minister of sin? May it never be! For if I rebuild what I have once destroyed, I prove myself to be a transgressor” (Galatians 2:17-18).

Christ came to set us free from sin, but also to justify us.  Now if it were simply a matter of being left off the hook, Jesus would not have needed to die for our sins.  But it is more than a free pass. Christ has given us the opportunity to live in the law as He means for it to be lived.  Live then as one free, but also as one who loves the law of the Lord, for it is good as God is always good.

Lord, the games that go on seem to always play against You.  Help me to live into the balance You call for us to live in.  Let me not try to figure ways around Your law, but humbly submit to Your will, knowing every opportunity has been granted that I may live into the life of promise You give through grace.  Let me take seriously this call You give that I may walk in Your provision.

Lord Jesus, You have set us free from the recompense of sin, but not from the law.  Help me, Lord, to not be captured by the ways of this world that play games with You and the way You have established.  Lead me in the way You know I need to go that I may be guided by You alone in the way You know I need to go.  Teach me the balanced life which holds all these things together in the Father’s will.  Amen.

“We are Jews by nature and not sinners from among the Gentiles; nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified” (Galatians 2:15-16).

We may have our habits and traditions, but that does not mean they are necessary for others.  We may even hold to one set of traditions amongst some but not others. But take care lest we fall into the trap of making tradition a law or a law a tradition.  Be led by the truth God has revealed in Christ that You may walk in the salvation He gives to those who believe.  Be led by the Lord alone.

Lord, You know all that is needed and you have placed me where You have placed me.  Grant me wisdom that I may be guided by You in and through all things.  Help me to see where it is something You command me to do versus what others are saying that I ought to do.  Let me not be caught up in the continuous wrangling that goes on, yet faithful to the call You have given to me.

Lord Jesus, we all need the salvation You have accomplished.  Guide me, Lord, in the way of salvation that I may walk humbly in Your footsteps and not hinder nor be hindered by others.  Lead me to be bold in faith, yet not demanding of others.  In and through all things, guide me to be whom You are making me to be and lift me up through Your grace to walk the narrow path of faith.  Amen.

“But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, “If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?” (Galatians 2:14)

Notice that there is no criticism for living one way or the other, only that Peter was trying to make one group conform to the other.  In the history of the church many have lost the understanding of the freedom we have in Christ and condemn others who do not live to their standards.  Have we not already learned that the faith is about being saved and not just about living up to standards?

Lord, Your law is good, but we fail to live up to it.  Guide me, O Lord, that I would not judge others as I have often been judged.  Guide me away from the old tricks the devil uses to see the truth of the freedom I have and respect the practice of the freedom others have.  Let me be consistent in how I live, but not demand that others conform to my way of living or thinking.

Lord Jesus, I need to be saved.  Save me.  Save me from the constant temptation to either seek to mold others in my image, or to hate because others are judging me.  Grant me the liberty You give by grace and the freedom that come in living in, through, and for You alone.  Through all the things that come my way may I live into the life You have given me through grace.  Amen.

“The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy” (Galatians 2:13).

Humans are carried away by the movement of crowds.  This is where the absolute sovereignty of God is important to understand.  It will be God’s way.  We cannot vote morality or change what God has spoken.  Somehow though, we have this tendency to make legitimate through crowd appeal that which is antithetical to the will of the Father.  Be led by the Lord and not by any crowd.

Lord, You know my heart and those places where I am influenced by others and not led by You.  How easy it is to be led astray.  Build strength of character such that I do not fall prey to the wiles of the wicked one nor succumb to my pride.  Keep me on the straight and narrow path of salvation that I may live into the likeness of Christ and exemplify the new man who no longer is the old Adam.

Lord Jesus, without You all of this is impossible, but with You it is already promised.  Lead me this day to be a person of integrity who is the same at all times.  You know where I need to be corrected and You know where I need to hold fast.  Guide me, Lord, that I may be led by You and the will of the Father.  Keep me from being led astray by the fickle whims of this age.  Amen.

“But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.  For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision” (Galatians 2:11-12).

Whom do you fear?  Do you not know that all of your deeds are seen by God, whereas we see little of what really is happening in others.  God is truth and the truth shall be revealed.  Yes, in this age people play games.  We are to forgo those games and live humble lives that are truthful and not pretentious.  Come then and live in the truth and abandon those ways which are unacceptable to God.

Lord, reveal in me those places where I do play games and do not live as I ought.  Help me to live into the life to which You have called me that I may be guided by Your grace and mercy.  Let me not be caught playing games I ought not play, but instead, live the life to which You have called me.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way of grace and truth that I may be a witness of Your grace to others.

Lord Jesus, You know the truth for You are the truth.  Lead me this day under Your guidance that I would be honest in all I say and do.  Help me, O Lord, that I may not play the human games, but instead be one of integrity in attitude and demeanor.  Guide me that what I do in private is also what I do in public, and all for the glory of the Father.  Amen.

“Recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we might go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.  They only asked us to remember the poor – the very thing I also was eager to do” (Galatians 2:9-10).

The church has always had those who were above and those who were out in the field.  The Lord is a Lord of order.  He calls and sends.  This does not mean that those above are beyond reproach, nor does it mean that they are not to be honored as those whom God appointed.  In all things that Lord brings balance.  Be led then in the truth of the balance the Lord gives that you may be whole even as He is whole.

Lord, I am often not content with where You have placed me.  I want something other than what I have.  Lord, guide me away from discontent to the place of thankfulness.  Lead me according to Your mercy to know that all things are in Your hands and they will be what they will be and that there is nothing I can do that will change what will be.  Lead me to be thankful in and through all things.

Come, Holy Spirit, and point out those places in my life where I need to be gracious and thankful.  Guide me to know that in You is all hope and that apart from You is nothing.  You have appointed whom You have chosen and You uplift whom You uplift.  Uplift me to walk in Your guidance and live according to the Father’s plan that I would in all things be faithful.  Amen.

The Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, 4^th Sunday in Advent, Cycle B (December 20, 2020)

2 Samuel 7:1-11,16 (David won’t build God’s house; God promises David’s house will endure)

Luke 1:46b-55 (Magnificat) (ELW alternate: Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26)

Romans 16:25-27 (Mysteries long hidden now revealed; final blessing)

Luke 1:26-38 (Annunciation of Gabriel to Mary)

Opening hymn: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (LBW #34, ELW #257, LSB #357)

(if you didn’t use this the 1^st Sunday in Advent. Or, heck, even if you did!)

Hymn of the Day: My Soul Now Magnifies the Lord (LBW #180, ELW #573, LSB #934)

OR I Will Greatly Rejoice in the Lord (LSB #929, Chanted Canticle)

OR The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came (WOV #632, ELW #265, LSB #356)

Communion Hymn #1: O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild (LSB #546)

OR O Little Town of Bethlehem (LBW #41, LSB #361, ELW #279)

Communion Hymn #2: Lo, How A Rose E’er Growing/Blooming

(ELW #58, ELW #272, LSB #359) (ELW and LSB use the familiar words and harmonization) 

Closing Hymn: Let Our Gladness Have No End (LBW #57, ELW #291, LSB #381)

                OR My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness (ELW #251)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

THE PRAYERS

Based on the Great O-Antiphons, which are paraphrased in “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

Let us pray to the Lord on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

O come, O come, Emmanuel, that the Church, your people Israel, and the whole world may rejoice in the splendor of your appearing.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Wisdom, proceeding from the mouth of the Most High, fill the Church with your Spirit. Sustain and order its proclamation and its works of charity, especially in the presence of its enemies, according to your most holy will. Come, and teach us prudence.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Emmanuel, the ransom of your people Israel: deliver also your persecuted Church from torment. Keep it patient, faithful, and steadfast. Help us to honor their witness and provide for their needs. Turn their tormentors from their evil ways. Come; and teach them courage.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Adonai, ruler of the House of Israel, rule also in the hearts and lives of your people in this congregation. Give us your Word and show us your glory. Come; and make our hearts glad.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Bright and Morning Star, you gladden the hearts of those who sit in darkness. Shine upon all who are overwhelmed by grief, despair, doubt, anger, confusion, hatred, or unbelief. Come; and lead them into the brightness of your holy love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O King of the nations, the ruler they long for, unite all people under your glorious and gentle reign. Teach us those things that make for peace. Come and save us all, whom you formed out of clay.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Root of Jesse, you stand as an ensign before the peoples. Guard and guide all who stand in harm’s way in defense of justice and freedom. Come quickly, and deliver them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Key of David, you open what no one can close; you close what no one can open. Free those imprisoned by the powers of sin, evil, and death, especially {LIST}. Come, and close the path to misery.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Dayspring, splendor of life everlasting, keep safe in your mighty arms all those who died trusting in your promises. Come and enlighten us, who still sit in the shadow of death; and open wide our heavenly home.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Graciously answer our prayers for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, 3^rd Sunday in Advent, Cycle B (December 13, 2020)

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 (God has anointed me with his Spirit; clothed me

with joy of his salvation)

Psalm 126 (God restored fortunes of Jerusalem; those who go out weeping

come back rejoicing)

                (ELW: this, or Luke 1:46b-55, the Magnificat)

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (Rejoice; don’t quench Spirit; be holy)

John 1:6-8, 19-28 (John says who he isn’t, there’s one greater than he)

Opening hymn: Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers (LBW #25, ELW #244, LSB #515)

Hymn of the Day: Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding

(LBW #37, ELW #246, LSB #345; the tune used in ELW and LSB is much superior to the LBW tune. Since they don’t have the tune “Merton” in LBW, use “Omni Dei,” used for For the Bread Which You Have Broken)

Communion Hymn #1: Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness (LBW #224, LSB #636)

Communion Hymn #2: Hail to the Lord’s Anointed (LBW #87, LSB #398)

 (Can also sing this hymn to tune of LBW #369, “The Church’s One Foundation. In fact, if you use it during communion, or have a congregation unfamiliar with the hymn, I’d recommend it.)

Closing Hymn: People, Look East (WOV #626, ELW #248)

                OR There’s a Voice in the Wilderness (ELW #255)

                OR, Hark, the Glad Sound! (LBW #35, LSB #349, ELW #239)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

THE PRAYERS

Let us pray to the Lord on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

O Lord, we long for your salvation; make haste and help us. Come quickly with blessing and comfort for your people, O strong Deliverer of Israel and the Redeemer of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Clothe your Church with the joy of your salvation. Cover it with the righteousness of Christ. Adorn it with the jewels of your Word and Sacraments. Through it, let the poor hear the Good News, the sorrowful find comfort, and captives to sin and death experience your salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Restore the fortunes of Christians who are persecuted for confessing Jesus as Lord. Turn their weeping into rejoicing. Cause those who hate them to repent and believe in the Good News.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless and guide the people of this congregation. Give us faithful hearts; ears attentive to your Word; eyes which see the needs of others; hands skilled in building up the body of Christ; and tongues swift to pray, forgive, and encourage.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Guide and strengthen our seminarians and all considering your call to serve the Church. Make them faithful, true, and bold, and let them find joy in your service.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Anoint the rulers of the world with your Spirit, so that, like you, they love justice and hate evil. Use them to repair lives and cities ruined by violence. Direct their words and their works in your truth. Establish your peace among the nations. Make each of us into trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, bearing much fruit to your glory, and for the building up of your people.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Until your great and acceptable day has dawned, good people must risk their lives for the sake of justice, liberty, and safety. Shield, strengthen and direct them. Help them to serve with competence and integrity. Keep them from harm; heal and raise them when they falter. Give them a joyful reunion with their loved ones when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant your healing to the brokenhearted and to all who suffer in body, mind or spirit, especially {LIST}. Give them beauty for ashes; the oil of joy for mourning; and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Strengthen all who care for them; and give them, and all of us, your everlasting joy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, we entrust to your care all who have died trusting your promises. Thank you for their lives. Thank you for making them—and us—your servants: a royal priesthood and holy nation, your children and portion whom you have blessed. Bring us into the beauty of holy Zion, where with all the redeemed, we shall be adorned as a bride for our heavenly Bridegroom, the Lamb of God who has taken away the sins of the whole world, our Savior Jesus Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Graciously answer our prayers for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, 2^nd Sunday in Advent, Cycle B (December 6, 2020)

Isaiah 40:1-11 (Comfort my people; prepare way of the Lord; here is your God,

                who feeds his flock like a shepherd)

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 (righteousness and peace kiss)

2 Peter 3:8-15a (1000 years like a day; end will come suddenly; live in

righteousness and peace until the Lord comes)

Mark 1:1-8 (John the Baptist announces One who is greater than he)

Opening hymn: Comfort, Comfort Now My People

(LBW #29, ELW #256, LSB #347)

Hymn of the Day: On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry

(LBW #26, ELW #249, LSB #344)

                (feel free to teach the choir my version: On Jordan’s banks, the Baptists cry; the Methodists are standing by; the Presbyterians all do sing, while Lutherans a hot dish bring….)

Communion Hymn #1: O God, Our Help in Ages Past

(LBW #320, ELW #632, LSB #733)

                OR Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah (WOV #630, ELW #240)

Communion Hymn #2: The Advent of Our God

 (LBW #22, LSB #331, The Advent of Our King)

OR Come Now, O Prince of Peace (ELW #247)

Closing Hymn: Prepare the Royal Highway (LBW #26, ELW #264, LSB #343)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

THE PRAYERS

Let us pray to the Lord on behalf of the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

O Lord, we long for your salvation; make haste and help us. Come quickly with blessing and comfort for your people, O strong Deliverer of Israel and the Redeemer of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Prepare your Church for the coming of your Son. From valleys of lukewarm worship and half-hearted service, raise it to heights of praise and compassion. Level mountains of false teaching and self-importance. Lead it along level pathways of faithfulness and humility, so that many may journey to your Kingdom.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be merciful to our persecuted brothers and sisters who proclaim the name of Jesus even amidst their enemies. Make their witness to shine as a light in the world’s darkest places. And pierce the hearts of their tormentors with the truth of the Gospel.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Prepare the people of this congregation for the coming of our Savior. Help us to exalt the humble; to bring low the mountains of self-will in our lives; and to make level pathways for leading others to Jesus. Look with favor upon those learning the way of discipleship, and upon your missionaries around the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Prepare the hearts of our children for the coming of their dear Savior. Protect and bless them; and help us teach them to love Jesus and to trust him always.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Prepare the world for the coming of its King. Give our leaders the will to raise people from depths of poverty. Level the mountains of injustice throughout the world. Let nation no longer raise sword against nation. And guide all people in pathways of righteousness and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Prepare the hearts of first responders and military personnel for the coming of the King of Peace. Raise up every righteous deed. Level mountains of suspicion and misunderstanding. Lead those we pray for along level pathways to safety and loved ones.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Prepare the hearts of those who suffer for the coming of Christ, the Great Physician. We lift before you the needs of: {LIST}. Raise them up from sickness and sorrow; lay low the mountains of pain; and by your Son’s gentle hand, lead them and their loved ones along level pathways into health and hope.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Holy God, thank you for the lives of all who have died trusting in your promises, especially: {LIST}. Prepare our hearts for the near approach of our Savior. Let him raise us up from death’s dark valley. Let him crumble the mountains of your wrath at our sins. Let him lead us along level roads of faith, hope, and love into your welcoming and eternal embrace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Graciously answer our prayers for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.